Science with kids
Museo del Balì with kids: science, planetarium and observatory near Pesaro
Updated 5 November 2026. The Museo del Balì, in Saltara, is a science outing inland near Fano: experiments to try, a planetarium and an observatory. It is a handy idea for a day of bad weather, or for anyone who wants to combine Fano with something other than the beach. Here you will find what to expect and what to check before setting off from Pesaro.
What the Museo del Balì is
It is an interactive science museum: instead of just looking, children can try experiments with their own hands. Besides the exhibition rooms there is a planetarium and an observatory. It is the kind of visit where children ask their own questions, and sometimes it is the parents who learn the most.
What to see and try
- The interactive museum: experiments to try, suited to anyone who likes to touch, move and find out how things work.
- The planetarium: under a dome 8 metres in diameter. It may suit older children better: with younger ones, think about whether they can sit still in the dark for a while.
- The observatory: in summer it organises evenings for families. The events change, so check the official website.
Where it is and how to get there
The museum is at Via San Martino 40, in Saltara, in the municipality of Colli al Metauro: inland, near Fano. From Pesaro it is a drive, and for the best route use your satnav on the day, so you take traffic and your departure time into account.
How long to allow
The visit generally lasts about an hour and a half, but this is only a rough guide: if the children get hooked on an experiment you can stay longer, and if they get tired you can skip something. It is best not to fill the day with too many other stops.
Before you set off: to check
Prices, opening times, opening days and observatory programmes change during the year, and for 2026 they need to be checked. Visit the official Museo del Balì website and, if in doubt, book or ask for information by phone. If you want the planetarium or an evening at the observatory, find out first: places and time slots may be limited.
Tips for going with children
- Look at ages. Almost everyone likes the experiments, but the planetarium may suit older children better. Decide beforehand whether to do it.
- Do the planetarium with the older ones. If your children are of different ages you can split up: the little ones stay with the experiments and the older ones go to the show.
- Plan a snack break. Bring something to eat and drink for when attention drops; a pause helps everyone start again.
- Choose the order of the stops. Start with the more active things and leave the seated ones for later, or do the reverse if the children are already tired.
- Do not rush. It is better to see half of it properly than to see everything in a hurry.
An idea for a rainy day
It is a good indoor outing when the weather rules out the beach. For more rainy-day ideas read Pesaro with children on a rainy day. If you like combining two stops, there is a child-friendly outing in Fano: see Fano with children from Pesaro. For all the other activities read Pesaro with children: what to do, and if you would like to reach Fano by bike there is the guide to the Pesaro to Fano cycle path.
Where to stay in Pesaro: Nuovo Fiore
Nuovo Fiore is an apartment at Via Barignani 60, in Pesaro, with a private garage: handy if you leave by car for the outing and come back in the evening with tired children and little to carry.
Frequently asked questions
Is the Museo del Balì suitable for children?
Yes: it is an interactive science museum with experiments to try. The planetarium may suit older children better, so think about age and how well they can sit still in the dark.
Where is the Museo del Balì?
At Via San Martino 40, in Saltara, in the municipality of Colli al Metauro, inland near Fano. From Pesaro you get there by car: work out the route with your satnav.
How long does the visit last?
Generally about an hour and a half, but this is only a rough guide: it depends on the children's ages and how long they stay at the experiments.
How much does it cost and when is it open?
Prices, opening times and opening days change and need to be checked on the museum's official website. To be sure, book or ask for information by phone.
Can you look at the sky in the evening?
The observatory organises evenings for families in summer, but the events change: check the programme on the official website, and check the 2026 dates too.
Read next: Nuovo Fiore · Fano with children · Pesaro with children on a rainy day · Pesaro with children · All guides