Family Adventure: Traveling in Italy with Kids

Fun Places for the Whole Family in Italy

Overall, Italy is a remarkably child-friendly country where children are welcomed almost everywhere. This article provides various destinations and attractions across Italy that cater to families and ensure an enjoyable experience.

Rome with Kids

Martha Bakerjian

Rome is one of Italy’s most popular cities to visit. With ancient ruins, parks, spooky places, and even a museum for kids, Rome is an excellent family destination. When exploring Rome with children, consider taking one of the unique guided tours designed specifically for families.

Umbria Hill Towns

Gubbio, Umbria
Martha Bakerjian

Many families have reported that the hill towns of Umbria captivated their children during their travels in Italy. The regions’ hill towns are small enough to not be intimidating, allowing kids to enjoy exploring the stone arches and alleyways within the medieval atmosphere. Furthermore, Umbria features a large lake, a waterfall, and a unique mummy collection that will certainly pique the interest of older kids.

Lake Garda

Lake Garda
Barni1 / Pixabay

Located in northern Italy, Lake Garda is an ideal destination for family vacations. The southern part features excellent sandy and pebble beaches, while the crystal-clear waters are perfect for swimming and boating. Moreover, ferries provide a fun way to explore the lake, revealing small villages, medieval castles, and picturesque walking paths. If amusement parks are of interest to your kids, several options are near, including Gardaland, one of Italy’s top amusement parks.

Bomarzo Monster Park

Bomarzo Monster Park
Bo&Ko / Flickr / CC BY-SA 2.0

Bomarzo Monster Park is an unusual site filled with statuary shaped like mythological creatures, making it a delight for children. The park is situated north of Rome in the northern Lazio region, close to the Umbrian border. A car is essential for visiting this location.

Castles to Explore

Rocca Albornoziana, Spoleto
Francesco Iacobelli / Getty Images

Exploring a castle can be an exciting adventure for kids, as they can envision themselves as knights, princesses, or kings. Castles often have intriguing medieval towns nearby, although remember that they are typically situated on hills, which may require some climbing for family members.

Guided Tours and Activities for Families

italy pizza class
GOLFX / Getty Images

Incorporating a half- or full-day guided tour tailored for children can enrich your experience in Italy’s top cities. Options include city tours, pizza-making classes, rowing, mask-making, and many more activities available in Rome, Venice, and Florence.

Amazing Family Tours

Multi-colored masks
Take a mask-making course in Venice. ulisse_1 / Getty Images

Amazing Family Tours offer a convenient way to visit Italy’s three most beloved cities with activities tailored for families. Families travel by train to Venice, Florence, and Rome, enjoying two nights in each city in specially designed family rooms or suites. Activities include walking tours and sightseeing specifically aimed to engage children, with unique experiences such as mask-making in Venice, and cooking and pizza-making in Florence and Rome, respectively.

Florence with Kids

San Niccolo, Florence, Italy
iBestTravel / Christopher Larson

While Florence might not be rich in attractions that capture kids’ interests, there are still charming places your children will enjoy. Below are five recommendations for family-friendly spots in Florence.

Things to Do on Sardinia with Kids

Sardinia Nuraghe
T_o_m_o / Getty Images

The captivating island of Sardinia offers numerous attractions ideal for children, ranging from animal encounters and pristine beaches to the unique stone towers known as nuraghe, which are an integral part of the island’s history.

Stay on a Farm

italy agriturismo
Francesco Riccardo Iacomino / Getty Images

For families hailing from urban areas, staying on a farm in Italy can deliver a truly unique experience. Accommodations range from rustic to luxurious, encompassing options like a room in a farmhouse or self-catering apartments, providing a convenient solution when traveling with young children. Many farms have animals, and virtually all will have at least a dog or cat. Additionally, many vacation farms come equipped with a pool or children’s play area. Tuscany and Umbria are prime regions for agriturismo, while Puglia features the delightful masseria experience.

Spooky Places in Italy

Cappuccini Museum
Giorgio Cosulich/Getty Images

If your older children find museums and monuments tedious, consider exploring one of Italy’s mummy museums, catacombs, or other eerie attractions (though these may not be suitable for younger children).

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