Welcome to Reggio Emilia, the city where children are protagonists.
With a mix of creativity, animals, history, nature, ice cream and outdoor fun, Reggio Emilia awaits - ready to be discovered through the curious eyes of children.
Here, learning is an adventure: a simple walk can turn into a treasure hunt, a museum visit becomes a new quest, and every day creates a memory to take home.
So, what are you waiting for?
Lace up your comfortable shoes, pack your backpacks, and set off with plenty of curiosity, eyes ready to discover, and a great desire to have fun together. Giant creatures, magical lions, animals to cuddle, parks for running wild and countless worlds to explore all await you.
To know
Spring and early autumn are perfect for enjoying the parks, cycling, and experiencing the city outdoors, amidst pleasant temperatures and bright colours.
In summer, on the other hand, you can alternate museum visits - a great way to cool off - with afternoons spent in the shade of trees and parks.
This itinerary is designed for young explorers eager to discover the city through creativity, play, nature and imagination.
But it is not the only adventure available!
Check out “Reggio Emilia for Families” as well, and choose the itinerary that best suits your family!
Possible suggestions
Do your little adventurers have energy to burn?
Or would you like to customize the itinerary by choosing only a few stops?
Here are a few extra stops to add to your travel journal:
The first stop on the journey takes you to a truly special place: the Loris Malaguzzi International Center, an international hub for early childhood education and home to the famous Reggio Emilia Approach®, the educational method that originated in this city and is now studied around the world.
Here, it is the children’s own ideas, questions, and discoveries that take center stage.
You’ll find amazing creative workshops, interactive labs, and multisensory experiences where art, science, technology, and play come together to bring new ideas to life.
To know
Before you go, check the Center’s website for opening hours, guided tours , and available activities —get ready to let your imagination run wild!
After so many discoveries, it’s time to take a break—perhaps by enjoying one of the many delicious dishes of Reggio Emilia’s cuisine… from cappelletti to green or pumpkin tortelli, from erbazzone to rice cake, and so on.
You’re sure to love them!
After this relaxing break, the journey continues.
Just a short walk from the Malaguzzi Center, another truly surprising place awaits you: Remida, the Creative Recycling Center.
Imagine a huge alchemist’s laboratory where materials that once seemed useless suddenly become precious: fabrics, paper, wood, tubes, buttons, and all kinds of objects can be transformed, in the hands of children, into works of art, inventions, and fantastical worlds.
Here, there’s only one rule: never throw away your imagination!
Check the Remida website for opening hours and any upcoming events.
After all that creativity and imagination… it’s time to let loose.
Head to the Playground, a large outdoor space where kids and teens can run, jump, and play freely.
Grab your backpack and, if you have them, bring a ball, scooter, or skateboard: between basketball courts and modern skateparks, there’s only one word that matters here: fun!
On the second day, a pleasant stroll through the heart of the city awaits you.
You’ll find that stepping through the doors of the Palazzo dei Musei is a bit like opening a giant treasure chest.
Amid archaeological finds, fossils, and amazing collections, children can become true explorers of the past, hunting for clues and fantastical creatures.
And keep your eyes peeled: taxidermied animals, surprising artifacts, and above all… a giant sperm whale await you !
But the real star is her: Valentina the Whale, with her incredible story. How is it possible that a whale ended up all the way up here, in the hills of Reggio Emilia?
To find out, you’ll have to go meet her.
On the Palazzo dei Musei website, you’ll find hours, activities, and options for guided tours.
Leave the museum and head toward the heart of the city.
After crossing the majestic Piazza Prampolini, you’ll arrive at the charming Piazza San Prospero.
Here, children have a superpower that adults don’t: they can climb onto the backs of the marble lions that stand guard over the basilica!
And be careful… legend has it that one of them is magical, capable of taking its young rider on a fantastic journey over the city’s rooftops.
Could it be true?
To know
Keep your camera handy to take home a special souvenir!
Tip
Kids, as we all know, have boundless energy, but let’s not forget the parents either: the square is also the perfect spot to unwind with a delicious aperitif made with local products that will have both adults and kids licking their lips.
It's time to head out again!
Head to City Hall, where the Museum of the Tricolor and the Tricolor Hall await you.
It was right here, on January 7, 1797, that the flag that would become the symbol of Italy was born.
A small but meaningful journey through history that also lets children discover that the Tricolore was born right here: in Reggio Emilia!
After so many adventures, it’s time to slow down a bit.
Stop by the Panizzi Library and let yourself be charmed by its cozy Children’s Section, a place designed for reading, browsing, and getting lost in stories.
Amid picture books, animated readings, and shelves just waiting to be explored, there’s also a surprise to discover if you look up: the vibrant bursts of color in Sol LeWitt’s artwork that decorate the reading room.
But who says that after a day of culture you can’t treat yourself to a moment of pure flavor and sweetness?
To taste
It’s time to sample a specialty unique to Reggio Emilia: the “Giovanna, ” a deliciously indulgent ice cream made with whipped cream and almond brittle, perfect for a sweet snack.
Curiosity
Do you know why it’s called that? It comes from combining the names Giovanni and Anna, a couple whose love inspired this irresistible recipe.
As the saying goes: “The early bird catches the worm” … so no slacking off on this third and final day in Reggio Emilia!
Hop on your bikes—have you ever tried a fun cargo bike with the kids?
Of course, for those who prefer a more comfortable ride, there’s always the city bus as an alternative.
After museums, squares, and fantastic stories, today we’re switching things up completely.
We’re setting out to explore the green spaces around the city, where you’ll find animals to meet, large parks, ancient ducal residences, and outdoor play areas.
It takes just a few minutes from downtown, along the historic Viale Umberto I, to find yourself immersed in the greenery of Crostolo Park.
To know
After plenty of cuddles, it’s time for a break—and when the weather’s nice, it’s immediately “picnic time”! Spread out your blanket on the grass, open your picnic basket, and enjoy a relaxing lunch surrounded by greenery.
Because even the bravest explorers need to recharge their batteries.
Curiosity
The people of Reggio affectionately call it“Parco delle Caprette” (Goat Park), and it’s easy to see why: here you can meet cute little goats and donkeys and, during organized activities (by reservation), learn about them and how to care for them.
A perfect opportunity to discover the world of animals up close.
Continue on your way to the Reggia di Rivalta, an ancient ducal residence surrounded by a vast park.
Here you can run along the tree-lined avenues, explore the green spaces, and go in search of the Secret Garden—a hidden, fragrant corner that seems straight out of a fairy tale.
Who knows… maybe there’s still a princess, a knight, or a secret passage hiding among the trees!
Just 15 minutes from the Reggia di Rivalta, a little fairy-tale corner awaits you: Villa d’Este, also known as“ ” and “Vasca di Corbelli.”
Here, the adventure takes on a new pace and leads you to the shores of a picturesque lake, where elegant swans and curious ducks seem to have stepped right out of a book of enchanted stories.
Tip
Stop by the café overlooking the lake and treat yourself to a break: it’s the perfect spot to rest your legs, breathe in some fresh air, and let yourself be captivated by the magic of the landscape.
And to end the trip on a high note, it’s time to play again!
The afternoon continues at Esploworld Eco Family Park, a family-friendly park where nature, exploration, and fun go hand in hand.
With trails, games, and outdoor activities, young and old alike can experience the final, exciting mission of this trip.
But be warned: it might be hard to convince the kids that the adventure is over!
