Summer vacations in the beautiful country of Italy is always a fun and memorable adventure, as one gets to experience the history, the culture, the food, and the wonderful atmosphere of its countryside. However, it may be a slightly different story if you’re traveling with the kids. While we may appreciate the subtle differences in various types of Italian cheeses, or marvel at the work of master Italian artists, for small children, it might not make quite a difference. And as every parent knows, there are few things more stressful during a vacation than a bored child.
One of the best ways to keep your kids entertained during the summer would be to bring them to the beach. But there may also be some issues that you may encounter, such as overcrowded beaches, algae in the water, or perhaps the nearest beach to you at the time is simply too inconvenient to visit. It should also be noted that there are some beaches in Italy that don’t have kid-friendly facilities, and some of them also have waves that may be too high and too dangerous for the little ones.
Don’t worry, though, because other than beaches and good food, another thing that Italy has in plentiful supply would be water parks! These theme parks are perfect for children as they all have kid-friendly facilities, convenient locations, as well as on-site restaurants and establishment that should help you and your family have fun for the day. There are exciting slides, various swimming pools, and in some water parks, there are even regular live shows meant especially for the kiddies! What’s not to love?
So here’s a list of just a few of some of the exciting water parks in Italy that you could take your kids to, and are bound to be a delight for both children and parents!
Aquafan
Considered as the best water park in Europe, Aquafan first opened its doors in 1987 in Riccione, Rimini. Since then, it has expanded, upgraded, and added attractions to its ever-growing list of diversions on its grounds, and hence is a popular spot to take the kids to. The facilities include various restaurants, several types of rivers and rapids, slides, a picnic area, safety deposit boxes and lockers, live children’s shows, foam parties, and even an IMAX theater!
Photo from http://www.aquafan.it
Photo from http://www.aquafan.it
Etnaland
If you happen to be staying in the area of Catania in Sicily, then take a trip to Etnaland’s Acquapark. Other than its number of exciting water slides (with equally exciting names such as “Twin Twister” and “Hydrotube 813”), there are also wave pools, lagoons, artificial rivers, and rapids. On top of that, there are even laser light shows, live shows for kids, as well as group dancing for both kids and adults. If you want to take a break from the water, you can also just head on over to the other sections of Etnaland that feature a full-on theme park with roller coasters, carousels, and other rides, or get the little ones excited over dinosaurs in the Prehistoric Park that has full-scale dinosaur figures!
Photo from http://www.etnaland.eu
Photo from http://www.romamoda.it
Magic World
Hanging around Naples? Then Magic World is the place to see. Located about a half hour from the city center by car, Magic World has its own water park and theme park. It has fun waterslides and pools, lagoons, and wave pools. Later on in the day, you can then hop over to the theme park on the park grounds that contains equally exciting rides and attractions as well, both for old and young! They also regularly hold shows that feature anything from musical performances, singers, comedians, magicians, and dancers (we here that there’s even a circus during the Christmas season!).
Photo from http://www.magicworld.it/
Photo from http://www.magicworld.it/
These are just three of the numerous theme parks and water parks that can be found in Italy. So if you’re ever at a loss on where to take the kiddies for the day, just look up the nearest theme park and head on over!
Priscila Siano is the Marketing Director of Tour Italy Now, an online tour operator specializing in Italy travel. She's a respected expert on making dream Italy vacations a reality for clients.
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