NEMO Science Museum Amsterdam

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Are you looking for a fun and educational activity to do with your family in Amsterdam? Look no further than Nemo Science Museum!

This interactive museum is the perfect family outing, with exhibits and activities designed to engage children of all ages. Here’s everything you need to know about visiting Nemo Science Museum and practical tips to plan your family visit.

Explore Science with Your Kids at Nemo Museum

Nemo Science Museum is a science and technology museum located in Amsterdam, Netherlands. It is housed in a striking green building that overlooks Amsterdam’s harbor.

The museum is dedicated to making science accessible and fun for children. Its exhibits and activities are designed to encourage curiosity and exploration and help visitors understand the science behind the world around them.

Why Nemo Science Museum is the perfect family outing

Nemo Science Museum is the perfect family outing because it offers something for everyone. Children will love the interactive exhibits that allow them to touch, play, and experiment with scientific concepts.

Adults will appreciate the museum’s educational value and the opportunity to learn alongside their children. The museum’s exhibits cover a wide range of scientific topics, from energy and electricity to sound and light.

The architect behind Nemo Science Museum, Renzo Piano

Nemo Science Museum was designed by renowned architect Renzo Piano. Piano is known for his innovative and sustainable designs, and Nemo Science Museum is no exception. The building’s unique green exterior is designed to blend in with its surroundings, while its interior spaces are filled with natural light and open spaces.

What to expect at Nemo Science Museum

Visitors to Nemo Science Museum can expect a hands-on, interactive experience. The museum’s exhibits are designed to be touched, played with, and explored. Some of the museum’s most popular exhibits include the giant soap bubble maker, the water cycle exhibit, and the electricity exhibit. The museum also has a science theater, where visitors can watch science demonstrations and experiments.

Fun activities for kids of all ages

Nemo Science Museum offers fun activities for kids of all ages. Younger children will love the rooftop water play area, where they can splash and play with water toys. Older children will enjoy the museum’s interactive exhibits, which allow them to experiment with scientific concepts and learn through play. The museum also offers workshops and classes for children and families.

Fenomena, on the first floor, is perfect for younger kids

Technium, on the second floor, offers a lot of hands-on experiences in everyday technology

Elementa is about how the cosmos works. We spent tons of time here trying to defend planet Earth!

At Humania you discover all about the humankind.

The rooftop restaurant with a stunning view

After a day of exploring, you can head up to the museum’s rooftop restaurant for a bite to eat. The restaurant offers a stunning view of Amsterdam’s skyline and harbor and serves a variety of snacks, sandwiches, and drinks.

The restaurant is also designed by Renzo Piano, as is the whole building

The view from the rooftop is unique, as NEMO is the highest city square in Amsterdam

The water play area on the rooftop

The water play area on the rooftop is one of the most popular attractions at Nemo Science Museum. This outdoor play area features fountains, water toys, and a stunning view of Amsterdam’s harbor. Children can splash and play while learning about the properties of water and the water cycle.

The rooftop square is also designed by Renzo Piano, as is the water feature – which is lots of fun for kids on warm days! The roof terrace is open freely to everyone (no need for a ticket to access it)

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Plan of The Museum

Here is the plan of the museum. There are also demonstrations and workshops in the museum

Nemo De Studio

NEMO De Studio is the same concept as Nemo but for adults. It was introduced in 2021 and it is at a different location.

Ticket prices and discounts

Ticket prices for Nemo Science Museum vary depending on age and residency. Children under 4 are free, while children aged 4-17 and adults pay EUR 17.50. The museum also offers discounts for families and groups.

Note that with the I Amsterdam City Card you have free entrance to Nemo – and many more museums and attractions, free transport, free bike rental and a canal cruise.

Practical Stuff

*Open Tuesday – Sunday 10.00-17.30 (open every day during school holidays)
*Cost: kids 4+ years old and adults EUR 17.50, 0-3 years old free entrance
*You need to reserve in advance! No tickets are sold at the entrance
*You can get tickets here (free with I Amsterdam City Card)
*Be prepared to spend 3+ hours here easily (and most probably still not see everything!)
*There is a restaurant on the rooftop, a coffee bar on the 2nd floor, and a café near the ticket inspection point
*Stroller and wheelchair friendly (except for the Energetica exhibition on the rooftop square)
*The museum does not have its own parking. This is the closest parking (400m, full address below). Keep in mind that parking is expensive in Amsterdam

How to get to Nemo Science Museum

Nemo Science Museum is located in the Oosterdok neighborhood of Amsterdam, just a short walk from Amsterdam Central Station. If you’re driving, there is a nearby parking garage. The museum is also easily accessible by public transportation, with several bus and tram stops nearby.

This is the closest parking (400m from NEMO)
Parking Garage Oosterdok
Oosterdoksstraat 150, 1011 DK Amsterdam, Netherlands

Other fun things to do in Amsterdam

If you’re visiting Amsterdam with your family, there are plenty of other fun things to do in the city. You can explore the canals on a boat tour, visit the Van Gogh Museum, or take a bike ride through Vondelpark. Amsterdam is also home to several other museums and attractions that are perfect for families, such as the Anne Frank House and the Artis Royal Zoo.

Where to Stay with Kids to Visit Nemo

In the Center of Amsterdam

If you are looking for kid-friendly options, there are plenty of hotels and resorts in Amsterdam.

€€€ art’otel amsterdam is located in the heart of Amsterdam with most attractions just a few minutes away on feet. This luxurious hotel offers an indoor pool, a gym and a sauna and the rooms are spacious for families.

€€ WestCord Fashion Hotel Amsterdam features an indoor pool, a gym and a sauna. It is located close to Vondelpark with the fun playground and it is 10 minutes from the Van Gogh Museum in Amsterdam.

Near the Beach

If staying near the beach and enjoying a relaxed holiday sounds like a good idea, here are some recommendations for families with kids. You can then make a city trip to Amsterdam

€€€ Center Parcs Zandvoort is one of the best options for families looking for a relaxing holiday. It is very close to the Zandvoort beach (the “beach of Amsterdam”), and it has an indoor tropical water park, like most Center Parcs. It also features an indoor playground, a kids’ farm, and entertainment for kids. It’s about 40 minutes from the central station of Amsterdam by train or half an hour from Park and Ride Sloterdijk. Then you get public transport to reach the center

Cabin with a Hot Tub Outside Amsterdam

€€€ The Unbound offers cabins in nature with a hot tub and sauna – the perfect way to relax! It offers free parking, and it is about half an hour by car from Amsterdam – or even better, 10 minutes to Park and Ride Sloterdijk, then you take public transport to reach the center.

Conclusion: Why Nemo Science Museum should be on your family’s itinerary

Nemo Science Museum is the perfect family outing in Amsterdam. With its hands-on exhibits and fun activities for kids of all ages, the museum offers a unique and engaging learning experience. Whether you’re a local or a tourist, a visit to Nemo Science Museum is sure to be a highlight of your trip to Amsterdam. So why not add it to your family’s itinerary today?

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