Planning a trip to Italy with kids is a great idea. It's a country that effortlessly blends history, culture, and adventure in a way that captures the imagination of all ages. Italy's ancient ruins, incredible food, and welcoming atmosphere make it a truly special place for a family vacation. Instead of just viewing famous sites, your children can actively engage with them. Imagine them climbing the Leaning Tower of Pisa, the majestic Duomo in Florence, or a medieval tower in Siena. These aren't just photo opportunities—they're fun challenges that end with a breathtaking view. For active families, Italy offers endless opportunities to explore its diverse landscapes. You can hike and bike in the Dolomites or Cinque Terre or enjoy swimming in the stunning coastal waters of Sardinia or the Amalfi Coast. Continue reading to discover that best activities and sites to visit in Italy for young children.
Tips For Taking Children To Italy
Italy is a fantastic choice for a family vacation, seamlessly blending culture, history, and enjoyment in a way that captivates children of every age. It's a place where kids absorb knowledge and stay entertained so naturally they won't even realize they're learning.
The food is a primary draw, often being the top reason families choose Italy; its cuisine is universally adored and even accommodates the most selective palates. Moreover, Italian culture is renowned for being family-centric. Children are not simply accepted—they are cherished and adored. You'll discover a genuine warmth and friendliness towards kids, from the restaurant staff to locals passing by.
Above all, Italy's deep history serves as an enormous, engaging outdoor classroom, far more thrilling than any textbook. The Colosseum in Rome and the Pompeii ruins are captivating for children old enough to grasp the tales of gladiators and volcanic eruptions, with many tours providing interactive experiences like gladiator training. If you are planning a trip, grab some picture books about Italy to introduce little ones to the awe-inspiring sites they will have the chance to explore. Keep reading to discover the must-see places in Italy for families with little kids.
Planning A Family Trip to Italy
Italy is a fantastic choice for a family getaway, with a perfect blend of history, delicious food, and picturesque landscapes that captivate all ages. To ensure the best experience, consider planning your trip for the "shoulder seasons"—specifically April - May or September - October. During these months, the weather is ideal for sightseeing, you'll find smaller crowds, and prices for flights and accommodations are often more budget-friendly. This helps you avoid the intense heat and tourist rush of the summer while still enjoying excellent conditions. When it comes to getting around, Italy's high-speed train network is an excellent option for families. It provides a convenient and efficient way to travel between major cities like Rome, Florence, and Venice, saving you the hassle of driving and allowing everyone to relax and take in the beautiful scenery. Here is some valuable guidance for planning your family's itinerary for a trip to Italy.
(1) Spend some time playing at Lake Garda.
Lake Garda is often considered Italy's top destination for families, striking a perfect balance between stunning natural scenery, engaging outdoor fun, and attractions created with families in mind. For starters, it's a theme park paradise, boasting Italy's most famous amusement park, Gardaland, which even has a special area for little ones. You'll also find LEGOLAND Water Park and Movieland Park, ensuring there's no shortage of entertainment.
Beyond the parks, the lake itself is a hub for outdoor adventures. You can relax on beaches with safe, shallow water, enjoy a boat ride, or simply let the kids play at one of the many lakeside playgrounds. The Parco Natura Viva, a popular zoo and safari park, is another great option. Getting around is a breeze, too, as many of the towns are flat and easy to navigate with a stroller, and a ferry ride between towns is an exciting journey for everyone.
(2) Explore the Colosseum through the eyes of a child.
Kids are fascinated by the Colosseum because it's not just an old building—it's a massive stage where history's most exciting stories unfolded. Rather than seeing a collection of ancient rocks, children can let their imaginations run wild, picturing themselves in the heart of ancient Rome. The most powerful aspect is the thought of gladiator fights. The tales of brave warriors, animal hunts, and spectacular shows feel like something out of an action movie.
To a child, the Colosseum isn't a museum; it's an arena where they can practically hear the roar of the crowd and picture the dramatic battles. The sheer size of the amphitheater is also stunning. Standing before the enormous structure, kids are amazed by its scale and can easily envision it packed with thousands of people. Even more thrilling are the underground tunnels and chambers, the hypogeum. They love learning about the secret passageways, trap doors, and lifts used to move gladiators and wild animals up to the main floor. The Colosseum fuels a child's imagination like almost no other place on Earth. It transforms a simple history lesson into a thrilling adventure, allowing them to truly feel the past firsthand.
(3) Introduce kids to the mystery of Pompeii.
Pompeii captivates children because it's a real-life mystery that feels like an epic movie. Instead of a standard history lesson, they get to explore a city that was frozen in time by a volcanic eruption—a powerful and dramatic story that immediately grabs their attention. What makes Pompeii so exciting is that it's a massive, open-air site they can actively explore. There are no "do not touch" signs here; kids can walk down ancient streets, see the ruts left by chariot wheels, and use the same stepping stones people did 2,000 years ago. They love discovering the small, everyday details, like the ancient fast-food counters, bakeries, and artwork in people's homes, which show them that ancient lives weren't so different from ours.
Adding to the drama is Mount Vesuvius itself, which dominates the background. The volcano becomes a central character, making the history feel immediate and tangible. And for many children, the plaster casts of the victims are a powerful, if sobering, part of the visit. They bring the human story of the tragedy to life in a way a book never could, leaving a lasting impression. With many family-friendly tours now using storytelling and scavenger hunts, Pompeii becomes a true adventure, turning a historical site into a thrilling experience for young visitors.
(4) Take a family-friendly cooking class with a renown chef.
Italy boasts an excellent variety of cooking classes tailored for families and children, so the best one for you will depend on your location and culinary interests. If you're in Rome, a class with a local chef, often found on platforms like Walks of Italy, is a fantastic option. These sessions typically take place in a private home, providing an authentic, hands-on experience where kids can learn to make dishes like fresh pasta and tiramisu from scratch.
When visiting Florence, check out Mama Florence, a school that offers specialized family-friendly classes, including "Pizza and Gelato" and a "Little Chef" course led by professional chefs who use fresh, seasonal ingredients. Another great choice in Florence is Toscana Mia, where you can learn traditional Tuscan recipes from a local "mamma" in a cozy, home-based setting.
(5) Go on a gondola ride in Venice.
For many families, a gondola ride in Venice is an unforgettable experience. While these iconic boats are often seen as romantic, their novelty and unique view of the city are a huge hit with kids. It's like a magical theme park ride, but set in a historic city. Gondolas can travel down narrow, serene canals that are hidden from the main footpaths, giving children a chance to see a more intimate side of Venice.
To avoid the busiest crowds, consider boarding your gondola away from popular spots like St. Mark's Square or the Rialto Bridge. Choosing a station in a quieter area can lead to a more peaceful journey through the city's charming, less-traveled waterways.
(6) Make sure to make a wish at the Trevi Fountain.
Kids often love the Trevi Fountain for reasons beyond its art and history. For them, the real appeal lies in the magic and sensory fun of the place. The main attraction is the coin toss tradition. Children enjoy the ritual of making a wish and tossing a coin over their shoulder. It feels like a special game, giving them a personal, hands-on connection to the famous landmark. The fountain's sheer size and power also impress young visitors. The towering statues and the dramatic rush of water create a visually and audibly stimulating experience that's far more engaging than a quiet museum.
(7) Take fun pictures by the Leaning Tower of Pisa.
Kids are captivated by the Leaning Tower of Pisa for several reasons, starting with its famously tilted design. This massive, crooked building that somehow doesn't fall over is a captivating puzzle for them—it defies logic and looks like something out of a storybook. Beyond its odd appearance, the tower is a fantastic backdrop for play. The most popular activity is taking a silly photo where they can pretend to hold up the tower or push it down. This simple, interactive game is a huge hit, making the experience feel fun and personal.
The tower is also located in a wide, open green space called the Piazza dei Miracoli. This is a bonus for families, as kids have plenty of room to run and play. The grand, white marble buildings surrounding the tower create a beautiful, almost magical setting that feels like a special destination, not just a historical site.
(8) Tour Milan for a taste of fashion and technology.
While Milan is famous for fashion and finance, it's also a great city for families. It's less crowded than Rome or Venice and has a modern infrastructure that's easy to navigate with kids. The city is full of history, culture, and hands-on activities that can keep children of all ages entertained. For a fun-filled day, you can start with a museum adventure. A top attraction is the Leonardo da Vinci Museum of Science and Technology. As Italy's largest museum of its kind, it's dedicated to the fascinating inventor. Kids can explore interactive exhibits, see real-life models of Da Vinci's creations, and even tour a full-size submarine.
For a different kind of exploration, take a walk through the Quadrilatero della Moda. This "fashion quadrilateral," formed by four streets—Via Montenapoleone, Via della Spiga, Via Manzoni, and Via Sant'Andrea—is the heart of Milan's luxury shopping. Even if you aren't planning to shop, it's fun to admire the creative window displays of world-famous brands like Gucci and Prada— they're truly works of art.
(9) Set aside plenty of time to tour Sicily.
Sicily is an excellent destination for families because it goes far beyond typical sightseeing, offering a unique blend of exciting, hands-on experiences. The island's rich history, stunning landscapes, and kid-friendly culture make it a place where children can learn and have fun simultaneously. One of the most unforgettable adventures for any child is climbing Mount Etna, an active volcano. You can take a guided tour, ride a cable car, or explore the craters and lava fields. Many tours are specifically designed to be child-friendly, providing an engaging way to learn about geology and the power of nature.
Sicily's coastline is also dotted with beautiful sandy beaches, featuring calm, shallow waters ideal for swimming and building sandcastles. The clear waters offer fantastic opportunities for snorkeling. Popular spots for families include Cefalù, San Vito Lo Capo, and Mondello. Additionally, Sicily is a culinary paradise, and kids can easily get in on the action. Family-friendly cooking classes, particularly for making pizza, pasta, or traditional sweets like cannoli, are a delicious way to engage with the local culture. You can also take a street food tour in a city like Palermo to sample local delicacies like arancini (fried rice balls).
(10) Outdoor adventure seekers will love the Dolomites.
The Dolomites are an ideal place for families, offering a giant, natural playground that encourages kids to get active and engaged in the outdoors. Unlike city visits that can mean long lines and a rigid schedule, this region provides a more hands-on, adventurous experience. Thrilling adventure parks are scattered throughout the mountains, tucked high in the trees. These parks feature a variety of high-ropes courses, climbing walls, and zip lines, with different levels of difficulty suitable for all ages. Kids can safely test their courage and coordination in a fun environment.
The area's beautiful alpine lakes, like Lago di Braies and Lago di Carezza, are perfect for a family day out. Children can rent a boat, skip rocks, or simply splash in the cool, clear water. Additionally, kids will love riding the cable cars and gondolas up the mountains. The journey to the high peaks is a thrill in itself, offering a bird's-eye view of the stunning scenery. Many of these lifts lead directly to family-friendly trails and restaurants with play areas, making the trip even more enjoyable.
