Exploring Rijksmuseum with Kids: Amsterdam is one of Europe’s most family-friendly destinations, and its crown jewel—the Rijksmuseum—offers an incredible opportunity for children to connect with history, art, and culture in fun and interactive ways. The museum, home to over 8,000 masterpieces, might seem overwhelming at first glance. However, with proper planning and a focus on its family-oriented programs, your visit can become a fascinating adventure for kids of all ages.
This comprehensive guide explores everything parents need to know about visiting the Rijksmuseum with kids—from interactive tours and scavenger hunts to must-see artworks and practical tips.
Whether you’re traveling with toddlers, school-age children, or teenagers, this article will help you create a family-friendly plan that strikes a balance between learning and fun.
Why Visit the Rijksmuseum with Kids?
Learning Through Play
Children learn best when they can interact, imagine, and explore. The Rijksmuseum has designed its family programs around these principles, ensuring that kids are not passive observers but active participants.
Family-Oriented Activities
From scavenger hunts and family routes to interactive workshops, the museum makes sure that every child—whether art-loving or easily distracted—finds something engaging.
Inspiring Curiosity
The building itself, resembling a castle with vast halls and towering ceilings, already excites children’s imaginations. Add to this world-famous masterpieces like Rembrandt’s The Night Watch and Vermeer’s The Milkmaid, and kids discover stories that remain with them long after their visit.
Accessibility for Families
Practical services like stroller-friendly routes, a picnic room, and free entry for children under 18 make the museum a stress-free choice for families.
Key Interactive Experiences for Kids
1. Family Route & Games
There’s also a family game booklet available at the information desk. It transforms the visit into a fun treasure hunt where kids solve riddles, match details, and spot hidden animals in paintings.
2. Pim & Pom Audio Tour
One of the most popular attractions for children is the Pim & Pom tour, featuring two curious cartoon cats. Available in both Dutch and English, this audio adventure takes kids through the museum while narrating stories in an engaging and humorous style.
3. Scavenger Hunts
Children love the challenge of spotting specific details within masterpieces. The museum regularly organizes scavenger hunts—like finding a mouse hidden in artworks or locating ships, food, and unusual objects.
4. Disney Drawing Route
During special events such as Family Month in October, Disney animators collaborate with the museum to create family-friendly activities. Kids receive drawing assignments inspired by famous artworks, making them feel like little artists themselves.
5. Hands-On Workshops
Workshops give children the chance to experiment with drawing, painting, and crafting under the guidance of educators. These sessions often tie into current exhibitions or Dutch Golden Age themes, giving children a practical sense of history.
6. Sensory-Friendly Experiences
The Rijksmuseum also offers sensory-friendly family tours. These tours are specially curated for children who benefit from smaller groups, quieter environments, and hands-on engagement.
7. Evening and Weekend Programs
Occasionally, the museum organizes evening programs for families, where children can explore art after hours. These events combine storytelling, music, and interactive games, creating unforgettable memories.
Must-See Artworks Kids Will Love
While the Rijksmuseum with Kids houses thousands of pieces, not every masterpiece will appeal to young visitors. Here are the highlights children usually find most exciting:
1. Rembrandt’s The Night Watch
Arguably the museum’s most famous artwork, this enormous painting impresses children with its size and dramatic details. Kids enjoy spotting soldiers, weapons, and hidden figures. Many scavenger hunts use The Night Watch as their starting point.
2. Vermeer’s The Milkmaid
Simple yet captivating, this painting sparks curiosity in kids. Many children notice the textures, bright colors, and even the bread on the table. Parents can use it as a chance to talk about daily life centuries ago.
3. Doll’s House of Petronella Oortman
Children love peeking inside this elaborate 17th-century dollhouse. Its tiny furniture and intricate details give kids a sense of how wealthy Dutch families lived in the past.
4. Ship Model William Rex
This giant model ship immediately captures children’s imaginations. Many spend time imagining pirate adventures, sea battles, and long voyages.
5. FK23 Bantam Plane
Located in the museum’s aviation section, this fighter plane fascinates kids interested in technology and history.
6. Still Life with Cheese
Food paintings like this one engage children because they can easily relate to the subject matter. Some scavenger hunts ask children to identify cheese, bread, and other foods in artwork.
7. Golden Cradle and Rattle
These objects intrigue younger kids who like shiny treasures and unusual artifacts. Parents can link these items to discussions about childhood centuries ago.
Rijksmuseum with Kids / Practical Tips for Families
Entry & Tickets
Children under 18 enjoy free admission.
Book tickets online in advance to skip queues.
Consider the family pass for guided tours.
Food & Breaks
The Picnic Room allows families to bring their own food—perfect for picky eaters.
The museum café provides kid-friendly options like sandwiches, fruit, and snacks.
If visiting on weekends, bringing food is highly recommended as the café can get crowded.
Facilities
Stroller-friendly routes are marked throughout the museum.
Lockers and cloakrooms are available near the entrance.
Baby changing rooms are accessible on every floor.
Best Time to Visit
Arrive early in the morning or later in the afternoon to avoid crowds.
Weekdays are generally quieter than weekends.
How to Keep Kids Engaged
Bring sketchbooks and pencils so kids can draw their favorite artworks.
Encourage children to choose one painting each and explain why they like it.
Use postcards from the gift shop as a scavenger hunt checklist.
Rijksmuseum with Kids /Planning & Timing Your Visit
The Rijksmuseum is vast, so families should avoid rushing through every hall. Instead, plan to spend two to three hours focusing on highlights.
A suggested plan could be:
1. Start with The Night Watch and the surrounding galleries.
2. Move to the family route, including the doll’s house and ship model.
3. Take a snack break in the Picnic Room.
4. Join a scavenger hunt or Pim & Pom tour.
5. End with the gardens, fountains, and open-air sculptures outside.
The museum’s gardens are free to enter and provide children with space to run and play after an indoor visit.
Real Visitor Testimonials & Tips
Wandermust Family: “Bringing a pencil and paper turned our visit into a creative experience. Our kids loved sketching what they saw.”
The Talking Suitcase: “The Picnic Room was a lifesaver. It gave us a quiet spot to recharge.”
Culture Tourist: “Don’t try to see everything—focus on a few highlights and enjoy them fully.”
These testimonials highlight the importance of preparation and family-friendly planning.
Conclusion / Rijksmuseum with Kids
Visiting the Rijksmuseum with kids can be one of the most memorable experiences of your trip to Amsterdam. Far from being a place only for art historians, the museum opens its doors to families with creative, playful, and accessible programs. From scavenger hunts and Pim & Pom tours to must-see artworks like The Night Watch and the Doll’s House, children can explore history and culture in ways that feel like a grand adventure.
With free entry for kids, family routes, practical facilities, and interactive activities, the Rijksmuseum proves that world-class art museums can also be fun, engaging, and inspiring for children. By planning ahead and focusing on highlights, your family will not only learn but also create lasting memories together.
