Amsterdam in April with kids

Welcome to the forum!

I'll throw this out as, while we haven't done so ourselves yet, others of the gang here have chosen accommodations outside of Amsterdam - but just short public-transit hops away - for better pricing and lighter crowds. I'm sure some of them will chime in with recommendations for good locations but here's a thread from earlier this year with some of those to get you started. Oh and yes, I'd definitely consider doing the same ourselves on a return trip!

https://community.ricksteves.com/travel-forum/netherlands/haarlem-to-amsterdam

Editing to add: regarding Airbnbs, you might want to scan this previous thread too? I don't have a dog in this fight, as we don't use that platform, but it might be good to be aware of some strong feelings about the short-term rental market. Opinions, pro or con, are strictly those of the participating posters. Aside from that there are a few recommendations that might be useful. :O)

https://community.ricksteves.com/travel-forum/netherlands/airbnb-vrbo-or-hotels

$250/night for a family of four in Amsterdam in April is really tight but might be doable — you just need to look in the right neighborhoods.

Best bet: Oud-West / Vondelpark area
This checks all your boxes — Vondelpark has multiple playgrounds, you're close to trams, and it's walkable to the museums and center. Look at hotels on the streets around Overtoom and Eerste Constantijn Huygensstraat. Some have family rooms in your range if you book early.

Also consider: De Pijp
Sarphatipark has a nice playground, Albert Cuypmarkt is great for cheap street food lunches (kids love the stroopwafels), and it's a real neighborhood so you'll feel less like a tourist. More Airbnb options here.

Budget trick: stay in Haarlem
15 minutes by train from Amsterdam Centraal, significantly cheaper, and a gorgeous city in its own right. Way more family-friendly vibe, easier to find spacious apartments in your budget. You can day-trip into Amsterdam whenever you want.

For young kids, don't miss:
• NEMO Science Museum — hands-on exhibits, kids absolutely love it. The rooftop terrace has great views too.
• Het Scheepvaartmuseum (National Maritime Museum) — there's a full-size replica of a Dutch East India Company ship you can climb around on. Kids go crazy for it.
• WOPL — massive indoor playground near Stadionplein with different zones for different ages. Lifesaver on a rainy day (and April will have rainy days). Book ahead on weekends.
• Artis Zoo is right in the center and great for little ones
• Vondelpark playgrounds on a sunny day

Practical tips:

• Get an OV-chipkaart for the trams — kids under 4 ride free
• Keukenhof books up fast in April — get tickets now if you haven't already

I've got more family-friendly picks and neighborhood breakdowns at peakadam.com. April is a beautiful time to bring the kids!

You don't need to leave Amsterdam for more budget-friendly accommodation - have a look at the Wibautstraat in Amsterdam Oost. There you will find the Volkshotel and The Social Hub, all close to the metro (Wibautstraat). Both are quite nice hotels with good prices. I don't know of a playground that is close, but it is a walk from De Pijp (Albert Cuypmarkt), and a walk up Wibautstraat to the Ceintuurbaan, where you can catch a tram to the Museumsplein, where there is a playground. If you are going to see van Gogh or the Rijksmuseum, you will want to go here anyway. Or the Vondelpark is also on the same tram route, and it has a playground too.

I stayed in The Social Hub in December and paid €115,00 per night for a single room. They have a coffee machine, a tea kettle and teas, coffees and cookies - but no fridge, if that bothers you. There is also a supermarket just across the road, Albert Heijn (cross by going down into the metro station). Very comfortable and amazing breakfasts. Laundry is free but you have to book a timeslot for the dryer.

Good luck!

Lavandula

I stayed at The Social Hub last summer. It has very good rates on single rooms outside the academic year. I don't know what the rates will be like in April, but it is worth checking. I also don't know anything about the size, layout or prices of rooms for more than one person. It definitely is designed to appeal to young visitors; you'll find a sealed condom on the desk.

I can definitely recommend it for budget-conscious single visitors of any age (I'm 74). I had no noise issues in my rooms (I had two separate, one-week stays), and the a/c, Wi-Fi and plumbing were all fine. It's a large building with elevators. There's a small mini-market in the lobby, but I just frequented the Albert Heijn market mentioned by Lavandula, which is open 8 AM to 10 PM (holidays might differ). A pre-made salad from Albert Heijn was a regular dinner for me on the many days when I'd had a restaurant lunch.

I didn't have breakfast at the hotel; I find that tends to be overpriced. Heading north about 2 blocks on Wibautstraat (beyond the Metro station) is a good whole-grain bakery called "Hartog's". That was a good place to get something for breakfast to go with a banana from the supermarket.

With the current exchange rate $250 is €220. €220 per night for a family of 4 during peak season in Amsterdam is not realistic I’m afraid, especially not given that you’re late to the party. The Social Hub mentioned by the 2 previous posters is well over your budget.
So something’s got to give here; you either up your budget or you look for somewhere else to stay.
It would also help to know your exact dates. Room rates in Amsterdam are very much date dependent.