Explore Playlab and visit the National Museum of Science and Technology.

Exploring Milan’s Leonardo da Vinci Museum and Playlab: A Hands-On Family Experience

If you’re traveling with young children and looking for an engaging way to combine learning with play, the Leonardo da Vinci National Museum of Science and Technology offers a playful area called Playlab. Located in the heart of Milan’s Lombardy region, this experience — costing just $12 per person — provides a mix of artistic installations and scientific exploration designed specially for kids aged 3 to 6. The visit lasts about 75 minutes, including time for travel and setup, making it a manageable outing even on busy days.

What we love most about Playlab is how it turns a traditional museum visit into a creative playground. The four distinct zones encourage children to invent stories, explore shapes and sounds, and experiment with light and shadow — all under the watchful eye of friendly staff. Plus, the fact that the museum is accessible for wheelchairs and strollers makes it easy for families with varied needs to enjoy the day.

A minor consideration is that shoes are not allowed inside, so you’ll need to plan accordingly — socks are a must. Also, while the activities are well-designed, some reviews suggest that older kids might find the activities a tad limited, with one reviewer mentioning, “We quickly went around in circles,” which could hint at a desire for more variety for slightly older children. This experience is best suited for families with kids between 3 and 6 who crave a creative, interactive experience rather than a long, sightseeing-focused visit.

You can check availability for your dates here:

Key Points

• Child-focused experience with activities designed for ages 3-6.
• Cost-effective at $12 per person, including museum entry.
• Interactive environments combining art, science, and storytelling.
• Accessible for all including those with mobility needs.
• Duration is manageable at 75 minutes, ideal for young attention spans.
• Limited for older children seeking more advanced activities.

Detailed Review of the Experience

Visiting the Museum’s Heart: The Playlab Area

Playlab is a recent addition to the Leonardo da Vinci Museum, specifically tailored for children aged 3 to 6. It’s not an afterthought but a carefully curated space designed to stimulate imagination, collaboration, and hands-on learning. The four separate zones are set up to encourage children to play, invent, tell stories, and explore the connection between art and science.

From the moment you step into Playlab, you’re greeted with a feeling of freedom. Unlike the more traditional exhibits, children can move freely between activities, experimenting with shapes, materials, and sounds. The environment fosters interaction not only among kids but also between children and their accompanying adults. As one review noted, “Everyone can explore the shapes and sounds of nature,” which is a fantastic way for kids to connect with the natural world in a tactile manner.

What Makes Playlab Special?

One of the highlights is its focus on art installations and exploration activities. These are not static displays but dynamic setups that invite children to build their own worlds with unstructured materials. For example, children might craft a fantasy landscape or play with light and shadows, blurring the lines between analog and digital worlds. The activities are designed to be open-ended, encouraging imagination and storytelling — skills that will serve children well beyond their museum visit.

The staff plays an important role here. They offer guidance but also allow children to lead the experience, which is key for fostering independence and curiosity. According to a review, “The staff helped us explore the shapes and sounds of nature,” showing that the staff are not just supervisors but active participants in the learning process.

More Great Tours Nearby

The Museum’s Main Attractions: Trains, Ships, and Airplanes

Beyond Playlab, visitors gain access to Italy’s largest technical and scientific museum, which houses impressive collections of trains, ships, and airplanes. For families, this is a treat — kids are often fascinated by large, mechanical objects, and the museum’s exhibits give a close-up look at historical and modern technology.

While the primary focus of the visit is Playlab, the museum’s collections add a layer of depth for curious minds. You can take time exploring the historic models and learn about Italy’s engineering achievements, making the visit both fun and educational.

Practicalities and Tips for Visitors

Getting into Playlab requires exchanging your voucher at the ticket office, so plan ahead. The meeting point is in the second cloister, conveniently marked on the museum map. Since shoes are not allowed inside, don’t forget to wear socks — preferably non-slip — and plan for this in your packing.

The activities are limited to 75 minutes, which is perfect for little ones with shorter attention spans. Food and drinks are not allowed inside the Playlab area, so consider a snack beforehand or afterward.

Strollers and wheelchairs are permitted, but you’ll need to leave larger strollers in designated areas at the meeting point. This setup makes the experience accessible for families with mobility challenges, a significant plus.

Authentic Experiences and Guest Feedback

The reviews highlight how much families enjoy Playlab. One reviewer said, “My kids loved the place,” and another, “We had a great time — the activities were varied and engaging.” The Chinese shadow game, in particular, was singled out as a favorite. However, some visitors noted that for slightly older children, the activities could feel repetitive, suggesting that younger kids—especially those between 3 and 6—will find the most value.

The overall rating of 4.5 out of 5 reflects consistent appreciation for the balance of fun and learning. It’s a place where children can play freely while parents enjoy watching them explore.

Why This Experience Works for You

If your family values interactive, hands-on learning with a focus on creativity, this museum with its Playlab is a perfect choice. It’s especially suited for families with children aged 3-6, who appreciate open-ended activities rather than structured tours. Considering the price point and the inclusion of the museum’s main collections, it offers a great value for a day in Milan.

This experience is ideal if you want your kids to engage with science and art in a playful atmosphere, away from typical static exhibits. The fact that it’s accessible and includes children’s storytelling and exploration makes it a worthwhile addition to your Milan itinerary.

The Sum Up

In a city famous for fashion and history, the Leonardo da Vinci Museum’s Playlab offers a refreshing, family-friendly retreat where learning and play go hand-in-hand. With its focus on imagination, hands-on activities, and engaging exhibits, it provides a valuable experience for young children and their parents. The moderate price and manageable duration make it a practical option for a half-day adventure.

If your kids are between 3 and 6 and you’re seeking a creative, engaging environment that balances education with entertainment, this is a solid choice. Expect a space that encourages curiosity and storytelling, with staff ready to facilitate fun.

Keep in mind that older children might find the activities somewhat limited, so this visit is best suited for the younger set or as a complement to a broader sightseeing day. All in all, it’s a worthwhile stop that combines Milan’s scientific heritage with playful discovery.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Is Playlab suitable for children over 6 years old?
Playlab is specifically designed for kids aged 3 to 6, so children outside this age group might find the activities less engaging or too simple.

How do I get tickets for Playlab?
You need to exchange your voucher at the Museum Ticket Office to obtain your entry ticket. The activity begins at the second cloister, marked on the museum map.

Are shoes allowed inside Playlab?
No, shoes are not permitted inside. You must wear socks, ideally non-slip, to participate in the activities.

Can I bring a stroller or wheelchair into Playlab?
Yes, the area is accessible for wheelchairs and strollers. However, larger strollers and wheelchairs must be left in the designated unattended areas at the meeting point.

How long does the activity last?
The total experience lasts about 75 minutes, including travel and setup.

Is food or drink allowed inside Playlab?
No, food and drinks are not permitted inside the activity area.

Can I buy tickets for just the museum or just Playlab?
Your ticket includes both access to Playlab and the main museum, making it a good value for those interested in both.

Is this experience suitable for a quick visit?
Yes, at 75 minutes, it’s perfect if you want a brief but enriching activity without taking up the whole day.

Are guided activities or tours included?
No, this ticket grants access to the museum and Playlab but does not include guided tours or activities.

What is the overall value of this experience?
Considering the price of $12 and the combination of interactive play and the museum’s collections, it offers a very good value, especially for families wanting a fun, educational outing.

By focusing on creativity, science, and storytelling, Playlab at the Leonardo da Vinci Museum is a delightful way for young children to learn while having fun. It’s a smart, engaging stop that adds a touch of playful discovery to your Milan travels.

You can check availability for your dates here: