5 Best museums in Amsterdam with kids
Amsterdam, the iconic city of canals and culture, has a lot to offer families when it comes to museums. But which museums are truly worth visiting with kids? Amsterdam is brimming with history, art, and culture. Each museum tells its own unique story, and many are kid-friendly, featuring special activities and programs for children. However, what you're looking for and the age of your children can make a difference. We've visited most of the museums mentioned below multiple times, and it's tough to give an age recommendation since every child is different. Generally speaking, all these museums have something to offer kids of all ages.
Why visit museums in Amsterdam with kids?
Taking your kids to a museum can be a fantastic experience for both the children and the parents. Honestly, I find children's museums in the Netherlands perhaps even more enjoyable than other museums, thanks to the clear and concise explanations of the exhibits. Museums are perfect for stimulating a child's curiosity and creativity. They learn about art, history, science, and more in a fun and interactive way. We've noticed that our teenager has actually learned quite a bit from all the museums we've visited together. Besides all the quality time spent during our museum visits in Amsterdam and the rest of the Netherlands, it's also a beautiful memory to share. This list is in no particular order.
Tropenmuseum Amsterdam
Looking for a colorful museum featuring exhibits from various cultures? The Tropenmuseum in Amsterdam has been on our family outing wishlist for a while, especially since Tropenmuseum Junior is the oldest children's museum in the Netherlands. If you're looking for a place where your kids can see, touch, and even experience things, you're in the right place here—just like at NEMO! Our 9-year-old son was utterly fascinated by the Tropenmuseum, and a morning there was actually too short, but unfortunately, we didn't have more time.
Tip: Check out the workshops in advance and sign your kids up for the Junior Tour in the Tropenmuseum. On our first visit, all the spots were already taken, so we had to come back! Note that children younger than 6 and older than 13 are not allowed to participate in the Junior Tour.
Wondrexperience Amsterdam
Is this a real museum? Good question! If you're looking for a place that combines educational and fun activities, Wondrexperience Amsterdam is definitely the spot for your family! Always check the events calendar beforehand, as Wondrexperience Amsterdam often organizes themed activities and special workshops for kids.
The experience playground of Amsterdam is an explosion of color and adventure that challenges kids of all ages to explore and have fun. Every sense is stimulated here, and it's a place where creativity and imagination go hand in hand.
Lose yourself in an enchanting play jungle. Immerse yourself in a world of soft pink marshmallows. Dance under a twinkling starry sky. Experience adventures in the largest ball pit you can imagine. Create your own artwork on the walls. Sing and laugh with joy. Let your imagination come to life and dive into the art of carefree play.
NEMO Science Museum
NEMO Science Museum in Amsterdam is one of the leading science museums in the Netherlands, and it's undoubtedly one of the country's favorite children's museums. NEMO is filled with interactive exhibits where kids can learn about science and technology through play. Located on the foundations of the IJ tunnel near Oosterdok, the striking green building shaped like a ship is hard to miss. Inside, NEMO offers a wide range of interactive exhibits and activities designed to engage and inspire visitors of all ages. From the wonders of the cosmos to the secrets of molecular structures, NEMO makes science and technology accessible and fun for everyone. The museum provides an engaging experience where learning and play go hand in hand, making it a must-visit destination for both tourists and locals.
Because there's so much to see and do at NEMO, including numerous experiments and tests, it can sometimes be overwhelming for younger children. The upper floors are less suitable for younger kids and are more intended for older children and adults. Workshops and shows are also available for children of different ages.
The Rijksmuseum
This world-famous museum is definitely not just for adults. The Rijksmuseum even offers various activities specifically for children, such as treasure hunts and workshops. From Amsterdam Central, you can easily get to the Rijksmuseum by tram. The Rijksmuseum is undoubtedly one of the most prestigious of the sixteen state museums in the Netherlands, featuring some of the most iconic artworks. Our teenager was particularly curious about Rembrandt's "The Night Watch" and paintings by Johannes Vermeer, like "The Milkmaid." We knew that "The Night Watch" was being restored at the time, but we could still see it!
It was truly special to see how impressed our teenager, who already has art education at school, was with the original works. My advice for other parents: buy your Rijksmuseum tickets online in advance or use your Museum Card—teenagers up to 18 years old get free admission. At the Rijksmuseum, you can leave your coat and bag for free, which is very convenient if you, like my teenager, enjoy taking photos in the museum. If you buy your ticket online, you'll choose a time slot for your visit. April, May, and August are generally the busiest months, so try to go outside this period if possible. Keep in mind that a visit to the Rijksmuseum can easily take 4 hours or more, especially with a curious teenager by your side.
The Maritime Museum (Het Scheepvaartmuseum)
The Maritime Museum features various interactive exhibits and activities where children can learn all about the sea and ships. It's the place to take a fascinating dive into the maritime history of the Netherlands. Here, young explorers are taken on a journey through time and water.
An eye-catching feature at the museum is a replica of the famous VOC ship 'Amsterdam.' Kids will be amazed as they step on board and experience what daily life looked like centuries ago on such an impressive ship. What makes the museum extra special are the many interactive exhibits and attractions. This way, children gain active and engaged insight into maritime history. One of the highlights is undoubtedly 'The Story of the Whale' in the west wing. In this child-friendly exhibit, families with children from 6 years old delve into the fascinating relationship between humans and these majestic sea creatures over the years.
And for those visiting The Maritime Museum during school vacations, there's an extra treat. The museum buzzes with special activities for children, ranging from exciting treasure hunts to creative workshops. Don't forget the family workshop! Here, the youngest visitors can unleash their creativity, all inspired by the wonders of the maritime world. Guaranteed to be an unforgettable family outing in the heart of Amsterdam!
Some practical tips
It might be smart to get a Museum Card for the whole family. If you're spending a weekend in Amsterdam, the Museum Card will quickly pay for itself. Check the age of your children and the museums you want to visit; you might not need a Museum Card for your kids as they might get free admission.
Also, it's wise to plan your visit in advance and possibly reserve a time slot. For the Anne Frank House, for example, it's a must. Consider the nap times of younger children. Our kids always slept wonderfully in the stroller that could fully recline. We made sure the nap coincided with our lunchtime, giving us a moment to recharge as well. A day out visiting museums can be quite a sport with children if you want to experience and explain everything! Don't forget to bring some snacks and water. We always bring some sausages, filling bars, and often a juice box.
The last success factor for a museum visit: let your child(ren) set the pace and don't rush them. It's better to see half a museum well than to rush through an entire museum. That way, you'll have something left for a future visit!
