11 Amazing Activities for Kids in Italy

Searching for a fantastic country to explore with your kids? Italy could be exactly what you’re looking for.

The locals are friendly and welcoming, and there’s no shortage of activities to enjoy, from treasure hunts in ancient Roman ruins to building sandcastles on sunny beaches. Combine that with delicious cuisine, and you’ve got the ideal formula for an unforgettable family vacation.

What Makes Italy Family-Friendly?

While Italy may not have a plethora of child-focused attractions, many museums and visitor sites offer free or discounted entry for kids. Additionally, numerous places enhance the experience for younger visitors with smartphone apps, interactive displays, audio guides, and specialized tours.

Dining out is a breeze as well. Most restaurants are accommodating to children, and with pizza, pasta, and gelato on the menu, fun is practically guaranteed. While kids' menus are uncommon, you can easily request a mezza porzione (half portion).

Navigating the streets can be challenging in cities with steps, cobbled paths, and zipping scooters—definitely not stroller-friendly.

Where Are the Best Spots in Italy for Kids?

Italy's historic cities are brimming with attractions, from the majestic ruins of Rome to the enchanting gondolas of Venice and the breathtaking views in Florence. Venture into the great outdoors to sail across Alpine lakes or embark on family adventures in the Dolomites. Coastal regions like Puglia, Calabria, and Sardinia boast stunning beaches, while Sicily offers the excitement of volcanic eruptions.

Top Activities in Italy for Babies and Toddlers

Relax in parks, piazzas, and playgrounds

In Italy's renowned art cities, amidst the museums and masterpieces, you'll discover a wealth of parks, piazzas, and playgrounds. Ideal spots for letting your little ones roam free include Villa Borghese in Rome, Piazza della Repubblica in Florence, and Piazza San Marco in Venice.

For older children, numerous theme parks can be found across the country, with the ever-popular Gardaland near Lago di Garda being a favorite.

Visit the beach

Emulate the locals and enjoy the beach during summer—just avoid August if you prefer fewer crowds. Once at the shore, beach clubs offer umbrellas, sun loungers, and amenities like restrooms and bars. While you'll find beaches throughout Italy, the finest are often in Sardinia and the southern regions of Calabria and Puglia.

Top activities for young children in Italy

Explore ancient treasures

Kids and ancient ruins might not always mix well for a perfect vacation. However, even the most discerning young ones will be awed by Rome’s Colosseum and the haunting remnants of Pompeii. These popular sites can get quite crowded, so consider visiting in the afternoon when the heat and crowds have diminished. For a quieter experience, the southern city of Matera offers a chance for your kids to explore ancient cave dwellings called Sassi.

Embark on a wildlife watching adventure

In addition to Rome’s zoo and the aquarium in Genoa, Italy offers numerous opportunities for wildlife experiences. You might catch a glimpse of dolphins while on a boat tour in the waters off Taranto. Further north, the remote national parks of Abruzzo are home to Marsican brown bears, wolves, and chamois. While spotting one is rare, it's exciting to know they're out there.

Engage with Italy's family-friendly museums

Museums are perfect for rainy days. Kid-friendly spots include Explora, a vibrant play-museum in Rome for children under 12, and the Gelato Museum Carpigiani near Bologna. You can also explore a mummy at Turin’s Museo Egizio or marvel at the exhibits in Milan’s Museo Nazionale della Scienza e della Tecnologia, Italy’s largest science museum.

Play around on the water

From gliding through Venice on a gondola to exploring Lago di Garda or cruising the shores of Capri, Italy’s waters are full of excitement. Older kids seeking adventure might enjoy sea kayaking in the Aeolian Islands or tackling white-water rafting in the thrilling Raganello Canyon of Calabria.

Engage in mountain sports

The Dolomites in Veneto and Trentino Alto-Adige offer a fantastic year-round sporting environment, featuring breathtaking views and activities suitable for all ages and skill levels. Destinations like Cortina d’Ampezzo, Val Gardena, and Val Badia provide excellent family-friendly options for winter sports such as skiing, sledding, and snowboarding, as well as summer hiking and biking.

Scale monuments for breathtaking views

Young adventurers can scale various monuments and towers throughout Italy. The iconic Leaning Tower of Pisa is a must-have photo opportunity, while the Campanile in Venice’s Piazza San Marco provides stunning 360-degree views of the city. For even more spectacular sights, ascend the dome of St. Peter’s Basilica in Rome or Brunelleschi’s famous cupola in Florence.

Top activities in Italy for tweens and teenagers

Take on a volcano adventure

Italy is among the few countries where you can explore a volcano. Adventurous teens will find it easy to hike up Mt. Vesuvius, the only active volcano on the European mainland. Meanwhile, Mt. Etna and Stromboli in Sicily regularly showcase their fiery displays, and when dormant, can be explored through guided tours.

Discover the underground

Italy's underground offers exciting opportunities for exploration. In cities like Rome and Naples, you can delve into eerie catacombs where early Christians laid their dead to rest. For stunning formations of stalagmites and stalactites, check out remarkable cave systems like the Grotte di Frasassi in Le Marche, Grotta del Vento in Tuscany, and the Grotte di Castellana in Puglia.

Become a football enthusiast

Experiencing a match featuring one of Italy’s premier football (soccer) teams can be electrifying. To support Juventus, visit the Allianz Stadium in Turin. Fans of Milan’s AC Milan and Inter should head to the San Siro Stadium, while those backing Roma and rival Lazio can catch a game at Rome’s Stadio Olimpico. Check club websites for match schedules; if you can’t attend a game, all three stadiums offer guided tours.

Tips for planning your trip

Italy offers a wide range of family-friendly accommodations. Options include self-catering apartments and farm stays (agriturismi), which provide ample space and sometimes even friendly animals to interact with. Many seaside resorts are also geared towards families, often featuring babysitting services and access to private beaches.

Italy boasts a well-connected train network that simplifies travel between cities. Popular seaside resorts are easily accessible by train or bus, while a car is essential for reaching more remote rural locations.