I could smell the coffee shop before I saw it. That pungent, unmistakable odor floated from its open windows and out into a crowded cobbletone sidewalk. I thought to go in for quick peek. This was Amsterdam, after all. And I was 22, cruising by coffee shops unlike any found back home in Cleveland. It seemed right to acquaint myself with a Dutch product just as ubiquitous (if not infamous) than those wooden clogs or tulips.

"Dan," I heard my name getting called over my shoulder. "This way, Dan." It was my mom, now beckoning me as well, like a toddler.

Yes, I was in Amsterdam. But so were my parents. And at that moment, we were all about to hop into a horse-drawn buggy for a tour of the city. The next stop was De Wallen, the city's infamous red light district.

The main drags in De Wallen are pedestrian walkways, which means a leisurely stroll and plenty of time to take in the sights. And by "sights," I mean the bicycle-strewn streets, the quaint canals, and the proposition houses, featuring tall glass doorways for full-frontal views of the scantily (or not at all) clad workers. Our guide advised us not take photographs of the houses, which was not a problem. I was grateful to be forbidden to capture these awkward moments on film.

This awkwardness and unease lasted until we passed a giant marquee outside of a shop called Danny's Love Boutique. "This your place?" my dad asked. It cracked up our whole family. That little moment did a lot. It lifted the tension, and lightened our mood as we meandered through the city's districts, calling out intricacies in its medieval architecture, or laughing as one of us tried pronouncing anything in Dutch.

Years later, my family has great memories from that trip, which definitely didn't meet the my expectation of a day in Amsterdam. So if you're thinking of a European family vacation, let me recommend Amsterdam—home of the most awkward and unforgettable trip I've ever taken.

Things to Do in Amsterdam for Families

If you happen to find yourself on a family trip in Amsterdam, there's a ton to see and do beyond enduring some awkwardness in a handful of the city's districts. Here are a handful of the top things to do in Amsterdam for families visiting the Dutch capital.

1. Make learning fun at a museum.

Amsterdam is packed with world-renowned museums. While you can get a more traditional experience at those dedicated to Vincent van Gogh and Anne Frank, little ones will love the hands-on approach at the exhibits inside the NEMO science museum and the National Maritime Museum.

2. Ride a bike.

Bicycles dominate the roadways and sidewalks in Amsterdam, so do as the locals do and see the city (many Amsterdam tours are done via bike) while pedaling alongside its canals.

3. Take a pancake cruise.

Pancakes (called pannekoeken locally) are a Dutch specialty and can be found everywhere in the city. But why grab some of these paper-thin delights at a cafe when you can snack on them on a canal cruise? De Pannenkoekenboot offers 2.5-hour cruises during which kids and adults alike can indulge in all-you-can-eat Dutch pancakes, topped with traditional items like apples, bacon, and raisins.

4. Spend an afternoon at the Groot Melkhuis.

Located in the Vondelpark, a massive park in the middle of the city, the Groot Melkhuis offers something for everyone in the family. Mom and dad can grab a drink at a terraced cafe overlooking the water that snakes through the park, while the kids can burn off some energy at the park's playground, which includes swings and spring-mounted ride-on animals.

5. Pose on the I Amsterdam sign.

Ask anyone who's been there, and they'll tell you that snapping a pic at this now-iconic landmark is a must while visiting Amsterdam. Kiddos will love posing inside, behind, and beneath the giant letters.