My recommendations are:

• Use the trams they are very easy and kids find them fun. We got a 48 hour pass and this way we could just hop on and off and go wherever. [[https://www.iamsterdam.com/en/plan-your-trip/getting-around/public-transport travel]]
  
• Free walking tour. We did the cultural / historical one in english and our guide Otto was great. It was an excellent way to get an introduction to the city.
  
  
• Evening canal tour with 'those dam boat guys' was well worth it and our guide Dan was great [[https://www.thosedamboatguys.com boat tour]]. Note decide if you want train included too as there are two types.
  
• For dinner we went to Food Hallen both nights and had excellent food in an environment that felt grown up for the kids, live music etc. We ate at around 7.30 /8 and found a table within 10 minutes each time. [[https://foodhallen.nl Food Hallen Amsterdam]]
  
• Nemo science was excellent and the perfect break from sight seeing to do a hands on activity for 12 year olds and young er / slightly older. They have a LAB area and bubble area which were great. [[https://www.nemosciencemuseum.nl/en/ NEMO]]
  
• Breakfast we had at cafes in the city you can't go wrong really Le Pan Quotidian
  
• Wandering around the nine streets and museum areas taking time looking at the little shops was fun.
  
• We did walk through the old town / red light areas and they were eye-opening but the kids were ok and we chatted about it etc There were some funny sights!
  
• Anne Frank we didn't manage to get tickets unfortunately
  
• I imagine it would be a great destination sun or rain as there are so many museums!!
  
• Go to the area near vondelpark / Zoo for a wander and a coffee, a different feel to the old city entirely.