Casina di Raffaello

Why Visit Casina di Raffaello?

Casina di Raffaello is a gem for families visiting Rome with children. Set in a beautiful historic pavilion in Villa Borghese, it offers a dedicated space where kids can engage in creative activities while surrounded by one of Rome's loveliest parks. It's a perfect break from sightseeing that lets children explore, create, and play in a safe, stimulating environment.

Creative Workshops

Art, crafts, music, and themed activities designed by educators for different age groups

Children's Library

Cozy reading spaces with Italian and international children's books and story time

All Ages Welcome

Programs for various ages, though not every session covers babies through age 14—check each activity's age range

Perfect Park Location

Combine with Villa Borghese exploration, picnics, bike rides, and zoo visits

Visit Time

1-2 hours

Entry

Paid admission

Ages

Varies by activity

Reservation

Recommended

Activities

Workshops & Play

Location

Villa Borghese

What to Expect

Art & Craft Workshops

The heart of Casina di Raffaello is its creative workshop program. Children can paint, sculpt, build, and craft with guidance from trained educators. Workshops are themed around seasons, holidays, art movements, or nature. Session length and take-home policies vary by activity—check details when booking.

La Biblioteca dei Piccoli (Children's Library)

A reading space with children's books in Italian and, in some cases, other languages. Cozy reading nooks, story time sessions, and book-themed activities make this a haven for young readers. Current published hours (subject to change): Monday–Friday 08:30–17:30, Saturday 10:00–15:00, Sunday closed, with a summer closure typically around August 10–23. Check the official site for current hours and whether reservations are needed.

Special Events & Shows

Throughout the year, Casina di Raffaello may host puppet shows, live performances, nature walks, and special seasonal events, though offerings vary. Check their calendar for current programs, which often require advance booking.

Planning Your Visit

How to Book

Reserve online at casinadiraffaello.it or call ahead. Weekend workshops fill quickly, so check the official site for current booking lead times. Some drop-in activities may be available but selection is limited.

Getting There

Located near Piazza di Siena in Villa Borghese. Enter the park from Pinciana gate, Piazzale Flaminio, or Pincio. The building is a short walk from Bioparco. Stroller-accessible paths available.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Showing up without a reservation on a weekend

Consequence: Workshops are full, and you're left with only the small drop-in library area.

Solution: Book online at casinadiraffaello.it as early as you can — check the site for current lead times, as Saturday and Sunday morning slots fill first.

Choosing the wrong age bracket

Consequence: A 4-year-old in a 7+ workshop is bored and disruptive; an 8-year-old in a toddler session is restless.

Solution: Read the age range carefully — workshops are tightly designed by age group, not flexible.

Expecting English-speaking workshops

Consequence: Sessions may run primarily in Italian, which can limit engagement for non-Italian-speaking kids.

Solution: Call ahead to confirm the language of your chosen session, or choose visual/art workshops over storytelling.

Treating it like a museum drop-in

Consequence: Adults wander expecting exhibits and find a participatory space they're not part of.

Solution: Check whether an accompanying adult must remain for the selected activity; family workshops generally involve the adult and child together.

Skipping the children's library

Consequence: You may miss one of the calmest parts of the visit. Check the current programme to confirm whether the children's library is open for drop-in access and whether booking or payment is required.

Solution: Even without a workshop booking, the Biblioteca dei Piccoli is worth a 30-minute stop.

Driving to the entrance

Consequence: Villa Borghese has very limited parking and ZTL restrictions nearby.

Solution: Take Metro A to Flaminio or Spagna and walk through the park, or use Tram 19.

Insider Tips

Pair with Bioparco for a full kids day

The zoo is a short walk away — book a morning Casina workshop, then picnic in the park, then visit Bioparco in the afternoon.

Rent a bike or family quadricycle

Bike rentals near Piazza di Siena let you explore Villa Borghese as a family before or after the workshop — kids love the four-seater quadricycles.

Use it as a rainy-day plan

When Rome's outdoor sights are washed out, Casina di Raffaello plus the Carlo Bilotti Museum nearby make a perfect indoor afternoon.

Combine with the Pincio Terrace at sunset

End the day with a 10-minute walk to Pincio for the view over Piazza del Popolo — magical with tired but happy kids.

Check the seasonal calendar early

Christmas, Carnevale, and Easter weeks have special themed programs that book out 2+ weeks in advance.

Bring a change of clothes

Paint, glue and craft materials get everywhere — workshops are messy by design, which is half the fun.

About the Building

Villa Borghese Created

Cardinal Scipione Borghese develops his magnificent villa and gardens outside Rome's walls.

Casino Built

The elegant pavilion is constructed as part of the Borghese estate's garden buildings (exact date under verification).

Casina di Raffaello Opens

The city of Rome transforms the building into a dedicated children's cultural space.

Rome's Children's Hub

Many families visit annually for creative programming and cultural activities.

Where to Stay Near Casina di Raffaello

Looking for convenient accommodation near Casina di Raffaello? Stay within walking distance to make the most of your visit.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Casina di Raffaello?

Casina di Raffaello is Rome's dedicated children's cultural space, located in a charming historic building within Villa Borghese gardens. It offers creative workshops, educational activities, a children's library, and play areas designed for children from infants to age 14. It's run by the city of Rome as part of its cultural offerings for families.

What ages is Casina di Raffaello for?

Programmes are generally aimed at children, with different activities tailored for various age groups; not every programme covers the full 0-14 range, so check each activity's specific age range. Adults typically accompany their children.

Do I need to book in advance?

Yes, reservations are strongly recommended, especially for weekend workshops and during school holidays. You can book online through the official website or by phone. Check the official site for booking lead times and any drop-in options.

What activities are available?

Activities may include art workshops (painting, sculpture, crafts), storytelling sessions, puppet shows, music and movement classes, nature exploration, and themed educational programs. The children's library offers reading corners and book-related activities. Programs change seasonally.

How much does it cost?

Pricing varies by activity: family workshops are around €8, animated readings around €6, and themed readings around €3.50. Check the official website for current pricing as rates may change.

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