5 places in Reggio Emilia to discover with children

Famous worldwide for the Reggio Emilia Approach, the innovative educational and pedagogical model dedicated to early childhood, Reggio Emilia is one of the most child-friendly cities in Italy. Here, every day can become an opportunity to learn while having fun, combining outdoor activities with cultural experiences designed also for younger visitors. From museums with interactive workshops to large parks where children can run and play, up to the symbolic places of the city’s history, every experience allows children to observe, experiment and discover the local area in an engaging way.

Here are five places in Reggio Emilia that deserve to be included in every family’s itinerary.

Palazzo dei Musei

Palazzo dei Musei is one of the most interesting places to visit with children. Housed in a former Franciscan convent, it is the main venue of the Civic Museums of Reggio Emilia. It houses collections dedicated to archaeology, ethnography, art history, natural history and the history of the city, offering a journey full of curiosities that can capture the attention of younger visitors as well. Among the elements most appreciated by children are a large crocodile with its jaws wide open, a sperm whale, the remains of the whale Valentina and some fish humorously assembled by combining animal and artificial parts, such as the “Cophanus concatenatus”. It is a suitable destination even on rainy days and represents a perfect combination of culture, play and discovery.

Museo del Tricolore

How was our tricolour flag born? What do the three colours, green, white and red, represent? The answers can be found at the Museo del Tricolore, located inside the Palazzo del Comune, in the rooms next to the historic Sala del Tricolore, where on 7 January 1797 the banner that would later become the national flag was adopted. Here children can discover the history and the figures connected to the birth of the Italian flag through documents, historical artefacts, the artworks from the project “Novanta artisti per una bandiera” and the short illustrated story Fumetto Tricolore. It is a short but content-rich visit, ideal to include during a walk through the historic centre.

Parco delle Caprette

Parco delle Caprette is a green area of around 28,000 square metres located inside Parco del Crostolo. As its name suggests, it is home to goats, not the common Italian breeds we know, but Tibetan goats that are free to move around the area and have become a real attraction for children over the years. In addition to large meadows where children can have fun, the park offers walking paths, play areas for younger visitors, picnic spaces and perfect spots to spend a few hours surrounded by nature. It is the ideal place for running, cycling or simply relaxing in the shade of the trees. Its peaceful atmosphere and many facilities make it particularly suitable for families with children of all ages.

Parco del Rodano

Parco del Rodano is a large green area of around 400 hectares that stretches along the eastern side of Reggio Emilia. It is a perfect place for families who want to spend a few hours away from the city bustle, walking along paths, meadows and open spaces where children can play and have fun. Inside the park there is also the Asineria didattica Asini di Reggio Emilia, which promotes the educational use of donkeys as slow, observant and peaceful animals. Here children can take part in nature activities, excursions, walks and storytelling events, always accompanied by these wonderful animals that happily allow themselves to be stroked.

La Casa dei Burattini di Otello Sarzi

For the final stop, we move to Corte Tegge, a hamlet of Cavriago just a few kilometres from Reggio Emilia, where La Casa dei Burattini di Otello Sarzi is located, a museum space dedicated to the history and creativity of puppet theatre created by the Sarzi family. During the visit, it is possible to admire an extraordinary collection of puppets, marionettes, stage sets and props that tell decades of performances and creativity. The experience becomes even more engaging thanks to the educational workshops and shows organised throughout the year, allowing children to discover the fascinating world of puppets and learn about the techniques used to bring them to life.

Photo © Asineria didattica Asini di Reggio Emilia