Amsterdam Noord is one metro stop from Central Station and holds a cluster of indoor experiences that the city centre does not have. At Meeuwenlaan 88, five minutes on foot from Noorderpark station, you will find WONDR Experience, Barbie: The Dream Experience and Pink Beach on a single site. Together they fill an afternoon without moving the car or the bike.
If you are staying in Noord, this is the part of the neighbourhood that does not depend on the weather. The rest of Noord is worth exploring on foot along the IJ, but when you want something to do rather than something to look at, this is where it is.
What is there to do in Amsterdam Noord that is not a museum?
WONDR Experience is 1,500 m² of fourteen interactive rooms where you do things instead of looking at things: a ball pit the size of a room, a marshmallow pool, a confetti shower, glitter karaoke booths and a kaleidoscope of lights. The SpongeBob Special is included with every regular ticket. The route is self-guided and hosts are in the rooms to help with photos.
In the same building, Barbie: The Dream Experience runs twelve interactive zones across more than 2,000 m². A visit takes about 90 minutes. On Wednesdays, Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays from 17:00 there are adults-only sessions with a welcome drink included.
Is one afternoon enough for Amsterdam Noord?
For this site, yes. Count on WONDR for the main part of the afternoon, Barbie if you want a second experience in the same building, and Pink Beach for something to eat at the end. That is an afternoon and early evening without leaving Meeuwenlaan.
If you have a full day, the ferry from Central Station to NDSM and the walk along the IJ make a good morning, and this site works as the indoor half of the day.
How do I get to Amsterdam Noord from Central Station?
Take the metro one stop to Noorderpark and walk about five minutes to Meeuwenlaan 88. There is parking in the neighbourhood at around €1.60 per hour if you come by car. By bike it is a straightforward ride once you are across the IJ.
Where can we eat in Amsterdam Noord?
Pink Beach by WONDR is on the same site. It is a beach bar and brunch spot with an indoor beach, open from 11:00 on weekdays and 10:00 at the weekend, closing at 20:00 from Sunday to Thursday and 20:30 on Friday and Saturday. Gluten-free, vegetarian, vegan and halal options are on the menu. You can book Pink Beach on its own, without a ticket for WONDR.
Does it work with children?
WONDR is built for all ages, children are welcome accompanied by an adult, and there is free stroller storage and lockers at the entrance. Kids tickets start from €17. Barbie has its own age rules: up to ten years one adult for every two children, from eleven to thirteen at least one adult per group, and independent entry from fourteen.
Good to know before you go
Payment is by card only across the site, cash is not accepted. The Museumkaart is not valid at WONDR or Barbie. Buying tickets online saves €2 per ticket compared to the counter.