During the Christmas holidays, there is a varied daily program for families. Join the drawing activity, take a photo in front of the green screen, or relax on the beanbags in the Cinekid pop-up cinema. There’s something for everyone to enjoy.
Children up to and including 12 years old have free admission.
Create your own thaumatrope (ages 3+)
A thaumawat? Thaumatrope means "wonder spinning." It is an early precursor to film: by spinning paper rapidly, an illusion is created. In the 19th century, it was a popular toy. The fun part is that you can make one yourself! Create your own Diver Doris thaumatrope, or let your imagination run wild and design your own image. Daily between 11:00 AM and 4:00 PM, walk-in at the Open Courtyard.
Green screen – Jump into the photo!
Take a family photo, naturally in the style of the National Maritime Museum. Where would you like to be? With Diver Doris or perhaps on a ship? Pose together in front of the green screen and transport yourself to another world! Daily from 11:00 AM to 4:00 PM, walk-in at the Open Courtyard.
Scavenger Hunt: A Museum Full of People (6+)
This museum is filled with many objects. But it’s not just about objects—it’s about people too! With this scavenger hunt, you’ll get to meet a few of them. Ready to join? You can do this hunt on your own, but it’s even more fun with someone else. Enjoy! Available daily during opening hours at the Open Courtyard.
Cinekid pop-up cinema
Settle into one of the beanbags at the one and only Cinekid pop-up cinema. Throughout the Christmas holidays, a compilation of short films will be shown. These films are accessible to non-Dutch speakers, as they contain no spoken language. Daily during opening hours, walk-in via the Open Courtyard.
Divers Doris
Diver Doris is an adventurous, maritime museum experience for families with children aged 2 and up. In this space, children can explore Het Scheepvaartmuseum, develop a love for water, and discover the maritime world in an accessible way.
The Tale of the Whale
A parent and child explore the immersive "The Tale of the Whale" exhibition at The National Maritime Museum, surrounded by striking blue lighting and life-sized maritime displays, including the whale's mouth and a wooden boat.
East Indiaman Amsterdam
Visit the replica of the East Indiaman Amsterdam: a key part of your museum visit. On board, there is much to learn about East Indiamen and the history of the VOC (Dutch East India Company). Reflect on our colonial past and share your thoughts about the future of the Amsterdam.
Junior audiotour
Do you want to know who killed Michiel de Ruyter? What kind of food was available on board an East Indiaman? And why hunting whales isn’t such a good idea? You’ll find out all about it in the junior audio tour. In the new year, the junior audio tour will be updated.
Color-and-activity sheet Sea Monsters
What extraordinary sea monsters you see here! But wait, a head is missing, and a tail is gone... Can you make these sea monsters whole again? A friendly monster or perhaps a really angry one. Use your imagination—anything is possible! The color-and-activity sheet is available for free in the café during opening hours.
The Christmas holiday programming runs from December 21 to January 5. All holiday activities are free with a valid museum ticket.
Note: The museum is closed on Christmas Day (December 25) and New Year’s Day (January 1).
