Nijntje Museum (Miffy Museum), Utrecht (must see)

The Miffy Museum (Nijntje Museum) in Utrecht is a whimsical, hands-on experience designed for young children, immersing them in the world of Miffy, the beloved character created by Dutch illustrator Dick Bruna. The museum is located in Utrecht’s museum quarter, directly across from the Centraal Museum, where visitors can learn more about Bruna’s work.

With ten interactive rooms, the Miffy Museum encourages children to explore everyday experiences in themed play spaces inspired by Miffy and her friends. From Miffy’s house-a life-sized dollhouse for toddlers-to a puppet theatre, a zoo, and even a miniature museum, each section is designed to spark creativity and engage children’s imaginations. There are no set rules-kids are free to explore at their own pace, whether it’s riding a bus with Miffy, controlling toy trains and traffic lights, or creating their masterpieces for display.

One of the most delightful sections is the Miffy house, where little visitors can bathe, cook, nap, hang laundry, and tend to the garden-all at a toddler-friendly scale. Parents can watch from outside, as the structure is designed with perspex panels to ensure a safe yet independent experience for kids.

On weekends, the museum hosts art workshops, and every Sunday at 14:00, children can enjoy a storytelling session tied to a seasonal or thematic focus.

With staggered entry times to avoid overcrowding and ample storage space for strollers and baby gear, the museum ensures a stress-free visit for families. After a fun-filled adventure, visitors can cross the street to the Centraal Museum’s café, where Miffy-shaped pancakes provide the perfect sweet ending to a playful day.