Visiting NEMO Science Museum with Kids (2026)

When people think about Amsterdam, they usually imagine canals, bicycles and historic houses. Families often visit the Anne Frank House or take a canal cruise, but there is another attraction that deserves a place on every itinerary. In our opinion, NEMO Science Museum with Kids is one of the best family activities in the entire Netherlands.

The biggest difference with most museums is simple: children are encouraged to touch everything. They can build, test, push buttons and carry out experiments instead of quietly looking at objects behind glass.

That makes the museum feel more like a giant indoor playground than a traditional museum. At the same time, children are constantly learning about science, technology and everyday life without feeling like they are in school.

We also like that parents often become just as enthusiastic. It is one of those rare places where the whole family ends up playing together.

There is one downside though. NEMO is extremely popular, especially when it rains. During school holidays and weekends it can become crowded. If you can, visit on a weekday morning. The experience is much more relaxed.

What Is NEMO Science Museum?

NEMO Science Museum is the largest science museum in the Netherlands and one of Amsterdam’s most popular family attractions. The museum is housed in a striking green building that resembles the bow of a giant ship rising from the water.

Inside, visitors discover several floors filled with interactive exhibitions about science and technology. The museum explains everyday topics such as electricity, chemistry, energy and the human body in a playful way.

Unlike many museums, almost every exhibition invites visitors to participate. Children can perform experiments, solve puzzles and build their own constructions. That hands-on approach makes learning fun.

The museum changes temporary exhibitions throughout the year, so returning visitors often discover something new.

Even children who normally dislike museums often enjoy spending hours here. That alone says a lot about the atmosphere inside.

What Can You Do at NEMO Science Museum?

One of the reasons we enjoy NEMO so much is that every floor offers something different. Instead of following a fixed route, families can simply wander around and discover whatever catches their attention.

Children can build bridges, create chain reactions and experiment with magnets or electricity. Other exhibits explain how the human body works or why everyday objects behave the way they do. Everything is interactive, so children stay involved from the moment they enter.

There are also live demonstrations during the day. These often include exciting chemistry experiments that attract large crowds of children and parents. Even if you are not particularly interested in science, it is difficult not to get caught up in the excitement.

Our advice would be simple: let your children decide where to go. They often spend much longer at one experiment than adults expect, and that is exactly how the museum is meant to be experienced.

Is NEMO Suitable for All Ages?

We think NEMO is one of the few attractions that works for almost every age group, although some children will get more out of it than others.

Children between 6 and 12 years old will probably have the best experience. They understand many of the experiments and enjoy figuring out how things work. Many parents say this becomes one of the highlights of their holiday in Amsterdam.

Teenagers who enjoy science, technology or engineering will also find plenty to do. Some experiments are surprisingly advanced and encourage them to think and solve problems.

Toddlers and preschoolers can certainly enjoy the museum as well. They love pushing buttons, building towers and playing with water installations. However, much of the scientific explanation is aimed at older children.

If you are visiting with very young children, expect the day to be more about playing than learning. Fortunately, there is nothing wrong with that.

Visiting NEMO with Toddlers

Many parents wonder whether NEMO is worth visiting with a two or three-year-old. We would say yes, but with realistic expectations.

The museum is spacious and colourful, and there are plenty of interactive objects that toddlers can enjoy. They will happily press buttons, spin wheels and watch moving machines.

At the same time, they are unlikely to understand the educational side of the museum. They simply enjoy the sensory experience.

For that reason, we think families with toddlers should combine NEMO with another relaxing activity in Amsterdam rather than planning a full day inside the museum.

If your children are slightly older, around five or six years old, the experience becomes much more rewarding.

Tickets and Costs

NEMO is one of the more expensive family attractions in Amsterdam, but we genuinely think it offers good value for money.

Most visitors spend at least three or four hours exploring the museum, and many families stay even longer. There are hundreds of interactive exhibits spread across several floors, so there is always something new to discover.

Children under four can enter for free, while visitors aged four and older generally pay the same admission price. In 2026 the ticket price starts at €22,-. Buying tickets online in advance is highly recommended, especially during weekends and school holidays when the museum regularly sells out.

Although the entrance fee may seem expensive at first, we think the combination of entertainment and education makes it one of the best family attractions in Amsterdam.

Food and Drinks at NEMO

A visit to NEMO can easily take half a day or even longer, so sooner or later most families start thinking about food. Fortunately, the museum has several places where you can grab something to eat or drink during your visit.

The menu is simple but family friendly. You will find sandwiches, salads, snacks and hot meals, together with coffee, soft drinks and children’s options. It is not the cheapest lunch in Amsterdam, but the quality is good and the atmosphere is relaxed.

On busy days it can be difficult to find a table around lunchtime. If possible, try eating a little earlier or later than everyone else. That small adjustment can save a lot of waiting time.

If the weather is nice, the rooftop terrace is one of the nicest places in the museum to sit down for a break.

Can You Bring Your Own Lunch?

One thing we really appreciate about NEMO is that families are allowed to bring their own lunch. That is not something you see at every attraction in Amsterdam.

There are designated picnic areas where visitors can enjoy sandwiches, fruit or snacks they brought from home. This is especially useful for families with young children or for anyone trying to keep travel costs under control.

We actually think this is one of the reasons NEMO is such a family-friendly attraction. Spending a day in Amsterdam can become expensive very quickly, so being able to bring your own food makes a noticeable difference.

Of course, if you prefer, you can always combine your visit with lunch in the city centre afterwards.

How Long Do You Need?

Many visitors underestimate how much there is to do inside NEMO. They expect to spend two hours here and end up staying almost the entire afternoon.

We recommend planning at least four hours for your visit. That gives enough time to explore the exhibitions, watch a live demonstration and enjoy a break without rushing through the museum.

Children often become completely absorbed by the interactive exhibits. They may spend twenty minutes building something or repeating the same experiment over and over again. That is part of the fun.

If your children enjoy science or technology, it would not surprise us if they wanted to stay until closing time.

How Do You Get to NEMO Science Museum?

NEMO is located just east of Amsterdam Central Station and is surprisingly easy to reach.

From the station, it is around a ten to fifteen minute walk. The route is straightforward and suitable for families with strollers. Along the way you will pass the harbour area and several modern buildings before arriving at the museum.

If you are staying elsewhere in Amsterdam, public transport is usually the easiest choice. Driving into the city centre is possible, but parking is expensive and traffic can be slow.

For most visitors, combining NEMO with a day exploring Amsterdam works perfectly. After your visit, you can continue to the canals, a playground or a canal cruise within a short distance.

When Is the Best Time to Visit?

NEMO is open throughout the year, making it an excellent attraction regardless of the weather. In fact, rainy days are exactly when many families decide to visit.

That does mean the museum can become extremely busy during weekends, school holidays and wet summer days. If you want the best experience, arrive shortly after opening time on a weekday.

The museum feels calmer in the morning and children have more space to try the interactive exhibits without waiting.

We would also avoid Dutch public holidays if possible. Although NEMO remains enjoyable, the crowds can make the experience feel less relaxed.

Final Thoughts

We think NEMO Science Museum is one of the best family attractions in Amsterdam and perhaps even one of the best museums in the Netherlands for children.

It manages to combine education and entertainment in a way that feels natural. Children are learning all day, but they rarely realise it because they are too busy experimenting and playing.

While toddlers may not understand every concept, school-aged children will get an enormous amount out of the experience. Teenagers who enjoy science often love it as well.

If you are visiting Amsterdam with kids and the weather is not ideal, we would place NEMO near the top of your list. It is fun, interactive and genuinely different from almost every other museum in Europe.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)