Are you in Bologna with your children, looking for cool places to visit together that won’t bore them?

If after a tour in Piazza Maggiore, the climbing of the Asinelli Tower and a visit to the Seven Churches of Santo Stefano you don’t know where to go next, keep calm and read our 5 ideas to make the most of your visit with kids.

1. Voltone del Podestà

We are under Palazzo del Podestà, the one in front of the Basilica San Petronio, to get things clear. Here we find a very peculiar archway, also called “of the spies”, famous for an interesting acoustic effect.

Would you like to try it out? Place yourselves in two opposite corners, facing the pillar, and start whispering something. You’ll soon realize you’re able to hear perfectly what the other person whispers at the other side of the vault!

2. The whole history of Bologna in one museum

Not very far from Piazza Maggiore stands Palazzo Pepoli, an ancient building that hosts Bologna’s History Museum. In this place you’ll discover the history of the city from the Etruscan era to our contemporary age, in a interactive and modern way.

Do not expect to find an endless sequence of informative panels and some finds kept in a showcase. The museum is rather home to many themed rooms full of objects and multimedia elements, which help visitors - both young and old - understand Bologna’s history.

Don’t miss out the reconstruction of a portion of Via Emilia, the Roman road still crossing the Emilia Romagna region and its original “basoli” (flagstone), and the aquatic journey among Bologna’s canals.

3. Can you see the 3 arrows?

Strolling down Strada Maggiore you’ll find the building of Casa Isolani, which has become famous for two reasons. One is crystal clear: if you cross the street and look at the facade of the building, you’ll notice that the portico here is made of oak wood (one of the few instances left in Bologna) and measuring 12 metres it’s also very high.

You’ll have to go back under Casa Isolani’s portico then to find out the second one. Have you noticed that some people stop and look upwards? Let the challenge begin!

They are looking for the three arrows stuck in the beams! The legend tells that a nobleman of Bologna wanted to kill his wife because she had cheated on him. Yet, as the three appointed archers saw her naked looking out of the window, they missed the shot and aimed at the beams instead.

The first one who finds them all wins a free ice-cream ;)

4. The telescope effect in San Michele at Bosco

The terrace of San Michele in Bosco is surely one of the most beautiful panoramic viewpoints in Bologna and a suitable place for families as well. The complex is set right outside the city centre, you can easily reach it by heading for Porta San Mamolo and climbing via Codivilla.

Once inside this medieval church, look for the little door right of the altar that will lead you to a long corridor with windows on both sides. Here, kids will soon find out here what’s meant by telescope effect.

Walk along the corridor for a long way towards the garden and then turn around. You’ll see the Torre Asinelli standing right in front of you, looking so big that you’ll think you can touch it. When you’ll approach the window the tower will get smaller and smaller instead, as a consequence of the telescope effect. Seems unbelievable? Try it yourself!

5. A dreamy museum: Gelato Museum Carpigiani

To conclude, the museum that every Charlie in the world has always dreamt about, regardless of the age. It’s not a Chocolate Factory but you’re getting there: it’s the Gelato Museum Carpigiani in Anzola Emilia, a dozen km far from Bologna, heading towards Modena.

At the Gelato Museum Carpigiani, opened in 2012, you’ll first discover the history of this amazing Italian product. Then you’ll have the chance of tasting and/or prepare it thanks to the experiences organized by the museum, designed for families as well.

Extra. A bike tour to discover the secrets animals of Bologna

A piece of extra advice: a very relaxing way to enjoy the city with children is riding on a bike with an expert guide. Walk ‘n Ride travel agency offers a special tour for kids aimed at exploring Bologna while searching for its most secret animals.

Elephants, dolphins and octopuses are some examples of the odd fauna which can be admired in the fountains or on the facades of the palazzi. The tour is suitable for kids aged 7 years and above.