Italy has long been a favoured destination for families with kids. It has stunning natural beauty, ancient ruins, delicious cuisine, and historic landmarks to delight your curious little ones. Moreover, the country is home to some beautiful beaches with shallow waters that are safe for your kids to swim and play in.
Here are the best places to visit in Italy to keep the kids busy.
Rome
As Italy’s vibrant capital, Rome is one of the country’s most visited tourist destinations. For families with kids, it’s the perfect place to visit. Rome also offers some of the most incredible tours in Italy. With the city’s rich history, stunning architecture, and engaging attractions it is bound to keep your little ones always entertained.
Begin your Roman adventure with a visit to the Colosseum, where your kids can marvel at the ancient structure and learn about gladiators and Roman history through interactive tours. Visit the Roman Forum nearby for a fascinating glimpse into the daily life of ancient Romans, with ruins and artefacts to explore.
For a hands-on historical experience, visit the Time Elevator Rome, an immersive multimedia attraction that takes you through Rome’s 3,000-year history with 3D movies and special effects.
Your kids will enjoy a trip to the Vatican Museums to discover the stunning art collections and the awe-inspiring Sistine Chapel, guaranteed to captivate their imaginations. Opt for a family-friendly guided tour to engage them with stories and activities.
Take a break in the lush Villa Borghese Gardens, where you can rent bikes or paddleboats and visit the Bioparco di Roma, a zoo home to fascinating animals. The Explora Children’s Museum, also in Villa Borghese, offers interactive exhibits designed to educate and entertain young minds.
Sicily
If your kids love playing at the beach, take them to Italy’s largest island, Sicily. With stunning landscapes and rich history, it offers the perfect setting to spend quality time with your kids. As one of the top attractions of Italy, Sicily has various activities to keep your kids busy and engaged, from exploring charming towns to discovering fascinating historical sites.
Consider renting a family villa in Sicily for a comfortable and spacious home base for your family holiday. These villas also have amenities like private pools and gardens, allowing you to relax and spend quality time with your kids after sightseeing. Best of all, these properties boast stunning views of the countryside or coastline.
Kids will love exploring the ancient ruins of the Valley of the Temples in Agrigento or the Greek Theatre in Taormina, where they can learn about Sicily’s rich history while climbing through ancient structures and temples.
If you have kids who love trekking, consider exploring Mount Etna, Europe’s most active volcano. Otherwise, take a cable car ride to the summit. When you reach the top, explore volcanic craters and enjoy panoramic views of the island below.
Your kids will likely spend most of their time at Sicily’s beautiful beaches. From building sandcastles and swimming in crystal-clear waters to snorkelling and paddleboarding, there’s something for everyone to enjoy along the island’s coastline.
Lake Como
Lake Como is another exceptional destination for family holidays, with its stunning scenery, charming villages, and various activities to keep your kids busy. Its serene waters, lush gardens, and picturesque towns provide a perfect backdrop for a fun bonding with your little ones.
Start your adventure with a boat tour of Lake Como, where kids can explore crystal-clear waters and discover charming lakeside towns like Bellagio, Varenna, and Menaggio. The boat rides offer stunning views of the surrounding mountains and elegant villas.
Visit Villa Carlotta, a historic villa with beautiful botanical gardens. Kids will love wandering through the expansive gardens, exploring the various plant species, and taking in the sculptures and fountains.
If you have kids who love adventure, take them hiking on the numerous trails around Lake Como. The Greenway del Lago di Como is a popular, easy trail that offers scenic views and passes through quaint villages. Another exciting activity is renting bikes and riding along the lake’s edge, enjoying the fresh air and stunning landscapes.
Italian Alps
Your kids cannot resist the charm of the Italian Alps, with their breathtaking landscapes serving as the perfect backdrop for fun adventures. It transforms into a snowy paradise in winter and will keep your kids busy with activities like skiing and snowboarding at world-renowned resorts like Courmayeur and Livigno. These resorts offer slopes suitable for skiers of all levels and have dedicated ski schools and kids’ clubs to ensure a safe and enjoyable experience for your kids.
During the warmer months, the Alps provide a myriad of outdoor activities. Hiking and biking trails are popular, with routes suitable for all ages. The Dolomites, in particular, offer stunning scenery and well-marked paths. You can also take cable car rides to mountain peaks, like those in the Sella Ronda region, which boast spectacular views and a thrilling experience for kids.
For a unique adventure, visit one of the region’s adventure parks, like Adventure Park Tarzaning in the Dolomites, where kids can enjoy zip-lining, rope courses, and climbing activities.
Venice
With its scenic canals and rich history, Venice is a fantastic destination to take your kids for a holiday. This unique city offers fun activities to keep you and your kids busy, ensuring a memorable and engaging vacation for everyone.
Begin with a classic gondola ride through Venice’s iconic canals. Your kids will be thrilled by the experience of gliding under bridges and past historic buildings while learning about the city’s fascinating past. For a more educational twist, take a water taxi to explore the Grand Canal and admire the stunning palaces that line its banks.
Visit the Doge’s Palace and book the secret itinerary tour to explore hidden passages, ancient prisons, and even the infamous Bridge of Sighs. The engaging guides make history come alive, keeping your curious kids intrigued.
With its glittering mosaics and impressive architecture, St. Mark’s Basilica is another attraction to take your kids. They will love climbing to the terrace for a panoramic view of St. Mark’s Square and the bustling activity below.
