My granddad is taking myself (18) and my younger cousin (13) to Amsterdam this coming August for a week. We already have flights and hotel worked out, and I have been put in charge of getting together the itinerary for the trip. We would like to get the best out of our time and money as well as visiting all the culture that Amsterdam has to offer. Myself and my cousin also would like to do a spot of shopping while we are there.
I was wondering about the following-
-Where are the best shopping areas?
- How long would we want to spend at the Anne Frank house and what time would be best to go?
- Is the nearby theme park (Efteling) worth a visit?
-What is the must do thing in your mind to do during our trip?
-Any other general tips or tricks to visiting Amsterdam?
-Also what is the weather like in August?

Thank you for taking the time to read this!

Ask your granddad to buy ou a guidebook to Amsterdam, study it, with your cousin, and figure out what might appeal to all three of you. Go on the official website of Amsterdam and start doing research.

I'm not sure you get to decide how much time you spend at the Anne Frank house. The last two times I was in Amsterdam (last time 2 months ago), the lines to visit were blocks long, and I can't imagine they let you linger. I think it's up to the museum, not to you.

I have twice enjoyed a boat ride around the canals, though the commentary was very hokey. I enjoyed seeing the layout of the city from the water, and it wasn't an expensive trip.

As for shopping , it depends on what you want to shop for.

Sorry, have no idea what the weather is like in August I don't travel in Europe in August if I can help it, but I imagine it's as warm as Amsterdam gets.

St C said it all, but here is the website covering the city:
http://www.iamsterdam.com/en/
Best shopping for what? anyhow there is a segment on the website about shopping.
Never been to Anne's house the queues have always put me off and besides it too much of a tourist attraction these days.
The Efteling is not near Amsterdam. Quickest train journey is around 2 hours each way.
everyone who goes to Amsterdam wants to smoke a bit. Me I want to leave and see a better Netherlands.
Tricks see above.
Weather?... our crystal balls no longer work on this forum.

Try to get tickets to the Anne Frank house online - this will help you avoid waiting in line.

Dutch Resistance Museum is well worth a visit.

You don't mention your interests - art, history, food, natural beauty, architecture, etc? Share more and people can give specific ideas.

If you're referring to clothes, shoes and accessories for teenagers, probably dam square and the area around tulip market is where I saw lot of shops like H&M, forever21 and other boutiques. If that's what you had in mind.

I'd advise you and your cousin to go with your grandpa to vondelpark and have a picnic with him and chance to relax and talk with him. Rent bikes and go around while grandpa chills for a bit, if he's not physically inclined to cycle, I guess.

If your grandpa is into gourmet food, treat him by taking him to one of the many cheese shops all around, and buy him special cheese of his liking. It won't cost much for you and your cousin but it would be sweet of you.

Go on a canal cruise. Tickets available opposite central train station.

Efteling is not "nearby" but involves about 3 hours of travel from Amsterdam via Rotterdam. Take train to Tilburg, take special bus to Efteling

It's a really nice park, with some good rides, all wonderfully thematized, it's got an old section devoted to fairy tales. But also a pretty good rollercoaster, a wet ride, it now has a vertical drop coaster etc. Going there will of course take an entire day. Consider that august will be pretty busy, so you'll spend more time in lines than on rides.

For shopping, Leidsestraat is better than Kalverstraat, "Negen Straatjes" is a good area and there's fantastic vintage to be had at Hoogstraat and Jodenbreestraat (although Zipper has now closed) and at Waterlooplein (Episode)

iens.nl for restaurants

There's a beach plus off beat culture at Blijburg, which is a tramride on the #25 to IJburg. KNSM Eiland is a nice area to explore and to have a stroll. And there is Vuurtoreneiland for more than memorable lunch or dinner. If there's one thing you want to splurge on (boat trip included), this might well be it.

http://vuurtoreneiland.nl/

Blijburg

http://www.blijburg.nl/

misstyped tram# to IJburg and KNSM eiland: it's #26.

I visited Amsterdam 8 years ago and I was delighted with the overall impression. What impressed me the most is its architecture and homes that all look like from some kind of fairy tale, all colorful and unique painted. Amsterdam has a lot of interesting sites to visit, such as the Anne Frank house which always has long rows and big crowds of people waiting to get in, that I recommend the prior purchase of tickets online in order to avoid unnecessary waiting. Amsterdam has a lot of greenery, beautiful bridges and developed bicycle traffic, which is more important and bigger than a car traffic. While walking the streets of Amaterdam watch out on the cyclists and their marked trails so you not disturb their ride. You can also rent a bike and explore the streets of Amsterdam

Even if you have no interest in fine art, Amsterdam's world-famous Rijksmuseum and Van Gogh Museum could be worth a look. Try to find a tour or audio-guide offered by the museums to give you a quick understanding of why these places are so beloved. The IamAmsterdam link posted above connects to these and many other museums -- pipe museum? pianola museum? Lots to do in Amsterdam, especially enjoying the generational viewpoints between you and your grandfather.

Thank you so much for all your suggestions!