Hello, I am trying to find the best base for a 3 night stay in Emilia-Romagna. We plan to tour the various city attractions including Ravenna. After dinner we enjoy walking around a nice historic area and eating a gelato. I can't figure out if Bologna, Ferrara, Parma, or Ravenna will provide the best location for an evening stroll experience. We love cities and are not afraid of crowds. Does anyone have any ideas?

"we enjoy walking around a nice historic area"

You can find this experience in practically every city in Italy, with gelato. You didn't mention the age of your children which seems odd to me considering your question. Bologna is the largest city you mention but surprisingly easy to enter and exit. Bologna is also famous for great food and its terrific universities. Students are everywhere and this can impact a child's impression. With an abundance of students you will also find more litter, unfortunately. I was very disappointed in Bologna's dirty streets. Cans and bottles seemed to be everywhere. Maybe this has changed in recent years.

Yes, sorry I didn't post their ages. They are not college age yet, but are 9, 11, and 13.
NYCFoodSnob - have you been either to Ravenna, Parma or Ferrara?

I adore children at 9, 10, and 13. Yes, I've been to all of these cities but Italy is no Disneyland. Thank goodness my Godson fell in love with Venice. Hopefully, your children our fans of history class. Ravenna has the beach which, depending on the season, can be fun for kids. But, Bologna is the largest and most central city in that region. There's much to see in the city center and walking is very easy. My experience with kids tells me the more you have to offer them the better.