Amsterdam museums for kids are anything but intimidating; they’re designed to offer carefully crafted cultural experiences that entertain, educate, and delight children. Whether you’re seeking scientific discoveries, maritime adventures, or creative workshops, Amsterdam museums for kids promise unique, family-friendly moments in a captivating and idyllic setting. Here, every visit becomes an educational and fun adventure that’s sure to inspire young minds!
NEMO Science Museum: Where science becomes fun
NEMO Science Museum is an immersive experience that turns kids into budding scientists! This interactive museum encourages young minds to discover scientific concepts hands-on, with surprises on every floor. From the moment they enter, children are invited to touch, experiment and explore fascinating exhibits that immerse them in the world of science.
The Water Power exhibit teaches children about hydraulic energy through play, allowing them to build dams and work with water pumps. Meanwhile, Wonder Lab offers a range of chemistry activities where they can create giant bubbles, mix liquids and even make rainbows! At the top of the museum, a panoramic terrace allows visitors to experiment with solar energy on interactive panels while enjoying a relaxing view of Amsterdam.
Rijksmuseum
With its imposing atmosphere and world-famous works, the Rijksmuseum can be impressive. For children and adults alike! However, the museum has developed an interactive approach to engage young people. Thanks to a series of family routes, children can discover history in an active and engaging way.
Every Saturday, the Rijksmuseum also offers creative workshops where children aged 6-12 can learn about painting and express their creativity, inspired by the works of the great masters.
These activities turn the Rijksmuseum into an artistic adventure, where each child can discover the world of art at his or her own pace.
Van Gogh Museum
The Van Gogh Museum makes art accessible and exciting for children through activities crafted just for them. On arrival, each child receives an activity booklet to guide their visit, with fun questions about Van Gogh’s work and life.
The Van Gogh Treasure Hunt for ages 6–12 invites kids to search for hidden details in the paintings and uncover fascinating anecdotes. Younger children enjoy a playful hunt to find hidden rabbits in Vincent’s works, sharpening their observation skills.
They can also explore Van Gogh’s Colour Trail, discovering how he used color and emotion in his art. Other interactive activities let children touch painting tool replicas, smell plants that inspired Van Gogh, and even create their own mini-paintings in a dedicated space.
The museum also offers workshops where children can paint like Van Gogh, exploring his unique techniques and vibrant color choices. The Van Gogh Museum is a place where children can connect with art while developing their own sense of expression.
The National Maritime Museum: All aboard a real ship!
The National Maritime Museum is a maritime adventure for the whole family. This immersive museum highlights the rich maritime history of the Netherlands. Here, children are invited to explore this fascinating world for themselves.
The highlight for young explorers is undoubtedly the life-size replica of a Dutch East India Company (VOC) ship docked right outside. Children can board the ship and explore the lives of seafarers through its cabins and cannons. The interactive Sea Voyage exhibit lets them experience what it was like to embark on an expedition centuries ago, navigating unknown waters and facing virtual storms.
Elsewhere in the museum, workshops allow children to make their own compass or test their navigational skills.
Thanks to these hands-on activities, the National Maritime Museum invites children to become little adventurers. This way, they’ll immerse themselves in Amsterdam’s seafaring past in a fun and engaging way.
EYE Film Museum: Cinema in all its forms
Much more than a museum for film buffs, the EYE Filmmuseum is a place where children can discover the magic of filmmaking and experiment with the tools of cinema. The museum regularly hosts family-friendly screenings, including animated films specially selected for younger audiences.
In the permanent exhibition, children can explore the basics of cinema with interactive installations. They can manipulate images to create special effects, animate characters and learn about the optical illusions used in films. There are also workshops where children can try their hand at stop-motion animation and even make their own short films.
The EYE Filmmuseum is set in a stunning modern building overlooking the river. It’s the perfect place to ignite children’s passion for cinema… While giving them the tools to express their creativity.
KattenKabinet: A museum dedicated to cats
KattenKabinet offers children in Amsterdam a unique and original way to discover the world of cats. This quirky, charming museum celebrates cats through an array of art—from paintings and sculptures to posters and drawings. As soon as they arrive, young visitors meet the museum’s resident cats, who roam freely through the galleries!
Children explore artworks of cats in various styles and historical periods, learning how these beloved animals have inspired artists across the ages. The Cat Cabinet also provides children with activity booklets filled with games and quizzes, making the visit even more engaging. For young cat lovers, it’s an unforgettable and delightful experience.
World Museum Amsterdam: A journey around the world
The Wereldmuseum Amsterdam is a fascinating museum that invites children to discover cultural diversity from around the world. The immersive exhibitions feature handmade artefacts, costumes and traditions from Asia, Africa and South America, giving children a glimpse of different cultures without leaving Amsterdam.
Workshops are offered to allow children to engage with each culture in a hands-on way. They can try on traditional costumes, make crafts or listen to folk tales from other countries. Interactive displays encourage children to handle objects and ask questions about the customs of different countries.
The World Museum provides an enriching environment where young visitors can explore and celebrate global diversity, inspiring them to connect with cultures in a fun and meaningful way.
Cover photo credit: nemosciencemuseum.nl
