Family with 2 kids visit Netherlands for 4 days in March.

We were in the NL and Belgium spring, 2024.
Each rider needs a separate mode of Tap, however, those tap modes can be attached to the same credit card. For instance, if you have a credit card in your Apple Wallet, one can tap it via an Apple Watch, Apple Phone, and the actual credit card itself. So- three modes can be charged to the same credit card. It's very easy and works well. Just don't forget to tap when getting off- in the NL. Belgium is different.
We weren't traveling with children, so I can't answer that question.
Regards traveling between the NL to Bruges, I recommend buying the tickets via the NL International app at least a week in advance. The faster trains involve the Eurostar, and those trains do sell out, so don't wait until the last minute. Also, if you're coming back to Amsterdam, be aware that the Belgium trains tend to run late, in our experience, so don't schedule your connections too tightly. If you miss a Eurostar connection, the next train could be sold out.
You're in for a real treat, and I'm so jealous! I can't wait until we can return. I'll attach my Trip Report-maybe it will have some helpful info.
Leave lots of room in your luggage for the Belgium chocolate! Have a wonderful family adventure. Safe travels!

https://community.ricksteves.com/travel-forum/trip-reports/the-netherlands-belgium-april-2024-brought-the-rain-pants-needed-the-rain-pants

Hi Pat,
Thanks for sharing all that good info! I am excited to read your trip report and plan to bring plenty of Belgian chocolate home. We will head to Paris after Belgium.
BTW, if I have 4 different cards in my iPhone, could I tap each card, once per rider, or does it need to be 4 different devices (Apple Watch, iPhone and 2 physical cards)? Thanks again, I have benefited from many of your posts in other threads.

Cheers!

Cate, either way you proposed for tapping works. Wishing you great weather and a wonderful trip!
We are going to Paris for the first time in 2026, so I look forward to your Trip Report once you all are home!

Where exactly in Amsterdam is your hotel? You may not even need to use much public transport if you stay right in the compact and walkable city center. For your day trip to Haarlem, get your kids a Railrunner train ticket for €2,50 each https://www.ns.nl/en/tickets/railrunner

Dutch_Traveler,
Thanks for the info!
We are staying in the Museumplein area. We have tickets to Anne Frank House. We plan to see the Van Gogh Museum and Rijksmuseum and Vondelpark which of course are walking distance from the hotel. Other plans are to explore the canals, old town and take a boat tour and take in central Amsterdam sites as we can with 2 littles in tow.

Pat,
Paris is my favorite city in the world. You will have an amazing time! I’ve been many times and am still finding, exploring and visiting new places. I’ve yet to take many of the day trips from the city to visit Giverny, Chambord, Chenonceau, Vaux-le-Vicomte, orFontainebleau I have such a hard time leaving the city (not because it’s difficult, I just love the city).
I’ll look forward to your Paris trip report too!