Family Guide to Italy

Family Guide to Italy

Best Spots to Visit with Kids in Italy (with travel tips!)

When we wrote the ABCs of Italy, we knew it would be a hit with families. Italy is a dream destination for families, offering a mix of history, adventure, and fun activities for kids of all ages! Our kid's Italy book takes your family through some of the most popular spots in Italy, teaching your child (and you) helpful words and phrases along the way!

Whether you're looking for hands-on museums, outdoor adventures, or fairy-tale villages, Italy has something for every little traveler.

Here are some of the best spots to visit with kids:

1. Rome: A Journey Through Time

  • Colosseum & Roman Forum – Kids will love exploring the ancient gladiator arena and imagining battles from centuries ago.

 

  • 🎭 Gladiator School – Let them train like real Roman gladiators in a fun, interactive experience.

  • 🍦 Gelato Galore – Rome has some of the best gelato spots, like Giolitti and Fatamorgana.

💡 Travel Tip: Book skip-the-line tickets for major attractions to avoid long waits. The Colosseum can get very hot, so visit early in the morning or late afternoon.

 

2. Florence: Art and Play Combined

  • 🖼 Leonardo da Vinci Museum – Hands-on exhibits where kids can try out Da Vinci’s inventions.

  • 🎨 Bargello Museum & Boboli Gardens – Stroll through sculptures and run around beautiful green spaces.

  • 🍕 Pizza-Making Classes – A fun way for kids to learn and enjoy authentic Italian pizza.

💡 Travel Tip: Florence is best explored on foot, but bring a lightweight stroller for younger kids, as some streets have cobblestones.

3. Venice: A Fairy-Tale on Water

  • 🚤 Gondola Ride – A magical experience for kids who love boats.

  • 🏰 Doge’s Palace & The Bridge of Sighs – Discover Venice’s rich history with secret passages and dungeons.

  • 🎭 Mask-Making Workshops – Craft traditional Venetian masks for a unique souvenir.

💡 Travel Tip: Avoid the midday heat and crowds by taking a gondola ride in the early morning or evening. Also, pack snacks—Venice’s restaurants can get busy, and quick bites aren’t always easy to find.

4. Cinque Terre: Colorful Coastline Adventures

  • 🚶 Hiking Trails – Easy and scenic paths between picturesque villages.

  • 🏖 Beaches & Rock Pools – Perfect for little adventurers who love the sea.

  • 🚂 Scenic Train Rides – A fun way to explore the villages without too much walking. TIP: the earlier you get to each of the 5 towns, the better! Tourists take day trips from Florence and start arriving around 10:00am. 

💡 Travel Tip: The terrain can be steep, so wear comfortable shoes. If traveling with small children, opt for the train instead of long hikes between villages.

5. Amalfi Coast: Stunning Views & Seaside Fun

  • ⛵ Boat Trips to Capri – Kids will love exploring the Blue Grotto and spotting sea creatures.

  • 🍋 Lemon Farms & Gelato – Try fresh lemonade and delicious homemade gelato.

  • 🏖 Beaches in Positano & Amalfi – Shallow waters and scenic coves make for great family beach days. Take a day trip to nearby Atrani, where you can escape the hustle and bustle of busy Amalfi and enjoy a calmer view of Italia!

💡 Travel Tip: The Amalfi Coast has lots of stairs, so a carrier is better than a stroller for small kids. Stay in Sorrento for easier access to family-friendly transportation.

6. Naples & Pompeii: History Comes to Life

  • 🌋 Mount Vesuvius & Pompeii – Walk through the ruins of an ancient city frozen in time.

  • 🍕 Authentic Neapolitan Pizza – Naples is the birthplace of pizza—kids will love it!

  • 🏛 Underground Naples Tour – Discover hidden tunnels and ancient aqueducts.

💡 Travel Tip: Pompeii is huge—bring plenty of water, sun hats, and comfortable shoes. Consider hiring a guide to keep kids engaged with fascinating stories.

7. Sicily: Myths, Legends, and Beaches

  • 🏰 Valley of the Temples – Explore Greek ruins that will make kids feel like little explorers.

  • 🌊 Beaches in Taormina & Cefalù – Crystal-clear waters perfect for swimming.

  • 🏴‍☠️ Pirate Ship Excursions – A thrilling boat ride around the coast.

💡 Travel Tip: Sicily’s summer heat can be intense. Visit major sights in the morning, then cool off at the beach in the afternoon.

8. Lake Como: Relaxation & Adventure

  • ⛴ Boat Rides to Charming Villages – Explore Bellagio, Varenna, and Menaggio by ferry.

  • 🚡 Funicular to Brunate – A scenic ride with breathtaking views over the lake.

  • 🌳 Villa Carlotta’s Gardens – Kids can roam the lush botanical gardens and admire art.

💡 Travel Tip: Lake Como is best explored by boat—kids love the ferries! For a fun experience, take the funicular ride to Brunate for panoramic views.

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Italy is an incredible destination for families, offering a perfect mix of fun, history, and delicious food. Whether you’re exploring ancient ruins, riding gondolas, or making pizza, your kids will have an unforgettable adventure! Don't forget to pack your ABCs of Italy book to get your kid excited and tag us in photos along the way!

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