Rome Kids Activity Guide 2008

CTIVITIES GUIDE 200 A ’ S D 8 KI 2

Looking for swings and roundabouts

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Playgroups for little ones

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Getting out of the house

Caroline Presber

Gabrielle Bolzoni

Caroline Presber

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Not quite new, but what a bargain

13

Starting sports early

15

Culture galore

18

Looking for a bedtime story

Gabrielle Bolzoni

Gabrielle Bolzoni

Caroline Presber

Gabrielle Bolzoni

Via dei Falegnami 79 - 00186 Rome Tel. 066867967 Fax 066872996 Email: editorial@wantedinrome.com www.wantedinrome.com

Supplemento al numero 17/2008 di Wanted in Rome Direttore responsabile: Olive Ann Tynan Executive editor: Mary Wilsey Editrice: Società della Rotonda Srl Sede legale: Via delle Coppelle 9 Progetto grafico: Justin E. Smith

Copertina: Marco and Martino Petrella Fotocomposizione e stampa: Beta Tipografica Srl Via Casilina Vecchia 119 a/b Diffusione: Emilianpress Scrl Via delle Messi d’Oro 212

Registrazione al Tribunale di Roma numero 131 del 6/3/85 Finito di stampare il 10/10/08

kids’ activities guide

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Looking for swings and roundabouts Caroline Presber

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n London and Paris playgrounds with good equipment in congenial surroundings are abundant. Here in Rome there are plenty of activities organised for children (see pages 8-9). However, if you are just after some safe playground equipment you could be looking for a while. Many of the play areas have been vandalised or are near uninviting sites. Below is a guide to some of the better ones.

Casina di Raffaello (Villa Borghese). Constructed at the beginning of 2007, this play area in Viale della Casina di Raffaello is right next to the Casina di Raffaello, an activity centre (ludoteca) for children aged three and above. The equipment is not your typical swings and slides but is much more innovative. There are several balance beams and even wooden planks that make music when you jump on them. For small children, there is also a wooden tractor to sit on and little wooden houses to play in. Inside the ludoteca there is a book and toy store, a reading space with books you can read to your kids (all the books are in Italian) and chalkboard tables that little ones can draw on. There are also free 45-minute workshops (laboratori) for kids aged 3-6 from Tuesday to Friday at 15.30, 16.30 and 17.30 and on Saturday and Sunday at 10.30, 12.00, 15.30, 16.30

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and 17.30. You have to reserve in person on the day that you want your child to attend a workshop. On weekends, there are also pony rides just down the road, next to the Cinema dei Piccoli (page 8). See also Art page 15 and Toys page 19.

Casina di Raffaello, Viale della Casina di Raffaello (Villa Borghese), tel. 0682059127, www.casinadiraffaello.it. 09.00-19.00. Mon closed. â‚Ź3.

Via della Cava Aurelia 100 (Aurelio). This is not inside a park, but is still worth the visit.

It is a large enclosed play space with swings, slides and climbing ropes, plus benches where you can sit while the kids play. There is also room for kids to ride their bicycle, tricycle or scooter. Watch out though: this space can get extremely crowded in the late afternoon.

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Via Panama 29a (Salario). Take the cycle path down Via Panama and you can’t miss this large enclosed play space. The equipment is fairly standard but there is plenty of it and there is also space for riding bicycles, tricycles and scooters.

and slides), but the surroundings are beautiful, the park is enormous and there is plenty of space for riding bicycles and scooters. Kids can look for pine nuts on the ground.

Villa Glori (Parioli). At the top of Via di Villa Glori, in a somewhat barren field, is a Villa Ada (Salario). Diffismall play structure. Chilcult to get to but worth the efdren seem particularly atfort, this vast play area is just to the two slides, Good playgrounds in tracted down the gravel road when one winding and the other Rome are few and far shaped like a tunnel. There you turn right at the Via Salaria 273 or 275 entrance to between, but here are is only one play structure Villa Ada. There are plenty and there is no place for the nine of the best of swings, slides, climbing grown-ups to sit. Pony rides ropes, seesaws and benches. are also available in the There is also good space for same park. bicycles and scooters and a picnic area that serves as a perfect open-air birthday party ven- Villa Torlonia (Nomentano). This is a ue. Tip for getting there: you can avoid the traf- newish play area within an enclosed space fic on Via Salaria by taking the hidden entrance on Via Siracusa. Just down the road, on Viale to the park from Via Panama 29, which is be- di Villa Massimo, there is another green area hind the play area on Via Panama (see above). with some equipment for younger children A path veers left into Villa Ada. (age 2-3). Afterwards take the kids to the Limonaia di Villa Torlonia, a café and restauVilla Balestra (Parioli). This small park sits rant on the other side of the park. ■ atop of Monte Parioli and provides a splendid view of Rome. Enter the park at the end of Via How to get there Ammannati and go to the large enclosed play Check www.atac.roma.it for the best public transport area at the other side of the park. The equipoptions. ment is new and there is something for kids of Check a detailed map or www.viamichelin.it or other all ages. Beside the play area is a bar with outinternet map service for directions by car as the onedoor seating where parents can have a coffee way streets can create difficulties, especially for getor spremuta (freshly squeezed fruit juice) and ting to parks.

If you only have one or two small children in tow, enjoy the view while the little ones play. There consider investing in an electric bike. It is a safe, is also a paved basketball court which doubles convenient and car-free way to get to a park quickly as a space for riding bicycles and scooters.

Villa Celimontana (Celio). This park is up the hill to the south of the Colosseum in Via della Navicella 12. Walk to the right and you will find a large playground with a space for bikes and scooters too.

Villa Doria Pamphili (Monteverde). This space has its entrance in Largo Botanica, off Via Aurelia Antica, at the end of the park furthest from the Porta S. Pancrazio entrance.

The equipment is not exceptional (just swings kids’ activities guide

and without killing oneself pushing a stroller up one of Rome’s many hills. See www.e-go.bz for an Italian company that sells reasonably-priced electric bicycles.

Wanted in Rome hopes that your family finds this guide a helpful and enjoyable source of information. You can order more copies directly at our offices in Via dei Falegnami 79.

See our website www.wantedinrome.com for opening hours. Wanted in Rome welcomes suggestions for future editions of the Kids’ Activities Guide. Send us your comments to editorial@wantedinrome.com.

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Via Vito Sinsi 5 - tel/fax 0633266703 www.greenwoodgardenschool.com

Early Childhood ages 3-6 08.30 - 15.30 (lunch included)

Learning Centers computer - singing - arts & crafts o u t d o o r p l a y g r o u n d - P R E - R E A D IN G & W R IT IN G S K I L L S - S TO R IE S

Greenwood Garden International School 4

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Playgroups for little ones Gabrielle Bolzoni

Photo by Gabrielle Bolzoni.

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laygroups in Rome are a recent idea but are proving very successful. The concept is simple: international mothers (but also fathers, grandparents or babysitters) living in the same area meet one or more times a week with their children, usually aged up to four, and spend a couple of hours together. The goal is to allow children who are either too young to go to kindergarden or have just arrived in Rome, don’t speak any Italian and don’t know many kids, to socialise, play together and participate in different kinds of amusements, as well as creative and educational activities. Playgroups usually total from 10 to 25 kids.

The children sing, listen to music, dance, do crafts, draw, paint, look at books, play games and eat snacks in a friendly atmosphere.

There is usually always a special corner with toys suitable for the smallest. Furthermore, the playgroups are a meeting place for moth-

ers, who can relax, have a coffee and get to know each other while staying with their kids. The common language is usually English but this can change if the mothers are of other nationalities.

For families who have just moved to Rome and want to find out more about the closest playgroup, we suggest calling the information office of the embassy of reference, foreign academies or cultural institutes (such as the American Academy tel.

065812410, Centre Culturel Saint Louis de France tel. 066802606, or Goethe-Institute tel. 068440051), foreign churches (such as S. Maria dell’Anima tel. 0668135410 serving the German Catholic community or All Saints’ Anglican Church tel. 0697273608), international bookshops (such as the AngloAmerican bookstore tel. 066795222, the German Herder tel. 066794628 or the French continued page 6

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La Procure tel. 0668307598). All these places Il Nido. This Italian association organises usually have an updated notice board. How- different activities for children and mothers ever, the best way to learn about playgroups is and also hosts self-run playgroups. by word of mouth.

Via Marmorata 169 (Testaccio), tel.

Playgroups are open to anyone at any time 065758648. of the year and it is not necessary to attend every meeting. Usually they meet on church Ladybirds in Trastevere. The Trastevere premises, at the back of a store or in a cultural branch of the well-established Ladybirds association, but in some cases or on particular playgroup (see below) meets on Monday from 15.30 to 17.30. occasions they gather in Songs, crafts and private homes. During games for children up the holidays the meetIf you are looking for to four. Costs €5 per ings are usually suschild. Monthly bookpended, but for example a pre-school option club for mothers. in summer some mothVia della Luce 32, ers meet in parks or othfor your little ones, tel. 339/5679358, www. er open spaces. Mothers informal social groups ladybirdsrome.com. also organise mailing lists to receive news and for parents and kids are Ladybirds Playgroup. information (such as the details of recommended springing up all over Rome Informal international playgroup for children babysitters or cleaners under four and their or the dates of tag sales or second-hand markets). Playgroups are either families; music, crafts, singing and snacks free or cost from €2.50 to €10 per meeting, to are available. Meetings are every Wednescover food, stationery and materials or to pay day and Friday morning from 10.00 to 12.00. the rent. There is usually a person of reference Costs €5 per meeting. Once a month mothers who organises the meetings and assigns the meet for a bookclub.

All Saints’ Anglican Church, Via del tasks. Mothers are often asked to bring some sweets or drinks, organise crafts and tidy up the Babuino 153, tel. 339/5679358, www.ladyspace after the meetings. Some playgroups or- birdsrome.com. ganise a book club for mothers once a month. If playgroups meet downtown we suggest getting Mums and Tots Group. This informal there by public transport or by bicycle because English-speaking group meets every Tuesday morning from 10.00 to 12.30 for coffee and finding a parking space can be difficult. cake at various members’ houses in the Casal These are the most popular playgroups: Palocco/Infernetto area. Children’s ages Centro Il Fiume. This association and yoga range from newborn to three years old. It is centre hosts Spazio dei Bimbi, an Italian play- free and open to all nationalities. For more group for mothers and kids aged 1-3, assisted information contact sjbracey@alice.it. by educational specialists who stimulate the children’s creativity and talent. There are also S. Saba Playgroup. International group of lessons on baby massage. Annual membership mums and their children aged ten months to card €250, which includes kids’ insurance and three years meets every Friday from October a monthly meeting for parents. Costs €10 per to March at the S. Saba Centro Anziani, Largo Fioritto 2. From April to September the group meeting.

Via dei Dalmati 37 (S. Lorenzo), tel. meets at different parks around S. Saba and the 064451244, www.okidoroma.it. Fri 09.45- historic centre. For more information contact bumpyalison@hotmail.com. ■ 11.30.

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Core International School in Rome Founded in 1983

Qualified, experienced British and Commonwealth teachers.

Familiar atmosphere where children of many nationalities and cultures learn together.

Small classes where every child receives individual attention and is encouraged to reach his or her full potential.

Our Nursery Department, which caters for children from three to five years old provides a gentle transition from home to school life.

Our Primary Department places strong emphasis on the acquisition of basic skills in laying the foundations for all aspects of learning.

Core International School Via Crati 19 - 00199 Rome tel. +39 068411137 website: www.coreinternationalschool.it e-mail: info@coreinternationalschool.it

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Getting out of the house Caroline Presber

A play fire engine at Explora Children’s Museum is a popular attraction. Photo by kind permission of Explora .

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t’s Saturday afternoon in mid-autumn, the weather is unpredictable, the kids are bored with the local playground and have watched enough television for the week and you don’t know where to take them? Here are some ideas to make their leisure time in Rome fun.

Art workshops at the Scuderie. The gallery hosts art workshops for children aged 3-6 (accompanied) and 7-11 every Saturday and Sunday from 16.00 to 19.00. The theme of the workshop depends on the exhibition at the gallery. Call ahead for details.

Scuderie del Quirinale, Via XXIV Maggio 16, tel. 0639967500, www.scuderiequirinale. it. Usually €10 per child, but prices vary depending on the workshop.

Explora – Children’s Museum of Rome.

The museum contains a child-sized town with a grocery store where children can buy provisions and operate the cash register, a bank where they can learn about banking and bank cards, a fire engine, a post office, a grain mill 8

and a doctor’s surgery, among other things.

Children must be accompanied by an adult at all times. There is also a book and toyshop, a bar and a restaurant. The museum puts on regular special events and workshops for children.

Explora, Via Flaminia 80, tel. 063613776, www.mdbr.it. Four entry times a day: 10.00, 12.00, 15.00, 17.00 (visits last one hour 45 minutes and booking is compulsory). Mon closed. €7 children aged 3-11, €6 aged 12 and up, free admission for children under three. €5 per person on Thurs afternoons.

Feeding frenzies at the Bioparco. The Bioparco is Rome’s zoo, comprising over 1,000 animals on 18 hectares in the heart of Villa Borghese. If you don’t feel like walking or have smaller children in tow, you can take the electric train (€1 per person). Every Saturday and Sunday, children can watch the animals being fed at the following times: 12.00 macaques; 12.30 elephants; 14.30 chimpanzees; 15.00 hippopotami; 15.30 animals at the children’s farm. See also Books page 19.

Bioparco, Piazzale del Giardino Zoologico 1 (Villa Borghese), tel. 063608211, info@ bioparco.it, www.bioparco.it. Until 26 Oct 09.30-18.00. From 27 Oct to 31 Dec 09.3017.00. Last entry one hour before closing time. €10 adults, €8 children taller than one metre and up to age 12 and for adults over 60. Tickets to the reptile house cost an extra €2.50 (worth the extra money). Children under one metre enter free. An annual pass for one child and one adult costs €52.

Going Swedish. Both Ikeas in Rome have a play and activity space for children aged three and up. You can leave your kids there for free while you go shopping.

Ikea, Via delle Vigne Nuove (Porta di Roma) and Via Anagnina 81 (Anagnina).

09.00-21.00.

Cinema dei Piccoli. Situated in Villa Borghese, this cinema features new and old children’s movies on a big screen. It is possible to reserve seats in advance by telephone. Check website for show times and featured films.

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Cinema dei Piccoli, Viale della Pineta 15 (Villa Borghese, entrance at Porta Pinciana), tel. 068553485, www.cinemadeipiccoli.it.

There are generally four show times per day, starting at 17.00. Tickets are €4 per person on weekdays and €5 per person on weekends and holidays.

Organic farm visit. Enjoy an afternoon at this 100 per cent organic farm. Even if it is raining, it’s fun to thrash around in the mud and see the animals. Fresh organic fruit and vegetables are available for purchase in the shop, and on Sunday you can also eat lunch on the cheap in the restaurant (open for Sunday lunch only, reservations are required).

Agricoltura Nuova, Via Valle di Perna 315 (near exit 26 of the Grande Raccordo Anulare), tel. 0650828294/065070453, www.agricolturanuova.it. 08.30-18.00. Entrance free.

Plays at Teatro Pegaso. The theatre puts on a children’s play (in Italian) every Sunday at 16.30.

• 5 Oct-9 Nov: Robin Hood • 16 Nov-21 Dec: Beauty and the Beast • 11 Jan-8 Feb 2009: Sleeping Beauty • 15 Feb-8 March 2009: Aladdin’s Lamp • 15 March-5 April and 19-26 April 2009: The Little Mermaid Teatro Pegaso, Viale dei Promontori 131 (Ostia Lido), tel. 065665208, antoniadifrancesco@yahoo.it, www.teatropegaso.net. €6.

Puppets at Teatro S. Carlino. The puppet theatre on the Pincio reopened in September 2007 following renovation. Shows usually feature the protagonist, Pulcinella, and a cast of new and traditional characters. In addition to puppet shows, the animators put on children’s workshops on bodily expression and puppet making. Workshop and show times change regularly. Call for more information.

Reservations can be made by telephone or by email.

Teatro S. Carlino, Viale del Belvedere (Pincio), tel. 063335320, prenotazione@sancarlino.it, info@sancarlino.it, www.sancarlino.it. Show times are Sat 15.30 and Sun and holidays 11.00, 12.00, 15.00 and 16.30. €5.

kids’ activities guide

Stories at Libreria Via Piave. Every Thurs-

day at 17.00 children can attend story hour at the Libreria Via Piave. In the winter months reading and creative workshops take place every Saturday afternoon starting at 16.30. See also Art page 16 and Books page 19.

Libreria Via Piave, Via Piave 18 (Piazza Fiume), tel. 0642014726, info@libreriaviapiave.it, www.libreriaviapiave.it.

Art workshops, star gazing or afternoons at an organic farm are just a few ideas to keep kids entertained Star gazing at the Planetarium. This mod-

ern planetarium brings the sky to everyone.

The 14-m wide dome shows the constellations and the sun, and the moon and the planets against the Milky Way. Three digital projectors make it possible to navigate space in three dimensions. In addition to regular shows, the planetarium often puts on special lectures and events.

Planetarium (at the Museo della Civiltà Romana), Piazza G. Agnelli 10 (EUR), information and reservations tel. 0682059127, www. planetarioroma.it. Tues-Fri 09.00-14.00, SatSun 09.00-19.00. Shows take place Tues-Fri at 09.30, 11.00, 12.30; Sat-Sun at 09.30, 11.00, 12.30, 15.00, 16.00, 17.30. Times may be subject to variation. €6.50 adults, €4.50 children aged 6-18, free for children under six.

Playtime at Villa Lais. The Centro Famiglie Villa Lais is ideal for families living in the VI-IX-XI-XII municipalities of Rome.

Every Monday from 16.30 to 18.30 until the end of December 2008 the centre hosts a playtime for children of all ages, involving stories, games and crafts. There will be a different theme each week. Admission is free but adults must remain present. No minimum age requirement. See also Music page 17.

Centro Famiglie Villa Lais, Piazza G. Cagliero 20 (Tuscolano inside Villa Lais), tel.

067802615. ■ 9

Rome International School founded in 1988

Early Years offers a safe, caring and stimulating environment for your child.

- Bilingual Nursery School - Kindergarten

Via Panama 25 Rome office@romeinternationalschool.it www.romeinternationalschool.it Tel. 06/84482650

Academic excellence in a prestigious location - Villa Ada Park, Parioli area.

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Not quite new, but what a bargain Gabrielle Bolzoni

Illustration by Diana Castagna.

“Mum, I thought people went shopping to get new stuff.”

Illustration by Diana Castagna.

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fter the United States and northern Europe, where second-hand shops are common and widespread, the phenomenon is now increasing in Italy. So-called intelligent buying is becoming part of a lifestyle, as well as a new way of shopping that helps mothers save money and pick up goodquality children’s clothes for a fraction of the price in the shops. Buying used items also avoids useless waste: recycling items which we don’t need any longer but which others can usefully use. To give old items a second chance has become an ecological concept: the seller earns some cash after the sale and the buyer saves on the price; the life of the object grows longer, allowing us to protect the environment.

Sometimes you may even find designer clothes for your kids and you can also take

the clothes your little ones have outgrown to most of the shops listed below for re-sale.

Considering that modern apartments in Rome are small, storage space is limited and your children are growing fast, it’s also a bonus to be able to turn out your cupboards as often as possible.

These shops are not large firms but mainly small stores, mostly run by mothers who are happy to welcome you in a friendly atmosphere.

Nosing around the shelves is an easy and entertaining way of shopping. Furthermore, second-hand shops are also a meeting point for mothers and a place to socialise and exchange not just clothes but also hints about what is best for the kids. Many mums buy on a weekly basis, while a minority visits only once or twice a year to buy a Carnival costume or skiing clothes, which will be worn only once. continued page 12

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Many of the shops also have accessories, cradles, prams, pushchairs, high chairs, car seats, beds, furniture, toys, books – just about all you need for your child. If you are lucky you will also find designer pieces at giveaway prices. Some stores also have a section dedicated to pregnant mums.

It is worth calling ahead before you set out to check opening hours.

Alice & Mafalda. Well-furnished, small store, run by a mother, sells nearly-new clothes including international brands, toys and all accessories and furniture for kids. Mothers can save up to 50-70 per cent on regular prices.

Via R. Balestra 9/b (Gianicolense), tel.

065371311. Mon-Fri 10.00-13.00, 16.00-19.30.

L’Armadietto. Colourful store selling nearlynew clothes, accessories, furniture and toys for children up to 14. Only famous brands, at fair prices.

Via Andrea Alciato 4/a (Aurelio), tel.

066637194, www.larmadietto.it. Mon 15.3017.30, Tues-Fri 09.30-17.30, Sat 09.3013.00.

Lo Stregatto. Small store selling clothes, prams, beds, cradles, accessories and toys for kids up to ten. Only new shoes. All items are in good condition and displayed in a clean and cosy environment.

Vicolo Orti Portunesi 44 (Colli Portuensi), tel. 331/8470127, www.lostregatto.eu. MonSat 10.00-13.00, 16.30-19.30, Tues 16.3019.30.

Dindolò. Cosy, colourDressing children in Lunabell’s Closet. A ful and well-stocked second-hand clothes is a huge selection of unusual store and cultural association run by three moth- growing fashion in Italy, as clothing for girls up to six, ers, which has been ac- well as being fun for mums shoes and accessories, sold by a mother from tive since 1996, based on with an eye for a bargain home. Mostly new items. the culture of recycling.

By appointment only.

Very well organised and frequented by foreigners. Sells used and new Historic centre, tel. 333/8078801. maternity and children’s clothes, accessories, equipment, furniture, etc at 50-80 per cent be- Marcolini. Mostly adults’ clothing, but the low market prices. All kinds of brands avail- shop also has some children’s clothes.

Via Plauto 16 (Prati), tel. 066865782. able. Clothes range from €1-€10. Discounts on twins’ items. Clean and selected clothes Mon-Sat 09.00-12.45, 15.00-19.00. bought by the kilo. Need annual membership Pinco e Pallina. Well-tended and cosy store card of €5.

Via di Vigna Fabbri 25/27 (Appio), tel. buying and selling clothes for children up 067827705, www.ilmondodeigemelli.it. Mon to 14 and accessories for early childhood at 16.30-19.30, Tues-Fri 10.00-13.00, 16.30- half the market price. Good quality, excellent condition, all items are carefully checked and 19.30, Sat 10.00-13.00 by appointment. guaranteed.

Il Barattolino. Spacious and colourful store Via F. Nicolai 79 (Balduina), tel. with two bright shop windows, where it is 0635341676, www.pincoepallina.it. Mon-Sat possible to buy and sell designer clothes for 09.30-13.00, 16.00-19.30. pregnant women and children aged 0-12, as well as shoes, accessories, furniture and Usiamoli Insieme. Recently-opened small store with loft, which sells only branded equipment.

Via Monte Fumaiolo 40/42 (Monte Sacro), clothes, toys, equipment, furniture, etc.

Via Avicenna 82 (Ponte Marconi), tel. tel. 0687195553, www.ilbarattolino.it. Mon 16.00-19.00, Tues-Sat 09.30-13.00, 16.00- 0655389051. Mon-Sat 09.30-13.00, 16.0020.00. ■ 19.00.

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Starting sports early Gabrielle Bolzoni

Salaria Sport Village organises scuba diving lessons for kids aged ten and up.

M

ost Italian schools, in particular the state schools, do not organise sports during school hours so it is up to parents to fill this gap for their children. Compared with other cities there is not a great deal of choice for small children in Rome, therefore parents may find that after-school hours are spent driving their children to and from their sporting activities.

One of the best options for the under threes is swimming, as kids usually take to the water naturally at this age. Some pools organise swimming for mothers and children from three months to three years.

From four onwards most little boys are energetic, coordinated and independent enough to kick a ball for hours in the park with their

friends. This is the beginning of social skills and the team spirit that is fundamental to almost all sports, but to football in particular.

For the 6 to 8-year-olds martial arts, skating, athletics and riding, which require even more skill, timing and co-ordination, are good options. By eight it is time for mini-basket, mini-volley, mini-handball, mini-rugby and of course tennis.

It is rare to find sports clubs that organise activities just for kids, but many of the facilities for adults also cater for children. Most sports centres allow a free trial before registration to ensure that the child is happy and at the right level. Below are just a few of the options available. continued page 14

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BABY SWIMMING

Parents should consider intro-

Accademia del Nuoto organises half-hour sessions for little ones (after their first vaccinations) accompanied by a parent on Tuesday and Friday at 11.30, Wednesday and Saturday at 16.50. Monthly €80, three-monthly €190.

Via Poggio Ameno 61 (Eur-Laurentino), tel.

065940169, www.accademiadelnuoto.it.

ducing their children to sports

Roma Uno. This public swimming pool organises courses for babies up to three and their mothers on Saturday from 15.00 to 15.45. Cost €75 for ten lessons. It also organises swimming classes for older children, mini-volley, mini-basket, dance and football for children younger than 13.

Largo Ascianghi 4 (Trastevere), tel.

0658332757.

HORSE RIDING Excalibur Centro Federale Equitazione. This pony club, located in the heart of the Appia Antica park, organises riding courses for children aged 3-16. Teachers also speak English, French and German. €90 for one session per week for four weeks, €150 for two sessions per week for four weeks, €200 for three sessions per week for four weeks.

Via Tenuta di S. Cesareo 61 (Appia Antica), tel.

065191259, 065193907, www.clubexcalibur.it.

MARTIAL ARTS Taramanni Kung Fu School. This academy teaches all kinds of martial arts, from kung fu to judo, pre-boxing, karate, etc. Courses available for children aged 5-12. Monthly €55.

Via dei Fulvi 38 (Tuscolano), tel.

0676960268 (after 17.00), www.rtschool.it.

Mon, Wed, Fri 17.00-18.00.

MINI-BASKET ASCR Dilettantistica Kronos. Classes for children aged five and up.

Via Morro Reatino 45 (Cassia), tel.

063012211, 338/9011241, www.askronos.it.

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at an early age for their development and self-confidence MINI-VOLLEY ASCR Dilettantistica Kronos. Classes with professional teachers for children aged five and up.

Via Sesto Miglio 78 (Cassia), tel.

063012211, 338/9011241, www.askronos.it.

SCUBA DIVING Salaria Sport Village has scuba diving courses for children aged ten and up. The courses last two months with twice-weekly dives lasting two hours each; dives take place in a swimming pool or in the sea. At the end of the course participants receive an international diving licence. Enrolment €35, course €280.

Via S. Gaggio 5 (Settebagni), tel.

328/9652101, www.salariadiving.it.

SWIMMING Centro Nuoto Aurelia. This sports club has a 25-m covered swimming pool with six lanes and organizes swimming courses for children aged three and over. Enrolment €75, monthly €83. See also Circolo Tennis Belle Arti below.

Via Aurelia 770bis (Aurelio), tel. 0666416105, www.aurelianuoto.it. Mon-Thurs 15.00-18.00.

TENNIS Circolo Tennis Belle Arti. This club organises tennis courses for children aged 6-16 (€500 for annual courses) and swimming courses for children aged 3-16 (€585 for annual courses). Enrolment €70.

Via Flaminia 158 (Flaminio), tel. 063226529, www.ctbellearti.it. ■ wanted in rome

Culture galore Caroline Presber

Caroline Presber

The Casina di Raffaello in Villa Borghese offers free art workshops for children.

Photo by Alessio Petrucci.

ART Art Studio Cafè. No regular lessons offered here, but if you are in the neighbourhood, stop by. While the kids paint on ceramic or make their own mosaic, you can have a coffee or step out for 45 minutes to pick up some groceries (Standa is just down the street).

Alessandra, Maria Teresa and Lucia show small and big kids alike how to make great art. But be forewarned: this literary café is becoming a big hit in the local community, so you might want to call ahead to reserve for your child.

Via dei Gracchi 187a (Prati), tel. 0697277286.

Mon-Sat 08.30 to 20.30. Sun and Aug closed.

Art workshops at the Scuderie. The gallery hosts art workshops for children aged 3-6 (accompanied) and 7-11 every Saturday and

Sunday from 16.00 to 19.00. The theme of the workshop depends on the exhibition taking place at the gallery at the time. Call ahead for details.

Scuderie del Quirinale, Via XXIV Maggio 16, tel. 0639967500, www.scuderiequirinale. it. Usually €10 per child, but prices vary depending on the workshop.

Casina di Raffaello. Located in the heart of Villa Borghese, the Casina di Raffaello offers free 45-minute art workshops for children aged three and up three times a day (usually at 10.30, 12.00 and 15.00, but call for exact times). Parents and caregivers do not attend the workshop but are asked to remain nearby.

A reservation (to be made on the same day) is required.

Viale della Casina di Raffaello (Villa Borghese), tel. 0682059127, www.casinadiraffaello.it. 09.00-19.00. Mon closed. continued page 15

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Discovery Learning Center. Offers afterschool art lessons in English to school-aged children. Call for times. See also Music page 17.

Via G. B. Morgagni 12 (Policlinico), tel.

0644248914, 347/3438913, discoverylearningcenter@gmail.com, www.discoverylearningcenter.eu.

and develop discipline and concentration.

In Rome, classes are available for children as young as three. However, at this stage children are learning about rhythm, the parts of the body and how each part can move. The ideal age for starting serious dance classes is around six, although this is not set in stone.

Libreria Via Piave. Art Accademia Nazionale di There are plenty of classes offered to elemenDanza. The beautiful acadschools and organisaemy on the Aventine hill, tary school children starting 3 October 2008 and next to the municipal rose tions in Rome offering every Friday thereafter, garden, is open to young lessons in art, dance from 17.00 to 18.00. 30 dancers of all levels, but lessons in total. Cost and music for children only by audition. €430. Art classes offered Largo Arrigo VII 5 (Avenand the benefits are to middle-school chiltino), tel. 065717621. numerous dren starting 3 October Centro Masir. This school 2008 and every Friday offers courses in flamenco thereafter, from 15.30 to 17.00. 30 lessons in total. Cost €300. See also to children aged 6-14 and lessons in oriental dance to children aged 6-12.

Books page 19.

Via Cavour 183 (Metro Cavour), tel. 064822314, Via Piave 18 (Piazza Fiume), tel. 0642014726, info@libreriaviapiave.it, www.libreriaviapiave.it. 339/4769237, info@masir.it, www.masir.it.

Rome University of Fine Arts. Offers a course in painting and drawing for children aged 5-12. Lessons, lasting two hours each, are held once a week on Thurday or Friday, from 17.00 to 19.00. The course can have a three-month, six-month or annual duration and classes contain a maximum of ten children. Children who complete a yearly cycle (three trimesters) take part in an end-of-year exhibition.

Via Benaco 2 (Salario), tel. 0685865917, www.iaa.it/eng/o_painting_child.htm.

DANCE There are good reasons to enrol your child in a dance class. Dancing enhances motor skills, balance, coordination and sense of rhythm. It also improves a child’s sense of space and allows pre-school and older children to channel pent-up energy

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Centro Studi Danza Roma. This dance studio is part of a larger gym (palestra). It offers a danza giocho class for children aged 3-5, while from six children can take classical dance.

Via Fogliano 29 (Nemorense), tel.

065855092.

Dance Academy Roma Theatre. The academy offers classical dance to children aged 4-7. Age requirements for other types of dance (break-dancing, modern, contemporary, jazz, you name it…) vary.

Via Cereate 30 (Metro Re di Roma), tel.

0670493763, info@centrodart.it, www.centrodart.it.

Danza e non solo. This school offers classical dance, funky jazz and hip hop to children aged four and up.

Via dei Gordiani 401 (Prenestino), tel.

062186944, 338/2632745, 393/9581421, www.danzaenonsolo.com.

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Istituto Scolastico Nazareth. The Istituto Nazareth is not a dance studio but a private Catholic school. However, it offers dance lessons twice a week from October during the school year to children aged 3-7, and children need not be enrolled at the school to attend.

The classes are mixed age, which can make it difficult for the littler ones to keep up, but the older children seem to love it.

Via Cola di Rienzo 140 (Prati), tel.

063235391.

Scuola di Ballo. This school runs courses for children from age three in classical dance and from age six in modern dance. Courses in hip-hop and salsa are also available for older children.

Via Quinto Novio 42 (Metro Porta Furba), tel. 0676907232, 338/4164817, www.romasalsaschool.it.

Lets’s Dance. This school offers modern dance for children aged 7-10 and Latin American and jazz dance for older children.

Istituto di Addestramento Lavoratori dello Spettacolo, Via Cesare Fracassini 60 (Flaminia), tel. 063236396, 063611926, info@claudiosantinelli.com, www.claudiosantinelli.com.

MUSIC Centro Famiglie Villa Lais. Interested in introducing your baby or tot to music? The Centro Famiglie Villa Lais is offering a number of free music workshops for parents and their children this autumn. Workshops are every Thursday from 30 October to 20 November, with sessions for infants up to 18 months taking place 16.00-17.00 and for infants aged 18-36 months 17.00-18.00. Reservations required.

Piazza G. Cagliero 20 (inside Villa Lais), tel. 067802615.

Centro Sperimentale Musicale per L’Infanzia (Suzuki method). Courses in music awareness for infants, rhythm for preschoolers and in musical instruments for children, all

kids’ activities guide

in accordance with the Suzuki method (see the website for details). All courses are in Italian but many of the teachers are native English speakers. In accordance with the Suzuki method, a parent is expected to attend and to participate in the lesson with the child. From 1 September to 31 July 2009, 09.00-18.00. Weekends closed.

The German School in Rome (Deutsche Schule Rom), Via Aurelia Antica 397, tel. 349/1372855, 339/98891801, www.suzukiroma.org.

Discovery Learning Center. The Discovery Learning Center is an English-language and cultural centre founded by Rachel Woodyatt Rossi. It offers a variety of workshops and classes for children and adults, including individual lessons (in English) in piano, flute and music composition.

Via G. B. Morgagni 12 (Policlinico), tel.

0644248914, 347/3438913, discoverylearningcenter@gmail.com, www.discoverylearningcenter.eu.

Little Piano School. The Little Piano School offers musical workshops in which children have fun, play, dance, sing, compose, improvise and act all at the same time. Teacher and owner Kim Monica Wright organises each lesson as a group workshop with children of the same age. Workshops are available for children aged 12 months to 18 years. Workshops take place fortnightly at the weekend and are generally in Italian.

Officine Musicali del Borgo, Vicolo del Farinone 36 (Vatican), tel. 0668892872, 0668217560, 348/3017575, answering service Mon-Fri 10.0021.00, Sat 11.00-17.00, kimonika@littlepianoschool.com, www.littlepianoschool.it.

Tutti a S. Cecilia! Every year, the Accademia Nazionale di S. Cecilia puts on a host of concerts and music workshops for children, from infancy to adolescence, to develop their appreciation of music. For details of the 2008-2009 programme see the orchestra’s website (www.santacecilia.it/scw/) or contact the auditorium.

Auditorium Parco della Musica, Largo Luciano Berio, 3 (Flaminio), tel. 068082058. ■

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Looking for a bedtime story

Here is a list of suggested stores where parents and children can find good-quality toys and books in English, as well as in other languages, suitable for each period of childhood.

Some places organise creative and educational activities, workshops and animated lectures, as well as providing reading rooms.

Gabrielle Bolzoni

BOOKS Anglo-American Book Store. A well-stocked section of children’s books in one of the most popular English-language bookstores in Rome.

Via della Vite 102 (historic centre), tel. 066795222, www.aab.it.

A few of the items on sale at the Lion Bookshop. Photo by Alessio Petrucci.

P

laying and reading are essential parts of a child’s early development. Play usually comes naturally, but creative play often requires good-quality, safe materials to form words, numbers and shapes, as well as safe craft and construction kits. But that is not the end of the story. Parents should also be around to supervise their children’s playtime and to develop their creativity and manual dexterity.

Reading is no less important. Children’s reading ability in school is often built up in the early years at home. Colourful books with good illustrations and an easy storyline are ideal and are one of the best ways of teaching the very young to talk. Parents should take time to read to kids at bedtime.

Sharing this moment is precious for parents and children alike.

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Bibli. Extensive collection of books with a large section for the youngest.

On Sunday it organises children’s initiatives and educational activities, such as reading and supervised entertainment. A brunch and snack follow.

Via dei Fienaroli 28 (Trastevere), tel.

065814534, www.bibli.it. Mon 17.3024.00, Tues-Sun 11.00-24.00.

Feltrinelli International. A large section of books in English, French, German and Portuguese for children up to 16.

Via V. E. Orlando 81 (Repubblica), tel. 0648 27878. Mon-Sat 09.00-20.00, Sun 13.30-16.00.

Herder. German bookstore, publisher and meeting point for the German-speaking community in Rome. It specialises in foreign language books. A whole room is dedicated to kids, with books, videos, CDs, toys, etc.

Piazza Montecitorio 120 (historic centre), tel.

066794628. Mon-Sat 09.30-13.30, 15.00-19.30.

Il Brucalibro. This bookshop is dedicated to children and organises many activities and educational workshops based on recycled materials.

Via Nemorense 39/B (Salario), tel.

06543931, www.ilbrucalibro.it.

wanted in rome

La Procure. French bookstore providing a good selection of books for children of all ages.

Via S. Luigi dei Francesi 23 (historic centre), tel. 0668307598. Mon 14.30-19.30, TuesSat 09.30-13.30, 14.30-19.30.

Libreria Bioparco. This imaginative bookstore is located in Rome’s zoo in the heart of Villa Borghese. Toys, CDs, T-shirts and stuffed animals are also available.

Piazzale Giardino Zoologico 1, tel. 0636006892, 063220880, www.bioparcostore.com.

Libreria Giunti Al Punto. This bookstore caters to children up to 16 and offers numerous initiatives, such as reading workshops, seminars and encounters with writers and editors.

Piazza SS. Apostoli 55a/63 (historic centre), tel. 0669941045. Mon-Sat 09.30-19.30, Sun 10.30-13.30, 16.00-19.30.

Libreria Via Piave. This store has an excellent children’s section with books and toys and organises a wide range of cultural activities for little ones. Every Thursday at 17.00 children can listen to animated stories, while during the winter on Saturday at 16.30 there are reading and creativity workshops.

Via Piave 18 (Piazza Fiume), tel. 0642014726, www.libreriaviapiave.it, info@libreriapiave.it Mel Bookstore. This store sells a variety of books for parents and children in English, German, Spanish and French as well as a number of gadgets, T-shirts, etc.

Via Nazionale 254 (Repubblica), tel.

064885405. Mon-Sat 09.00-20.00, Sun 09.0013.00, 16.00-20.00.

The Lion Bookshop. This is the oldest English bookstore in Rome and has been a point of reference for the English-speaking community for decades. It puts great emphasis on the children’s section, which combines leisure and learning.

Via dei Greci 33/36 (historic centre), tel.

0632654007, www.thelionbookshop.com.

Mon 15.30-19.30, Tues-Sat 10.00-19.30, Sun 10.00-19.30.

kids’ activities guide

TOYS Casina di Raffaello. This ancient building in Villa Borghese hosts a well-furnished toy store and a library with a nearby reading room for very young children. It organises educational workshops, animated lectures and meetings for kids aged 3-10 years. There is also a nearby playground.

Viale della Casina di Raffaello, tel.

068558334, www.casinadiraffaello.it. TuesSun 09.00-19.00.

Centro Didattico Specializzato. This shop sells wooden and ecological toys, books, colours for painting and drawing and all kinds of educational materials. It also organises creative workshops (music, dance and painting) with an English teacher.

Via della Luce 31 (Trastevere), tel. 065810789, www.cdsroma.it. Mon-Fri 09.15-13.00, 15.0019.00, Sat 10.00-13.00, 16.00-19.00.

Città del Sole. Historic toy shop with a wide selection of crafts, toys and books for children of all ages. It sells board games, models, toys for early childhood, electronic games, wooden toys, dolls, jigsaws, musical boxes, etc. Also on-line sales.

Via della Scrofa 65-66a (historic centre), tel. 0668803805, www.cittadelsole.com. Mon 16.00-20.00, Tues-Sat 11.30-20.00. Also stores in Esquilino, Quartiere Africano, Prati, Appia Nuova.

Il Picchio. Sells all kinds of wooden gadgets, toys and cuckoo clocks.

Via del Moro 46 (Trastevere), tel. 0658334075.

Mon-Sun 10.30-13.30, 15.30-20.30.

Rocco Giocattoli. One of Rome’s traditional toy shops. It also sells dolls, fluffy toys, construction kits, cars, etc.

Via Viti di Marco 44, tel. 0636303924; Via Libia 16/18, tel. 068602727; Via Carruccio Antonio 207, tel. 0671350629, www.roccogiocattoli.it. ■

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