Astrokids

An astronomy workshop for children on the Capodimonte hill

Astrokids is a science outreach project that the INAF-Capodimonte Astronomical Observatory dedicates to young minds. This is neither a lecture nor a traditional lesson: it is a creative laboratory where children can touch, build, experiment, and learn from their mistakes, guided by researchers and experts from the National Institute for Astrophysics. The philosophy, reiterated by the organizers at every edition, is simple: learning through play and playing to learn. Children explore the world through play, and astronomy is uniquely suited to be experienced with one's hands before one's eyes.

How the sessions work

The sessions are held on Saturday mornings in the observatory's National Auditorium, located at Salita Moiariello 16, from 10:30 AM to 12:30 PM. Access to the grounds is permitted between 10:00 AM and 10:20 AM, and activities conclude by 12:30 PM, when the observatory closes its gates. Each meeting focuses on a different astronomical theme, introduced with a story and followed by practical activities: building models, conducting light experiments, and crafting items to take home.

• Recommended age: 8 to 11 years old
• Parents are welcome to stay in the room and participate with their children
• Maximum of 25 children per workshop
• Online booking is mandatory and opens approximately two weeks before each session

The 2026 Program

The 2026 edition featured two spring sessions. On May 23rd, the workshop "The Secrets of Light," led by Mirko Colapietro and Mina Sibalic, explored the nature of light, how it travels, and the surprises it holds. On June 20th, just before the longest day of the year, Maria Teresa Fulco presented "Summer Solstice," explaining to children why Earth has seasons and what actually happens during the solstice. Subsequent dates are announced periodically on the project's website and the observatory's social channels.

A decade-long journey

Astrokids began many years ago as an outreach initiative by the National Institute for Astrophysics in Naples. Documented editions date back to at least 2014, and it has since become a staple for Neapolitan families, even leading to a dedicated publication. The project is curated by Maria Teresa Fulco, supported by various researchers and science communicators from the observatory.

The Capodimonte Observatory, home of Neapolitan astronomy

The venue itself is part of the experience. The observatory stands on the Capodimonte hill, in the San Carlo all'Arena district, in a panoramic position overlooking Naples and its gulf. It is one of the city's historic scientific institutions and is now part of INAF, the national body that brings together Italy's astronomical observatories. Bringing children here means immersing them in a real research environment, complete with its instruments, parks, and quiet atmosphere, just a stone's throw from the Real Bosco di Capodimonte.

Who is Astrokids for?

The activity is designed for families in the Municipality of Naples and the entire Metropolitan City of Naples, but it attracts participants from all over Campania. It is one of the few opportunities for primary school children to approach astronomy in a professional setting, without formality and at a symbolic cost. For those looking for a weekend activity that is different from the usual, screen-free, and educational, Astrokids remains one of the most reliable fixtures in the Neapolitan scene for children.