The Casa del Suono is a museum dedicated to the history of audio technology housed in a fourth-century building formerly known as the Sant'Elisabetta Church. The museum's collections include vintage radios, Edison's phonographs and "modern" equipment dating up to the nineteen sixties.
Il Castello dei Burattini - Museo Giordano Ferrari is a treasure trove for all puppet show lovers. Counted as one of the most exhaustive collections of the popular form of theater, the castle honors the acclaimed Parma-born puppeteer, Giordano Ferrari. Ferrari also carved a niche as a zealous researcher and a woodcarver and had a pivotal role to play in Parma's vibrant puppet theater industry. The museum is home to nearly 2842 puppetry objects, including scripts and backdrop scenes. Visitors can also explore the on-site library that contains riveting published and printed materials like letters, photographs and posters associated with the puppet industry.
Dedicated to the art of puppetry, this unique theater and museum was started in 2002, and is located in the rooms of the former San Paolo convent. The museum is the result of Giordano Ferrari, a man who collected puppets with patience and passion. From puppets the size of your hand to ones that are almost 3 feet (90 centimeters) long, the museum houses them all. Whether you want to take your kids to a puppet show or see some artsy puppets yourself, a visit to Il Castello dei Burattini won''t disappoint.
A haven for children of all ages, Pinocchio is a toy bazaar not far from Piazza Garibaldi. From dolls to soldiers, mini kitchen kits and traditional games, everything can be found here. They also stock the trendier games that can be played alone on the computer or in the company of friends. If you are in the mood to pamper your children, heading to Pinocchio with them and going on a shopping spree just might make their day.
Centrally located in Parma, NH Parma is next to its train station. Rooms here are modern and the property offers a fitness centre and free WiFi throughout. The air-conditioned rooms at the 4-star Parma will provide you with a satellite flat-screen TV and a minibar. The private bathroom includes a hairdryer and free toiletries. Guests can enjoy international cuisine and Italian wines at the on-site restaurant. An anti-ox breakfast is offered daily. In addition, there is a 24-hour front desk, a bar and a snack bar. Other facilities offered include meeting facilities. Parma Cathedral is a 10-minute walk from the property. Regio Opera House Theatre is 900 metres away.
In the historic center of the city, Hotel ibis Styles Parma Toscanini looks out on the whole of Parma. It has a sophisticated interior with marble floors, high ceilings and dim lighting. It has a panoramic terrace from which it is possible to admire the whole of the city and an American-style bar which serves aperitifs and cocktails. The rooms are elegant and spacious with private bathrooms. There is a truly abundant breakfast which is included in the price.
Citta' Del Sole is an iconic chain toy shops with a strong presence across Italy. This Citta' Del Sole outlet locates itself in Parm's vibrant Old Town and stocks up an exhaustive collection of board games, puzzles, experiment-based games and wooden classics like the legendary rocking horse. One can also look for games that boost the child's cognitive thinking abilities and promise all-round fun at the same time. Be it juggling toys, high-grade plastic ones, coloring books or battery-operated games, you can find them all here. Citta' del Sole features top toy brands like Brio, Little Tikes and Galt, among many others and also offers some attractive discounts during the festive season.
A green space in the center of town, the has age old trees which form an elaborate green architecture which was designed and established in 1560 and enlarged in the 1700s. Inside the park (a real paradise for generations of children and families), are the Palazzetto Eucherio Sanvitale (built in its Renaissance form in 1520 by Giorgio da Erba) and the old Palazzo Ducale. In the Palazzetto a few Parmigianino frescoes were found and recently restored such as the Madonna col Bambino and an oil painting on the wall with scenes from the Life of the Virgin, by a late manneristic painter, attributed to the religios Cosimo Piazza with landscapes from the end of the 16th Century. Near to the park's main entrance, opposite the Ponte Verdi, is the Sileno group, by Jean-Baptiste Boudard which is one of this French sculptor's most important works.
Formerly a military structure, today it is a paradise for sporty types and the whole family. Requested by Alessandro Farnese, its construction began in 1591. It consists of an imposing pentagonal shaped building with five angular bastions which were once surrounded by water. Today, in the 11 hectares of green area, it is equipped with various sports grounds and play areas. The Cittadella's bastions are popular with runners and joggers who come out for a run or to train in the afternoons. Admission is free.
Divertilandia in the heart of Parma promises all-round fun for city kids. The sprawling indoor entertainment space occupies an area of 1200 square meters (12916.69 square feet) and is equipped with fun-filled slides, toys and a separate play area for kids aged below 4. Additionally, Divertilandia also offers its indoor spaces for kids' birthday parties, theme events, pizza luncheons and other celebratory functions.
Parma's Parco Giacomo Ferrari is famous as one of the biggest parks in the city. Home to a large playground featuring an array of swings and slides, it is much-frequented by kids from the city as well as surrounding towns. A separate dog-friendly zone and sports grounds make it a popular attraction with sports enthusiasts. A well-laid out cycling path also meanders through the park's boundary.
Agriturismo Argaland occupies a remodeled barn located close to Parma's busy city center. The farm building has been intelligently designed and features spacious guestrooms with modern conveniences like hair-dryers, WiFi connectivity and comfortable bedding. A sprawling garden on its premises serves as an idyllic venue for kids' birthday parties and other celebrations. Bike rentals, table-tennis, Ping pong board and table football promise all-round fun and entertainment.