What to visit within 1 hour from Bologna

If you are looking for ideas for a day trip near Bologna, easy to organize and also suitable for children, the Metropolitan City of Bologna offers plenty of opportunities.
Among fairytale castles, welcoming villages, nature and museums, you can enjoy a wide range of experiences without going too far.
This article brings together destinations reachable in about one hour, both by car and by train, ideal for families who want to explore the area comfortably.

Within 1 hour of Bologna by car: museums, parks and ancient history

• Museum of Rural Civilization

In Bentivoglio, the Museum of Rural Civilization combines culture and relaxation. Easily reachable by car with ample parking, it offers a real journey through time among ancient tools and hands-on workshops for children in the Spazio Cinni. One particularly appealing feature is the presence of a 4-hectare historic park, perfect for running around and discovering the ancient orchard. 

Ideal for: families looking for regular educational Sunday activities

Where: Via San Marina, 35 - 40010 S. Marino di Bentivoglio (BO)

• Parco delle Acque Minerali

Located in the heart of the legendary Imola Circuit, this park is an iconic green oasis for families. Children will love the various well-equipped playgrounds with slides, castles and the fun zip line, as well as the chance to see the Formula 1 track up close and the famous Ayrton Senna statue. With its shaded paths, historic fountains and wide lawns, it is the ideal destination for an active day combining sport, motors and relaxation just a short walk from the city centre.

Ideal for: curious children and young nature and motor enthusiasts

Where: Via Atleti Azzurri d’Italia - 40026 Imola (BO)

• Monte Bibele and Monterenzio

This extraordinary archaeological area allows visitors to walk among the remains of ancient Etruscan and Celtic villages, completely immersed in the greenery of the Apennines. The real highlight for children is the chance to explore life-size reconstructions of ancient dwellings in the archaeological village, making history tangible, while the Civic Museum completes the experience with hands-on paths designed especially for young explorers. It is a perfect destination combining education and outdoor adventure.

Ideal for: curious families, school-age children

Where: Via del Museo, 2 - 40050 Monterenzio

Within 1 hour of Bologna by train: family-friendly destinations

• Imola

Easily reachable by train, Imola welcomes families with a compact, flat historic centre. The city stands out for its incredible blend of history and motorsport. You can explore the secret passages of the Rocca Sforzesca and then be surprised by the roar of engines coming from the Enzo and Dino Ferrari Circuit at any hour of the day. The excitement is indescribable. In Imola, the pace is slow and relaxed: among historic cafés and traditional shops, you can alternate cultural visits and fun with no stress at all.

Ideal for: families, easy urban day trips.

Where: Piazza Caduti per la Libertà, 14 - 40026 Imola (BO)

• San Giovanni in Persiceto

Well connected to Bologna, this small town offers a welcoming atmosphere with a charming historic centre that is easy to explore with strollers. What fascinates children most is undoubtedly Piazzetta Betlemme, known as the "Piazzetta of Illusions" for its colorful trompe-l'œil murals that create playful optical illusions. It is the ideal destination for those looking for a peaceful walk full of visual stimuli and child-friendly cultural spaces.

Ideal for: families with young children, relaxed strolls

Where: Corso Italia, 70 - 40017 San Giovanni in Persiceto (BO)

• Porretta Terme and Alto Reno Terme

Following the historic Bologna–Porretta railway line, you reach this mountain town that invites relaxation and slow discovery. The town has a strong connection with music and water: you can enjoy a refreshing walk along the banks of the Reno River or visit the Porretta SOUL Museum, a recently established collection showcasing the heritage that the Porretta SOUL Festival has built since 1988. It is the perfect destination for a regenerating day trip among historic architecture and open spaces, completely forgetting about the car.

Ideal for: families, comfortable experiences at a slow pace

Where: Piazza della Libertà, 1 - 40046 Porretta Terme (BO)

Villages and castles in the Metropolitan City of Bologna

• Dozza

This medieval village is a true open-air art gallery, where every wall tells a story through its famous murals. What makes Dozza magical for children is the presence of the Fyrstan Dragon, a spectacular installation housed inside the Rocca Sforzesca, which turns the visit into a real fantasy treasure hunt. A short, stimulating and visually breathtaking walk for visitors of all ages.

Ideal for: children, outdoor art, a short and stimulating walk

Where: Piazza Rocca Sforzesca, 10 - 40060 Dozza

• Rocchetta Mattei

This is one of the most enigmatic and fascinating places in Italy, able to captivate anyone with its eclectic, fairytale-like architecture. The highlight of the visit is the Court of the Lions, which, together with spiral staircases and mirror games, makes children feel like the protagonists of a fairy tale or a magical movie. The combination of the castle and the surrounding paths makes the trip varied, engaging and full of mystery.

Ideal for: families, castles and fairytale experiences

Where: Via Rocchetta, 46 - 40030 Grizzana Morandi

• Castel del Rio

This village in the Imola area is where medieval history meets the charm of the river. Its standout feature is the majestic Ponte degli Alidosi, a unique humpback bridge beneath which you can walk down and play along the banks of the Santerno River. It is a simple and genuine destination, far from the main tourist flows, ideal for those seeking direct contact with nature and the authentic atmosphere of the Bolognese Apennines.

Ideal for: slow trips, close to nature

Where: Via delle Scuole, 1 - 40022 Castel del Rio