11 Museums in the Netherlands Perfect for Kids

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When folks claim, 'If you haven't tried pot in Amsterdam, what have you done?' I used to cringe and look away, but now I've decided to offer these individuals with half-baked knowledge my two cents. Associating the Netherlands solely with smoking pot is like reducing India to its portrayal in Hollywood movies. If we all buy into this notion, we're truly lost. In a country boasting beautiful canals, a bike-riding culture, cutting-edge windmill energy technology, impressive dykes, not to mention its cheese, stroopwaffels, and rich culture, there's so much more to explore beyond the stereotypical narrative. One activity that I particularly enjoy in the Netherlands is exploring its numerous museums.

The museums in The Netherlands are targeted towards diverse interests and age groups, serving a rich offering of subjects like art, history, science, and culture. Might I say, it's an entertaining and fun educational carnival. Whether you're an art connoisseur, a history buff, a science geek, or a family seeking enjoyable exhibits, these museums cover the whole smorgasbord. With their mix of captivating displays, interactive wonders, and diverse themes, these cultural hotspots are designed to tickle the fancy and educate minds from all corners of curiosity.

These museums shine, particularly in the autumn and winter months in the Netherlands, offering indoor entertainment for a full day out. For frequent visitors, the MuseumKaart (museum card) is a fantastic option, providing free access to over 200 museums in The Netherlands, allowing you to visit as many times as you like. So, on your next trip to the Netherlands, be sure to include one, two, or all of these museums in your itinerary. It's a wonderful way to spend quality time with your kids. You can thank me later.

Here are 10 museums in the Netherlands that are perfect for kids, offering families a diverse array of engaging experiences:

1. NEMO museum, Amsterdam

I don’t think I’ve enjoyed science so much before as I did in NEMO. So you can only imagine the excitement of the kids as they explored every section of this fantastic  museum designed for young and old. From human anatomy to chemistry, from forces of nature to physics, science could never have been so much fun and easy to learn! Situated right in the heart of Amsterdam, NEMO is a fascinating educational experience combined in a fun way to help kids understand science.

Helpful Tip: I'd say start with the chemistry lab first as the queues can be long and they allow you to do only one activity at a time once you enter. I know the museum guide says to start at the top level as the crowds are less, but trust me the experimentation Lab is the most fun so head straight to it. Only kids above 6 years old are allowed inside the lab.

Address: Oosterdok 2, 1011 VX Amsterdam

Opening times: Tuesday to Sunday, 10:00 AM to 5:30 PM

2. Kinderboekenmuseum, The Hague

My kids absolutely love the children's book museum in The Hague. It's meticulously curated across three levels, with the second floor dedicated to the children's play area and storybook exhibits. This Literature Museum/Children's Book Museum brings Dutch literature to life, with each room themed around a different book or character. Two permanent exhibits, 'Ik ben Kikker' (I am Frog) and 'ABC met de dieren mee' (ABC with the animals), are highlights. My children particularly adore the illustrative display of the hungry caterpillar. Remember, everything is in Dutch. Tickets are available at the museum shop.

Address: Prins Willem-Alexanderhof 5, 2595 BE The Hague

Opening times: Tuesday to Sunday, 10:00 AM to 5:00 PM

3. Museon and Omniversum, The Hague

Museon offers a variety of attractions aimed at both kids and adults, including a children's play area, interactive displays, and educational information. The exhibits on reuse and recycle, along with the initiatives for creating an eco-friendly environment, particularly stand out. Each display on the first level carries a compelling message that cannot be overlooked. Additionally, they feature an escape game called "Tiny House".

Adjacent to Museon is the dome Omniversum which has shows on a big screen every hour, covering various fascinating topics in either Dutch or English. These shows can range from 20 to 45 minutes.

Address: Stadhouderslaan 37, 2517 HV The Hague

Opening times: Tuesday to Sunday, 10:00 AM to 5:00 PM

4. Naturalis, Delft

For a full day of adventure and discovery with your family, Naturalis is the perfect destination. The 4 floored building of Naturalis in Delft constitutes of five major sections - A dinosaur expo, the human body, the ice age, the earth and the dead. The dinosaur expo features life-size dinosaur models, fossil replicas, and multimedia presentations where you feel like these creatures of the yore have come to life again! The human body section explores the intricacies of the human body, something that I particularly am always intrigued about - including anatomy, physiology, and health. In Ice age, you are transported back in time to the Ice Age, where you see mammoths, saber-toothed cats, and other ancient creatures in the presence of large ice sheets covering much of the Earth's surface. The Earth and the Dead delve into topics which my 8 year old is always fascinated with, such as plate tectonics, rock formations, volcanic activity, and the history of life on Earth. It is by far one of the best museums in the Netherlands!

Helpful Tip: Do not miss the special screen of Rex which costs Euros 3 per head to watch.

Address: Darwinweg 2, 2333 CR Leiden

Opening times: Tuesday to Sunday, 10:00 AM to 5:00 PM

5. Navy Museum, Den Helder

Come experience what it was like to live in a real submarine that was commissioned during the war. Located in Den Helder, the museum has the actual submarine Tonijn on display. You can also walk aboard actual battle ships docked in their port. The submarine remains in its original state and there are former crew members on board to share thrilling tales from their time . Here you can learn about the Dutch navy's past, check out their weapons and uniforms, and discover how their technology has changed over time.

Address: Hoofdgracht 3, 1781 AA Den Helder

Opening times: Tuesday to Sunday, 10:00 AM to 5:00 PM

6. Maritime Museum, Rotterdam

If you don’t have a maritime museum at the ‘Gateway to the World’, then I don’t know where you should then! The port of Rotterdam is by far the largest deep-water port in Europe and thus is only logical to have a maritime museum there that informs and educates the young and old about the history of trade through waterways, about the Dutch shipping industry and its importance.

Helpful Tip: For kids and toddlers, they have a very fine play area that will keep them busy all throughout the day.

Address: Leuvehaven 1, 3011 EA Rotterdam

Opening times: Tuesday to Sunday, 10:00 AM to 5:00 PM

7. Anne Frank, Amsterdam

I highly recommend reading the book ‘The Diary of Anne Frank’ before you visit this museum. You will be able to relate to every aspect of her life when you walk through every room of this preserved house where a 13 year old Dutch Jewish girl hid with her family from the Nazi ruled Holland during the WW2. They have a very well prepared audio guide for kids explaining the house and building and life of Anne Frank and family in hiding without divulging the details of the atrocities of Nazis during that time.

Helpful Tip: Book your tickets in advance, almost a month or two in advance, lest you want to miss the opportunity to visit such an interesting museum.

Address: Prinsengracht 263-267, 1016 GV Amsterdam

Opening times: Monday to Friday, 9:00 AM to 10:00 PM; Saturday and Sunday, 9:00 AM to 7:00 PM

8. Archeon Museum Park, Alphen aan den Rijn

Explore this museum park that showcases different periods of Dutch history through reconstructed buildings and interactive exhibits.

Helpful Tip: Go early. Try to be there at opening time so that you can enjoy all the activities of the museum until it closes. If you turn up late, you might find yourself covering only half of the attractions inside.

Read my blog post on Archeon for a detailed overview of the museum: Fun things to do with kids in Netherlands - A day in Archeon

Address: Archeonlaan 1, 2408 ZB Alphen aan den Rijn

Opening times: Tuesday to Sunday, 10:00 AM to 5:00 PM

9. Nijntje museum, Utrecht

This museum is dedicated to the popular children's character, Nijntje (Miffy), and although one would say the exhibits are restricted to kids younger than 4 years old, I'd say my 3-year-old daughter, 6-year-old son, and their friends aged 5 and 8 had a blast at the Miffy House, immersing themselves in imaginative play. From the toy kitchen to mowing the lawn and operating the train, there were endless adventures to be had in this small museum. There were plenty of seating areas for the adults in each themed room like the hospital and Miffy school, while the kids played dress up and action.

Helpful Tip: Right across from the Miffy Museum, there's the lovely Museumcafe Centraal where you can soak up the sun and indulge in some delicious Miffy pancakes.

Address: Agnietenstraat 2, 3512 XA Utrecht

Opening times: Tuesday to Sunday, 10:00 AM to 5:00 PM

10. National Military Museum, Soest

The military museum of the Netherlands situated on the former Soesterberg air force base provides a glimpse into military history and modern military capabilities with its fantastic exhibitions and presentations. It features a Full Omni 360-like theater, where I spent nearly half and hour witnessing history come to life. A highlight is the F16 fighter, marking 50 years of service in the Dutch Air Force. The museum showcases the evolution of vehicles used in warfare, spanning from horses and bicycles to motorcycles, cars, tanks, planes, and beyond. It offers an engaging experience suitable for both children and adults.

Helpful Tip: Guess what you can play laser tag for free and drive mini tank-like vehicles. The outdoor play area has a water area and a sand pit where toddlers and young children can splurge and have a ball of a time!

Address: Verlengde Paltzerweg 1, 3768 MX Soest

Opening times: Tuesday to Sunday, 10:00 AM to 5:00 PM

11. Space Expo, Noordwijk

The Space Expo in Noordwijk is such a special place. It is an interactive space museum that offers a fascinating journey into the world of space exploration! My kids were so excited at the prospect of visiting this museum when we told them they can wear astronaut suits and explore various exhibits including real space modules and models of space probes. Located in the heart of the European Space Research and Technology Centre (ESTEC), Space Expo showcases the achievements of the European Space Agency (ESA) and other international space programs. The museum provides a hands-on experience with interactive displays, simulators, and educational activities, making it an engaging destination for space enthusiasts of all ages. Space Expo is a must-visit for those curious about the mysteries of the universe and the incredible feats of space exploration.

Address: Keplerlaan 3, 2201 AZ Noordwijk

Opening times: Tuesday to Sunday,  10:00 AM to 5:00 PM

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