When I was a kid Bologna was my city of dreams.
​Dinosaurs in cinemas, dinosaurs in toy shops, real dinosaurs in a museum!

My Jurassic age has gone, but if you’re planning a few days in Bologna with your children here are my suggestions to make them WOOOOW like I did.

When I was a kid I used to spend summer holidays on the mountain with my grandparents.
I was quite a picky boy. 
So picky that I only wanted hot gelato.
My granddad used to mock me about that, but times passes and flavours changes fortunately. 
Now I can’t live without gelato.

Not only Bologna has the best gelato I know, but a full museum dedicated to it.

Set inside Carpigiani, world leader manufacturer of gelato machines, there’s the heaven of gelato lovers.

At Carpigiani Gelato museum you first learn about the history of this unique food. Then you put your hands on with workshops for kids and adults to practice the art of making gelato with professional trainers.

Info
Gelato Museum Carpigiani 
Via Emilia, 45, 40011 Anzola dell’Emilia BO
Tel. 051 650 5306
www.gelatomuseum.com

Ideal for kids of 6 – 18

Titullo, Pallino, Ramona, Platero.
No, they’re not hidden characters of Midsummer night’s dream.
Those are the names of pigs and donkeys that you can meet at Dulcamara.

Up on the hills, just 20 min from Bologna city centre you find an amazing farm for kids and adults.

Dulcamara is a petting zoo, a restaurant and a place to just relax in the nature, with a wonderful view on Bologna.

Kids can learn to recognize aromatic herbs and forgotten fruits. They can approach horses and saddle up, press with their feet during harvest, or just relax and play in a quiet park.

​You can also start from Dulcamara for trekking and visit caves, fields and rivers.
​Dulcamara is also an agriturismo with 5 rooms and a camping area.

Info
Cooperativa Dulcamara
Via Tolara di Sopra, 78, 40064 Ozzano dell’Emilia BO
Tel. +39 051 796643
www.coopdulcamara.it

Ideal for kids of 2 – 14

My secret oasis of relax.
Just near the vibrant life of Piazza Maggiore, you find Bologna’s most important public library. 
It’s my mandatory stop after a Bologna food tour, to get a coffee, some silence and a quick look to music magazines. 

But it can be amazing for kids too. 
A full section is dedicated to them, from 0 to 99 years old.

If you have a baby there’s a room for you with rugs and cushions and a corner where mothers can breastfeed. 

Books of fear, friendship, food, nature can be found amongst the shelves. And with “Born to read” project, paediatricians and librarians help parents and children to develop the love for reading.

The library also has a terrace with a small vegetable garden.
Before the summer harvest, kids can read books among courgettes, aubergines and tomatoes.

Info
Biblioteca Sala Borsa
Piazza del Nettuno, 3, 40124 Bologna BO
Tel. 051 219 4400
www.bibliotecasalaborsa.it/ragazzi/
Free entrance

Ideal for kids of 0 – 18

Historical museums sound boring just from the name. 
And how hard is for a kid to walk through rooms full of bow and arrows, mummies and swords and follow the only rule of NOT TOUCH ANYTHING?

Fortunately, this museum is different.
An old map of Bologna welcome you at the entrance and it’s probably one of the few things you can’t touch.

From the origins of Felsina, the Etruscan name of Bologna, to the development of portici and towers, from the underground canals to the piano that Mozart played: Bologna is narrated in an unconventional and interactive way.

Consider a visit, not only if it rains or it’s too hot for a bowl of tortellini.

Info
Museo della Storia di Bologna – Palazzo Pepoli
Via Castiglione, 7, 40124 Bologna BO
Tel. 051 420 9411
genusbononiae.it/palazzi/palazzo-pepoli/
Tickets: 10€ Adults, 5€ from 5 to 18 years old.

Ideal for kids of 4 – 18

When I write this post (July 2018) OZ is fighting against closure. 
But it’s impossible not to mention this unique place.

12,000 sq m with the largest urban freestyle area in Europe: parkour, rollerblades, yoga, climbing, skateboarding and more.
A pinball museum, vintage video games, music and art. 
All for free. 

But this Eden park of sport is about to fade: the area where it stands has been bought by a Bank.
Time is running out and it won’t be easy to find an alternate location. 

I do hope a wizard will keep this world alive.

Info
OZ
Via Stalingrado 59, 40128 Bologna
Tel. 328 956 5823
www.ozbologna.org
Free entrance 

Ideal for kids of 6 – 18

You’re right. I promised.

At Museo Geologico Cappellini there’s a complete skeleton of a Diplodocus.
It’s 26m long, 4m tall and your kid will remember it forever.

You can find me there.

Info
Museo Geologico Cappellini
Via Zamboni, 63, 40126 Bologna
Tel. 051 209 4555
www.museocapellini.it

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When I was a kid Bologna was my city of dreams.
​Dinosaurs in cinemas, dinosaurs in toy shops, real dinosaurs in a museum!

My Jurassic age has gone, but if you’re planning a few days in Bologna with your children here are my suggestions to make them WOOOOW like I did.

When I was a kid I used to spend summer holidays on the mountain with my grandparents.
I was quite a picky boy. 
So picky that I only wanted hot gelato.
My granddad used to mock me about that, but times passes and flavours changes fortunately. 
Now I can’t live without gelato.

Not only Bologna has the best gelato I know, but a full museum dedicated to it.

Set inside Carpigiani, world leader manufacturer of gelato machines, there’s the heaven of gelato lovers.

At Carpigiani Gelato museum you first learn about the history of this unique food. Then you put your hands on with workshops for kids and adults to practice the art of making gelato with professional trainers.

Info
Gelato Museum Carpigiani 
Via Emilia, 45, 40011 Anzola dell’Emilia BO
Tel. 051 650 5306
www.gelatomuseum.com

Ideal for kids of 6 – 18

Titullo, Pallino, Ramona, Platero.
No, they’re not hidden characters of Midsummer night’s dream.
Those are the names of pigs and donkeys that you can meet at Dulcamara.

Up on the hills, just 20 min from Bologna city centre you find an amazing farm for kids and adults.

Dulcamara is a petting zoo, a restaurant and a place to just relax in the nature, with a wonderful view on Bologna.

Kids can learn to recognize aromatic herbs and forgotten fruits. They can approach horses and saddle up, press with their feet during harvest, or just relax and play in a quiet park.

​You can also start from Dulcamara for trekking and visit caves, fields and rivers.
​Dulcamara is also an agriturismo with 5 rooms and a camping area.

Info
Cooperativa Dulcamara
Via Tolara di Sopra, 78, 40064 Ozzano dell’Emilia BO
Tel. +39 051 796643
www.coopdulcamara.it

Ideal for kids of 2 – 14

My secret oasis of relax.
Just near the vibrant life of Piazza Maggiore, you find Bologna’s most important public library. 
It’s my mandatory stop after a Bologna food tour, to get a coffee, some silence and a quick look to music magazines. 

But it can be amazing for kids too. 
A full section is dedicated to them, from 0 to 99 years old.

If you have a baby there’s a room for you with rugs and cushions and a corner where mothers can breastfeed. 

Books of fear, friendship, food, nature can be found amongst the shelves. And with “Born to read” project, paediatricians and librarians help parents and children to develop the love for reading.

The library also has a terrace with a small vegetable garden.
Before the summer harvest, kids can read books among courgettes, aubergines and tomatoes.

Info
Biblioteca Sala Borsa
Piazza del Nettuno, 3, 40124 Bologna BO
Tel. 051 219 4400
www.bibliotecasalaborsa.it/ragazzi/
Free entrance

Ideal for kids of 0 – 18

Historical museums sound boring just from the name. 
And how hard is for a kid to walk through rooms full of bow and arrows, mummies and swords and follow the only rule of NOT TOUCH ANYTHING?

Fortunately, this museum is different.
An old map of Bologna welcome you at the entrance and it’s probably one of the few things you can’t touch.

From the origins of Felsina, the Etruscan name of Bologna, to the development of portici and towers, from the underground canals to the piano that Mozart played: Bologna is narrated in an unconventional and interactive way.

Consider a visit, not only if it rains or it’s too hot for a bowl of tortellini.

Info
Museo della Storia di Bologna – Palazzo Pepoli
Via Castiglione, 7, 40124 Bologna BO
Tel. 051 420 9411
genusbononiae.it/palazzi/palazzo-pepoli/
Tickets: 10€ Adults, 5€ from 5 to 18 years old.

Ideal for kids of 4 – 18

When I write this post (July 2018) OZ is fighting against closure. 
But it’s impossible not to mention this unique place.

12,000 sq m with the largest urban freestyle area in Europe: parkour, rollerblades, yoga, climbing, skateboarding and more.
A pinball museum, vintage video games, music and art. 
All for free. 

But this Eden park of sport is about to fade: the area where it stands has been bought by a Bank.
Time is running out and it won’t be easy to find an alternate location. 

I do hope a wizard will keep this world alive.

Info
OZ
Via Stalingrado 59, 40128 Bologna
Tel. 328 956 5823
www.ozbologna.org
Free entrance 

Ideal for kids of 6 – 18

You’re right. I promised.

At Museo Geologico Cappellini there’s a complete skeleton of a Diplodocus.
It’s 26m long, 4m tall and your kid will remember it forever.

Info
Museo Geologico Cappellini
Via Zamboni, 63, 40126 Bologna
Tel. 051 209 4555
www.museocapellini.it

Ideal for kids and adults who still love Jurassic Park.

---

When I was a kid Bologna was my city of dreams.
​Dinosaurs in cinemas, dinosaurs in toy shops, real dinosaurs in a museum!

My Jurassic age has gone, but if you’re planning a few days in Bologna with your children here are my suggestions to make them WOOOOW like I did.

When I was a kid I used to spend summer holidays on the mountain with my grandparents.
I was quite a picky boy. 
So picky that I only wanted hot gelato.
My granddad used to mock me about that, but times passes and flavours changes fortunately. 
Now I can’t live without gelato.

Not only Bologna has the best gelato I know, but a full museum dedicated to it.

Set inside Carpigiani, world leader manufacturer of gelato machines, there’s the heaven of gelato lovers.

At Carpigiani Gelato museum you first learn about the history of this unique food. Then you put your hands on with workshops for kids and adults to practice the art of making gelato with professional trainers.

Info
Gelato Museum Carpigiani 
Via Emilia, 45, 40011 Anzola dell’Emilia BO
Tel. 051 650 5306
www.gelatomuseum.com

Ideal for kids of 6 – 18

Titullo, Pallino, Ramona, Platero.
No, they’re not hidden characters of Midsummer night’s dream.
Those are the names of pigs and donkeys that you can meet at Dulcamara.

Up on the hills, just 20 min from Bologna city centre you find an amazing farm for kids and adults.

Dulcamara is a petting zoo, a restaurant and a place to just relax in the nature, with a wonderful view on Bologna.

Kids can learn to recognize aromatic herbs and forgotten fruits. They can approach horses and saddle up, press with their feet during harvest, or just relax and play in a quiet park.

​You can also start from Dulcamara for trekking and visit caves, fields and rivers.
​Dulcamara is also an agriturismo with 5 rooms and a camping area.

Info
Cooperativa Dulcamara
Via Tolara di Sopra, 78, 40064 Ozzano dell’Emilia BO
Tel. +39 051 796643
www.coopdulcamara.it

Ideal for kids of 2 – 14

My secret oasis of relax.
Just near the vibrant life of Piazza Maggiore, you find Bologna’s most important public library. 
It’s my mandatory stop after a Bologna food tour, to get a coffee, some silence and a quick look to music magazines. 

But it can be amazing for kids too. 
A full section is dedicated to them, from 0 to 99 years old.

If you have a baby there’s a room for you with rugs and cushions and a corner where mothers can breastfeed. 

Books of fear, friendship, food, nature can be found amongst the shelves. And with “Born to read” project, paediatricians and librarians help parents and children to develop the love for reading.

The library also has a terrace with a small vegetable garden.
Before the summer harvest, kids can read books among courgettes, aubergines and tomatoes.

Info
Biblioteca Sala Borsa
Piazza del Nettuno, 3, 40124 Bologna BO
Tel. 051 219 4400
www.bibliotecasalaborsa.it/ragazzi/
Free entrance

Ideal for kids of 0 – 18

Historical museums sound boring just from the name. 
And how hard is for a kid to walk through rooms full of bow and arrows, mummies and swords and follow the only rule of NOT TOUCH ANYTHING?

Fortunately, this museum is different.
An old map of Bologna welcome you at the entrance and it’s probably one of the few things you can’t touch.

From the origins of Felsina, the Etruscan name of Bologna, to the development of portici and towers, from the underground canals to the piano that Mozart played: Bologna is narrated in an unconventional and interactive way.

Consider a visit, not only if it rains or it’s too hot for a bowl of tortellini.

Info
Museo della Storia di Bologna – Palazzo Pepoli
Via Castiglione, 7, 40124 Bologna BO
Tel. 051 420 9411
genusbononiae.it/palazzi/palazzo-pepoli/
Tickets: 10€ Adults, 5€ from 5 to 18 years old.

Ideal for kids of 4 – 18

When I write this post (July 2018) OZ is fighting against closure. 
But it’s impossible not to mention this unique place.

12,000 sq m with the largest urban freestyle area in Europe: parkour, rollerblades, yoga, climbing, skateboarding and more.
A pinball museum, vintage video games, music and art. 
All for free. 

But this Eden park of sport is about to fade: the area where it stands has been bought by a Bank.
Time is running out and it won’t be easy to find an alternate location. 

I do hope a wizard will keep this world alive.

Info
OZ
Via Stalingrado 59, 40128 Bologna
Tel. 328 956 5823
www.ozbologna.org
Free entrance 

Ideal for kids of 6 – 18

You’re right. I promised.

At Museo Geologico Cappellini there’s a complete skeleton of a Diplodocus.
It’s 26m long, 4m tall and your kid will remember it forever.

Info
Museo Geologico Cappellini
Via Zamboni, 63, 40126 Bologna
Tel. 051 209 4555
www.museocapellini.it

Ideal for kids and adults who still love Jurassic Park.

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It’s really easy to have fun and enjoy Bologna without spending lot of money. Here are my top 5 suggestions but the best recommendation I can give is to leave home your map, wear comfortable shoes and start to wander under the porticoes of the city centre without hurry. Then take your time, look up to find out some hidden towers and maybe relax with a book in Piazza Santo Stefano. You’ll be surprised about how easy is to fall in love with Bologna.

It’s hard to describe how proud I feel everytime I watch a movie in Piazza Maggiore. It’s a privilege happening from June to mid-August when the most famous square of Bologna became an open air cinema with the program edited by Cineteca di Bologna. The selection of movies is wide, from classics to indipendents productions, from docs to mainstream but always with great attention. All the movies are in original language, subtitled.
​Be sure to arrive early to find a chair or bring it from home. 

Alice, one of the guides of my food tours, usually says that the best of Bologna is hidden. To agree with her you just have to enter Sala Borsa. In the past it was a basketball arena, a bank, a market, a botanical garden and a lot more but now is a public library with tons of books, magazines and audio/visual where you can read side by side with students or just have a coffee and take some rest during hot summer. The entrance is in Piazza Nettuno, be sure to step inside but I warn you: take a look at your clock because hours pass like seconds.  

I already wrote about Certosa Cemetery, I went there on a Sunday afternoon with my camera and walked around, got lost and discovered a city inside the city. A labyrinth of streets, with porticoes of course, where you can walk and find statues of lion, angels and children and be astonished by this silent museum that a few people know but deserves to be uncovered.    

San Luca is a lot more than a church for bolognesi. Everytime I come back from a journey and recognise the Basilica up on Colle della Guardia I feel like home. A bolognese tradition is to walk up there, starting at Porta Saragozza under the 666 porticoes that bring you at the top. Take your time, it will take about 1 hour if you walk, or put your jogging shoes and run! ​And when you come back maybe stop for a cheap spritz in one of the most traditional bolognese bar, Billi Bar, you deserved it.

Bologna is not a green city, or at least it seems like that if you walk around the city centre. The gardens are hidden inside the buildings but not far from the city centre there’s a park where you can rest under a tree, have a pic-nic and view Bologna’s skyline of towers and red roofs. It’s called Villa Ghigi, walk 600m from Porta San Mamolo and when you meet the news-stand start to walk up on your right. Then pass between some blocks and keep going until you see the first vineyards. Visit that in Autumn, hand in hand with your lover.

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