Here are some Rome shops selling exquisite toys which will make Italy for kids a delight, and provide entertainment in Rome for the whole family.
Toys in Italian shops are wonderful. Often hand-made, they're characterised by design creativity, quality and taste. One word of warning : be careful of toys sold on Roman markets. In recent years some manufacturing has been moved to China, and many of the toys you'll see on stalls are imported and not very well made. But it is still possible to find genuine Italian toys if you know where to look. So if you want some light entertainment in Rome for kids after a long morning's sightseeing, try here for original, good quality toys. Take some home as souvenirs or visit these amazing Rome shops just for the experience. We can guarantee the whole family will love them. Entertainment in Rome for kids : 'Al Sogno' toyshop.
Rome shops tend to be small, boutique-type places with very individual pieces, and this one is no exception. The Manfredini family who own and run it aim to provide a mixture of Alice in Wonderland and Aladdin's cave - and they succeed. You'll be met at the entrance by a large wooden Pinocchio and inside by either a life-sized horse or an equally large bear. Brilliantly coloured birds fly from the ceiling, puppets hang over the stairwell, and even in summer elves peer out from the back room. There are sections for stuffed toys, many life-sized, dolls - some costing over a thousand Euros - dolls' houses and miniature furniture, puppets, Venetian masks, board games (have a look for the most amazing chess boards), collectible models and a special section for fairies, gnomes, trolls and elves. 'Al Sogno' is brilliant entertainment in Rome for kids who are tired of sightseeing, or just too young to appreciate the city. It's an exciting place and well worth visiting even if you don't want to buy - even if you have no kids! But be aware that it's an upmarket shop which is reflected in the prices. Many of the toys are placed at child height so you need to be extra careful with excitable toddlers as you'll be expected to pay for any damage. Staff can sometimes seem a little forbidding, mainly because they're always watching out to make sure toys aren't being damaged, but they're incredibly knowledgeable and will be happy to give you a guided tour as long as the shop's not too busy. So if you've spent time looking at the Bernini Fountain and want to find more child-friendly things to do in Rome to keep your kids happy, 'Al Sogno' is the place for you. It's at the top of the Piazza Navona and is open every day from 10 a.m. till 8 p.m. After you've finished there, give them another of the great treats in Italy for kids - take them to the Tre Scalini for some of their famous chocolate ice cream. See this page about where to eat with kids in Rome for details. Entertainment in Rome for kids : 'Bartolucci' toyshop.
They're all wooden and hand-painted in primary colours : dolls, clocks, lamps, name plates, pencil holders and so on. They also have a range of small items like keyrings and fridge magnets which are quite cheap (around two Euros) and good for kids to take home to friends as gifts. We'd be very surprised if you come out having bought nothing - we never have! Find Bartolucci near the Pantheon at Via dei Pastini but be aware that, as with many Rome shops, they close in August - usually the middle two weeks. Entertainment in Rome for kids : Mel Giannino Stoppani bookshop.
There's a play area if your children aren't interested in looking at the books, and good baby changing facilities. Incidentally, this isn't only an option for kids. Children's books and films are a very good way for adults to learn Italian - the written words are simple and the spoken language is slow and distinct. 'Mel's' is in the Piazza dei Santissimi Apostoli, off Piazza Venezia. Open from 9.30 a.m. to 7.30 p.m., Monday to Saturday, and on Sunday from 10.30. a.m. to 1.30 p.m. and again from 4 p.m. to 7.30 p.m. Entertainment in Rome for kids : international toys. The Disney store : we put this here only to let you know that, if Italy for kids is making them homesick, there's a Disney store in Rome with all the familiar characters to comfort them! Located on the Via del Corso (number 165), it tends to sell more clothes than toys so be aware of that before you go. An air conditioned shop - good to take kids for a breather out of the heat of Rome's climate in the summer! As an additional bonus, close by is the best pizzeria for kids in the whole of Rome. Have a look at this page about where to eat for details of how to find it. And wherever you decide to shop and eat - enjoy!
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