GemmaMilan is often thought of as Italy’s fashion and business capital, but from my own personal experience, it’s a surprisingly kid-friendly city filled with educational adventures that make learning fun. From science museums to historical landmarks, there’s a range of activities that will keep your children engaged, curious, and inspired. Whether your kids love history, science, art, or simply exploring new places, Milan has something that will spark their imagination.
Here’s a detailed guide to must-see spots and activities that make Milan perfect for an educational family trip.
1. Visit the Leonardo da Vinci Museum of Science and Technology
One of the top destinations for families is the Leonardo da Vinci Museum of Science and Technology. This museum is not only vast, but it also blends learning and hands-on exploration. You can find models of Leonardo da Vinci’s inventions, interactive science exhibits, and even a real submarine and historic trains.
Your kids will enjoy experimenting with physics and engineering displays, and they’ll learn about Italy’s scientific history in a way that feels like play. From my overall experience, children are drawn to the workshops where they can build mini machines or watch demonstrations—it makes complex concepts tangible and memorable.
2. Explore Milan Cathedral (Duomo di Milano)
While the Duomo might seem more like an adult-oriented attraction, kids can find it fascinating too. The intricate architecture, the towering spires, and the chance to climb to the rooftop make it an educational experience.
Walking on the rooftop, you can talk about Gothic architecture, the history of Milan, and the craftsmanship behind centuries-old structures. For a more engaging experience, you can turn it into a scavenger hunt, asking kids to find specific statues, gargoyles, or symbols in the stonework. This keeps them actively learning while exploring one of Milan’s most iconic landmarks.
3. Spend Time at Acquario Civico di Milano
The Civic Aquarium of Milan is smaller than you might expect but perfect for a focused, educational visit. Kids can learn about freshwater and saltwater ecosystems, the biology of different fish species, and environmental conservation.
From my own personal experience, the interactive touch tanks are always a hit. Children love being able to gently touch starfish or small marine creatures, connecting with marine biology in a direct and memorable way. The aquarium also offers guided educational tours that explain scientific concepts in a way that is easy for kids to understand.
4. Discover History at Sforza Castle
The Sforza Castle is not just a historical monument; it’s a treasure trove of museums that introduce children to art, history, and culture. Within its walls, you’ll find collections ranging from ancient artifacts to Renaissance art.
Kids can explore the castle grounds, enjoy the courtyard, and visit the museums inside, including the Egyptian Museum and the Museum of Musical Instruments. Walking through these spaces, you can share stories about the families, battles, and cultural shifts that shaped Milan. From my overall experience, storytelling brings history to life for children—they remember stories far better than dates and names alone.
5. Learn While Playing at MUBA – Museo dei Bambini Milano
For a more interactive and hands-on experience, MUBA is a must-visit. This children’s museum is designed entirely for kids, offering workshops, creative projects, and play-based learning activities.
Children can engage in art, science, and storytelling workshops where they get to create, experiment, and discover. It’s a place where education feels like adventure. Based on my overall experience, visiting MUBA early in the day is best, as kids can participate in multiple sessions without feeling rushed, making the learning process more immersive and enjoyable.
6. Explore Art at Pinacoteca di Brera
While traditional art museums can sometimes feel intimidating to children, the Pinacoteca di Brera offers an educational opportunity if approached creatively. Focusing on famous works of Italian art, you can organize a “color hunt” or a “story behind the painting” activity to engage kids.
Children learn about famous artists like Caravaggio or Raphael, but through stories and interactive questions rather than lectures. From my own personal experience, guiding kids to notice small details and symbols in paintings can turn a standard museum visit into a memorable learning experience.
7. Visit the Natural History Museum (Museo di Storia Naturale)
Milan’s Natural History Museum is ideal for kids who love animals, fossils, and the natural world. The museum has collections that include minerals, stuffed animals, dinosaur skeletons, and geological exhibits.
This is a great place to explain evolution, ecosystems, and Earth sciences in a tangible way. Based on my overall experience, children are especially captivated by the dinosaur exhibits, and interactive zones make learning about science both visual and engaging.
8. Walk Around Leonardo da Vinci’s Last Supper
Although viewing The Last Supper requires advance booking, it’s an unforgettable educational experience. Kids can learn about Renaissance art, symbolism in paintings, and the story behind one of the world’s most famous artworks.
To make it kid-friendly, focus on storytelling—discuss the characters, the expressions, and the historical context rather than only the artistic techniques. From my own personal experience, framing it as a story rather than a lesson helps children connect with the masterpiece emotionally and intellectually.
9. Enjoy Outdoor Learning at Parco Sempione
Parco Sempione, located behind Sforza Castle, is more than just a park—it’s a living classroom. Children can learn about plants, insects, and ecosystems while enjoying fresh air and open space.
You can turn the park into an educational playground by encouraging kids to observe bird species, identify trees, or sketch the landscape. Based on my overall experience, combining outdoor activity with learning keeps children active, curious, and focused.
10. Visit Planetario di Milano
For children interested in space, the Milan Planetarium offers an unforgettable educational experience. Through shows, interactive exhibits, and stargazing sessions, kids can explore astronomy, the solar system, and the science of the universe.
From my own personal experience, the immersive planetarium shows are particularly effective for sparking interest in science and making abstract concepts understandable. Children often leave inspired and asking more questions about planets, stars, and space exploration.
11. Take a Family-Friendly Food Tour
Milan is famous for its food, and a family-friendly food tour can be both enjoyable and educational. Children can learn about Italian culinary traditions, the history of Milanese dishes, and basic nutrition while tasting local treats like risotto alla Milanese, panettone, and fresh gelato.
Letting children participate in small cooking workshops or pasta-making classes adds a hands-on learning element. Based on my overall experience, food-based learning engages multiple senses, making it more memorable than reading about cuisine in books.
12. Explore Leonardo da Vinci’s Vineyard
Hidden near the Santa Maria delle Grazie church, Leonardo da Vinci’s vineyard is a unique educational spot. Children can learn about the history of agriculture, historical figures, and even wine production in a kid-friendly way.
From my own personal experience, explaining how people cultivated grapes centuries ago and the connection to Leonardo’s life captures children’s imagination, turning history into a tangible, visual experience.
13. Attend Educational Workshops at Civic Libraries
Milan’s public libraries often host workshops, storytelling sessions, and educational events for children. These activities range from reading clubs to science experiments and cultural storytelling sessions.
Based on my overall experience, libraries in Milan are not just about books—they’re dynamic centers for learning, creativity, and curiosity. Scheduling a library visit allows children to experience the educational resources of the city while interacting with other kids.
14. Discover Science at UniGeM – University Exhibits
The University of Milan occasionally opens exhibits and labs for children, offering science demonstrations and hands-on learning opportunities. These visits allow children to see real-world applications of scientific concepts in chemistry, physics, and biology.
From my own personal experience, seeing science in action at a university inspires children to think about future possibilities in a way that textbooks alone cannot.
15. Take Advantage of Seasonal Festivals and Exhibitions
Milan hosts various seasonal events that provide both fun and learning opportunities. Events like Milan Science Festival, art exhibitions, or educational fairs allow children to engage with new topics interactively.
Based on my overall experience, planning a trip around these events can greatly enhance the educational value of your visit. Children leave with not only memories but also curiosity sparked for future learning.
Tips for Making Milan Educational Trips Enjoyable for Kids
- Plan Ahead – Many attractions require tickets in advance, especially The Last Supper and popular museums.
- Interactive Learning – Focus on hands-on activities and storytelling to keep children engaged.
- Combine Fun and Education – Balance museum visits with outdoor activities like parks or playgrounds.
- Use Games and Challenges – Turn scavenger hunts, quizzes, and observation games into educational tools.
- Frequent Breaks – Kids retain information better when they aren’t overwhelmed, so schedule breaks and snacks.
Milan is more than fashion and business. It’s a city where children can explore, learn, and have fun all at once. From historical landmarks to interactive museums, every corner of the city offers an opportunity to spark curiosity and knowledge. Based on my overall experience, combining structured educational visits with playful exploration ensures a memorable trip for both children and adults.
Whether climbing the Duomo, experimenting at the Leonardo da Vinci Museum, or enjoying the outdoors at Parco Sempione, Milan offers a rich educational experience that children will truly love. Planning thoughtfully and embracing interactive learning turns your Milan trip into an unforgettable journey of discovery for your kids.
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.