If you are planning a trip and are looking for ideas on what to do in Bologna with children, the good news is that the city is full of fun activities for young and old.

Below are our tips for spending time with the little ones in and around Bologna's historic centre, 6 places the whole family is sure to enjoy.

1. The Voltone del Podestà

The Voltone del Podestà is located in the heart of Bologna, below the Palazzo del Podestà in Piazza Maggiore. Once there, you will notice a strange crowding, due to a particular acoustic effect that affects the voltone itself, which many call the 'wireless telephone'.

To experience it yourself, you will have to stand at the two opposite corners of the vault, with your face in the direction of the pillar, and start whispering something. Thanks to the special acoustics of the place, you will be able to perfectly hear what the person on the other side of the vault is saying!

2. Visit the Museum of the History of Bologna

The second place we recommend is located a short distance from Piazza Maggiore. The historic Palazzo Pepoli houses the Museum of the History of Bologna, which tells the history of the city in an interactive and entertaining way, from Etruscan times to the contemporary age.

If you are thinking about a long series of illustrative panels and a slew of exhibits enclosed in a display case, you are way off the mark. In the Bologna History Museum you will find a series of themed rooms full of multimedia and interactive elements, which make the visit more enjoyable and entertain the children.

Don't miss the reconstruction of a section of the Via Emilia with the original stones and the section dedicated to the canals of Bologna.

3. The 3 arrows of Casa Isolani

We now take Strada Maggiore to reach Casa Isolani, which is very well known in Bologna for two reasons. To discover the first, just cross the street: in front of you you will see one of the few remaining wooden porticoes in the city, a good 12 metres high.

The other reason has to do with the now famous story of the three arrows. Surely you have noticed some people standing under the porch and looking up. What are they doing?

They are looking for the arrows stuck in the beams! According to legend, a nobleman from Bologna decided to kill his wife following her betrayal by hiring three archers, who were supposed to shoot their arrows in the direction of his window. The woman, however, cunningly appeared at the window without her veils. Dazzled by the unexpected vision, the archers missed their shot and the three arrows ended up under the porch.

4) Treasure hunt for children in Bologna

One of the most fun activities to do in Bologna with children is to take part in a treasure hunt on a bike. A bike ride can be a good idea to discover the city in a more active way, especially if accompanied by someone who knows it well.

Travelhoo organises a treasure hunt for families, who together with an expert guide will ride through the streets of Bologna in search of its most secret animals.

Some examples? Your children will hunt for the strange elephants, dolphins and octopuses that camp on Bologna's fountains and palaces. The tour is designed for children aged 7 and up.

5. The telescope effect of San Michele in Bosco

If you have never been there, the terrace of San Michele in Bosco is definitely worth a visit. From here you can enjoy one of the most beautiful views of Bologna from above, surrounded by greenery and history. To reach it, cross the ring road at Porta San Mamolo and then take via Codivilla.

Inside the complex there is an attraction that is very popular with young and old alike. It is the so-called telescope effect, a phenomenon that will amaze children! To experience it, simply enter the church and look for the small door to the right of the altar, which will lead you into the long corridor that is now part of the Rizzoli Orthopaedic Institute.

The corridor has windows on both sides, but you must walk along it in the direction of the two towers. At first you will see a large Asinelli tower, so large that you almost feel as if you can touch it with your finger.

As you get closer to the window, the surprise effect will come: the tower will seem smaller and smaller, although closer to you, precisely because of the optical effect called telescope.

6. The Carpigiani Gelato Museum

So far we have told you about many things to do in Bologna with children, but there’s a mouth-watering experience missing from the roll-call, something that will drive your children crazy. It’s the Carpigiani Gelato Museum located in Anzola Emilia, a dozen kilometres from Bologna.

Inaugurated in 2012, this museum is a true immersion in the history of this fantastic made-in-Italy product, as well as a great opportunity to taste ice cream and even make it yourself, participating in one of the family experiences organised by the museum itself.