GemmaItaly is famous for art, history, and food, but it’s also a treasure trove of museums that make learning exciting for kids. If you’re planning a family trip, finding experiences that are both fun and educational can be tricky. But Italy has it all—from interactive science exhibits to hands-on history workshops.
In this post, I’ll take you through 15 educational museums in Italy for kids that are truly worth exploring. These are not your typical “look, but don’t touch” museums. Many of them invite kids to play, experiment, and truly engage with what they’re learning. From my own personal experience, these museums can turn a rainy day into a mini adventure your kids won’t forget.
1. Museo Nazionale della Scienza e della Tecnologia Leonardo da Vinci – Milan
If you want your kids to explore the world of science and engineering, Milan’s Leonardo da Vinci Museum is a must. This isn’t just about old machines; it’s about discovery. The museum features full-scale models of Leonardo’s inventions, interactive physics exhibits, and workshops where kids can build simple machines.
One of the coolest things? The submarine and the aircraft models—your child can practically imagine themselves as a tiny engineer inventing the next big thing. And don’t worry if your kids are younger; there are areas designed for hands-on play and learning.
2. Explora Children’s Museum – Rome
Explora is Rome’s hub for curious young minds. Designed specifically for children aged 1–12, the museum focuses on science, society, and creativity. Kids can learn about sustainability, the human body, and even try their hand at running a mini city.
It’s interactive, it’s playful, and from my own personal experience, it keeps even the youngest visitors fully engaged for hours. Plus, it’s just a stone’s throw from the city’s major attractions, so it’s easy to plan around sightseeing.
3. MUBA – Museo dei Bambini Milano
MUBA is the Children’s Museum of Milan, and it’s a goldmine for interactive learning. The museum hosts rotating exhibitions and workshops tailored to kids. Whether it’s arts and crafts, storytelling, or mini science experiments, your children can touch, play, and learn.
What I loved most is that MUBA encourages creativity. Kids can build, draw, or even conduct little experiments with guidance. It’s playful, educational, and a perfect break from the usual city tours.
4. Museo Galileo – Florence
For kids with a curiosity about space, physics, or astronomy, Florence’s Museo Galileo is perfect. This museum is home to scientific instruments from the Renaissance, including telescopes, astrolabes, and globes.
But don’t let the historical aspect fool you. There are workshops and interactive displays that explain scientific principles in a way kids can grasp. Watching your child connect the dots between history and modern science is truly rewarding.
5. Museo Archeologico Nazionale – Naples
If your kids love history and archaeology, Naples’ National Archaeological Museum is a must-see. It has one of the largest collections of Roman artifacts in the world, including mosaics, sculptures, and everyday objects from ancient times.
From my own personal experience, kids are fascinated by the stories behind the artifacts. Many museums now offer family-friendly tours and activity sheets, so children can play detective as they explore ancient civilizations.
6. Civico Museo di Zoologia – Rome
Rome’s Natural History Museum of Zoology combines education and awe. With life-size animal exhibits, skeletons, and dioramas of different ecosystems, kids can learn about biodiversity up close.
The interactive sections allow kids to compare bones, learn about animal behavior, and even understand conservation efforts. It’s a great way to spark curiosity about nature while exploring a city famous for its ancient history.
7. Museo Civico di Storia Naturale – Milan
Milan is serious about its science museums. The Natural History Museum offers exhibitions ranging from dinosaurs to minerals, giving kids a full spectrum of natural science.
One of the highlights is the dinosaur section, where kids can walk among life-size skeletons. It’s both thrilling and educational. Workshops often complement the exhibits, allowing hands-on learning about fossils, ecosystems, and geology.
8. Museo di Storia Naturale – Florence
Florence’s Natural History Museum is another gem, especially for younger children. It focuses on paleontology, zoology, and anthropology. Kids can see skeletons of prehistoric animals, fossils, and even models of extinct creatures.
What’s delightful is how the museum balances scientific rigor with kid-friendly explanations. Children leave not just entertained, but genuinely curious about the natural world.
9. Museo del Giocattolo – Florence
For a different type of learning, the Toy Museum in Florence shows how play has evolved over centuries. Kids can see historical toys, learn about the materials and craftsmanship, and even play with some replicas.
It’s fascinating to see the contrast between antique toys and modern ones, and it’s an engaging way to teach history, creativity, and design.
10. Museo dei Bambini – Venice
Venice may be known for gondolas and canals, but it also hosts an excellent Children’s Museum. Here, kids can explore art, science, and the environment through interactive exhibitions.
Hands-on activities include simple experiments, building projects, and art workshops. From my own personal experience, this museum is perfect for mixing culture with play—your kids learn without even realizing it.
11. Museo Nazionale Romano – Palazzo Massimo alle Terme, Rome
Rome’s National Roman Museum offers a kid-friendly approach to classical history. With ancient coins, frescoes, and sculptures, the museum often organizes educational workshops that bring Roman history to life.
Kids can dress up as Romans, learn about gladiators, and even engage in treasure hunts that teach them about the past in a playful, immersive way.
12. Museo della Scienza e della Tecnologia – Venice
Venice isn’t just about canals—it also has science and technology hubs suitable for children. The exhibitions combine interactive elements and demonstrations that teach engineering, physics, and environmental science.
Hands-on activities allow children to experiment with water flow, magnetism, and renewable energy. This is ideal for inquisitive minds that love problem-solving and exploration.
13. Museo Civico di Zoologia – Turin
Turin’s Zoology Museum is less known but incredibly rich. It houses thousands of specimens from mammals, birds, reptiles, and insects. The museum also focuses on environmental awareness, helping children understand biodiversity and conservation.
What stands out is the interactive approach. Kids can participate in workshops to identify species or reconstruct skeletons. This makes learning tactile, memorable, and fun.
14. Museo del Balì – Saltara, Marche
For a hands-on science experience outside major cities, the Balì Science Museum in Marche is perfect. It’s full of interactive exhibits, experiments, and games focused on physics, chemistry, and astronomy.
From my own personal experience, the energy here is contagious. Kids actively participate, learn scientific principles without realizing it, and leave with excitement for STEM subjects.
15. Museo Leonardo da Vinci – Florence
Finally, if your children love inventions and creativity, Florence’s Leonardo da Vinci Museum is a must. It features working models of Leonardo’s machines and allows children to test the mechanisms themselves.
This museum is perfect for encouraging critical thinking and innovation. Kids can experiment, tinker, and discover the genius of Leonardo in a playful, hands-on environment.
Tips for Visiting Museums in Italy with Kids
- Plan Ahead – Check opening hours, ticket requirements, and workshops. Many museums have family discounts or combined tickets.
- Interactive Experiences – Choose museums with hands-on exhibits. Kids learn best when they can touch, build, or experiment.
- Age Matters – Some museums cater better to certain age ranges. Make sure the exhibits are suitable for your child’s age.
- Take Breaks – Museums can be overwhelming. Include snack breaks and outdoor activities to keep energy levels up.
- Engage Your Kids – Ask questions, encourage observations, and let them lead the exploration. From my own personal experience, children remember museums more vividly when they’re actively involved.
Italy’s museums aren’t just about looking—they’re about doing, exploring, and learning in a fun way. From science labs to history workshops, there’s something for every child. Whether you’re in Milan, Rome, Florence, Venice, or Turin, these museums can make your family trip unforgettable. So pack your curiosity and get ready to discover the educational treasures Italy has to offer.
I’m Gemma, a passionate lifestyle blogger sharing my creative world with you. Gemitaliano.com is my little corner of the internet, glad you’re here.