Amidst the busy and bustling city life of Amsterdam, lie some 30 parks in Amsterdam which are a great spot for a break from the routine life, especially in summer months when these green spaces turn into outdoor living and dining rooms for us locals and visitors alike, while performers, musicians and kids turn these parks into recreational hubs. Some of the best known parks and gardens in Amsterdam are:
Amstelpark
The park stands in the suburb of Buitenveldert, southwest of Amsterdam and features a host of recreational facilities like playground, mini golf, mini football and pony rides for children and rose garden, rhododendron walk, and model garden with nursery for the nature lovers.
Amsterdamse Bos
This woodland park is the largest recreational area in Amsterdam and a stretch of water called the Bosbaan flowing through the park acts as a venue for rowing competitions in the season. The Amsterdamse Bos is a home to about 150 variants of foreign and native trees and colorful collection of birds.
Vondelpark
This is the largest city park in Amsterdam, and the most famous park in the Netherlands. The park has a film museum, an open air theatre, a playground, and several other facilities. Every Friday there is the Fridaynightskate that starts in front of the Film museum. Yearly events include the golf tournament Vondelpark Open and the running contest Vondelparkloop. From June until August there are music and dance performances in the open air theatre.
Museumplein
This happens to be the most versatile Park of Amsterdam with sports playgrounds, and wadding pool which offer the facility of ice skating in winter.
Oosterpark
Standing in East Amsterdam, just behind the Tropical Museum, the park features several big, monumental sculptures.
Westerpark
This is an extensive park near the city center. A former gas factory, situated in the middle of the park, has been converted into pleasant cafes and creative offices.