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.

MyEscape Club

Address: Weteringschans 187, 187A HS, 1017 XE Amsterdam
Nearest public transport: Tram 1,7,14 – Vijzelgracht
Closest bikes available: Black Bikes De Pijp– 3-minute bike ride
MyEscape Club is an escape room location, but they also have two VR games. One of them is "Zombie Warriors", a high-end VR game where you and your friends fight zombies in a meticulously created post-apocalyptic setting. It is an intense and dynamic experience with a clear scare factor and several unexpected moments during the game. The game strongly focuses on teamwork. You are not only communicating with your teammates, but you can also heal other players and even shoot them through friendly fire. "Zombie Warriors" is a perfect choice if you want to introduce yourself to virtual reality and experience a high-quality VR game, or if you want to surprise your friends and see who is best prepared for a zombie apocalypse.

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 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, the arena is located inside the same building as the bowling lanes and glow minigolf. Aloha upgraded its laser tag arena in 2022 with new vests, extra obstacles, and improved lighting. The 400 m² arena can host up to 20 players per session, with games lasting about 15 minutes including a short explanation. The arena has an industrial bunker theme and is located underneath a bridge. Groups may be combined during sessions.
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.

Go Karts

Go Karts 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 go karts 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. This location also offers Lasertag, karaoke and bowling! And right next door is a indoor playground for anyone with smaller kids.

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 – 2-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.

Xitroom Escape Game

Address: Prins Hendrikkade 135, 1011 AR Amsterdam
Nearest public transport: Amsterdam Centraal – 6-minute walk
Closest bikes available: Black Bikes Oosterdok – 4-minute bike ride
Xitroom Escape Game is an escape room located in the historic center of Amsterdam, about 500 meters from Central Station. Here you and your team are locked in a themed room and have 60 minutes to solve puzzles, discover hidden clues, and find your way out.
The rooms are built around stories such as the mysterious office of Professor X or the secure vault protecting Madam X’s diamond. Players must combine logic, observation, and teamwork to crack codes and unravel the clues before time runs out.
Because several identical rooms are available, larger groups can split into teams and compete to see who escapes first.

Escape World Amsterdam

Address: Houtkopersdwarsstraat 3, 1011 NK Amsterdam
Nearest public transport: Metro 51/53/54 – Waterloplein
Closest bikes available: Black Bikes Rembrandtplein – 3-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.

MyEscape Club

Address: Weteringschans 187, 187A HS, 1017 XE Amsterdam
Nearest public transport: Tram 1,7,14 – Vijzelgracht
Closest bikes available: Black Bikes De Pijp– 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.
They also have VR games, great if you want to spend longer at one location. Great to combine with the Heineken Experience

Last one, not indoors but a unique experience definitely worth mentioning:

Mystery City Games

Address: Zwanenburgwal 178, 1011 JH Amsterdam
Nearest public transport: Waterlooplein – 3-minute walk
Closest bikes available: Black Bikes Waterlooplein – 2-minute bike ride
Mystery City Games offers an outdoor escape game in Amsterdam that combines a treasure hunt, escape room, and walking tour through the historic city center. Teams follow a map through different locations while solving puzzles, unlocking boxes, and uncovering clues hidden in the city’s architecture and history. The game usually lasts around two hours and takes players past several landmarks and lesser-known corners of Amsterdam. Along the way, teams collaborate to solve the mystery before time runs out. Because the game takes place outdoors and moves through different neighborhoods, it combines sightseeing with puzzle solving, making it popular with groups of friends, families, and team events. And it is available in 6 languages. (English, Nederlands, Français, Español, Italiano and Deutsch).

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.