Bologna with Kids: 5 Fun Things to Do (+ 1 extra unusual and engaging experience)
Planning a trip in the north of Italy and wondering what to do with your children? Bologna is a city that works well for a family trip, especially if you want to combine sightseeing with activities that keep kids involved.
The historic centre is compact, and Bologna’s porticoes make it easier to walk around with children while staying out of the sun or rain. If you are visiting for just one day, these are some of the best things to do in Bologna with kids.
La Macchina del Tempo: virtual reality in Bologna
Photo by researchgate.net
At La Macchina del Tempo (literally, the Time Machine), virtual reality is used to reconstruct historical settings, including medieval and Roman Bologna. Other experiences take visitors to places and periods ranging from ancient Egypt to Dante’s Inferno, so it is worth checking the current programme before visiting.
The museum is now located at Strada Maggiore 28/a. It is open Tuesday to Friday from 2pm to 7pm and Saturday and Sunday from 10am to 7pm. Some experiences have specific age limits: the Tutankhamun experience, for example, is available from age 8.
Bologna’s Zoology Museum: animals and natural history
Photo by bolovegna.it
The Museum of Zoology is a good stop for children who are interested in animals and natural history. Its collections have roots in the work of naturalist Ulisse Aldrovandi, who lived in Bologna in the 16th century, and were later expanded with collections assembled by Ferdinando Cospi and Luigi Ferdinando Marsili.
The museum is currently open Tuesday to Friday from 9am to 1pm and Saturday and Sunday from 10am to 6pm, although opening times can vary seasonally.
Salaborsa Ragazzi: a quiet break with books and activities
Photo by bibliotecasalaborsa.it
After walking through the centre, Salaborsa offers a different kind of stop. Inside the main library, Salaborsa Ragazzi has spaces organised by age, including a baby area for children aged 0–3, a children’s area for ages 4–7 and a section for ages 8–12.
The library also hosts readings, workshops and other activities for children and families. It is in Piazza del Nettuno, right in the centre of Bologna, so it is easy to include during a day of sightseeing.
Luna Farm: an indoor amusement park for kids
If your children need a few hours of play rather than another museum, Luna Farm is an indoor amusement park at Grand Tour Italia, on Via Paolo Canali 8. Its rides, games and shows follow a farm theme, with characters and settings inspired by farm life.
Standard tickets are available for children over 90 cm, as well as teenagers and adults. Opening days and ticket conditions can vary, so check the current calendar before going.
ClueGo Bologna: a city game for kids aged 8+
If your children lose interest during a long city walk, adding a game gives them something specific to look for at each stop.
With ClueGo, they become the ones following clues, solving riddles and paying attention to details around them. The Bologna route is played through a Web App, with no download, guide or fixed starting time. It covers about 3 km, includes 12 stops and 12 riddles, and takes around 2–3 hours without breaks.
It is recommended for children aged 8 and over, starts in Piazza VIII Agosto and finishes on Via Rizzoli. The route is entirely outdoors, and you can pause and resume it whenever you need a break.
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Yes. Bologna’s historic centre is compact and offers several activities that can be combined with a walking itinerary, including museums, libraries and indoor attractions. The porticoes also provide covered routes through much of the city centre.
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Family-friendly options include exploring Bologna through ClueGo, visiting La Macchina del Tempo for a virtual reality experience, discovering the Zoology Museum, spending time at Salaborsa Ragazzi and visiting Luna Farm for indoor rides and games.
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The historic centre is compact and many of its main sights can be reached on foot. Bologna’s porticoes also provide covered walking routes, which can be useful on hot or rainy days.
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La Macchina del Tempo is the main interactive option in this guide. Its virtual reality experiences reconstruct historical settings and include medieval and Roman Bologna, among other themes.
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There are several indoor options, including La Macchina del Tempo, the Museum of Zoology, Salaborsa Ragazzi and Luna Farm. Check opening times before visiting, especially outside the main tourist season.
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Bologna has several green spaces and parks, but families looking for a structured activity can also consider ClueGo, whose Bologna route takes place entirely outdoors. Luna Farm is another option when the weather is poor, as it is indoors.
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You can see several of Bologna’s central sights in one day, especially if you choose activities close to the historic centre. With two or more days, you have more time to add museums, indoor activities or places outside the centre.