Right outside Omniversum is an elongated 10-foot-tall statue of Nelson Mandela, a photo opportunity for parents and kids alike. Almost next door is Museon (Stadhouderslaan 37; www.museon.nl; tel. 070/338-1338), The Hague’s hyper-interactive museum of science and nature. Aiming to be both educational and fun, it’s a very hands-on affair, with plenty of buttons to press, smells to sniff, and movies. While not enormous, there’s enough to distract curious youngsters for a couple of hours. Then for a change of pace, head to the top of Hague Tower for afternoon tea in The Penthouse and far-reaching views across the city (next to HS station at Rijkswijkseplein 786; www.thehaguetower.com; tel. 070/305-1000). The Hague’s tallest skyscraper reaches an impressive 132m (433 ft.) and is regarded as the city’s answer to New York City’s Flatiron Building.
But The Hague’s biggest attraction for youngsters lies a short ride on tram 9 away from the city center towards Scheveningen. Here you’ll find Madurodam (George Maduroplein 1, at Koninginnegracht; www.madurodam.nl; tel. 070/416-2400), an enchanting display of a miniature, fictitious city that sprawls over 170 hectares (70 acres) in the Scheveningse Bosjes (Scheveningen Woods). Typical Dutch townscapes and famous landmarks are replicated on a scale of 1:25 -- you'll feel a bit like Gulliver viewing Lilliput. The wonder of it all is that this is a working miniature world: Trains run, ships move, planes taxi down runways, bells ring, there's a town fair in progress, and 50,000 tiny lamps light up when darkness falls. Children love it, but surprisingly 75% of the annual visitors are adults.
Note: This information was accurate when it was published, but can change without notice. Please be sure to confirm all rates and details directly with the companies in question before planning your trip.
