Adventures in Knowledge: The Children's & Family Program
The Munich Show for children, families, and schools
Meteorite Parkour
Geo Rallye
Gemstone Cutting
Gold Panning
Sift Gemstones
Splitting Fossils
Drawing Dinosaurs
Making Jewelry
Cracking Geodes
Carving Soapstone
At the Munich Show, children and teens experience the fascinating interplay of nature, time, and science up close. The fair is not only an international marketplace but also a place where knowledge is shared in a lively way and where enthusiasm for the treasures of our Earth is fostered.
Whether on the weekend or as early as Thursday and Friday (for school groups only): young explorers embark on an exciting journey through the world of minerals, fossils, meteorites, and gemstones. In numerous hands-on activities, the focus is on getting involved, exploring, solving puzzles, and discovering just how much fun science can be.
The program is accompanied by fascinating lectures by experts who offer insights into the mysterious world beneath our feet.
There will be plenty to experience again in 2026:
Panning for gold, cutting gemstones, solving puzzles on the geo-rally, cracking geodes, carving soapstone, sifting through shark teeth, searching for gemstones, or completing the meteorite obstacle course—there’s something for every age group!
For school classes:
School classes can visit the Munich Show on Thursday and Friday. We ask teachers to register their school classes with us in advance. With special school class tickets, young visitors benefit from reduced admission prices.
Please send any questions and completed registration forms to: besucherservice@munichshow.com
Registration formOur actions at a glance:
A touch of adventure and real gold rush fever
WhatHowWhere: Free of charge, duration: approx. 15 minutes, booth A4.200
The idea of gold panning as a competitive sport originated in Finland: Finnish gold panners organized the first sporting competition in 1974. Just three years later, in 1977, the first world championship took place, and it has been held annually ever since. The first world championship outside Finland was held in 1982 in Heiligenblut am Großglockner, Austria.
The tradition also lives on in Bavaria: at the Bavarian Championship in Riedenburg, around fifty participants recently competed in various categories, from women, men, and children to veterans, teams, and the special “traditional” discipline, in which gold is panned using a classic tin bowl.
In Germany, gold panning is generally permitted as long as you avoid national parks and private property. You can keep any gold you find. In theory, you can search for gold in almost any river, but the chances of finding it vary greatly. The equipment is simple: a gold pan, a shovel, and above all, patience.
At the Munich Show, experienced gold prospectors will demonstrate step by step how it works. With a real gold pan and a little luck, treasure hunters of all ages may even discover a real gold nugget – a hands-on experience with real lasting value!
Our Activities at a Glance:
Gemstone Cutting
How does a stone become a piece of jewelry? Here, you can cut your own stone under expert guidance and take it home with you.
What, How, Where: Cost: approx. 3 euros per stone, Duration: approx. 10 minutes, Booth B3.328
Gold Panning
At the Munich Show, experienced gold prospectors will show you step by step how it’s done. Using a real gold pan and with a little luck, treasure hunters of all ages might even discover a real grain of gold—a hands-on experience you’ll never forget!
What, How, Where: Free, Duration: approx. 15 minutes, Booth B3.200
Meteorite Scavenger Hunt
Become an astronomy explorer and find fragments of a meteorite hidden in the sand—a meteorite that fell to Earth over 4,000 years ago. You can take your finds home with you.
What, How, Where: Free, Duration: approx. 15 minutes, Booth B3.321
Geo-Rally
Explore the fair by answering questions and win prizes! Questionnaires are available at the West Entrance. You’ll find the answers at the booths. Everyone who answers correctly will be entered into a raffle.
What, How, Where: Free, Duration: approx. 45 minutes, Booth EW.040 and Booth B3.321
Draw Dinosaurs
Draw your own dinosaur or another prehistoric animal for the Munich Show. Templates will help you and teach you about the giants of prehistoric times in a fun way.
What, How, Where: Free, Duration: approx. 10–20 minutes, Booth B3.212
Sifting for Shark Teeth and Gemstones
Search the sand for fossilized shark teeth or gemstones. With a shovel and a sieve, you can try your luck and make exciting discoveries.
What, How, Where: Free, Duration: until other children want to take a turn, Booth B3.311
Crafting at the Gemstone Bar
Choose stones in many colors and shapes and design your own necklaces or small jewelry boxes.
What, How, Where: Free, Duration: approx. 15–30 minutes, Booth B3.320
Splitting Fossils
Discover real fossils in limestone slabs—with a little luck, you’ll find small fish or crabs. You get to keep your finds.
What, How, Where: Price per kilo, Duration: approx. 30 minutes, Booth B3.225
Soapstone Carving
Create your own work of art from soft soapstone—easy to work with and perfect as a small souvenir.
What, How, Where: Cost approx. 5€, Duration: approx. 30 minutes, Booth B3.100
Cracking Geodes
A stony “surprise egg” awaits you here. See what colorful crystals emerge when you open the geode!
What, How, Where: Cost depends on size and weight, Duration: approx. 5 minutes, Booth B3.214
Pyrite Hunt
Search for sparkling crystals in gray rock from Navajun (Spain). You can take home the golden pyrite cubes you knock out.
What, How, Where: Cost approx. 5€, Duration: approx. 10–20 minutes, Booth B3.215
Children's and family activities at the Munich Show
