interested in taking my 11 year old to Holland at the beginning of March - may include a few days in London. We have friends in Holland. What's the weather like and are there things for my son to do in Amsterdam?

Two things spring to mind. One: take in the Holland Experience ½ hour show. It's a lot of fun. We laughed and laughed. Two: hop the train to the Hague and take the tram to the Madurodam. The tram stops right at the gate. Sure, it's not in Amsterdam but you get to see some scenery on a train trip, and you and your child would probably really enjoy the miniature world. <BR>

In Amsterdam, I'd recommend taking your son to the Anne Frank house. At his age, I'd imagine they've already read it in school. The city could also be a fun introduction to art museums. Oh, and definitely take a ride on one of the canal cruises.

BICYCLES BICYCLES BICYCLES <BR> <BR>And the Torture Museum <BR> <BR>

Miriam: <BR>I would kindly suggest that you take your son to one of the many prostitues in the Red Light District. If you are short on cash, choose one of the black ones, they're usually cheaper. Then head off to "needle park" and show your son that doing drugs may not be a good idea. <BR>I would also suggest renting a bike and heading just outside of Amsterdam as the country-side is really beautiful. <BR>Oh, try some of the Turkish hash, it's quite fun.

The science museum in A'dam has lots of <BR>interactive exhibits - lots of kids there when I visited who seemed to be enjoying it.You also get internet access included on your ticket, so you can go surf while they play.As many of <BR>the cybercafes there are "smoking" this <BR>could save you checking. <BR> Buy a tram ticket (strippencart-15 <BR>tokens-you can share a ticket)for cheap fast transport,forget cars the place wasn't built for them. <BR>Please ignore the previous posting, my parents love A'dam & neither are into <BR>drugs or prostitutes.You should avoid <BR>taking your son into the redlight - its <BR>perfecly safe (unlike Barcelona, London <BR>etc redlights)but some of the sights might be ...unusual.(but then isn't that what travel is for?) <BR> Outside the redlight you may notice <BR>"smoking" cafes but nobody will hassle <BR>you outside of Damrak,Dam Sq & redlight. <BR>(tourist trap area)Weather should be reasonable, take a hat.

Some bulbs would be flowering, so see about bulb fields. Cheese making. Canal rides. Biking. And most of all The Anne Frank house--but be sure your son reads the diary first. Being her age he would be just about ready to deal with it as an immense, difficult, important experience in his young life.