In summer, the Romagna Riviera lights up with fun with its theme parks. Rimini takes center stage with Fiabilandia and Italia in Miniatura, offering unforgettable experiences for all ages. Also not to be missed are Aquafan and Oltremare in Riccione, and the Aquarium in Cattolica.
Fiabilandia: 60 Years of Magic and Fun!
This year, Fiabilandia, Rimini's historic theme park ideal for the whole family, is celebrating an exceptional milestone: 60 years of operation. To celebrate this important anniversary, the park has special events in store that promise excitement and surprises. These include the big “Fiabi 60” party on July 19, to celebrate Fiabilandia's birthday together with special €16 admission available both at the ticket office and online, and the next day you get in for free. Also not to be missed is “Horror Park,” which, on Friday, July 25 and Saturday, July 26, after closing, will transform the park into Italy's first Horror Park: a huge open-air Scare Zone that comes to life among the attractions, which will be open and twisted, some haunted by haunters and actors ready to terrorize you. There are no obligatory paths, you will be able to wander freely through the park while more than 100 figures, including Scare Actors, horror performers and circus artists, hunt you down in a chilling open world experience. With the Horror Circus show, terror meets circus art in a show that will capture the attention of young and old alike.
August Nights. In August, every Monday and Thursday of the month it is possible to enjoy the park's entertainment even after sunset. For the occasion, every Monday and Thursday from 9.30 p.m., the evening edition of the circus show is held at the Fiabi Circus tent, while in the afternoons the Fiabi Circus artists will teach young participants many juggling acts and tricks (Mondays and Thursdays from 5.30 p.m. to 6.30 p.m.)
Those who enter in the afternoon from 5.30 p.m. onwards pay a one-off fee of only €16.00 for both adults and children.
For all the information and schedule of events, visit the official website: www.fiabilandia.it.
Italia in Miniatura: A Spectacle to Admire by Day and Night
Italia in Miniatura, another Rimini gem featuring over 300 reproductions of Italy's and Europe's architectural jewels and iconic monuments, is also gearing up for a dazzling July. In addition to the usual daytime openings (from 10:00 AM to 6:30 PM), the park introduces extended evening hours with "Fun by Day, Magical by Night" on July 16th, 23rd, and 30th. On these special evenings, the park transforms into a starlit stage, remaining open until 11:00 PM with attractions active until 10:15 PM and shows included in the admission ticket. Surprises abound, such as free face painting in Piazza Italia (from 6:00 PM to 8:30 PM) and the fascinating "Luminous Tapestries" with videomapping on the cathedral facade. The evocative Venice in Miniatura will be cloaked in magic, with gondola rides and arrivals in Piazza San Marco accompanied by giant soap bubbles and live string music from 8:00 PM. Even the miniatures come to life with dancers animating the monuments from 8:30 PM. The Grand Finale at 10:00 PM is a triumph of dancing fountains, light shows, water vortices, luminous pinwheels, and a spectacular iridescent cloud of millions of soap bubbles and laser effects. On Wednesday, July 30th, the show will be further enhanced with the arrival of the "Dizzy Angels," acrobats who defy gravity, and "Stilt Masks" from 9:00 PM.
On Wednesday 6 August, a new date for “Fun by Day, Magic by Night” with opening from 10 am and attractions running until 10.15 pm. At 8 p.m., folklore with dancers and performers takes the stage in the miniature park, followed by the big show with lights and special effects.
Tickets are available at the ticket offices and online; special tickets will be issued for extended opening evenings. More information at www.italiaminiatura.com.
The Fun continues at other Riviera Parks
The other parks of the Romagna Riviera are also preparing for a July full of new features:
Oltremare in Riccione inaugurates Speleos, a new attraction that will take you on a journey through a path reproducing the suggestive and mysterious environment of caves, dating back up to 500 million years. On Sunday, July 6th, the park hosts children's web stars DinsiemE: Erick and Dominick will meet their young fans. Don't miss the close encounters with dolphins, birds of prey, parrots, and alligators. Find out more at www.oltremare.org.
Aquafan in Riccione resumes its entertainment with the Aquadancers and DJ Franky Chiappinelli. From July 8th, the Maxibon Music Wave festival returns every Tuesday to Piscina Onde, featuring artists like Ludwig, Grelmos, and Sarah Toscano. The "The Long Sunset" Thursday events, starting July 10th, are doubling, with slides open day and night and the "Beat Night" series highlighting young DJs. Additionally, "WalkyFan" will bring creators and web stars like Bella Gianda and Alessia Pecchia. Info at www.aquafan.it.
The Cattolica Aquarium extends its visiting hours by one hour, remaining open until 7:30 PM, giving you more time to admire 3,000 specimens of 400 different species, including bull sharks, Humboldt penguins, and otters. The four themed paths (Blue, Yellow, Green, Purple) and the outdoor "Dinosaur World" area offer a complete experience. You can watch feedings and participate in guided tours. More information at www.acquariodicattolica.it.
Pet-Friendly Parks
The Riviera parks are pet-friendly, and animals are welcome here, but each park has its own rules, which you should check online or directly with the facility.
Adventure Parks
Among vines and suspended bridges between the trees, the adventure parks welcome visitors all through the summer. In Rimini, the Parco Marecchia course, from July 1st to September 13th, is open every day except Monday from 3:00 PM to 8:00 PM.