Looking for a new adventure in Italy or have kids and just can’t resist good old-fashioned theme park fun? What better way to cool off to have some summer fun than at a theme park in Italy, and it might provide a much-needed break for visiting all of those Italian museums. Here are three of our favorites:
Gardaland: With rides such as “Space Vertigo” and “Blue Tornado” (a super cool rollercoaster), Gardaland, near Lake Garda and Verona in northern Italy, is sure to leave you breathless. Don’t forget to venture out to the aquarium to check out the new exhibition “Dragons of the Sea.” The park also offers regular puppet shows, magic shows and screenings for children. You don’t necessarily need a rental car to reach Gardaland as there is bus service to Castelnuovo Del Garda from nearby cities, plus there’s a hotel on premises for staying overnight. Tickets are normally 37.50€ for adults ( 31€ for kids and seniors) but every Sunday and Wednesday in July tickets are priced at 24€.There is a discounted fee for visiting the park during night time hours as well as well as reduced packages for families.
Rainbow Magicland: If you and/or your children are looking for an Italian theme park experience just outside central Rome, head to Rainbow Magicland. Visit the Magic Castle of Alfea and set out to the isola volante (flying island) for spectacular views. Check out “Houdini’s House” for an inside look at some real magic and cool off in the summer heat with exciting water rides. There’s even a section of the park devoted to Imperial Rome along with a gladiator show. The park is located on Via della Pace in Valmontone, in the province of Rome and can easily be reached by bus from Termini Station. Tickets are 35€ for adults and 28€ for children. Discounts for visiting the park during evening hours and free admission for very small children are offered.
Italia in Miniatura: Are there many Italian cities still on your list to visit? Look no further than Italia in Miniatura near the Adriatic Coast resort city of Rimini. The name of this unique theme park translates as “Miniature Italy” and provides a fun and entertaining way to learn about the regions of Italy, their major cities and monuments. An educational alternative to traditional theme parks, this park offers small but lifelike models of historical Italian architecture. There is bus transportation from nearby cities or reach the park via rental car. Tickets are 22€ for adults and 16€ for kids.
By Kathy McCabe
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