Active Things to Do in Amsterdam .

Bowling

Bowling is a classic group activity where players take turns rolling a ball down a lane to knock over ten pins at the end. The goal is simple: knock down as many pins as possible in each turn, ideally scoring a strike by clearing them all in one roll. Most bowling alleys combine the game with music, food, and a relaxed atmosphere, making it easy to play a few rounds with friends. And let’s be honest - bowling is one of those activities everyone knows, even if not everyone actually manages to hit the pins every time.

Aloha Amsterdam

Address: De Ruijterkade 151, 1011 AC Amsterdam
Nearest public transport: Amsterdam Centraal Station – 5-minute walk
Closest bikes available: Black Bikes Oosterdok – 4-minute bike ride
At Aloha, you can go bowling in Amsterdam with modern lanes and automatic scoring. One game takes around 55 minutes. Prices start at €29 per lane per hour. Up to 6 people can share one lane.

In the same building, you can play glow minigolf in Amsterdam. The course has 12 holes with neon lighting and themed decor. A round takes 45 minutes. Prices start at €12.50 per person.

Because it is close to Central Station, you can combine this location easily with other activities in the city center or along the IJ waterfront.

Mini golf

Mini golf, also known in the Netherlands as midget golf, is a lighthearted version of traditional golf played on a smaller course with creative obstacles. Players use a putter to guide the ball through short lanes filled with ramps, tunnels, curves, and other playful challenges. The goal is to complete each hole in as few strokes as possible while navigating the obstacles along the way. It’s an easy activity to pick up, which is exactly why mini golf has remained a well-known favorite for friends, families, and groups for decades.

Aloha Amsterdam

Address: De Ruijterkade 151, 1011 AC Amsterdam
Nearest public transport: Amsterdam Centraal – 5-minute walk
Closest bikes available: Black Bikes Oosterdok – 4-minute bike ride
Aloha Amsterdam, the same location where you can go glowbowling. This indoor mini golf course has 12 holes with neon lighting and themed decorations. The course is fully indoors and open year-round.

A round takes around 45 minutes. Prices start at €12.50 per person. You can play in small or larger groups. Because it is indoors, it works well in bad weather or during evening hours.

Virtual Reality

A VR game is an immersive activity where players step into a virtual world using a VR headset and motion controllers. Once the game begins, you can move, interact, and explore digital environments as if you are inside them. Depending on the game, you might solve puzzles, complete missions, or work together with others to overcome challenges. It creates a unique experience where players feel fully part of the action instead of just watching it.

Lightning VR Amsterdam Noord

Address: Asterweg 20, 1031 HN Amsterdam
Nearest public transport: Metro 52 – Noorderpark station, or ferry from Centraal to Buiksloterweg
Closest bikes available: Black Bikes Amsterdam Noord – 6-minute bike ride
Lightning VR offers large-scale virtual reality games in Amsterdam Noord. You move freely in an open arena while wearing VR equipment. Games focus on teamwork, strategy, and action.

Sessions last 30 or 60 minutes. Groups of 2 to 8 players can play together. Prices start at €24 per person.

After taking the free ferry from Centraal Station, you can cycle through Noord in under 10 minutes to reach the venue. This area is quieter than the center and easy to navigate by bike.

Laser tag

Laser tag is an interactive activity where players try to tag each other using an infrared laser from a special laser gun. Each player wears a sensor vest that registers when they are hit. The game usually takes place in a dark arena filled with obstacles, lighting effects, and music, allowing players to hide, move strategically, and surprise their opponents. The mix of action, teamwork, and friendly competition makes laser tag an exciting activity for friends, families, and groups.

Lasertag Amsterdam

Address: Valburgdreef 1001, 1108 AW Amsterdam
Nearest public transport: Metro 53 – Gaasperplas station
Closest bikes available: Black Bikes Amsterdam Bijlmer Arena – 10-minute bike ride

For Lasertag in Amsterdam, this large arena in the west of Amsterdam offers a outside arena, with lots of other activities. Session can only start with a minimum of 4 people. Prices start at €21.00 per person for 30 minutes.
Because this location is outside the busy center, it works well if you want more space and larger group play. You can reach it by metro or cycle from Bijlmer Arena. Aloha

Racing karts

Karting is a high-energy activity where drivers race small, powerful karts around a specially designed track. After a short safety briefing, you jump into your kart and compete in timed laps or exciting short races, navigating sharp corners and fast straights. It’s all about speed, control, and trying to set the fastest lap. The mix of adrenaline, friendly competition, and real racing feeling makes karting an exciting activity for friends, groups, and anyone who enjoys a bit of action.

Race Planet Amsterdam

Address: Herwijk 10, 1046 BC Amsterdam
Nearest public transport: Bus 36 – Kabelweg stop
Closest bikes available: Black Bikes Sloterdijk – 12-minute bike ride
Race Planet is the main location for karting in the Westpoort area of Amsterdam. The indoor track is suitable for both beginners and experienced drivers. Safety instructions are provided before each race.

A race session usually includes instructions, a practice round, and timed laps. Prices start at €22 per race. Drivers must be at least 1.40 meters tall.

This area is located in the Westpoort district. It is easiest to reach by bike from Sloterdijk or by bus.

Escape Rooms

Amsterdam offers a wide range of escape rooms across different neighborhoods: the historic center, Rembrandtplein, West, and Noord. All locations operate with 60-minute game formats and require advance booking, especially on weekends. By choosing a location close to your route, you can combine your escape room experience with other indoor activities in the city.
An escape room is a live, interactive group activity. You and your team enter a themed room with a clear mission. Most games last 60 minutes. The goal is to solve a series of puzzles, riddles, and tasks in order to complete the story. In many cases, that means unlocking a final door, but the objective can also be stopping a fictional threat, finding a hidden object, or completing a secret mission.
An escape room is a physical activity. It is not physically demanding, but it requires focus and communication. Most games are designed for 2 to 6 players. Some locations offer larger rooms for teams of up to 8 or more. People enjoy escape rooms because they create shared tension and excitement. It is social and cooperative.
Everyone contributes in a different way. One person may notice small details, another may think logically, and someone else may connect the storyline elements. Escape rooms are popular for groups of friends, families, colleagues, and visitors exploring a city together. The activity works in all seasons because it takes place indoors.

Escape Room Amsterdam (Sherlock)

We recommend booking several days in advance, especially on weekends. This activity works well at the start of your day because it is located in the city center, close to other highlights.

Address: Damrak 243, 1012 ZJ Amsterdam – inside the Beurs van Berlage
Nearest public transport: Amsterdam Centraal Station – train, metro 51, 52, 53, 54, tram 2, 4, 12, 13, 14, 17
Closest bikes available: Black Bikes Damrak – 3-minute bike ride

Sherlocked is one of the best-known escape rooms in Amsterdam. You enter a detailed story setting inside a historic building. Expect high production quality, original puzzles, and a strong storyline.

A session lasts 60 minutes. Groups usually consist of 2 to 6 people. Prices start around €35 per person, depending on group size and time slot.

Escape Room Amsterdam

Address: Amstel 18, 1017 AA Amsterdam
Nearest public transport: Metro 52 – Rokin; Tram 4 and 14 – Rembrandtplein
Closest bikes available: Black Bikes Rembrandtplein – 2-minute bike ride

This location near Rembrandtplein offers multiple themed rooms with different difficulty levels. Game time is 60 minutes. Teams range from 2 to 7 players, depending on the room. Prices start at €27.50 per person. Because it is centrally located, it is easy to combine with restaurants and other activities in the inner city.

Mystery City Games

Address: Tweede Kostverlorenkade 70, 1053 SB Amsterdam
Nearest public transport: Tram 3 – Overtoom; Tram 7 and 17 – Ten Katestraat
Closest bikes available: Black Bikes Overtoom – 5-minute bike ride

Mystery City Games focuses on immersive environments with strong narrative elements. Rooms are designed for 2 to 6 players. Sessions last 60 minutes. Prices start at €30 per person. The venue is located in Amsterdam West, outside the busiest tourist zone.

Questomatica

Address: Distelweg 113, 1031 HD Amsterdam
Nearest public transport: Ferry to NDSM Werf from Amsterdam Centraal
Closest bikes available: Black Bikes Amsterdam Noord – 6-minute bike ride

Questomatica is located in Amsterdam Noord. After taking the free ferry from Centraal Station, you cycle a short distance to the venue. Rooms are built with technical puzzles and interactive elements. Game duration is 60 minutes. Teams usually consist of 2 to 6 players. Prices start at €29.50 per person.

Logic Locks

Address: Fokkerweg 7, 1059 CM Amsterdam
Nearest public transport: Metro 50 – Henk Sneevlietweg
Closest bikes available: Black Bikes Heemstedestraat – 5-minute bike ride

Logic Locks focuses on technical puzzles and realistic room design. The games are structured around logic, cooperation, and time pressure. Sessions last 60 minutes. Teams usually consist of 2 to 6 players. Prices start around €25 to €30 per person, depending on group size.

This location is in Amsterdam Nieuw-West, outside the busy center, which makes it easier to access by bike.

Xitroom Escape Game

Address: Lijnbaansgracht 238, 1017 PH Amsterdam
Nearest public transport: Tram 1, 2, 5 – Leidseplein
Closest bikes available: Black Bikes Leidseplein – 2-minute bike ride

Xitroom Escape Game is located near Leidseplein in the city centre. Rooms focus on immersive storytelling and classic escape formats. Each game lasts 60 minutes. Groups range from 2 to 7 players, depending on the room. Prices start around €27 per person.

Because it is centrally located, it is easy to combine with restaurants, nightlife, or other activities in the Leidseplein area.

Escape World Amsterdam

Address: Noord Hollandstraat 71, 1081 AS Amsterdam
Nearest public transport: Metro 51 – Amstelveenseweg
Closest bikes available: Black Bikes Amsterdam Zuid – 6-minute bike ride

Escape World Amsterdam offers multiple themed rooms with different difficulty levels. Themes range from adventure to crime and mystery. Game duration is 60 minutes. Teams usually consist of 2 to 8 players. Prices start around €28 per person, depending on time slot and group size.

The venue is located in Amsterdam Zuid, which makes it less crowded than the inner city.

MyEscape Club

Address: Marnixstraat 76, 1015 VX Amsterdam
Nearest public transport: Tram 5, 13, 17 – Westermarkt
Closest bikes available: Black Bikes Jordaan – 3-minute bike ride

MyEscape Club focuses strongly on narrative and atmosphere. The rooms are designed with detailed props and cinematic elements. Each session lasts 60 minutes. Teams usually consist of 2 to 6 players. Prices start around €30 per person.

The central location near the Jordaan makes it easy to combine with canal routes and nearby attractions.

Practical Tips for Planning Your Day

Book in advance: Weekends and evenings fill up quickly, especially for escape rooms and VR games.
Weather-proof options: All activities listed are indoors, which makes them suitable year-round.
Group size: Check the minimum and maximum participants before booking. Some activities require at least 2 or 4 players.
Combine by bike: Cycling between locations saves time and gives you flexibility. You avoid parking issues and fixed public transport schedules. And you can see the city while going to your destination.