Maritime Museum (with baby)
How Baby-Friendly is Maritime Museum?
What makes it 72% Baby-Friendly: Babies enter free, prams allowed, changing tables and breastfeeding areas exist; yet exhibits skew 4+, and open quayside water means carers must supervise closely throughout.
Positives:
- Free entry for baby: Children under 4 enter at no cost, lowering your ticket spend.
- Stroller and baggage storage: Bring prams in free, use cloakroom lockers for carriers and bags.
- Baby care facilities: Changing tables on decks 1 & 2 and breastfeeding zones in lobby.
Challenges:
- Limited baby-targeted exhibits: Most interactive zones suit ages 4+ or 8+, so baby may have less to touch.
- Carrier restrictions: Back-carriers must stay in the cloakroom and not in galleries.
- Weekend crowds: Saturdays and holidays can get busy around school-holiday events.
What is Maritime Museum?
- A museum dedicated to the maritime history of Rotterdam, housed in 19th-century port warehouses along the Leuvehaven.
- A collection of over 30 historic vessels, detailed ship models and a comprehensive archive of nautical artifacts and port maps.
- Architectural integration of century-old industrial buildings with modern exhibition halls and dockside spaces.
What is so special about Maritime Museum for with baby?
- Historic ships docked at the museum harbour you can board with a stroller
- Spacious open-plan galleries with port dioramas and scale models
- Free baby facilities: stroller access, changing tables and nursing zones
- Complimentary audio tour for adult learning while one watches the baby
Recommended visit duration: 1–2 hours
Why 1–2 hours visit duration is ideal for with baby: Enough time to see main halls, visit docked ships and allow breaks for feeding or naps.
Baby-Friendly Activities in Maritime Museum
Walk on the docked historic ships:
Explore the museum harbour and step aboard vintage vessels.
Tip: Pathways are stroller-accessible. Lifejackets are free for little ones; hold baby securely near edges.
Stroll through open-plan galleries:
See scale models and port city dioramas in spacious halls.
Tip: Use ramps near the entrance. Keep the stroller unfolded for smooth movement.
Use lobby seating for feeding and resting:
Relax in the entrance lobby’s seating area.
Tip: Breastfeed here or in the children’s zone. Changing tables on decks 1 and 2; ask staff for towels.
Enjoy the free harbour audio tour:
Listen to stories of Leuvehaven quay on your phone.
Tip: Bring your own splitter or earbuds and take turns listening while one adult watches the baby.
How to Make the Most of Your Visit to Maritime Museum
- Arrive early: Beat the crowds and find space for the stroller near exhibits.
- Plan feeding breaks: Use the picnic tables in the lobby or patio to keep baby comfortable.
Reviews of Maritime Museum
Irene H
We went to the museum because of the extra Christmas activities. We could dissemble old devices and make some Christmas decorations. We also had a lunch at the restaurant, food ok, prices a bit on the higher end. Toilets and restaurant were clean. Note that the theater is not a show, figural speaking the kids can roam around and do some interactive games and activities such as creating your own ...
Matthias Travis Meyer
I really enjoyed the museum and what it had to offer. It gave me very interesting insights into the port city of Rotterdam and I can use these insights I have gained for university. I wish the information boards were available in other languages than only Dutch or English, such as German or French because I heard a few people speaking those two languages and looking quite confused at times but oth...
Arisara Ch
Nice place for both parents & kids. Museum is interesting for adult, at the same time PLONS zone is very attractive to my kids. They spent several hours there while parents could have a cup of coffee in this place. Besides, they can enjoy small boat riding just in front of the museum.
Seokjin Ham
The museum is the oldest of its kind in the Netherlands and one of the most important maritime museums in Europe. Founded in 1874 on the initiative of Admiral Lodewijk Pincoffs, it explores navigation, shipbuilding, trade, port history, and life at sea. The museum is especially family-friendly, with many interactive exhibitions. Outside, the harbour in Leuvehaven lets visitors step aboard historic...
Jarosław (Zukashi_24)
Fantastic spot for families in Rotterdam! This isn’t your typical museum, it’s an interactive experience full of hands-on fun. The offshore platform is packed with engaging exhibits for both kids and adults, and the maritime history displays are really well done. Outside, you can even explore real historic ships. There’s also a cozy café and a gift shop with great souvenirs. Perfect mix of fun and...
When is the best time to visit Maritime Museum (Rotterdam, Netherlands)?
Visit midweek mornings in winter for quiet galleries. In summer, use the outdoor patio picnic tables for baby snacks in the shade.
Explore These Activities
Typical Budget for a Family of 3 (2 Adults + 1 Baby)
| Item | Cost (Approx.) |
|---|---|
| 2 adult tickets | EUR 35 |
| Café snacks | EUR 10 |
| Total Estimated | EUR 45 |
Note: All prices are indicative and may vary. Please check directly with the venue for the most accurate and up-to-date information.
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Map of Maritime Museum
Address: Leuvehaven 1, 3011 EA Rotterdam, Netherlands
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About Maritime Museum
Opening Hours
Hours may vary during holidays, special events, and peak seasons. Please check the official website for the most up-to-date information.
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