Museon

If you are in the Netherlands and in desperate need of something to do for your kids because out of sheer boredom they are driving you crazy, you should take them to the Museon!

The Museon (a combination of museum and education) is kids' paradise. The collection is best described as scientific. However dull that sounds, your kids will love it. This is no ordinary museum, oh no, this is a hands-on, see, hear, touch, smell, feel museum explaining all about the origin of the earth, its development and its cultures.

The main subjects in the Museon are: justice & peace / Romans behind the dunes / highland-lowland / ancient Egypt / volcanoes & earthquakes / prehistory in the Netherlands / Netherlands: land of water / citizens in occupied territory / tropical forest / child in war / water & fire / Indonesia / at home in a different country / America

Besides above mentioned permanent exhibitions, there are also several temporary themes on display. Every visitor receives a ticket (a passport) that gives access to digital information at Museon and that also opens up interactive applications. Once back home, this passport allows your kids to travel the digital highway to Museon to check the results of their visit and to find out more about those subjects that interested them.

Designed with kids in mind, the Museon was built in smooth unfinished concrete to withstand and climbing or grabbing little hands. It has an open floor plan with plenty of daylight. Kids are allowed to freely run and roam the different exhibition rooms and touch the objects, push buttons, listen to different sounds, watch videos and best of all; get physically involved in interactive (and educational) computer games. The open floor plan ensures you’ll be able to keep an eye on your kids, even when you are on the opposite side of the museum.

There is only one downside to this type of structure; it echoes noise quite well. So, if you are trying to escape the busy city and thinking about spending a few quiet hours in a museum, this is not the place to go. If on the other hand, you are a 'veteran' mum or dad and you're hoping to wear your kids down (I'm sorry; provide them with the opportunity to learn while they play), Museon definitely is the place to be.