Italy is a fantastic destination for families traveling with children. With so many amazing places to visit, it can be tough to narrow down the best locations to explore in Italy with kids.
The country is divided into twenty regions, each offering unique experiences for travelers. From ancient traditions and delightful cuisine to beautiful landscapes, beaches, mountains, bustling cities, and charming villages, Italy has it all – including natural and theme parks.
Given my fondness for Italy, I’ve gathered insights from fellow travel bloggers about their favorite spots in Italy for families, along with helpful tips and suggestions to inspire your next family adventure.
Best Places in Italy for Kids: Where to Go for Unforgettable Family Vacations
Table of Contents
Top 10 Tourist Attractions in Italy for Kids
What to Visit in Northern Italy with Your Family
Venice
Emma, author of World Best Hikes
Italy is an ideal family travel destination, no matter where you go. With kid-friendly food, gelato found everywhere, and locals who adore children, it’s easy to enjoy each moment. Although it’s hard to pick just one place, Venice stands out.
This unique city captivated my boys as we wandered along the canals, observed gondolas, rode vaporetti, and chased after pigeons. We opted for leisurely strolls instead of visiting major cultural sites like Saint Mark’s Basilica and the Doge’s Palace, allowing us to admire the carnival masks in shop windows and truly soak in the vibe. We also visited Burano, a quiet island with colorful houses and fewer crowds. If you’re not focused on historical architecture and churches, Venice should be a must on your family trip to Italy!
Katerina, author of 4kids und Ich
During a 14-day road trip to “Budapest and Back,” my four daughters and I made Venice our last stop. We planned to casually stroll through the city toward Piazza San Marco, but I was unprepared for the many winding and narrow streets in Venice. Thankfully, my girls stayed mostly together. However, when we spotted a shop boasting a chocolate fountain, the three oldest were hooked. Meanwhile, my youngest, an independent 100 cm tall adventurer, wandered off and vanished among the bustling feet! Luckily, she was easily found just a few meters away, completely unaware of the worry she had caused. Lesson learned: navigating Venice with four small children as a solo parent isn’t the easiest task.
Venice Travel Guide | Where to Stay in Venice
Verona
Nichola, author of Globalmouse Travels
My favorite Italian destination is undoubtedly Verona. More genuine and, in my opinion, more beautiful than Venice, Verona is steeped in history. You can wander over ancient Roman bridges and climb medieval towers, but the best part for the kids is the gelato available on almost every street corner. The Arena here is far more accessible than Rome’s Colosseum and evokes a sense of history that’s palpable. Let the kids run beneath the stadium to imagine the past. We visited Verona during spring and wished we could have spent more time absorbing the enchanting story of Romeo and Juliet while tasting biscuits inspired by the play. Verona is picturesque and, having traveled across Italy, it remains my absolute favorite and perfect for families.
Visit the Top Attractions in Verona | Where to Sleep in Verona
Lake Garda
Stefania van Lieshout, author of Views of the World
Lago di Garda is my top family destination in Italy. My mother is Italian, and I spent many summers and winters there. She grew up in the picturesque village of Castelletto di Brenzone, located on the lake’s eastern shore. My childhood summers were mostly spent on the pebbled beach and swimming in the lake; later, I learned to windsurf as a teenager. Even today, the lake is a magnet for surfers from around Europe, drawn by the strong winds. Winter here is quieter, ideal for enjoying winter sports at the Monte Baldo ski resort, a small resort perfect for beginners with its nine runs.
As an adult, I love returning to the lake with my family to hike in the mountains. Mount Baldo offers numerous trails ranging from easy to challenging. You can hike along steep mountain ridges or enjoy scenic panoramic trails to take in breathtaking views of the lake and surrounding mountains.
Where to Stay in Lake Garda
Milan
Lisa, author of FlipFlopGlobetrotters.com
When considering traveling to Italy with kids, the fashion capital of Milan might not initially come to mind. However, it’s incredibly affordable to fly from various European destinations, and it’s just a train ride away from popular spots like Venice and Rome. Surprisingly, Milan is also a fun place for kids! The monumental Duomo di Milano cathedral is impressive and offers a unique experience—visitors can stroll on the roof via an elevator. Our son particularly enjoyed the Science and Technology Museum, which features scaled models based on Leonardo da Vinci’s designs alongside a large exhibition area with boats, planes, trains, and even a real submarine in the garden. Exploring Sforzesco Castle is also a great option, and don’t miss the dinosaur skeletons at the Natural History Museum. If the weather permits, the Indro Montanelli Public Gardens is a beautiful city park with several playgrounds and ample space to run around.
Best Museums for Kids in Milan | Where to Stay in Milan
Cinque Terre
Celine Brewer, author of Baby Can Travel
When planning our trip to Italy with our toddler and preschooler, we knew we had to include Cinque Terre. Although we were advised to reconsider due to its rocky terrain, we wholeheartedly disagree. It’s an amazing location for small children, especially if you’re well-prepared. The five coastal towns are delightful to explore with kids, and early mornings allow you to enjoy them before the crowds arrive. Hiking between towns lets you avoid busy areas; just come equipped with a suitable child carrier for when they need a lift. With lovely beaches, playgrounds, easy transit between towns, and mouthwatering food (especially the gelato), it’s hard to imagine a more family-friendly destination!
Alex Waltner, author of Swedish Nomad
“Cinque Terre is undoubtedly one of the best Italian destinations. Here, you can discover winding hiking paths, picturesque villages filled with history, and, of course, delicious food! The hiking trails are moderate to easy, making them suitable for families. Choose a path that matches your family’s comfort level, as they all offer breathtaking views of the five towns: Vernazza, Monterosso, Corniglia, Riomaggiore, and Manarola. Be sure to stop at the Nessun Dorma restaurant in Manarola for delicious bruschetta with a stunning view of the village. Along the hiking routes, there’s plenty of opportunities for picnics in nature. Just make sure to allocate enough time, bring plenty of water, and wear appropriate footwear!”
The Best Destinations in Central Italy Not to Miss During a Family Trip
Bologna
Chrysoula Manika, author of Travel Passionate
If there’s one thing all children love, it’s gelato, the famous Italian ice cream renowned worldwide. Families with children can have a blast at the Carpigiani Museum in Bologna, where kids can learn to make their favorite gelato! They offer special one-day courses in collaboration with Gelato University that will engage kids in both the art of gelato-making and their creativity. During your visit, you’ll explore the history of this delicious dessert, followed by a tasting session featuring some of the best gelato around. Kids will don aprons and hats and use a wide variety of ingredients to create their treats. To top it all off, they’ll receive diplomas to celebrate their new skills!
Book Your Bologna Private Tour | Where to Stay in Bologna
Pisa
Sharon Gourlay, author of Dive Into Malaysia
Pisa is a fantastic city to visit with children, especially if they’ve seen pictures of its most famous landmark. There’s always something thrilling for kids about seeing well-known attractions in real life, like the Leaning Tower of Pisa. The site offers other attractions worth visiting, and Pisa itself is pleasant to wander. The tower will always be the highlight, though; we loved it so much we returned twice! Our last trip was in January when the crowds were significantly lower than during the summer, making it easier for us to explore and take those mandatory fun photos pretending to hold up the tower. Our kids loved this part! Just a note: children must be over eight years old to climb to the top.
Book Tickets in Advance for the Leaning Tower of Pisa | Where to Stay in Pisa
Pinocchio Park
Jessy Lipperts, author of Planet Pilgrims
We decided to take my then two-year-old daughter to Pinocchio’s birthplace. We were staying at a seaside village south of Pisa, which made for a bit of a drive to get there. I thought it would be a unique and fun experience for her. Upon arrival, it felt very true to Italian culture—there were no signs in English, and we seemed to be the only international visitors. Unfortunately, our biggest challenge was that Rosie wasn’t thrilled about the long noses and costumed characters, making her rather scared, which cut our park visit short.
I would recommend the park for families with young children who are not easily frightened by puppets, clowns, and costumed characters. The village is charming as well. Afterward, we thoroughly enjoyed walking through the Giardino Garzoni, making the 80 km journey well worth it.
Rome
Rashmi and Chalukya, authors of GOBeyondBounds
Our family trip to Rome included our parents and our one-year-old child. We began our adventure at the Vatican City Museum. Museums aren’t always thrilling for toddlers, so we took our time with breaks for snacks and allowed our little one some freedom to explore. Our city tour in Rome was mostly a walking expedition, which ended up being our child’s favorite part of the trip. We meandered across bridges, explored squares filled with fountains, and enjoyed street performances. Many areas are pedestrian-friendly, giving kids plenty of room to run around freely.
We took the time to stop in each square, letting our toddler stretch out of the stroller and enjoy watching the street entertainers. No visit to Italy is complete without indulging in various gelato flavors, and we recall having over a dozen in just one day. And, of course, we couldn’t leave without savoring delicious pizza. Be sure to schedule enough gelato and pizza breaks—your kids will love it! Villa Borghese, a beautiful garden in Rome, is an absolute must when traveling with children. It features various attractions, museums, a zoo, and even a small lake for boating.
Skip the Line for the Vatican Museums | Where to Stay in Rome
Where to Go in Southern Italy for the Best Holidays with Children
Sicily
Katy Clarke, author of Untold Morsels
Sicily is a feast for the senses and our favorite family travel destination in Italy. As the largest island in Italy, Sicily offers everything you could want for a perfect vacation with kids. You can enjoy breathtaking landscapes and visit a smoldering volcano before heading to the beach for a refreshing swim in the sparkling blue sea. Or you can climb alabaster cliffs to catch the stunning sunset.
Dozens of lovely villages, such as Marzamemi and Cefalù, line the coastline. Here, you’ll savor the freshest seafood and indulge in granita – Sicilian gelato that locals sometimes enjoy for breakfast!
Sicily allows you to blend relaxing beach days with sightseeing and enjoyable history lessons. Let your children’s imaginations run wild among the ancient ruins of the Valley of the Temples, which have stood for over 2,000 years. Explore the stunning baroque towns of the Val di Noto with their elegant squares and art-filled churches before returning to the beach for more swimming and granita. We can’t wait to go back to Sicily to discover even more!
Hike the Volcano on a Day Trip | Where to Stay in Catania
Ortigia, Siracusa – Sicily
David Angel, author of Travel with Little One
Before moving to Australia in 2016, we wanted to take our young son to Italy. After extensive research, we chose to base ourselves in Ortigia, the heart of ancient Siracusa in southeastern Sicily.
Being nearly two at the time, he was a little explorer, always seeking new things and places. Ortigia was perfect for us due to its pedestrian pathways and minimal motor traffic, making it safe for family exploration.
It turned out to be an excellent choice. There were plenty of narrow alleys to explore and the magnificent Piazza del Duomo was one of our favorite squares in Italy where he could be free to roam every evening. He particularly enjoyed trying out pistachio pizza, but nothing compared to the gelato he indulged in nearly every night, receiving extra treats from friendly locals who couldn’t resist a cute little boy. He can’t wait to return, and neither can we.
Italy is a charming and incredibly child-friendly country. Children of all ages, from babies to teenagers, are warmly welcomed everywhere. I’m sure your family will have a wonderful time during your vacation in Italy.
