Celebrate the summer holidays at the Mauritshuis! This summer there is plenty for children to experience at the Mauritshuis. Will you go on a scavenger hunt, take a children’s audio tour, or join a workshop? There are lots of activities in both English and Dutch. Turn your museum visit into a fun-filled day out packed with activities.
Workshops
Step into the Open Art Workshop and let your creativity run wild! Or join a workshop where you can paint a holiday snapshot, create your own Girl with a Pearl Earring, or hunt for all the tiny creatures hidden in paintings. Learn how to draw at the Mauritshuis Drawing Studio or uncover the secret of the Girl... And more good news: there’s even a special workshop just for toddlers this summer. So don’t wait too long, book your spot! See you soon?
Vakantiepas
Do you have a 'Vakantiepas' (a special booklet with discounts you get at Dutch primary schools)? If so, one parent or carer will receive a discount on the admission ticket upon presentation of the 'Vakantiepas'. Take a look at the current holiday programme below (workshops cost extra). Every Wednesday and Sunday from 1.15 pm untill 4.15 pm, you can join in a iron bead workshop at the Open Art Workshop for free. Come along and join in the fun – create your own colourful masterpiece!
Please note: after a workshop, you’ll still need a separate entrance ticket if you want to explore the museum. Everyone under 18 can visit the museum for free.
Maurits Mouse looks for flowers and little creatures (4-6 yrs)
Join Maurits Mouse on an adventure! Together with him, you’ll explore the museum in search of paintings full of colourful flowers and tiny little creatures. Sometimes you’ll need to look closely to spot them, as they hide among the leaves or sneakily crawl underneath things. Which animals and flowers can you find?
Afterwards, you’ll get to work in the Art Workshop. Together with a museum educator, you’ll create your own floral still life. Fold, cut, stick and draw your way to a cheerful artwork to take home.
Time: 10:30 – 11:45
Dates: Sundays 19 July, 26 July and 2 August
Language: English
Age: 4–7 years
Price: €8.50 (with your Ooievaarspas you get 50% off) Both children and adults need their own ticket.
Please note: after the workshop, you will still need a separate admission ticket if you wish to visit the museum.
Don’t forget to bring your own bag to take your artwork home safely.
Maurits Mouse and the Girl with a Pearl Earring (4-6 yrs)
Girl with a Pearl Earring by Vermeer is going on holiday… to Japan! Will you come and say goodbye together with Maurits Mouse? During this cheerful workshop, you’ll discover more about this famous painting in the museum and, together with Maurits Mouse, you’ll say goodbye to the Girl.
Afterwards, you’ll get creative in the Art Studio and make your own version of Girl with a Pearl Earring. That way, you won’t have to miss her at all!
Time: 10:30 – 11:45
Dates: 9, 16 and 23 August 2026
Age: 4-7 years
Language: English
Price: €8.50 (with your Ooievaarspas you get 50% off) Both children and adults need their own ticket.
Please note: after the workshop, you will still need a separate admission ticket if you wish to visit the museum.
Don’t forget to bring your own bag to take your artwork home safely.
Open Art Workshop (0–99)
During the summer holidays, you can get creative in the Open Art Workshop. Everyone is welcome, from 0 to 99 years old! Pick up some iron beads and make your own keychain, coaster, or magnet, inspired by a work of art from the Mauritshuis. That way, you’ll take a little piece of the museum home with you!
Just drop in, no reservation needed.
Time: 13:15 – 16:15
Dates: 22, 26, 29 July and 2, 9, 12, 16, 19 and 23 August
Language: Dutch and English
Age: Everyone is welcome
Price: Free
Please note: there are a maximum of 15 spots available. If all spots are taken, we kindly ask you to wait a moment. there is usually space again later.
If you want to visit the museum after the Open Art Workshop, please pick up a ticket at the service desk. Entrance for children up to 18 years is free.
Mauritshuis Drawing Studio (7-12 yrs)
At the Mauritshuis Drawing Studio, you'll learn to look and draw like a real artist! First, we'll explore the paintings by famous artists such as Rembrandt and Vermeer. How do you make an object look round or soft? And how do you draw your favourite animal?
Then it's your turn! Using pencil and paper, you'll create your own drawing. You don't need to be an experienced artist, everyone is welcome!
Time: 1.00 pm – 2.00 pm
Dates: 20 and 27 July, 3, 10 and 17 August
Price: €8.50 (with Ooievaarspas discount you pay 50%)
Age: 7–12 years
Language: English
On 20 July, 3 August and 17 August, the theme is Still Lifes.
On 27 July and 10 August, the theme is Animals.
Regular Activities
Set off on your own adventure and discover the most beautiful, exciting and funniest paintings in the museum with the free audio tours in our Mauritshuis app.
For families: Animals in the Mauritshuis Audio Tour.
Will you join us to find all the animals in the Mauritshuis? Download our free app and choose the theme tour 'Animals in the Mauritshuis'. Forest ranger Tim, Auke Florian from museum Naturalis and staff from Blijdorp Zoo will take you on an adventure. So bring your headphones and enjoy the tour!
Download the free Mauritshuis app from the App Store or Google Play.
Scavenger hunts through the Mauritshuis (4+ and 7+)
Go on a treasure hunt through our museum together! For children from 4 years upwards, you will go on a search for the animals in the paintings together. Get tips from forest ranger Tim, biologist Auke-Florian and, of course, Maurits Mouse!
For children aged 7 and over, you will explore, look and talk together. You may not have noticed before, but there are many children in the paintings. What are they doing? What are they talking about? Is everything you see correct?
Get free activity books from the service desk in the Foyer. Don't forget to pick up a little surprise at the service desk afterwards.
