At the Marineterrein—the former naval shipyard in Kattenburg that has evolved in recent years into a place where technology and creativity converge—Techlab is tucked away in Building 003G. It’s across from Studio de Kat, in case you get lost. Four afternoons a week, throughout the summer break, it’s open to kids who want to make, build, or program something. No ticket, no reservation—just walk right in.
Techlab mentors are on hand to help if children get stuck or want to develop an idea further. But the initiative lies with the children themselves. There’s no teacher at the front of the class telling you what to do. Instead, there’s someone standing right beside you if you want to know how a sensor works, or why your race boat won’t move. That’s a deliberate choice: children learn best when they’re allowed to experiment on their own and discover what works and what doesn’t.
Building 003G at the Marineterrein is a workspace, not an exhibition hall. Tables full of materials, equipment you’re allowed to touch, and plenty of room to tinker. The Marineterrein as a whole has that vibe: it’s a working site, with labs and studios that already make the place interesting for adults. Techlab is now bringing that world within reach of younger visitors as well. Kattenburg isn’t the most obvious corner of the city for a day out with kids, but that’s precisely what makes the location interesting.
Children learn best when they're allowed to try things out for themselves and discover what works and what doesn't.
Techlab is open every Wednesday and Saturday from July 8 through August 15, from 1:00 p.m. to 5:00 p.m. Parents and guardians are welcome to stay nearby, but otherwise, the bar is low. Kattenburg and the Marineterrein are worth exploring, even outside of Techlab. The area has a character all its own, with views of the water and buildings that tell the story of what used to happen here.