Mother's Day 2026: free museums, workshops and family activities

Mother's Day 2026: family workshops and museum activities (May 9–10)

The Mother's Day weekend is ideal for shared experiences: in 2026 many family-focused events take place across Italy, with Kid Pass Days on Saturday May 9 and Sunday May 10. Museums, castles and cultural spaces offer workshops and interactive activities for children from 0 to 12 years.

What to expect:

• May 9–10 – Kid Pass Days: more than 100 participating venues and around 150 family events including workshops, shows and themed visits.
• May 10 (Mother’s Day) – many museums offer free entry to mothers accompanied by their children and special family programs.

Highlighted events:

• Trento – MUSE: workshops and shows exploring historical inventions and mechanisms.
• Naples – Città della Scienza: interactive experiments and hands-on activities for curious kids.
• Bologna – Palazzo Fava: creative school focused on street art for children.
• Caserta – Royal Palace of Caserta: themed escape room inside the palace grounds.
• Milan – Duomo terraces: family-friendly visits to the rooftop areas.
• Venice – Ca’ Rezzonico: activities on fresco techniques and historic crafts.
• Genoa – Children’s City: interactive technologies that turn kids’ gestures into digital creations.
• Mugello (Tuscany): outdoor activities and practical museum workshops.

Other local happenings:

• Turin – Egyptian Museum: free entry for mothers accompanied by their children (children must hold a ticket).
• Brescia – Civic Museums: free entry for mothers and age-based creative workshops for children.
• Padua – civic sites (Eremitani, Zuckermann): free admission for mothers accompanied by minor children.
• Rome – MAXXI and other venues: free access for mothers with their children and family-oriented visits.
• Milan – Palazzo Lombardia: extraordinary opening of the Belvedere on May 10 from 10:00 to 18:00, free entrance.
• Bari – Piazza Idea: family morning on May 10 from 10:30 to 13:00 with a walking-lab and photography activities.
• Genoa – La Lanterna: storytelling and family-friendly activities starting at 15:00, included in the admission price.
• Montecatini – market, face painting and pony rides: free entry and a floral gift for mothers.

Practical tips for families:

• Children under 18 usually enter Italian state museums free of charge, but check local rules for free access for mothers (often linked to children’s tickets).
• Book workshops and guided tours in advance when possible, as places are limited.
• Bring water and a spare outfit for young children if events are outdoors; arrive early to collect materials or tickets.
• Consider a solidarity gift (for example, a suspended flower or a donation) to make the day meaningful for other families as well.

Have a happy Mother’s Day: pick activities suitable for your children’s age and enjoy a day of discovery and shared fun.