If you’re planning your next trip in Italy by motorhome, caravan or campervan, there’s one event worth adding to your itinerary: on March 28, the Parco della Fantasia Gianni Rodari in Omegna celebrates its 25th anniversary with the opening of its third museum, “The Factories of Play”.
This is more than just a celebration. It marks an important step forward for one of Italy’s most original cultural destinations dedicated to children and creativity. In 2026, the park continues to evolve towards an edutainment model that blends play, culture and innovation.
If you’re travelling by motorhome and looking for engaging experiences for the whole family, this is a perfect stop combining fun and discovery. And to complete your trip, you can use Agricamper to find a local farm where you can stay overnight, enjoying a truly authentic stop in nature. Download the Agricamper app and try the free demo version to explore the map and discover where to stop along your journey.
The Parco della Fantasia Gianni Rodari
Where education meets imagination
The Parco della Fantasia Gianni Rodari is located in Omegna, the birthplace of the famous writer, and is a key destination for cultural tourism aimed at families and children.
Managed by the Omegna Arts and Culture Foundation, the project was created to offer educational experiences inspired by Rodari’s work, turning imagination into a powerful learning tool.
Over the years, the park has developed a rich and varied offering, including interactive museums, creative language workshops, educational activities, storytelling treks and literary walks. Each experience is designed to actively engage visitors, going beyond the traditional idea of a museum.
It’s no surprise that the park welcomes over 50,000 visitors every year, including families, schools and an increasingly international audience.
For motorhome travellers, this is an ideal stop, offering the perfect balance between cultural activities and outdoor experiences.
A unique museum system
From imagination to industrial heritage
The Park of Imagination is not just a single venue, but a network of spaces connected to each other.
Alongside the Rodari Museum, which explores the writer’s life and work through immersive and multisensory experiences, and the MOCA – the Omegna Household Design Museum, dedicated to local industrial heritage and iconic Italian design brands, a new chapter is now being added.
This system reflects the identity of Omegna, a town where creativity has developed both culturally and industrially, thanks to companies that shaped Italian design history.
With the opening of the new museum, what is now known as a true “museum trilogy” is complete: a coherent journey linking imagination, history and innovation.
The new digital museum: “The Factories of Play”
A journey through play, industry and creativity
“The Factories of Play” is not a traditional museum, but an experience to live.
The exhibition is designed as a journey inspired by a large railway-themed board game, travelled aboard the train “The Blue Arrow”, a clear reference to Gianni Rodari’s stories.
During the visit, you’ll pass through three themed stations, each dedicated to materials and traditions linked to the world of toys. The journey explores local manufacturing history, from wood and tin to plastic and contemporary design.
The experience combines physical and digital elements: from interactive games to hands-on installations where you can pull strings, activate mechanisms, use molds or write letters. Visitors don’t just observe, they actively participate.
The museum is designed to be accessible and engaging for families, schools and travellers, where play becomes a tool to understand history, creativity and innovation.
The value of play today
A bridge between generations
The new museum highlights a key idea: play as an educational tool.
In a time when many experiences are screen-based, here digital technology is used to create tangible, hands-on experiences involving the body, the mind and the senses.
Play becomes a way to create real connections between people, generations, and between past and future. It’s not just entertainment, but a way to develop creativity, critical thinking and imagination.
For families travelling with children, this makes the visit especially meaningful.
What to see nearby
Between lake, nature and authentic landscapes
After visiting the Parco della Fantasia Gianni Rodari, your journey can continue from Omegna, a lively town overlooking Lake Orta, and expand into a region known for its balance, beauty and authenticity.
Omegna itself is worth a walk along the lakeside and through the town centre, where you can enjoy a peaceful yet authentic atmosphere shaped by its cultural and industrial heritage. From here, you can easily explore the surrounding area, full of scenic views and unspoiled nature.
One of the most charming places is the Island of San Giulio, easily accessible and perfect for a short but intense visit. Everything here invites you to slow down: the narrow streets, the landscape, the quiet atmosphere. It’s an ideal stop to complement a relaxing day after visiting the park.
The surrounding hills and forests also offer many opportunities for nature lovers. There are numerous trails suitable for families, perfect for a gentle walk or a few hours outdoors.
In this context, Lake Orta and its surroundings become much more than a destination: they offer a complete experience where culture, nature and travel come together perfectly.
Conclusion
The 25th anniversary of the Parco della Fantasia Gianni Rodari and the opening of “The Factories of Play” is the perfect opportunity to plan a different kind of trip in Italy.
It’s an experience that combines creativity, education and innovation, engaging both adults and children. At the same time, its location on Lake Orta makes it easy to include in a wider itinerary focused on nature, relaxation and discovery.
If you travel by motorhome, caravan or campervan, this stop could become one of the highlights of your journey.
And to truly experience the region in an authentic way, Agricamper allows you to stay for free for 24 hours on farms all across Italy, turning every trip into a richer and more meaningful experience.
Download the app and try the free demo to explore the map and discover where to stay. Then get your membership and start travelling freely, surrounded by nature, local encounters and new discoveries.
