The Most Kid-Friendly Destinations In Italy, According To Parents

It's no secret that Italy is bursting with bucket-list destinations. From the iconic Amalfi Coast to the tiny beach town of Punta Ala, Italy offers charm and history to spare. The only problem? Many parents worry that taking their kids to the nation of Leonardo da Vinci and cacio e pepe might be too much of a hassle. Traveling with kids is not always easy, and taking them on international trips can be particularly challenging. With this in mind, some parents might even consider forgoing a family trip to The Boot country.

Although parental concern is always warranted, travelers should know that Italy is one of the most family-friendly countries in the world. Children are welcome in most Italian cafés and restaurants. Additionally, the country is brimming with tourist destinations that are perfect for kids. As world travelers, we have done a deep dive into some of the most kid-friendly places in Italy. After examining parenting travel blogs, Tripadvisor reviews, and Reddit comments, we have determined which Italian destinations appeal to families. Our findings show that the country provides fantastic options for people of all ages.

If you're looking for a low-key place to soak pure Sicilian vibes, head to Siracusa, Italy. This seaside town is much more relaxed than the bustling destinations of Venice and Rome. Because of this, parents won't have as many difficulties transporting their kids from one point to the next. Spend a few hours building sandcastles at the beach, then head to a local gelato shop, followed by a tour in a special Italian cart. Parents might be so relaxed that they can even enjoy a quick drink in a scenic piazza. Mom in Italy wrote on her blog that adults can "... have aperitivo while your kids run around Piazza Duomo, and dine on delicious seafood. Be sure to stick around for the evening sunset." In Siracusa, finding a smidge of peace is actually possible.

Beyond the beaches and ice cream shops, there are plenty of child-friendly outings in the area. The Teatro dei Pupi puppet theater puts on engaging afternoon performances practically every day of the week except for Sundays. Folks of all ages love touring the sea caves on the nearby island of Ortigia. The Archimedes Technopark Science Museum tends to be a huge hit, thanks to its interactive exhibits and experiments. Writing about this last destination on Tripadvisor, one satisfied parent shared, "This is an excellent museum. We had a guide in English who explained the history of Archimedes and his extraordinary inventions. My children 9 and 12 really enjoyed it." 

Italy is full of underrated tourist destinations, and the small Northern town of Castelnuovo del Garda is one of them. Located steps away from the iconic Lake Garda, this village is home to one of the most child-friendly destinations in all of Italy — the Gardaland theme park. Here, the youngest visitors will find a slew of rides dedicated to Peppa Pig, as well as a number of Ferris wheels and low-key merry-go-rounds. Teens, meanwhile, will be stoked to board the rollercoasters, particularly the Raptor and Oblivion. As one parent wrote on Google reviews, "Gardaland is undoubtedly one of the top destinations for kids in Italy, and taking your child there at least once is a must. It's a magical place full of excitement, designed to create unforgettable memories."

The amusement park is not the only exciting attraction in the area. The Gardaland Sea Life aquarium also provides tons of family-friendly fun, including a walk-through underwater viewing tunnel. How can we forget the nearby Caneva Aquapark? It is a giant waterpark that boasts massive slides, swimming pools, and tiki huts. Parents should keep in mind, however, that most attractions in Castelnuovo del Garda are seasonal. While Gardaland operates from early April to early November, Caneva Aquapark is open from late May to mid-September. This means that Castelnuovo del Garda is best enjoyed during a summer vacation.

Northern Italy may be home to fantastic amusement parks, but that doesn't mean families should overlook the rest of the region. With crystal clear lakes, rolling hills, and picturesque villages, the Italian North has plenty to offer. Parents have been particularly known to rave about their travels around Lake Maggiore. As one expert divulged in the Rick Steves travel forum, "Take a look at the lakes in northern Italy for a nice summer vacation with children. Our friends spent a few weeks on 2 lakes last summer where their children had lots of beach fun and played with other children. In addition to the lure of boats, water, beaches and lakeside dining, they enjoyed family cooking classes." The same commentator noted that the family in question had "... split their time between Lake Garda and Lake Maggiore."

One of the reasons Lake Maggiore is so attractive to families pertains to the wide range of available activities. Toddlers under supervision will love splashing around in the lake's transparent waters and, at other times, keep themselves entertained with the rocks and sticks that line the beaches. Older children and teens can try their hand at more complex water sports like kayaking or windsurfing. Overall, it's the perfect destination for the whole family. Writing on the TraveLynn Family blog, Jenny shared, "Rather than doing the obvious Italian city breaks of Rome or Venice, Lago Maggiore with kids really should be on your family bucket list for Italy."

If Puglia is one of the most stunning regions in Italy, then the town of Lecce is the crown jewel. With its historic basilica, fascinating archeological museum, and well-preserved Roman amphitheater, Lecce embodies everything Italy has to offer. Parents say it's a wonderful place to take children, as the town is relatively flat and easy to navigate. On the Mama Loves Italy blog, one mother raved about how family-friendly Lecce can truly be, writing, "The town is beautiful, compact, stroller friendly, walkable, plus it has great services; since it is a big enough town, it is operational all year round, which means it is a fantastic choice if you are visiting Puglia outside of beach season."

As a bonus, feeding a family in Lecce is said to be a laid-back experience. The reason for this is the incredible bakeries you can find around Puglia. Writing on the Rick Steves travel forum, one experienced vacationer put it bluntly, "A way to save money, especially in Puglia is to go to panifici (bakeries) for breakfast and lunch ... Get the bread and then go to the grocery store to get meat and cheese and picnic. And you won't have to worry about fitting your family of 6 into a restaurant or worry about how the kids might behave in a restaurant." This combination of flat roads and casual dining makes Lecce ideal for traveling with a toddler.

If you're hoping to visit a decently sized city but don't want to deal with the chaos of Rome or Florence, you might consider taking your little ones to Verona. With a population of nearly 650,000, this city is definitely bustling. However, it's also considered a very comfortable place to explore as a family. One parent shared her experience on the Nickkembel Travels blog, writing, "Verona is a wonderful city to visit with kids. It's small enough and flat enough for a wander by foot and so it's easy to get out and explore. While Verona is popular, it lacks the crowds of some of the more touristy destinations like Venice, which is refreshing when you're exploring with kids."

Many of the attractions in Verona are fun for folks of all generations. The Castle San Pietro offers sweeping views of the area. The institution's café provides little kids with toys to keep them entertained while their parents grab an aperitivo. The Arena di Verona amphitheater is also a great place for toddlers to run about and for older children to learn a thing or two about history. Teens who have read Shakespeare's "Romeo and Juliet" at school will especially love Verona, as the city is brimming with tours dedicated to the story. Some Romeo and Juliet tours even swing by the very balcony where the characters were rumored to have met. Overall, Verona is a fun destination for kids at all stages. 

A family vacation in Rome is not for everyone, but it can be amazing if done right. This destination is ideal for folks with tweens and teens. Alternatively, it's a great spot for anyone already used to big-city living and the challenges of getting around a bustling metropolis with children. Many parents warn that Rome is not exactly a stroller-friendly city, so keep that in mind if you are traveling with a baby or a toddler.

Despite the challenges of getting around Rome, previous visitors say the city is a huge hit among older kids. The food tours and cooking classes in Rome are also said to be especially popular among teens and tweens. As one parent shared on Tripadvisor, "We are here [in Rome] now with a 17 year old. We did Eating Europe's Twilight Trastevere food tour. The guide was fantastic and we had other kids on the tour. We already went back to several stops for more – at our sons request." 

Other enticing activities include a session at the Gladiator School, where you can experience true Roman gladiator training. You can also visit Chiostro del Bramante art museum to enjoy art in an immersive environment. A walk through the catacombs is perfect for kids who like to get spooked. And who could forget a trip to a pizzeria? Top it off with a scoop of gelato, and you might just have the perfect vacation.

Rome is not the only Italian destination that's great for older kids. The underrated city of Milan has plenty to offer, too, thanks to its incredible science museum and world-class soccer team. The Museo Nazionale della Scienza e della Tecnologia Leonardo da Vinci is a particularly good destination for curious kids. Adults will also be interested in seeing some of Da Vinci's creations on display. As one parent wrote on Tripadvisor, "Brilliant museum ... It is aimed more at school age children than very tiny kids but there is plenty for adults to see, read and learn about. There [are] lots of information to read as well as everything to look at. And the Da Vinci models and drawings are simply beautiful."

A trip to the fascinating Sforza Castle can also be fun for children, as its medieval walls look like something out of a movie. Afterward, you can easily make a stop at the nearby Acquario Civico di Milano aquarium, which boasts stingrays and other marine life. Parents say getting tickets to a local soccer game is also a must. Writing for the TraveLynn Family blog, one mom gushed, "... the incredible atmosphere of the crowd [at the stadium] meant the boys had no problem staying up for this." While she warned that catching the big game could mean a late night, she also noted that the experience of immersing themselves in the local sporting culture was absolutely worth it.

Not all of Italy is stroller-friendly, but that doesn't mean that parents of toddlers and tots need to write off the country altogether. The picturesque town of Lucca is relatively flat, and many of the streets have been designated pedestrian-only. This means you can relax and soak up maximum dolce vita vibes as you push your pram through the center of town. On her blog, Mama Loves Italy, one mother wrote that Lucca is one of her favorite spots to travel with a toddler because it's "... a delightful Tuscan town that, unlike many [alternatives], has a flat and stroller friendly center! Historic and beautiful, Lucca has playgrounds, a car-free center that allows for easy strolls."

Previous visitors to Lucca highly recommend taking your little ones for a casual stroll down Villa Fillungo, where window shopping abounds. A trip to the top of the Torre Guingi tower is also great fun, especially for anyone who enjoys a pleasant view. The Orto Botanico botanical garden is also a highlight. As The Tuscan Mom wrote on her blog, "Lucca's Orto Botanico is a quiet and tranquil place – perfect for pushing a child to sleep in a stroller. But you can also let your older kids run around and explore and you don't have to worry about cars. Be sure to look for the fish and have your kids find their favorite tree, plant, or flower." If you need casual relaxation, Lucca is the place for you.

If your kids enjoy history but aren't too keen on museums, you might consider taking a family vacation to Pompeii, Italy. Now a UNESCO World Heritage site, this ancient Roman city is the perfect place for families to view pieces of the past in an organic environment. At the Archeological Park of Pompeii, children and parents can explore the ruins of a millennia-old economic powerhouse. Step inside ruined temples, observe forum baths, and even see an ancient bakery. To get the full picture of the site's history, one happy parent recommended signing up for a tour. Writing on the r/ItalyTravel subreddit of Reddit, this user reported, "My [kids] 9, 6, and 2 loved Pompeii. [Visit during] Spring for a tour, and you won't hate your life. Keep everyone hydrated and take breaks. We had a blast."

After enjoying a day in Pompeii, families can partake in incredible activities in the surrounding areas. Head to the nearby Mount Vesuvius National Park to check out the volcano that erupted over Pompeii so many years ago. Hike for about half an hour to the top of the famous volcano and walk along the crater. The views from the top are sure to capture the imaginations of the whole family. A short trip to Naples is another crowd-pleaser, as the city offers some of the best pizza around. Stop by a street stand and order a portafoglio – a pizza slice folded like a wallet. Kids will love eating informally.  

When visiting Italy, it's easy to spend a lot of time in major cities like Florence and Rome. However, families shouldn't ignore the charm of the Northern Italian countryside. Many Italian families head to this region every summer to experience agriturismo – or agricultural tourism — on tourist estates. Similar to rural B&Bs, these establishments offer low-key experiences that can help people of all ages soaking the peace of the countryside. Depending on the hub you choose, families can enjoy amenities like swimming pools, horseback riding, cooking classes, wine tastings, and fresh homemade food. Kids, in particular, are known to enjoy running around in the great outdoors as they get a feel for the rural side of Italy.  

Many parents on review sites noted that their kids loved agriturismo. On the blog, Grits and Chopsticks, one mom who brought her family to an estate in the Emilia-Romagna region shared, "Our kids were immediately enthralled, especially when Giuseppe, a local truffle hunter, arrived with his truffle hunting dogs to give us all a lesson on how truffles are sourced and discovered in this food-rich region." Another parent applauded agriturismo for its appeal to kids of all ages on the Smudged Postcard blog, "At an agriturismo in Italy, there's plenty of space for young children to run around and burn off some energy, older kids will enjoy exploring, while teens can enjoy some independence by borrowing a bike and escaping to a nearby village."

Compiling this list of kid-friendly destinations in Italy was not a simple task. Children of different ages naturally have unique interests and will, therefore, enjoy distinct destinations. Because of this, we tried to create a list that reflected the needs and interests of a wide variety of age groups. The small towns of Lucca and Lecce were selected for families with babies and toddlers, as both offer stroller-friendly streets. Rome and Milan, meanwhile, were chosen for the older kids and teenagers who might get more out of museums and other cultural experiences. As a mid-sized city with a nice mixture of piazzas and historical sites, Verona was added for its appeal to kids of all ages. 

Of course, not all families are the same, and many have different vacation goals. Some enjoy adrenaline and excitement, and others like to take it easy. With this in mind, we chose destinations offering a wide range of activities. While the theme parks at Castelnuovo del Garda might be fun for a more energetic crew, the Northern Italian culture of agriturismo could appeal to folks who want to make homemade pasta and relax by the pool. Siracusa and Lake Maggiore are great for anyone who wants to vacation on the water. Pompeii is perfect for history buffs. All in all, we created a list that reflects the needs and interests of different families.