Traveling to Italy with kids is a fantastic experience. From north to south, you’ll find everything from coastal towns – where you can enjoy Italy’s famous gelato and long sandy beaches – to vibrant cities with child-friendly museums, zoos, and other fun attractions for the whole family.
Northern Italy
Driving through Italy with kids is easiest if you start in the north.
Short distances between cities make Northern Italy a real winner with plenty of family-friendly experiences.
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1. Bologna – Northern Italy’s gem for families
Bologna, located in the Emilia-Romagna region, is a wonderful destination for travelers of all ages.
Nearby, you’ll find lots of fun attractions. One of our favorites is the famous Carpigiani Gelato Museum, about 40 minutes by bus from central Bologna.
Italians are renowned for their world-famous gelato. At the museum, visitors can learn about the cold dessert through a guided tour that ends with a tasting – perfect for all ice cream lovers, big and small.
Do you have kids who love motorsports? Or are you a fan yourself? Then don’t miss the Ducati Museum in Bologna. Here you can see an impressive collection of classic and modern Ducati motorcycles.
In our guide, you’ll find more tips on what to do during your visit to this beautiful city.
Tuscany
Tuscany is located in central Italy and offers beautiful beaches, entertainment, and experiences for both younger and older kids – maybe even on a road trip?
Along the Versilia coast in the north, there are great swimming spots and surf lessons for older kids. The region also offers fun attractions like the Aqua Village Follonica water park.
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2. Florence – Tuscany’s storied capital
In Tuscany’s beautiful capital, Florence, you’ll find several fun and kid-friendly attractions.
Visit, for example, the engaging Leonardo Interactive Museum, where even younger children can learn about Da Vinci’s inventions in a playful way.
The Piazzale Michelangelo viewpoint offers stunning city views and is a great stop for the whole family.
Curious for more? Check out some of the best day trips from Florence.
3. Pisa – The city with the leaning tower
Pisa is a popular city in northwestern Tuscany that’s great for a family vacation.
Here you’ll find the leaning tower, where you can climb up and enjoy the city view. Kids also love grabbing a gelato at one of the many cafés and gelaterias.
Take a boat trip on the Arno River or stroll along the waterfront and enjoy the surroundings. At Piazza dei Miracoli, you’ll find a cozy market with souvenirs and local products.
There are plenty of restaurants where you can try classic dishes like pasta and pizza, perhaps paired with local wine or something non-alcoholic.
Pisa is lovely year-round, but spring and early fall often offer more pleasant temperatures and fewer tourists than the peak summer season.
Lazio
A family trip to Italy almost has to include the country’s iconic capital city, Rome, located in the Lazio region. Here, history, culture, and delicious food await in abundance.
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4. Rome – The Eternal City with family-friendly adventures
In Rome, there are dozens of fantastic attractions suitable for all ages.
Visit the historic Colosseum and the Explora Museum, which is specially designed for children.
Villa Borghese also offers three large green spaces where children can run around and explore.
Don’t forget to visit Giolitti, Rome’s oldest ice cream shop, for an unforgettable taste experience.
Rome also has the Bioparco di Roma zoo, featuring a large variety of animals, including lions, tigers, and various reptiles. The park houses over 1,000 animals and is one of the oldest zoos in Europe.
Southern Italy with kids
With its warm climate and delicious food, Southern Italy offers a perfect setting for unforgettable family experiences.
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5. Naples – The birthplace of pizza with volcano views
Italy’s third-largest city, Naples, is famous for its fantastic pizza and warm climate.
Here you’ll also find exciting attractions like the active volcano Mount Vesuvius and Naples National Archaeological Museum, where you can see works from ancient Greece, Rome, and the Renaissance.
Traveling with older children? A guided tour of Naples’ catacombs can be an exciting excursion. You’ll explore underground tombs and learn about their history.
For younger children, a visit to the city’s botanical gardens can also be a fun and relaxing alternative.
And don’t forget to stop by Gino e Toto Sorbillo – renowned for serving the best pizza in all of Italy.
6. San Pietro – The flamingo island off Sardinia
On the island of San Pietro, just off Sardinia, you’ll find the charming town of Carloforte.
Here you’ll enjoy long white sandy beaches for sunbathing and swimming, and you might spot pink flamingos that have settled in the area.
Carloforte is incredibly beautiful and offers perfect conditions for walking and cycling with amazing views. Remember to bring comfortable shoes and plenty of water before setting out on an adventure.
7. Sicily – Sun-drenched beaches and historical experiences
The beautiful island of Sicily is located in southern Italy – here you’ll find everything from the famous volcano Mount Etna to long sandy beaches and historic buildings.
Cefalù and Naxos are two of Sicily’s most family-friendly towns – offering sunny days, shallow beaches, and a relaxed atmosphere for all ages.
If you want to get away from the beach for a while, it’s easy to head to Palermo, Sicily’s bustling capital.
Here you’ll find plenty of fun activities and cultural sights. Visit the impressive Palermo Cathedral or explore the historic Palazzo dei Normanni.
Want more tips on what to do in Palermo with kids? Check out our city guide for more family-friendly activities.
Practical information for traveling with kids to Italy
Italy is a child-friendly country, perfect for family visits.
Before booking, consider what you want to experience during your vacation. Urban cityscapes, sandy beaches with sun and swimming, or a mix of both?
Those traveling with kids might also want to stay at a hotel with a pool or close to the beach.
Here are a few other tips when traveling with kids in Italy:
Child-friendly activities: Besides beaches and historic sites, you’ll also find theme parks, zoos, and aquariums for fun, relaxing breaks.
Car seats: Taxis rarely have car seats, so it’s a good idea to book a car with a car seat in advance if you plan to travel around.
Children’s menus: Many restaurants offer kids’ menus or can easily adapt dishes for younger taste buds.
Family-friendly city visits: Italian cities are often walkable with parks and green spaces where kids can play between museum visits and ice cream breaks.
Beaches: Many beaches charge for sun loungers and umbrellas – an extra cost to keep in mind.
Want more inspiration? Check out these gorgeous Italian lakes.
