Italy with Kids: Places to Go + Tips (2025)
Considering Italy for a family vacation? You’re in the right place. Italy is a fantastic place to go with kids. It’s a family-friendly country, with so much beauty, history and memorable experiences.
You’ll be happy to know that Italian cities and towns are very walkable (although, not all places are the most stroller friendly because of cobbled streets), but they are safe, and have great food – that both you, and your children will enjoy.
Italians generally love children and have set up their communities to be very family-oriented.
I spent a whole month in Italy with my 4 year old daughter as a single parent, and to be honest- it wasn’t enough time. We enjoyed ourselves so much, and plan to go back.
It’s very easy to get around Italy via public transit. I loved travelling all over the mainland country with out needing to use a car. (Although many travellers do rent a car in Italy.)
After this article, I hope that you see how beautiful and diverse Italy is and all the amazing things you can do there as a family.
Here are the best places to go in Italy with kids, the best things to do with them there and important tips for family travel in Italy.
Things to Do in Italy with Kids
Italy is large and very diverse but there are certain activities that you can look for no matter where you are. Here is a snap shot of activities you can look forward to in Italy as a family
1. ‘Get lost’ in the towns and cities
One of my favourite thing to do in Italy with my daughter was simply to walk around exploring. Italian towns and cities are so beautiful, and so different from where we live.
Wherever you go in Italy, I recommend having some time to simply walk around, taking it all in.
2. Take art lessons
Art and creative expression is deeply engrained in the culture of Italy. A fun thing to do for families is to take art lessons. Arte al Sole offers art classes and camps to kids, and to families in many places throughout Italy – Venice, Rome, Umbria, Florence, and other areas of Tuscany.
Arte al Sol classes are taught by qualified teachers with an art background. Click here to see where they offer classes, and the details.
3. Bring them to museums, churches and art galleries
Throughout Italy, you will find many kid oriented activities, and I have no problem taking part in some of those.
But I went to Italy to see Italy – cities, buildings, paintings and sculptures that I learned about from school.
Don’t shy away from bringing your child into these places and introducing them to this fascinating world of heritage, art and culture. While it may not be their favourite activity, they will enjoy experiencing it with you. They have a certain ‘grandeur’ which is not as common at home (depending where you’re from.)
My daughter and I visited the Vatican in Rome, the Uffizi in Florence, and many others. I was glad to have introduced her to this from a young age.
4. Introduce them to Italian cuisine
Part of what I love about Italy is how easy it is to introduce kids to the food. Since Italian food has been so influential worldwide, it won’t be completely foreign to it.
But, it might be a little different from what they’ve tried at home.
Scroll below to read my tips on eating out in Italy as family, and what kinds of foods that the kids will likely be able to try in Italy.
Pro Tip: One of the best parts about restaurants in Italy is the antipasti. Antipasti are bite-size portions and a great way to try different things. Antipasti can be vegetables, cheeses or meats.
5. Take homemade pizza and gelato making lessons
In many areas throughout Italy, you will find cooking classes. Some cooking classes are strictly for adults; others allow kids over a certain age (usually a minimum age 6-10.)
One of the most memorable things we did in Italy was take a cooking class that catered to kids. My daughter learned how to make jam and pizza directly from scratch, starting with the grain and the dough.
It’s a great way for kids to gain an appreciation for these age-old techniques and where their favourite foods come from.
Pizza and/or gelato making classes are usually very kid-oriented, and are offered in several cities throughout Italy.
6. Do kid-friendly walking tours
Several cities in Italy have walking tours specifically aimed at kids – Florence, Rome, to name a few.
These walking tours typically take place in the evening, and include pizza and gelato as a snack. It’s a great way for kids to learn about the fascinating history of the city told in an animated way that is interesting for them.
7. Visit interactive museums
While I recommend visiting all kinds of museums – definitely carve out some time for the more ‘hands on’ ones that allow kids to explore freely.
Italy is great for having children’s museums; there are several of them located in all major cities.
In addition to childrens museums, there are also Leonardo Da Vinci interactive museums, where kids can experience first hand some of his experiments and inventions. They are very kid friendly and even best designed for kids to have a hands-on experience.
You can find Leonardo Da Vinci museums in Rome, Venice and Florence.
8. Spend some time on the beach
While people don’t usually go to Italy for the beaches, there are a lot of nice beaches. Most of them are located are on the islands of Sicily or Sardinia, but there are sandy beaches on mainland Italy too.
In addition to the amazing Sicilian and Sardinian beaches, here are a few other sandy beaches you can find throughout Italy:
- Near Venice, there is Lido Beach
- In Tuscany, there’s a great sandy beach in Parco Della Marema
- Puglia (western Italy) many beaches; both rocky and sandy
- There are also several beaches near Rome that are accessible via public transit
Which Part of Italy is Best with Kids?
The best area of Italy to visit with kids depends on your own interests, and your kids ages.
Really, all of Italy is family-friendly and can visited with kids. It may be important to keep in mind that not all places are accessible by car, and not all places are stroller friendly.
If your kids are young, I generally find the cities and the islands in Italy to be more kid-friendly than some of the seaside villages on the peninsulas (ie: Almafi Coast and Cinque Terre), because they’re easier to navigate via public transit.
However, I would say just about anywhere in Italy is doable with kids of any age, especially if you know what you’re getting into with each place.
Is Italy stroller friendly?
Depending on where you’re going in Italy, I would only bring a stroller if you absolutely need one (under age 3.) My 4 year old didn’t have a stroller at all – we simply took lots of breaks while we were walking.
I would recommend factoring the need for breaks into your Italian vacation with kids, especially if they’re on the younger side like mine was.
Below, I’m going to highlight some of the best places to consider visiting in Italy as a family, how long to spend there and things to do.
Use this as your guide to decide where in Italy to bring your family!
Best Places to Visit in Italy with Kids
1. Rome
How long to spend as a family: 3-5 days
Rome is a fascinating city that dates back 2,700 years. It has the largest airport in Italy (Rome Fiumicino Airport or FCO) and is also a hub for visiting other places in Italy.
Rome is large, but very walkable. There’s a lot to do, and you probably need at least a few days to see at all. We spent a full three days, and even then, I could have spent longer. Read my post on tips and things to do in Rome with kids.
Best things to do in with kids in Rome:
- Take a walk around Lago di Torre Argentina, and visit the cat sanctuary underneath
- Take a Gladiator lessons at the Roman Gladiator School (ages 6+)
- Make your own pizza classes
- Visit museums and medieval churches and buildings
- Do a guided tour of the Colosseum, which is 2,000 years old
Pro Tip: It’s a nice experience to stay right in Rome, especially if you’re on the ease of the river. We spend part of our time staying at I Pini Family Resort, which is a camper park with swimming pools less than an hour from Rome.
2. Florence
How long to spend as a family: 2-4 days
While Rome is most famous for its history, Florence is the most rich in art. (They both have art and history, but each has more of one than the other.)
Florence has amazing things that you’ll want to see, but a lot of art-based activities for families as well. Personally, Florence was my favourite city in Italy.
My daughter and I had many walks in the wide open piazzas and many narrow cobbled streets. I dragged her to museums that a kid her age wouldn’t be interested in – but we still had fun, because I built in the time for breaks, and we were enjoyijg the time together.
Florence is a beautiful place, that I recommend adding to your itinerary in Italy.
Best things to do in with kids in Florence with kids:
- Ride the famous carousel in the Piazza della Republica, one of the most famous carousels in the world (pictured above)
- Check out paintings and sculptures at the Uffizi, one of the most famous art galleries in the world
- Take homemade gelato and pizza making classes as a family
- Visit Pinocchio store (Pinocchio the character is originally from Tuscany)
- Walk through the pedestrian-only Calzaiuoli street, and explore medievel buildings in the piazzas
For more details and additional tips, read my post on visiting Florence with kids.
3. Tuscany
How long to spend as a family: 2-5 days
You’ve probably heard of the Tuscan region in Italy romanticized in books and movies -and there’s a reason for it.
The countryside is so scenic and hilly, and (in addition to Florence and Pisa) it has so many cute small towns, and that are worth visiting.
Tuscany is the biggest producer of olive oil in Italy, and there are also possibilities to visit an olive farm.
Some people swear by needing a car in Tuscany in order to get around – I simply used public transit. You can get around with the train, a rental car, or even hiring a taxi.
Towns to visit and things to do in Tuscany with kids
- Do an olive harvest experience as a family.
- Visit Bolonga – not technically in Tuscany, but close by. Known as the “Fat City” because of its amazing food scene
- Visit Siena – Located 70 km (43 miles) south of Florence, and surrounded by a 1,000 year old wall, its centro storico (old town) is a UNESCO World Heritage Sight
- Visit Lucca – known for its music, and its numerous towers in the city
4. Pisa
How long to spend as a family: 1-3 days
Pisa is the 5th largest city in Tuscany, and is mostly iconic because of its iconic leaning tower.
Like other Italian cities, Pisa is very walkable, has picturesque piazzas with markets and cobbled streets, the beautiful Arno River running through it.
It might be worth knowing that children under the age of 8 cannot climb the Leaning Tower of Pisa. However, there are many other things to do in Pisa with kids besides marvel at the tower.
Things that you can do in Pisa with kids
- Climb the Mura di Pisa (walls of Pisa)
- Learn about animals, plants and birds at the Museo di Storia Naturale dell’Università di Pisa
- Get a gelato, and walk along the Arno River (flat, easy, and stroller friendly)
5. Amalfi Coast
How long to spend as a family: 2-3 days
The Amalfi Coast has surged in popularity in recent years, and it’s no wonder – the views are so beautiful, with its cliffside mountains and winding roads along the shoreline of the Mediterranean sea.
The Alfmafi Coast is best for families who enjoy walking and boating, but it doesn’t have sandy beaches or stroller-friendly towns. I would only recommend the Almafi Coast to families with older children.
The Almafi Coast is 50 km (miles) long, along a peninsula which is 270 km (miles) south of Rome. Since further south, it is also quite warm on the peninsula where the Almafi coast is located.
The two most popular places to stay are Positano and Almafi.
Things to do along the Almafi Coast with kids
- Head over to Sorrento (not far from the Almafi coast) to visit the Roman Mill. Try authentic limoncello
- Take a boat trip to the island of Capri, and spend a whole day there. Ride the gondola for bird’s eye, scenic views
- See the most famous landmark, the Cattedrale di Sant’Andrea
6. Venice
How long to spend as a family: 2-5 days
Venice is harder to get to, and also more touristy than other parts of Italy – but in my opinion, its definitely worth a visit.
It’s entirely car-free, which makes it nice and relaxed visiting with kids. Visiting Venice with a toddler is a bit more challenging, because it is not stroller friendly due to the 400 bridges over the canals.
However, like I say about almost every city in Italy – its doable, with adequate planning.
Best things to do in with kids in Venice:
- Do a family mask-making workshop at Ca’Mana (for kids 4+)
- Visit family-friendly museums, such as the Leonardo Interactive Museum, and Doge’s Palace
- See the famous San Marco square which dates back to 1000, and point out the small animal sculptures in the gothic style cathedrals
- Take a gondola ride (they are pricey, but any ride on the canals is fun, including the vaporettos, which is a water bus)
- Watch a glass-blowing demonstration on the island of Murano, which you can get to in 40 minutes from Venice by boat.
7. Sardinia Island
How long to spend as a family: 5-7 days
Sardinia (also spelled Sardegna) is the second largest island in Italy, and the largest Mediterranean island.
The atmosphere of Sardinia differs quite a bit from mainland Italy; as well as the culture and cuisine. We flew to Sardinia from Rome, and I felt like we’d arrived in a different country.
It looks and feels very different from the rest of Italy. I was glad that I added Sardinia to our family plans in Italy, because it was a nice change of base – lots of outdoor beauty, and places to swim.
Sardinia can be visited from mainland Italy, as well as France and Spain. Read my post on how to get to Sardinia.
Best things to do in with kids in Sardinia with kids:
- Relax and swim on most stunning, Caribbean-style beaches
- Go hiking, on a variety of family-friendly trails
- Take a boat out to the La Maddalena archipelago, and go snorkeling
- Visit archaeological sites in some of the Sardinian towns and cities; many of which date back to biblical times, such as the Bastion St. Remy
For a complete list of Sardinia family vacation ideas, read my post on Sardinia with kids.
8. Sicily
How long to spend as a family: 5-10 days
Sicily, in south Italy is the largest island in Italy, and located far in the south. Therefore, its one of the hottest regions in Italy, which is especially something to keep in mind if you’re visiting between June and August.
You could spend as little as 4-5 days on the island, but if you really want to explore Sicily (especially with kids in toe) then a week might be a good amount of time to spend if you don’t want to miss anything.
Best things to do in with kids in Sicily
- Visit pedestrian-friendly cities and towns; Palermo is the capital city of Sicily and is famous for its food. Other small towns to visit are Agrigento (UNESCO World heritage site dating back to 500 BC) and Syracruse, another archaeological dream and food experiences.
- Meet donkeys at Etna Donkey Trekking
- Take older kids on a Sicily Bike Routes tour
There are countless other amazing places in Sicily besides the ones that I listed. See more ideas for family activities in Sicily in this helpful article here.
9. Puglia
How long to spend: 4-10 days
Puglia is on the east coast of Italy, on the Atliatic Sea. It’s a region, not a town (and quite a large region actually.)
Tourists don’t often make their way to this side of Italy; most of the popular tourist destinations are on the east side.
However, if you do make your way out to Puglia, you won’t be disappointed. This area is amazing – beautiful, less visited, very warm, and lots to do as a family.
Things to do in the Puglia region as a family
- Walk through Alberobello, a UNESCO World Heritage site
- See animals at the Zoosafarai Wildlife Park
- Explore underground at the Castellana Caves
- Swim at beautiful, sandy beaches
Visit this helpful guide on Puglia with kids for more details on the above, and ideas for things to do in the Puglia region as a family.
10. Pompeii
How long to spend as a family: 2-4 hours
Pompeii is one of the most famous archaeological sites in the world, and allows you to get a glimpse of what life for the Romans was like.
Italians actually want to encourage families to bring their children to Pompeii, because its an important way to educate future adults about this important piece of heritage.
You only need about 2-3 hours at Pompeii, and like most popular attractions in Italy – you should book in advance. Read Pompeii’s guide for families here.
The easiest way to get to Pompeii is by train. Pompeii has its own train station. Sometimes there aren’t direct trains from certain cities, so you may need to be willing to do change-overs.
From the Pompeii train station, its a close walk to the ruins. Plan your train travel to Pompeii here.
11. Milan
How long to spend as a family: 2-3 days
Another place in Italy that shouldn’t be missed is Milan. Known as the fashion capital of Italy, Milan is surprisingly family-friendly too and has a lot of gems that make it worth a visit.
Things to do in Milan as a family
- Visit the large children’s museum
- See a children’s opera (a performance specifically aimed at kids) at LA Scala Opera
- See Leonardo Da Vinci’s ‘The Last Supper’ (you have to book months in advance as its so popular)
- Visit the Museum of Science and Technology, the largest one in Italy
- Take a day trip to Lake Como (just over 1 hour from Milan) for some of the most incredibly scenic views
12. Cinque Terre (Italian Riviera)
How long to spend as a family: 2-5 days
While Cinque Terre has become a popular honeymoon destination, it can also be visited as a family. Kids might recognize it as being the set for the 2021 animated film, Luca.
There are five different towns in Cinque Terre – all of them best visited on foot, or by boat. They are also not the most stroller-friendly, so Cinque Terre is best visited with older kids who are able to walk for distances at a time.
Pro Tip: Cinque Terre is an area that includes 5 small towns. All of them are pretty busy and touristy. Depending on your preferences you may want to stay somewhere quieter. There are other small towns on the Italian Riviera that are nice to stay in, such as
Family activities in Cinque Terre
- Go hiking in Cinque Terre National Park, which has incredible views along the coastline. Buy your pass on their website here
- Spend an afternoon at the sandy beach in Montmoresso. It’s busy, especially in the summer; but its the only sandy beach in Cinque Terre. Play at the large playground while you’re in Monterosso
- Climb to the Doria Castle in Vernazza, which was used as a lookout for pirates
13. The Dolomites
How long to spend as a family: 3-5 days
The Dolomited are the most beautiful region in Northern Italy. They are like the Italian Alps; and made up of small villages and many mountains.
The Dolmites would be a good outdoor and nature-based destination for your family. There are many hiking trails, gorgeous lookouts, places to bike, and small towns to walk around in, taking in the views.
If you’re new to the Dolomites and especially if you’re only staying a short time (3 nights or less) then the town of Ortisei is a good place to stay in. Here’s a great article on visiting the Dolomites with kids.
The Dolomites can be visited from Venice, or from Milan. Check out my 2-week Northern Italy Itinerary to see how to build them into a trip to the whole region.
Is Italy Kid-Friendly?
Absolutely, Italy is generally a very family-friendly country – to live and visit. It’s welcoming, easy to navigate, has food that kids tend to like, and a good mix of activities that both kids and adults would enjoy.
This is a generalization of course, but I found Italians to be so kind and accommodating to myself and young daughter. They called her piccolina (“little one” in Italian) and it was pretty common for her to get some free bread or simple plate of pasta when we ate out.
There are many ‘kid-oriented’ things to do throughout Italy, such as zoos, aquariums and kids museums. But there are endless things that you will want to see and experience as well.
Personally, I didn’t spend too much time at zoos and aquariums because there were too many things in Italy that I’d waited my whole life to see. And that was ok – my 4 year old accompanied me anywhere.
With lots of gelato, shade and playground breaks, patience and understanding – we explored some of the most famous,
Great Places to Stay in Italy as a Family
There are great places to stay with kids throughout Italy (visit my city-specific destinations for more local suggestions.) But these are some great farm-stays that pride an authentic, family experience in Italy
- Lacanda Rossa (in Tuscany) – has swimming pools, onsite restaurants and offers a hearty breakfast with home-baked bread
- Gelindo Dei Magredi (north of Venice) – a family farm with a playground, swimming pool, on-site restaurants serving fresh local food
- Agriturismo (in Orvieta, a city near Umbria) has a swimming pool, great food, and near an off-the beaten path Italian city worth exploring. Great views
Tips for Family Travel in Italy
Here are some tips and hacks to make your family trip to Italy a success, regardless of how old your kids are
1. Plan for breaks
Italy has so many things to do, that you will be overwhelmed with all the options. You could spend months in one of the main cities, and still have enough time to experience ‘everything.’
Depending on how old your kids are, remember to factor in the need for some breaks and down time.
Gelato breaks, stepping into a cool air-conditioned building, under a tree for shade, or checking out a fountain are all enjoyable ways for kids to get some much-needed breaks from exploring in the Italian cities.
Pro Tip: Most Italian cities have playgrounds. The playgrounds are a good way to let the kids burn off some steam in the middle of a busy day. Plus, it allows you to live like a local for a bit too.
2. Use the public transit system
We found the train system very efficient and easy to use. We had no problem travelling all over Italy using the trains.
Italy is very built up for train travel, much like the rest of Europe. There are high speed trains, long distance trains, regional and intercity trains.
For travel between cities (such as, Rome to Florence) book your trip on advance on Trainline, and it will show you all the options for different providers, prices, and schedules.
To be honest, I didn’t book most of our train trips in advance. I went to the train station and bought them on the spot, which you can do from the kiosks (they have English language options.)
Buying tickets on the spot is possible, but you just run the risk of having it fill up or having to stand for the duration, which wouldn’t be ideal with kids.
If you’re going to be using the train in Italy quite a bit, then consider buying a Eurail pass to save money. It’ll give you unlimited train use for a certain amount of time. Be aware, it might be pricier than you think. For our family of 4, it would be over €400 for 3 days unlimited. But, this may be cheaper and less of a headache than booking and paying for each trip separately.
3. You can rent a car
I didn’t rent a car on mainland Italy (only on Sardinia island) but many travellers enjoy renting a car to explore Italy.
One thing to keep in mind about renting a car is to make sure that your Airbnb isn’t located in a Limited Traffic Zone (ZTL) – Zona a Traffico Limitato in Italian. These zones are located in historic town centres in cities, such as Florence and Rome, to protect too many unregistered vehicles from parking.
You’re staying in a hotel or Airbnb that’s in a ZTL, then you may still be able to park there, or nearby. Read this guide on ZTLs in Italy.
4. Be aware of car-seat requirements
Children less than 1.5 metres tall (4 foot 9inches) travelling by car in Italy need to be in some sort of safety restraint system.
If you plan to rent a car anywhere in Italy, be aware of the car-seat requirements which you can read about here.
4. Don’t be afraid to rent places with a kitchen
I would never recommend missing out on the restaurants and eateries in Italy, since the food is so great.
But I do recommend having the experience of buying your own ingredients to do some cooking in Italy too. There are so many markets (mercados) where you can get fresh-produce, and the grocery stores have a really good selection.
You may not necessarily be travelling on a budget to enjoy this, Personally, I enjoyed the relaxed experience of making some food at home using the fresh Italian produce and other ingredients I bought, which are harder to source (of the same quality) at home.
I stayed in many AirBnbs and places with kitchens, and I find it to be a relaxed way to travel. I enjoy being able to prepare a simple breakfast early (before restaurants open) to be at attractions and line-ups first thing.
AirBnbs have recently been pushed out of major cities because of the impact it was having on the local housing market. So, don’t be surprised if there is now a limited selection on AirBnb. You may be able to find apartamentos and accommodations with kitchens on Booking.com as well.
Eating in Italy with Kids
Here is everything you need to know about dining out in Italy with kids
1. Lack of kids menus
Don’t be surprised if you don’t see ‘kids menus’ in restaurants in Italy. In Italian culture, everyone generally eats the same food – no need to differentiate kids from adults.
This isn’t such bad news because generally, Italian food bodes well with kids.
2. Don’t worry- they have high chairs
If you need high chairs in Italy, then you shouldn’t have too much problem finding them at most restaurants.
3. Double check the restaurant hours
Some restaurants in Italy are closed for big chunks of the late afternoon/early evening. They might be closed in the middle of the day for riposo (rest.)
I generally didn’t have any problem finding restaurants that suited the hours we wanted to eat at (there are tons and tons of options.)
But, if there are certain places you want to eat – check the hours. Some don’t open for dinner until 7 or 8pm!
Look for signs on restaurants that say “orario continuato,” this means that the restaurant is open for the whole day without closing for lunch.
3. Food unique to different Italian regions
Different regions in Italy have their own unique specialties when it comes to food. They often have their own unique baked goods, pastas, pizzas, drinks – you name it.
Generally though, you can find the following almost everywhere you go in Italy:
- Pizza – usually thin crust
- Pasta, in many different forms. Different regions have various recipes. But you can almost always find pasta al pomodoro on menus
- Gelato, both cream based and dairy-free options (sorbetto)
- Pastries – Italian love their baked goods, and there are pasticceria (pastry shops) almost everywhere
- Vegan options (Italy is surprisingly very vegan friendly!)
- Great coffee and wine, for the adults!
Italy with Kids FAQ
Here are the most commonly asked questions about taking a family vacation to Italy
Is Italy good for children?
Italy is a great place to visit with children. Whether your children are babies, toddlers, school age or teenagers, there are different things to appreciate about travelling through Italy as a family.
What is the most family-friendly city in Italy?
I found Florence to be the most family friendly city, because of how wide open and walkable it was. However, most Italian cities are decently walkable with piazzas. So really, you can go anywhere you want in Italy with a family. Just bear in mind the weather, crowds, and how ‘stroller friendly’ they are.
Where to go in Italy with little kids?
With little kids in Italy, I recommend Florence because of how flat and walkable it was. There are so many things to do there with little kids, and many pedestrian-only areas. Florence is fantastic for kids, both young and old
Final Thoughts on Italy with Kids
I hope that this has prepared you for an organized, fun and memorable trip to Italy with kids. Italy is one of the most family-oriented, beautiful and fascinating places you could visit an amazing place to make family memories.
While you’re in Italy as a family, I recommend doing a mixture of things that you’ll enjoy as an adult, such as visiting medieval churches and museums, and carve out some time that the kids will be excited about too, such as swimming, children’s museums, art and food making classes, and lending libraries.
Buon viaggio!