There are probably few parents out there who at least once in their lives have not thought, just for a split second, of throwing their little darlings to the sharks. A sure solution to a massive tantrum. They would never do it but, instead, they can do something much more positive and fun for their kids. When in Genoa, a port city in Liguria, they can take them to a pyjama party with these large fish. This is a real treat especially for kids who are so often dragged to museum after museum or dusty churches on the grand Italian tour.
Designed by the famous architects Renzo Piano and Peter Chermayeff, the Aquarium of Genoa is the biggest aquarium in Europe as well as being the most popular in Italy. Annually, over 1 million people visit the 71 tanks that fill the Aquarium’s 10,000 square meter surface. However, the idea behind children staying overnight at the Aquarium is to introduce them to the mysteries of the colours, movements and sounds of the underwater world they can only experience by night. Limited to children between the ages of 7 to 13 years, those taking part enter the Aquarium about 9 p.m. without any adult from their family. They are asked to wear comfortable clothes and sneakers. To be able to bed down cosily late, they bring their own sleeping bag, pillow, pyjamas and tooth brushes with them. After a brief explanation by the Aquarium staff and a snack, they start their nocturnal visit. Around about 11.30 p.m, the children prepare their sleeping space in front of the sharks’ tank and settle in for the night. Between 6:30 and 8:15 a.m. the following morning, they pack up, visit several other tanks and have their breakfast. By 9 a.m., their parents have come to reclaim them at the exit.
For children to participate in this adventure, the tour cost about €70 and must be booked through the tour operator, Incoming Liguria (telephone +39 0102345666).
The address of the Aquarium of Genoa is Ponte Spinola, Area Porto Antico, 16128 Genoa.
Have fun, kids!
