families & children

The National Maritime Museum offers a complete day out for families with children. There are various interactive and educational exhibitions for children of all ages. In the meanwhile, parents and grandparents amuse themselves with the varying exhibitions and permanent collection.

Set sail for family fun at The National Maritime Museum!

Children up to 12 years old enjoy free admission
Climb and explore the impressive East Indiaman
Meet Doris the Diver and discover the underwater world
Learn all about whales and even step inside one in ‘Tale of the Whale’
Relax in the spacious Open Courtyard with coffee and a wide lunch selection
Special family programs every school holiday – check the agenda for the latest offerings"

Highlights

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Now on view and happening at The National Maritime Museum

Doris the Diver (2+)

Doris the Diver is an adventurous, maritime museum experience for families with children aged 2 years and older. This narrative and interactive exhibition for the youngest museum visitors can now be seen in Het Scheepvaartmuseum. Will we see you soon?

The tale of the whale (6+)

The exhibition ‘the tale of the whale’ shows how we have viewed whales through the centuries. You will learn about whaling and how it has made the whale an endangered species. Especially for children over 6 years.

Come aboard the East Indiaman

Come aboard on this beautifully renovated East Indiaman 'Amsterdam' and experience everything: hang out in the hammock, fire the cannons, lift cargo, feel like a captain in the captain's cabin, stand behind the helm and much more!

Free Junior Audiotour

Do you want to know what was eaten on board an East Indiaman? And why hunting whales isn’t such a great idea? Find out in the junior audio tour!

Color & Activity Sheet: Sea Monsters

What incredible sea monsters you see here! But wait, a head is missing, a tail is gone… Can you complete these sea monsters? Create a friendly one or a really fierce one – use your imagination, anything goes! The color & activity sheet is available for free in the café during opening hours.

Book a guided tour

Are you visiting the museum with a group? Groups can book a professional guide for a tour of the museum. Whether you visit the museum with your family, relatives, friends or colleagues, a tour is engaging and educational for all ages.

See in 1 minute what you can expect, do and experience at The National Maritime Museum/ Het Scheepvaartmuseum!

Will we see you soon?

Practical information

Buggies and strollers

Buggies and strollers are allowed inside the museum.

Back carriers

For the safety of our collection, visiting the museum with children in a back carrier is not allowed. A loan stroller is available in the museum.

Changing Facilities

At The National Maritime Museum, we have special family restrooms with enough space to change your child. You can find a family restroom in the basement and another on the first floor on the west side of the museum.

The family restroom on the first floor is located next to the Doris the Diver (2+) exhibition and is designed as a true Doris the Diver restroom!

Feeding and Pumping

You are welcome to breastfeed anywhere in the museum. Looking for a quieter place to feed or pump? Our team will be happy to guide you to our designated pumping room.