For families

1 Villa Comunale

This major urban park in central Naples has a playground specifically designed with little ones in mind and there are always plenty of families enjoying the gardens and walkways. But the biggest attraction for youngsters may be the Stazione Zoologica (Zoological Institute), the oldest aquarium in Europe, featuring sea life from the Bay of Naples.

2 Science City

A hands-on, interactive “experimentorium”, with something for everyone, even the very young. Included in the exhibits are a planetarium (booking ahead is compulsory and incurs an extra fee) as well as up-to-date computer gizmos, all of which seem to transcend language barriers. This hands-on science centre is designed to educate and entertain kids of all ages. Book for the Planetarium.

Address: Via Coroglio 104
Phone: 081 372 37 28
Opening info: Open 9am–5pm Tue–Sat; 10am–7pm Sun
Admission charge applies

3 Edenlandia

This traditional amusement park might be showing its age a bit and isn’t giving Disney any competition, but kids of all ages will find plenty to enjoy. Rides include a Big Dipper, a Ghost Train, a Canoe Flume and Bumper Cars, as well as several more high-tech options. An old-fashioned choice that never fails to delight is Le Nuvole, a theatre group that features puppets and mime.

Address: Viale Kennedy, Fuorigrotta
Phone: 081 239 40 90
Opening info: Open Jul: 5pm–midnight daily; Aug: 10:30pm– midnight daily; hours vary rest of the year – phone or check website for details
Admission charge applies
www.edenlandia.it

4 Centro Musei delle Scienze Naturali

The Università di Napoli Federico II houses five museums in one building. Sedimentologists will love the Mineralogy and Geology sections; the Zoology rooms will appeal to animal loveres; the Palaeonotology Museum has dinosaur exhibits and the Anthropology and Physics areas are fascinating.

Address: Via Mezzocannone 8 & Largo S Marcellino 10
Phone: 081 253 51 64
Opening info: Open 9am–1:30pm Mon–Fri (also open 3–5pm Mon & Thu)
Admission charge applies

5 Ospedale delle Bambole

Children are captivated by the Doll Hospital, both for the concept as well as for the array of dolls that are here to be “cured”. Adults, too, will find the collection fascinating, with some pieces qualifying as museum-quality treasures. There is also a shop, so your child won’t necessarily have to say goodbye to a new-found friend at the end of the visit.

Address: Via S Biagio dei Librai 81
Opening info: Open 10am–5pm Mon–Fri
Admission charge: Free

 

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