English
When traveling with family, one must choose plans that can amuse and entertain the little ones as well. And although Rome is famous for its historical attractions and the beauty of its art, the city also offers interesting activities for children.
One of the places you should definitely visit is the Bioparco, which children usually enjoy the most. It is one of the first zoos in the world to allow its guests to meet the animals while they are educated and made more aware about the importance of conserving flora and fauna.
From its location within the glorious Villa Borghese, which was opened in 1911 as a place of entertainment for the Romans, you will be able to admire rare and exotic animals. Despite its initial success, it deteriorated over the years and was restructured several times as a result. The idea of converting it into a bio park emerged in 1994, and the project was based on the principles of the Gilman charitable foundation.
It currently has more than 1,000 animals of some 200 species, including some endangered species: Dendrobates, geckos, Egyptian turtles, mangabeys, Madagascarboas, crocodiles, lions, leopards, elephants and seals are just some of the many animals that will surprise your little ones. The most recent additions to the family are an Asiatic lion named Asoka, Pipa (a hippo) and three meerkats.
Animals are not the only attractions of the garden. There’s also the magnificent botanical collection (with mainly Mediterranean species) that enchants visitors with its beauty and exoticism.
The Bioparco also organizes many activities for children and families that will make your visit an unforgettable experience: workshops, guided and train tours, exhibitions, theater, animal feedings and a children´s play area. The exhibitions and activities are included in the entry price. It also has picnic areas, cafes, a restaurant and a bookstore, where you can also buy gifts.
Address: Piazzale del giardino 1 (Metro line A – Piazzale Flaminio / Via Veneto / Spagna)
Hours: During spring and summer it’s open from9:30 am to 6 pm(weekends until7 pm) and in autumn and winter it closes at 5 pm. Last entries are one hour before closing.
Prices: Admission for adults costs € 13. For children 12 years old and older or those that measure more than a meter, the price is € 11, and children under 12 years are free of charge. The train costs € 1.50 per person. On their website you can find special rates, book guided tours and purchase tickets in advance: http://www.bioparco.it/acquisto_biglietti_bioparco.html
If you have time, you can devote another day to visiting the Villa Borghese. Its many attractions include different styles of gardens, fountains and statues, museums, villas and the Borghese Gallery, which exhibits works by Raphael, Bernini and Caravaggio. Since it is one of the biggest parks inRome, it is advisable to spend at least a full day.
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