Central Children's Library
Via San Paolo alla Regola, 16
06 686 5116
Nov-mid June 9-7 Tue-Fri. 9-1 Sat. Mid June-Sept. 9.30-5 Tue-Thur.
Closed three weeks in August.
Bus or tram to Largo Argentina or via Arenula
The library has a selection of English, French, German and Spanish books for small children and plans to offer an international range for older children too. Non-residents can use the library, but not borrow books. >From mid-June, and for most of the summer, the library moves to a park: call for information.
Luna Park (Luneur)
Via delle Tre Fontane
06 592 5933
Oct-Apr 3-8pm Mon, Wed-Fri; 3pm-1am Sat; 10am-1pm, 3pm-10pm, Sun; May-Sept 5pm-1am Mon-Fri; 5pm-2am Sat; 10am- 1am Sun.
Metro Magliana/bus to Via delle Tre Fontane.
Admission free; rides L1,000-5,000 each.
Rome's funfair is 30 years old, and shows some wear, but it is still very popular. of the. There's a very respectable roller coaster, two haunted houses, a hall of mirrors, and boat, car and pony rides for smaller children.
Villa Borghese Botanical Gardens
Villa Borghese
06-854-8577
Bus 52,53,910 (to Via Pinciana),3,4,57 (to Via Po)
Open daily 9am-dusk
A huge park on the slopes of the Janiculum, famous for its palms and yuccas and collection of orchids. Public gardens and park, including the Lake Garden, where boats may be rented and the Zoo. There is also an aviary and an enormous racetrack. The park was altered in the 18th century to resemble English parkland and given to the public in 1902.
Piscina delle Rose
Viale America 20
06 592 6717
mid June-end Sept 9-7 daily.
Metro EUR Palasport/bus to Viale Europa.
Admission L18,000; L13,000 9am-2pm or 2-7pm only; L7,000 1-4pm only; free children under 1 meter (about 3 feet) tall.
A child-friendly pool and so apt to get a bit crowded, especially in the afternoon.
Teatro Verde
Circonvallazione Gianicolense, 10
06 588 2034
mid-Oct-end Apr. Shows 5pm Sat, Sun.
Bus or tram to Stazione Trastevere.
The best-known children's theatre in Rome, Teatro Verde offers puppets and acted plays in Italian. Visit the costume and prop workshop half an hour before the curtain goes up. Reservations advisable.
