Kids can feel giant-sized at Italia in Miniatura, one of the most whimsical amusement parks in Italy. Located just outside Rimini, the park includes intricately detailed small-scale models of almost 300 famous Italian landmarks, as well as boat rides through mini-Venice, a kid-sized “driving school”, water cannons, rides, and more.
Italy’s iconic sights may be magnificent, but seeing the Colosseum, Leaning Tower, and St. Peter’s Basilica in miniature is a unique delight for kids of all ages. Italia in Miniatura has been a popular amusement park for decades, and booking tickets in advance is a must to skip the long lines at the entrance and head directly to the 273 models surrounded by landscaping featuring tiny trees and plants. In addition to the miniatures, crowd-pleasers include a boat tour down a mini-Grand Canal, getting a “driver’s license” at the park’s driving school for tots, cooling off at the water ride and cannons, tree-top rope-climbing course, a parrot sanctuary, and a 7D cinema.
Italia in Miniatura is located in Viserba, about three miles (five kilometers) north of Rimini along the SS Adriatica 16 highway. Buses run to the park from the Viserba and Rimini train stations.
The entire park is open from April through October, though smaller areas within the park are open during other months of the year. The busiest months are June to September, when the park is often crowded.
Rimini and the neighboring town of Riccione are among the two most popular seaside destinations on the Adriatic coast, packed with vacationing families throughout the summer. The shallow, calm water, a plethora of family-friendly hotels, beach clubs with play areas and snack bars, and pretty promenade make it a favorite with sun-seeking Italians and Europeans.
