12 x visiting an interaction museum

Are you looking for a fun and educational outing with your children? The Netherlands has fantastic museums where children and adults can have hours of fun. From scientific experiments to creative workshops. A perfect combination of learning and fun. Below is an overview of 12 fun interactive museums to visit.

MergelRijk – Valkenburg

At MergelRijk you will dive into the world of marl and discover how this special type of limestone has been used for centuries for construction, art and even shelters. The unique thing about MergelRijk is that it is the only well-lit cave where you can walk around freely without depending on a group or guide. Audioguide Jan takes you through the cave at your own pace, teaching you all about the origins of the caves, marl mining and history. Along the way, you can engage in various activities yourself, including making your own souvenir from a block of marl.

Museon-Omniversum – The Hague

Science museum Museon combines interactive exhibits with spectacular IMAX movies in the Omniversum dome hall. Children can experiment with sustainability, space travel and communication, while also enjoying breathtaking films about nature, science and adventure. Suitable for children ages 4 and up.

GeoFort – Herwijnen

At the old defense fort GeoFort everything revolves around the world of maps, navigation and the earth. Here children can literally get lost in the maze of the earth, follow their own GPS route or discover how high they themselves would be if they were standing on Mount Everest. Inside and outside there is plenty to experience: interactive games, experiments, a climate game and a geowonder room full of surprises. The restaurant and playground also make GeoFort an ideal destination for a day out with the whole family. Suitable for children ages 4 and up.

Oyfo (formerly Techniek Museum HEIM) – Hengelo

Oyfo is great fun for technology enthusiasts. The museum has numerous interactive exhibits where visitors can operate machines themselves, conduct experiments and learn how technology affects our daily lives. From steam engines to modern robotics – everything is covered. Suitable for children ages 6 and up.

Media Museum Image & Sound – Hilversum

A fascinating journey through the world of media, from classic television to modern TikTok content! In the revamped Media Museum you can get involved in five interactive zones: make news like a real journalist, get lost in the world of social media, design games, or record your own video. The unique museum app ensures that each visit is personally tailored to your interests. Suitable for children ages 8 and up.

The Upsidedown – Amsterdam

A world upside down that makes for the most spectacular photos and a unique experience! In The Upsidedown you walk through more than 20 different rooms where everything is installed upside down. From an upside-down living room to an upside-down subway – each room invites creative photo sessions and playful interaction. Perfect for families who love optical illusions and want to experiment with perspective and photography together. Suitable for children ages 3 and up.

Maritime Museum – Rotterdam

The Maritime Museum, located museum on the waterfront offers enough spectacle inside for a whole day. Interactive exhibits like the ‘Offshore Experience’ let you experience what it’s like to work on an offshore platform, while ‘Splash! The Future of the Sea’ is full of games, virtual sea experiences and renewable energy activities. Regular workshops, scavenger hunts and forge demonstrations make every visit fun. Suitable for children ages 4 and up.

HomeComputerMuseum – Helmond

HomeComputerMuseum is highly recommended for technology enthusiasts and nostalgic souls! This relatively new museum has the unique feature that you get to actually use all the computers in the collection. From the first home computers to modern systems – you get to touch them, try them out and discover how the computer world has evolved. Perfect for parents who want to show their children how technology has evolved. Suitable for children ages 6 and up.

Naturalis Biodiversity Center – Leiden

The modern natural history museum Naturalis is a real experience world. Children can discover fossils, see dinosaurs up close and participate in interactive presentations. The museum houses not only the famous T-Rex Trix, but also numerous hands-on activities where visitors can get involved in nature research themselves. Suitable for all ages.

The Kröller-Müller Museum – Otterlo

Although known for its art, the Kröller-Müller Museum also has fun interactive programs for children. For example, there are various games, maps and treasure hunts and you can do Geocaching in the sculpture garden. Suitable for children ages 4 and up.

Nationaal Videogame Museum – Zoetermeer

Gamers beware! The National Video Game Museum is a paradise for anyone who loves video games, from retro arcade cabinets to the latest releases. Besides playing games, you’ll also learn how video games originated, the culture they created and how they connect technology and imagination. Both nostalgic parents and modern gaming kids will find what they are looking for. Suitable for children ages 6 and up.

Rijksmuseum Boerhaave – Leiden

If you love science, experiments ánd history, then Boerhaave is a winner. In this museum you will discover five centuries of scientific and medical innovations – from microscopy and anatomy to astronomy and physics. Boerhaave also has a scientific playground: Waterland Boerhaave, for children aged 4-12. Here they can polder, sail boats, play with water and do hands-on experiments.

An interactive museum offers children the chance to learn by doing, satisfy their curiosity and develop new skills. Plus, it’s just plain fun to go out with the whole family.

Credits photos: OpstapmetLisa and GeoFort