Hello all,

we have planned a month long vacation in June with our 1.5y and 3.5y old kids in the Emilia Romagna, having Parma as our base.

We apreciate any tips on what do do with/without the children, what to see, where to eat, shop, etc.

thanks a bunch,
Thomas

I must be a mean old woman !!
Italy in the summer. NEVER
Italy with young children. NEVER

If the large part of Italian, Italian parents and Italian kids survive these terrible summers, there is some hope that me and my family will as well. I guess, we'll give it a try therefore....

Any info about Parma or Emilia Romagna, anybody?

Thanks so much,
Thomas

I think for a month that Bologna would make a more interesting base. Much more to do there at night time. Then again you have kids so you might like the very tranquil feel of Parma's night.

A month is a long time to spend in E-R, so you could basically see everything: Bologna, Modena, Ferrara, Rimini, Imola, Faenza, Porretta, Marzabotto. There is plenty of hiking to do. Behind Reggio Emilia is a large national park (Parco dei Giganti I think is the name.. haven't been there though).

I'm working on a comprehensive Bologna guide at the moment, will post the link when I have it finished (what to do, where to eat, where to go at night).

I have no expertise in that region but it's the next area that I want to visit if there's an off-season airfare sale too goo to refuse. A friend who lives in Bologna LOVES Ferrara and always recommends visiting there. I hear from everyone who goes there that Bologna is very much worthy of serious attention. I would recommend Ravenna. I was there more than 30 years ago. The mosaics are unlike any others I've seen in Italy. I can still visualize that glowing, refreshing GREEN color in the pastoral scenes depicted.

It sounds like if you need/want to travel in June, you've picked a good region--not as overwhelmed with tourists as some, but at the same time an easy area to visit, with all amenities.

You'll probably get some much better answers within the next few days from people who know this area much better than I, but if not, I can give you a link to a forum where you may get advice from someone who lives in that area and from others who include it among their very favorite travel destinations. (since it's a language forum, rather than a travel advice forum, I won't post the link now unless you really want it.)

Ahh I knew I forgot something, Ravenna is nice yes. I hear the beach is nicer there (compared to Rimini). Ferrara is a cool place, I agree. The castle in the middle of town is interesting. Parma is my favorite town in E-R outside Bologna, however.

Thanks so much! Any tips about the dining scene (not specifically for children)?

ThomasG, are you still posting here? What were the highlights of this trip?

cmt,
wasn't here for a while, so I didn't read.

Parma (our base) is splendid, particularly with kids. Besides, city center is apart from a central artery traffic free. We loved Modena, Mantova, Ferrara too.

We went often to the Ligurian coast, which I can only recommend. Lerici was our favorite spot, having a place (Lido di Lerici) allowing you to walk out 50 meters and still have the water reach only your knees. Perfect for children.

Hi ThomasG

I just notice your posting today,
if you look up the posting "Leaving friday-Thank you" you can find some detailed information of things to do in Parma.
Let me know of any questions you might have, I can confirm that you will find a lot of great things to do with the kids. I am from Parma and I know the are quite well..let me know if I can give additional info.
As far as food.. as you know there are many great trattoria and restaurants, but in summer there are a lot of "Sagre di Paese" a.k.a "Village festivals" with local food..great way to try local food and wine and mingle with the locals. As far as shopping there is a brand new outlet just outside the city.

Ciao

My biggest tip is 'grandma'. We went to Italy with our then 2 yr old in june and had a wonderful time. There were no crowds-in fact it was so dead that many shops and resturants were not open after 5 pm. The gelatarias were though, so we were good to go! We spent one week traveling by ourselves and then 1.5 weeks at my aunts summer rental in Lazio. We had awonderful time before we got to my aunt's, but it was even more wonderful and relaxing to be in one place with family. They go there every year and my aunt speaks fluently so it was like being with a local. Whenever we wanted to do something grown up we had 5 babysitters. Naps and meals were easy in a regular place where they had been difficult while traveling.
We are going back this year with a 1 and 4 yr old, and bring even more reinforcements (my mom and sister).
There is a book 'Italy with Kids" that gave us lots of good ideas. It focuses on Rome, but has bits of info on other places too.
-katie