Nautical history for families

Visiting the National Maritime Museum with kids

Practical tips for exploring nautical history with your family in Amsterdam

The National Maritime Museum offers an engaging look into the evolution of Dutch seafaring, navigation, and historic shipbuilding. If you are planning a visit with your children, we recommend checking the latest visitor policies and family-specific guidance via official sources before you head out.

Explore family activities Open museum guide

3 family activities

Family visits to the National Maritime Museum

The National Maritime Museum provides an interactive experience for families, featuring a docked ship to climb and exhibitions tailored to different age groups.

The National Maritime Museum in Amsterdam offers an engaging environment for families, featuring interactive displays and educational exhibits designed for various age groups. Younger visitors can explore age-specific exhibitions and the docked East Indiaman ship, while parents and carers can discover the permanent collection together. This museum provides a balanced experience that combines historical learning with opportunities for children to discover seafaring life in an approachable way.

Recommended age: Ages 2+

Family highlights

Climb aboard the East Indiaman VOC ship to explore the hold and captain's cabin
Interactive 'Doris the Diver' exhibition specifically for young children
Dedicated junior audio tour explaining life on board ships
The 'Tale of the Whale' exhibition featuring a life-sized model

Family visit essentials

Useful expectations and practical guidance in one place

What children can see and do

Families can explore the East Indiaman ship, learn about whales, enjoy age-specific exhibitions, use a junior audio tour, and participate in school holiday activities.

Age guidance

The museum offers specific exhibitions for children aged 2 and older, as well as content designated for those 6 and up.

Practical information

Strollers are welcome throughout the museum, and baby changing facilities are located in the basement and on the first floor. Breastfeeding is permitted throughout the venue, and a dedicated room is available for pumping or private feeding.

Family Activities and Resources

3 activities and resources

The National Maritime Museum offers a variety of resources designed to help families engage with maritime history together. These include interactive exhibitions, themed audio tours for children, and creative activity sheets that encourage learning during your visit in Amsterdam. Explore the diverse tools available to support a meaningful family experience.

Interactive experience

Doris the Diver

Ages 2+

Doris the Diver is an adventurous, narrative, and interactive maritime museum experience designed for children aged 2 years and older.

Age guidance: Recommended for children aged 2 and older.

Practical information: Located near a dedicated themed family restroom on the first floor.

Open official information

Kids audio guide

Junior Audiotour

Free

Learn about the daily life of sailors, what they ate on board, and the history of whale hunting through this narrated tour.

Age guidance: Suitable for children.

Practical information: Available for use throughout the museum galleries.

Open official information

Activity sheet

Color & Activity Sheet: Sea Monsters

Free

An activity sheet where children can use their imagination to complete drawings of sea monsters.

Practical information: Available for free in the museum café during opening hours.

Explore National Maritime Museum with Amsterdam

Guides, visitor info, and museum details in Amsterdam

Find everything about National Maritime Museum in one place, including tickets, opening hours, current exhibitions, location details, visitor tips, nearby attractions, and the latest museum updates. Use these pages to plan your visit, discover what to see, and get practical information before you go.

Amsterdam

Explore Amsterdam Museums: Your Comprehensive Guide to City's Cultural Gems

Uncover art, history, and unique collections across the dynamic city.

Find information about diverse cultural institutions and historical sites within Amsterdam. Plan your exploration of different exhibitions and permanent collections to experience the city's heritage.

Explore Museums

Discover nearby museums similar to National Maritime Museum in Amsterdam and plan your next cultural stop with confidence.

These recommendations prioritize real proximity to National Maritime Museum and help you find high-fit alternatives faster across Amsterdam.

Use this curated list to compare museums near National Maritime Museum without opening multiple search pages. Each card gives you fast visual context and direct access to key details so you can decide quickly. If you are building a full day in Amsterdam, this section helps you chain nearby visits with less planning effort.

Amsterdam Centre for Architecture (ARCAM) Overview

Get a comprehensive introduction to ARCAM, its mission, and what you can experience regarding Amsterdam's architecture and urban planning.

Museum

Amsterdam Centre for Architecture (ARCAM) Overview

Vereniging Museumhaven Overview

Get a concise overview of Vereniging Museumhaven, its historic ships, and Amsterdam's maritime past before you visit.

Attraction

NEMO Science Museum Overview

Get a comprehensive overview of NEMO Science Museum, its interactive exhibits, and what to expect on your visit to this unique Amsterdam attraction.

Experience

Dutch Resistance Museum Amsterdam Overview

Get a concise introduction to the Dutch Resistance Museum, exploring its focus on personal stories and daily choices made during WWII in the Netherlands.

Museum

Museum 't Kromhout Overview

Get a full introduction to Museum 't Kromhout, exploring its industrial legacy and what to expect from your visit. Plan your experience at this unique Amsterdam heritage site.

Museum