If you’re looking to show your family some culture, here are the Mamas’ favourite child-friendly museums in Amsterdam.
Amsterdam has the highest density of museums in the world! To make the most of them, we highly recommend getting a Museumkaart for yourself to benefit from free entry to many of the museums. Children generally get in for free or at a reduced price.
Anne Frank House
A must for families with older children as the place puts everything into perspective. For children aged 10 years old and older, the museum makes available a 30-minute introduction prior to the visit (check the Family Program).
Free entry for children under 9 years old.
Houseboat Museum
If your children are curious to see what it would be like to live on a houseboat and how it all works inside and out, then the “Hendrika Maria” is a great stop, centrally located on the Prinsengracht.
Free entry for children under 5 years old.
Nemo
The Netherlands’ largest science center is synonymous with great fun for children, their parents and grandparents. A unique place in Amsterdam comprising five floors packed with scientific and technological things to do and discover. For more than 10 years, NEMO has been proving that science is captivating and fascinating. Make your own gigantic soap bubbles, make a computer talk, see how a phone works, watch the kettingreactie (chain reaction) demonstration, and push all sorts of buttons and pull even more levers to discover what action causes what reaction. Endless fun. The (free) roof terrace is a great spot to play in the water fountains and have a drink.
Free entry with the Museumkaart and for children under 4 years old.
Ons’ Liever Heer op Solder
Our Lord in the Attic is one of the oldest and most remarkable museums in Amsterdam. Behind the characteristic facade of the house by the canal lies a largely original 17th-century home and a complete hidden church. This hidden church ‘in the attic’ was built during the Reformation, when Catholics were forbidden to hold public services. They offer a family discovery tour using ladybug Kapoentje and children get to find out what an organ is, why 17th century beds in Amsterdam were so small and who Maria was. More suitable for children aged 5 and up.
Free entry with the Museumkaart and for children under 4 years old.
Rijksmuseum
This museum is a little more formal, but still worth visiting to see the Dutch masters and Rembrandt’s famous Night Watch. There are special activities focusing on children such as a family guided tour, a group game to unveil eight fascinating Rijksmuseum mysteries and drawing postcards in the Picnic Room.
Free entry with the Museumkaart and for visitors under 18 years old!
Scheepvaartmuseum
The Scheepvaartmuseum (National Maritime Museum) is great for children as everything is behind glass and you can also explore on the VOC ship outside. There are usually also special exhibitions for families and children.
Free entry with the Museumkaart and for children under 4 years old.
Tropenmuseum
The Tropenmuseum, one of Europe’s leading ethnographic museums, has many interactive exhibits with objects from all over the world and the most beautiful stories. There are creative activities organized for children from the age of 1! Check the children’s section of the website for an overview of the activities per age group.
Free entry with the Museumkaart and for children under 3 years old.
Van Gogh Museum
Holding the largest collection of Van Gogh paintings under one roof, this museum is a perfect introduction for the younger ones. For children aged 6 to 12, there is a special multimedia family guide, as well as fun assignments through activities such as the Treasure Hunt or Vincent’s Travel Case (ask about these initiatives at the Information Desk). For the same age group there are also English-spoken workshops made available upon request.
Free entry with the Museumkaart and for visitors under 18 years old!
Museumkaart tip: When walking around Museumplein area during a downpour, take advantage of the Museumkaart to skip queues and nip into the Rijksmuseum or the Van Gogh museum to use their clean toilets or to take advantage of your baby sleeping by having a coffee with pie at their cafe!
Photo credit: underdutchskies via photopin cc
Simone Davies
Simone Davies is the owner and directress of Jacaranda Montessori Playgroup. As well as being a mama of 2 children, Simone provides a Montessori environment for parents and babies and also hosts courses and workshops.
