Explore Playlab and visit the National Science and Technology Museum

Key Points

• Playlab offers a dedicated space for children aged 3 to 6 to engage with art and science through interactive activities.
• The experience lasts 75 minutes, including travel and setup, providing a structured, yet playful, way for young kids to explore.
• Four themed areas encourage creativity, storytelling, and hands-on discovery with artistic installations and natural objects.
• Access requires an adult to accompany each child, with the activity including a ticket for one adult and one child.
• Not suitable for children under 3 or over 6; shoes must be removed before entering Playlab, and food is not permitted inside.
• Wheelchair accessibility and mobility accommodations are available, with designated strollers and shoes management.

You can check availability for your dates here:

Exploring Playlab at the Milan Science & Technology Museum

The Playlab at the National Science and Technology Museum in Lombardy provides an innovative space where children aged 3 to 6 can play, invent, and tell stories. This area transforms the typical museum visit into a lively, imaginative experience tailored for young minds. With a duration of 75 minutes, including travel and preparation, this activity balances engaging activities with manageable timing for families.

Designed to foster collaboration between kids and grown-ups, Playlab features four distinct zones. These spaces are filled with art installations, unstructured building materials, and natural exploration objects, encouraging kids to explore shapes, sounds, and materials while their guardians participate and observe.

The Four Playlab Zones for Creative Exploration

Each of the four distinct zones within Playlab offers a unique theme to spark children’s creativity and curiosity. The zones are carefully crafted to blend art and science, ensuring that children can build worlds, experiment with light and shadows, and discover objects from the Museum’s collections. The interactive activities include art installations and experiments with natural materials, making each visit a different adventure.

Kids are encouraged to use their imagination and storytelling skills to interpret the objects and activities, making the experience both educational and fun. The zones promote unstructured play, such as building with loose materials and exploring sensory aspects like sounds and textures.

How the Staff Guides the Play Experience

The Museum staff play a vital role in facilitating the activities and encouraging children’s curiosity. They help kids explore shapes, materials, and sounds of nature, and guide storytelling efforts that connect artefacts from the Museum’s collection with children’s ideas. Their presence ensures a safe, engaging environment where children feel supported to experiment and express.

Staff-led activities include exploring light and shadow effects, which blend analog and digital worlds, adding a modern twist to hands-on discovery. Their expertise makes each session lively and informative without overwhelming the young participants.

Practical Details for Visiting Playlab

To participate, families need to exchange their voucher at the Museum Ticket Office. The meeting point for the activity is located in the second cloister, and the activity is limited to small groups of up to 5 children, ensuring personalized attention.

Participants must leave shoes in designated areas and wear non-slip socks for safety. The experience is wheelchair accessible, accommodating visitors with reduced mobility, and strollers can be left at the designated area before entering.

Food and drinks are not permitted, and large luggage or pets (except assistance dogs) must stay outside the Playlab zone. The activity provides a flexible booking option with free cancellation up to 24 hours before the start, and the ability to reserve now and pay later.

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What Children and Adults Can Expect During the 75 Minutes

Once inside the Playlab, children and accompanying adults can expect a structured yet playful environment. The activities are designed to be interactive and collaborative, with many opportunities for storytelling, building, and exploring. The shapes, sounds, and natural objects introduced help children develop sensory awareness and fine motor skills.

The duration of 75 minutes allows enough time to engage with all four zones, participate in various activities, and enjoy the Museum’s broader exhibits afterward if desired. The experience aims to combine learning with fun in a way that feels natural for young children.

The Broader Milan Museum Experience

While the Playlab is a focused activity, it is part of the larger Leonardo da Vinci National Science and Technology Museum. Visitors can explore Italy’s biggest science and technology collections, featuring models of trains, ships, and planes. The Museum itself is a top destination for science enthusiasts, and Playlab offers a kid-friendly introduction to its collections.

A visit to Playlab complements the Museum’s exhibits, providing an engaging prelude or break for young children who might find the larger collections overwhelming. It’s a great way for families to introduce children to scientific ideas through playful exploration.

Accessibility and Practical Tips for Families

The Museum and Playlab are accessible for children with reduced mobility. Families should note that shoes must be removed before entering Playlab, and non-slip socks are recommended—these can be worn over regular socks. Large luggage and strollers should be left in designated areas prior to participation.

No food or drinks are allowed inside, so plan to have snacks outside or after the activity. The meeting point in the second cloister is straightforward, and the small group size ensures a more personalized experience.

Children under 3 or over 6 are not eligible for the Playlab session, making it ideal for early childhood exploration. The activity is designed with safety and fun in mind, with guidance from trained staff to ensure an enriching experience.

The Value of This Play and Science Experience

At €33 for one adult and one child, the ticket offers access to a unique, educational environment that promotes imagination and discovery. The 75-minute duration makes it a manageable activity, especially when combined with a visit to the Museum’s other exhibits.

The small group size ensures that each child receives attention, and the variety of activities keeps children engaged without feeling rushed. The flexible booking options and free cancellation policy add convenience for families planning their trips.

Who Will Enjoy This Experience Most?

This activity is best suited for families with children aged 3 to 6 who enjoy hands-on play, storytelling, and exploration. Kids who are curious about art, science, and nature will particularly benefit from the interactive zones.

Parents and guardians who enjoy participating in their children’s activities will find the guided role of staff helpful and engaging. The activity’s design makes it ideal for families looking for a short, fun, educational outing that complements a broader Museum visit.

Final Thoughts on the Milan Playlab and Science Museum Visit

The Playlab at the Leonardo da Vinci National Science and Technology Museum offers an engaging way for young children to connect with art and science through playful, hands-on activities. The four zones foster creativity, storytelling, and sensory exploration in a safe environment, supervised by knowledgeable staff.

While the 75-minute duration is well-paced, the activity is primarily aimed at children aged 3 to 6. The requirement to leave shoes and strollers outside might be inconvenient, but it ensures a clean and safe space for children’s activities. The small group size and accessible facilities make it a suitable choice for many families.

This experience provides a valuable introduction to scientific concepts wrapped in fun and imagination, making it a worthwhile addition to a family trip to Milan’s Museum of Science and Technology.

Frequently Asked Questions

How do I reserve my spot for the Playlab experience?
You can reserve your place by booking in advance, with options to pay later and cancel free up to 24 hours before the activity.

What do I need to do on the day of the visit?
Bring your voucher to the Museum Ticket Office to exchange for an entrance ticket. The meeting point for the activity is in the second cloister.

Can I bring a stroller or large bag into Playlab?
Large luggage and strollers should be left in designated areas outside the activity space. Playlab is accessible for wheelchairs, and mobility aids are permitted.

Is the activity suitable for children with special needs?
Yes, the space is accessible for children with reduced mobility. Staff are available to assist and ensure inclusive participation.

Are food and drinks allowed during Playlab?
No, food and drinks are not permitted inside the Playlab area. Plan for snacks or meals outside the Museum.

How long is the activity, and what is included?
The entire experience lasts 75 minutes, covering the guided activities and exploration zones. The ticket includes access for one adult and one child.

You can check availability for your dates here: More Great Tours Nearby