Kinderkookkafé -- Amsterdam's only place where children not only get to do the eating, but the cooking and the serving too. Since young Dutch children don't speak much English, you may want to query the organizers about any possible language issues before reserving.
Pancake Bakery -- I have yet to meet a kid who doesn't love pancakes, and this is the best pancake source in town. Pancakes come with various inventive toppings, both sweet and savory. Suitably colorful ornaments such as umbrellas and clowns accompany child-oriented meals and desserts. Toys, children's chairs, and special menus complete the picture.
Wilhelmina-Dok -- Though in no way conceived as a kid-friendly place, this waterside cafe-restaurant does have a few things going for it. You get there and return by harbor ferry, which ought to add some interest to the proceedings. Once there, either outside on the breezy terrace or snug and warm inside, young folks can see barges, ferries, yachts, and other vessels coming and going on the IJ ship channel, and maybe even spot a cruise liner docked at Passenger Terminal Amsterdam. If you have young kids in tow, this is likely a better jaunt at lunchtime.
Chef Child -- Children are both the chefs and the waiters at the Kinderkookkafé, Vondelpark 6B (tel. 020/625-3257; www.kinderkookkafe.nl; tram: 4, 9, 14, 16, 24, or 25), at Het Kattenlaantje, across the street from Overtoom 325. With the help and supervision of two adults and a reservation, kids can prepare dinner on Saturday, and bake cookies and pies for high tea on Sunday. If kids want to, they can join the kitchen brigade (though there might be a language barrier with other kids) or families can just relax and enjoy the meal. Children can do everything here -- cook, wait tables, wash up, serve behind the bar (soft drinks only), and write checks. The kid-chic decor has barstools painted as sunny-side-up eggs and gas pipes disguised as licorice strings. Kids must be at least 8 years old to help with the Saturday dinner, and 5 for the Sunday bake. Numbers are limited to around 8 children, but together with guests and helpers, there might be as many as 30 diners. Reserve seats on Saturday from noon to 2pm. For eating, the cafe is open Saturday from 3:30 to 8pm, and Sunday from 2:30 to 6pm. Meals are 5€ ($6.25) for children ages 2 to 4, 10€ ($13) for children ages 5 to 12, and 15€ ($19) from age 13.
