Is Italy Worth Visiting? 15 Reasons To Visit Italy With Kids
Italy is one of Europe’s most popular travel destinations and (usually!) has the perfect weather for exploring pretty much all year-round. There are endless reasons to visit Italy. Our favourites are for it’s beautiful scenery, sightseeing, history and of course, the food! These lure travellers from around the world, but is there enough to entertain a whole family?
Not Sure If Italy’s Worth Visiting With Kids?
We’ve made several trips to Italy with our kids in all seasons, exploring Pisa, Florence, Pompeii, Rome, Venice, Milan and the Dolomites.
Our Italian trips are firm family favourites. There is always plenty to keep everyone entertained and many more regions to visit. So, we can say with confidence that yes, Italy is definitely worth visiting with kids!
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Top Reasons to Visit Italy – History, Art, food, scenery, safe & Family friendly
15 Reasons To Visit Italy With Kids
Italy is a popular destination for all travellers and is well suited to families. There are plenty of adventures to be had, from exploring historic cities, skiing and hiking in the Italian Alps or simply enjoying the stunning coast. Here are our top reasons why we think Italy is a great destination for a family trip:
1 | An Immersive History Lesson Without Realising
Italy is steeped in history and boasts a vibrant culture that will take you on a journey across the Roman Empire to the birthplace of the Renaissance, and beyond.
Whether or not you are a family of history enthusiasts, you’re kids will learn more in a few hours exploring Roman amphitheatres, ancient castles and ruins than they would in a month of lessons. That said, your children may well surprise you with what they already know about Roman history, ours certainly did!
Italy will engage even the most reluctant children with its historical sights, museums and landmarks such as the Colosseum and Pantheon in Rome, the Uffizi Gallery in Florence and the ancient ruins of Pompeii.
Add some adventure by climbing some of Italy’s iconic monuments such as the Leaning Tower of Pisa and the Duomo Cathedral in Florence, which both offer spectacular views from the top.
Family Tip: Turn sightseeing into a fun adventure for kids. Keep them engaged by taking family-guided tours or organizing scavenger hunts at historical sites.
2 | Delicious Italian Food, That Kids Will Eat
Italian food is famous for its simplicity, fresh ingredients and bursts of flavour, perfect for even fussy kids!
Take the opportunity to indulge in authentic and familiar Italian dishes such as carbonara, bolognaise, pizza, and gelato. They won’t break the bank and taste amazing when freshly made. Menus usually have a ‘mezza porzione’ (half portion) for kids.
Take it a step further and introduce Italian cuisine to your kids by taking a family cooking class. You’ll have a skill for life after learning how to make fresh pasta, pizza, and ice-cream using seasonal ingredients.
Family Tip: Most dishes are cooked fresh and chefs can adapt meals to suit your taste.
3 | Diverse Landscape
From the lush vineyards of Tuscany to the serene, sun-soaked beaches of the Amalfi Coast, Italy has a hugely diverse range of landscapes. Throw in some of the highest mountains in Europe and you have a perfect mix.
Adventure seekers can book a guided trek up Europe’s largest active volcano, Mount Etna while Umbria has cycling trails through its gently rolling hills that are perfect for families.
4 | There Is An Area To Suit Everyone In Italy
Italy is divided into 20 regions, each with its own unique character and charm. Lombardy and its designer city of Milan is popular with skiers and shoppers while the beautiful maritime area of Cinque Terre is famous for its seafood. While Tuscany is best known for its fine wines, it also hosts some of the finest castles in Europe.
Popular regions can get very busy during peak season, but there are plenty of alternatives. Lombardy and Piedmont in the north of Italy remain relatively quiet compared to the rest of the country but boast equal beauty.
Take a trip to the island of Sicily is home to visit the largest active volcano in Europe, Mount Etna. This is an exciting adventure for families of any age.
Family Tip: Don’t overfill your Italian itinerary, especially if you are travelling with kids. Enjoy a slower-paced, tailored adventure, that won’t burn you out.
5 | Family-Friendly Attractions
Italy has many family friendly attractions, from theme parks and interactive museums to nature reserves.
Popular parks like Gardaland, Zoomarine, and MagicLand offer thrilling rides, entertainment, and family-friendly fun.
Plenty of wildlife calls Italy home, and kids will love spotting flamingos, dolphins, wolves, and bears that roam around the country. For a guaranteed exotic animal spot, there are some incredible zoos and aquariums that are well worth a visit.
Parks, piazzas, and playgrounds all offer open space for kids to run around such as Piazza San Marco in Venice, Villa Borghese in Rome and Piazza della Repubblica in Florence. Organizers often hold festivals in these spaces during the peak season.
Family Tip: Children may get free or discounted admission to Italian museums and attractions.
6 | Ultimate Exposure To Art and Architecture
Some of the world’s greatest examples of art and architecture are found in Italy. Famous artists like Michelangelo and Leonardo da Vinci have work scattered around the country, with Florence being the heart of the Renaissance.
You don’t need to visit museums and galleries to appreciate art in Italy. Art can be found everywhere, from intricate detail on buildings to vibrant street art. You may even spot the art of pasta making in a shop window in Rome, glassblowing in Murano, or leatherworking in Florence.
Engaging in Family-friendly tours and activities can help kids understand the importance of art. Our kids were especially impressed by the life-sized intricate images painted on the ceilings like in the Sistine Chapel.
Family Tip: Museums and galleries are not always the most engaging for kids. Keep visits short and go prepared with snacks and inventive games.
7 | World Famous Cities And Charming Villages
There are numerous famous cities and villages across Italy that host Italy’s best-known landmarks. You’re kids may already be familiar with them as they are famous worldwide and appear in many movies.
Rome, Florence, Milan, and the narrow streets of Venice all attract huge numbers of visitors while Pisa is still busy but offers a slightly more chilled experience. The iconic coloured cliffside of Cinque Terre and the medieval, picturesque village of San Gimignano are popular but much less crowded.
8 | Visit A Unique Country Within A Country
Italy is home to two of the worlds countries within a country. Located in Rome, The Vatican City, an absolute monarchy and the home of Catholicism. It is the worlds smallest both by population and has the Sistine Chapel with its famous ceiling, painted by Michelangelo.
San Marino is Italy’s other self governing state and is located in Italy’s north-east.
9 | Lots Of Memorable Activities For Families
From imaginative poses with the Leaning Tower of Pisa to pretending to be a gladiator in the Colosseum, kids have loads of opportunities to make life-long memories.
Riding a gondola in Venice and tossing a coin into the Trevi Fountain in Rome are just two of the many must-do activities we recommend with kids. However much you love exploring, at some point you will need to eat, and there is no country more fitting than Italy to sit at a street-side restaurant, watching the world go by, while eating pizza and pasta.
Family Tip: Popular tourist areas get very busy. We recommend you visit early in the morning when they are at their quietest.
10 | Lively Italian Atmosphere
Popular tourist areas tend to have vibrant, lively atmospheres. By day, you will often see street performers and bustling market stalls selling souvenirs, and by night, music and chatter fill the air. Restaurants usually have tables on the street where you can eat while absorbing Italian life.
Depending on when you visit, you might be lucky enough to catch a cultural festival with music, parades, and traditional performances. These are generally suitable for the whole family and it is definitely worth checking what’s on..
We saw many street performers in Rome and a parade in Florence over Easter Weekend.
11 | Enjoy Outdoor Family Activities Across Italy
Italy’s stunning landscapes provide ample opportunities for outdoor adventures. Whether it’s hiking in the Dolomites, exploring crystal-clear lakes, or enjoying the beaches of Sardinia, your family will be captivated by the natural beauty.
A Mountain adventure in the Dolomites is a great way for families to spend quality time in nature. Whether it’s hiking, biking, or simply enjoying the stunning landscapes, the Dolomites offer family-friendly outdoor activities.
Family Tip: Stay in campsites to make the most of Italy’s nature, hiking trails, lakes and beaches.
12 | Italians Are Friendly
Italians are almost universally friendly and go out of their way to welcome you. Their warm hospitality will help you and your family feel at home and creates a positive and memorable experience.
Interacting with friendly locals is the best way to truly experience the unique Italian culture. We had some of our most enjoyable moments talking with locals while we were in coffee shops and markets and our kids were always made to feel special.
Family Tip: Venture off of the tourist path and get involved in local activities. Kids can try their hand at cooking a meal or even take part in an art class.
13 | Accessible Transportation
Italy boasts an expansive and dependable transportation network and its trains, buses, and boats facilitate seamless travel for families. This makes navigating with children between cities and regions straightforward and relatively quick. We loved how effortlessly we moved around Italy by bus, train and car.
We took our own hire car to venture into the mountains and also drove from Rome to Pompeii. If you are uncomfortable driving in another country, the train is a great option instead.
Family Tip: Travel light if you are moving between destinations. It makes a huge difference, especially on trains and busses.
14 | Exposure To Italian Language
While most Italians speak some English, it is not widely spoken and both adults and kids are likely to pick up some basic Italian phrases. We took the opportunity to expand our Italian vocabulary and the constant exposure to the language made learning much easier.
Due to its proximity to other European countries you are highly likely to hear many other languages while visiting Italy.
Family Tip: Encourage children to learn and use some basic Italian.
15 | Embrace The Italian Way Of Life
Italians have a real zest for life and often share it with visitors through their warm hospitality, festivals, art, music and food. To get the most from your stay, embrace the Italian way of life and soak in the culture.
Enjoy a leisurely family lunch and take an evening stroll to see Italians at their most relaxed and you’ll soon catch the vibe!
Family Tip: Choose to live like a local and stay choose a farm stay or Airbnb.
Is Italy Worth Visiting With Kids?
Yes! Most people will fall in love with Italy’s easy charm and its Mediterranean food and weather, and that includes kids. The country offers a diverse range of experiences and activities for all interests and age groups.
Although history is important in Italy, not everything revolves around ancient ruins or museums. There are plenty of family-friendly reasons to visit Italy across the country in its cities and villages, on the beaches and even in the Alps. Our kids soaked up Italy’s history, culture, nature, food and atmosphere, and still want to go back for more.
We think Italy has something for everyone, however, working out the best time for you to visit is essential. Higher than expected costs, large crowds, and poor weather can all affect your experience on a family visit to Italy.
FAQ: Visiting Italy With Kids
Families are spoilt for choice when deciding where to visit in Italy and our top recommendations are Rome, the Amalfi Coast and the Dolomites. You’ll find a huge variety of activities for kids to explore and interact with in Rome while a coastal stay on the Amalfi Coast is great for charm and beaches. A trip into the Dolomites meanwhile, is perfect for a family adventure in the mountains.
Italy is well known for its history, culture, food and fashion. The Colosseum, the canals of Venice, and the Leaning Tower of Pisa are just a few of its world famous and hugely popular attractions. Art lovers can visit masterpieces by some of the worlds most famous artists including Michelangelo and Leonardo da Vinci. Italy is also known across the globe for its delicious food and drink, including pasta, pizza, and wine.
Italy is a great destination for families travelling with kids! With its incredible history, diverse landscapes, amazing food and iconic buildings, Italy should be at the top of your European family travel list.
There is no single best time to visit Italy, as it is a year-round destination. Depending on what you intend to do, spring (April to June) and autumn (September and October) usually have good weather (warm and dry!) with fewer crowds than peak season. Winter sports are usually accessible between December and March but this will vary slightly from one year to the next.
Final Thoughts: Reasons To Visit Italy With Kids
Italy has long been a popular European destination for families. Its ancient ruins, stunning natural beauty, great food and iconic buildings will delight even the most seasoned travellers.
Excellent travel links between Italy and the rest of Europe make it easily accessible for families. With a huge choice of activities, Italy has something to suit all ages and is known for its welcoming hospitality.
We love exploring Italy with our kids and are certain you will too!
