Fun Things To Do for Children in Italy

Rome

If you think everything cool in Rome pre-dates Caesar, think again. The sparkling new Time Elevator is quickly becoming one of Rome's most popular destinations for families. This funky history lesson on a slick time machine (by way of special effect chairs), allows your children to strap in and learn about Rome through a virtual reality, jam-packed, multi-sensory experience. The 45-minute show runs daily. Adults €12,  children €9 (roughly $18.85 and $14.15, respectively). www.timeelevator.it

Another Rome treat is the colorful and eclectic Museo Exploa. The first Italian museum created just for bambinos and bambinas is inventive and mapped out according to different aspects of culture, including society, environment and communication. That may sound a little dry, but it’s not. Your child will create, learn, and experience Italy with their hands, feet, and head. They’ll traverse through a quirky supermarket, an enormous mouth and even a gas station. The museum is so confident your children will have more fun that you that they charge an additional euro for kids. Adults €6 and €7 for children (roughly $9.40 and $11.00, respectively). Each visit lasts 1 hour, 45 minutes. Check mdbr.it/inglese for a detailed list of tour departure times and days.

• There are three types of masks typically used during the Carnival in Venice: the bauta, the moretta and the larva.
• Chiara Marra

Venice

The history of the Venetian Mask industry is nearly as colorful as the masks themselves. Back in 1980s, a group of college students came up with the novel idea to resurrect the art of mask making and began Ca' Macana. Although mask making has deep roots in the culture of Venice, the reemergence of the design artisanship was ultimately due to the demand of tourists—mostly children and families. Ca' Macana has many studios across the city, so chances are there will be one near your hotel. Popular masks include Pagliaccio (a clown) and Zanni (an old servant). They’re very reasonable, but you must contact them for prices and to reserve a space.

• The Genoa Aquarium is the largest aquarium in Italy and the second largest in all of Europe.
• Francesco Crippa

Genoa

The Genoa Aquarium houses one of the largest collection of marine inhabitants in Europe. The aquarium boasts over 70 tanks and more than 6,000 animals. It’s massive even to a grown-up. Although it may not inspire you from the outside, one step inside and the beauty of sea life will engulf your senses. Large, virtual walls of water greet visitors with the soothing sounds of waves as they work their way toward a series of reproduced natural environments. The Caribbean coral reef, complete with its dazzling neon-colored fish, is absolutely enchanting. www.acquariodigenova.it [Please note, the site is in Italian only.]