Summer is just around the corner, and the question every parent is asking is inevitably: where to go on vacation with kids in Italy this year?
If the organizational stress is paralyzing you to the point of convincing you that maybe it’s better to stay home, don’t worry! With this guide, we want to help you find the best destinations on the peninsula and the major islands that are truly kid-friendly, blending relaxation and adventure for the whole family.
When you go on vacation with little travelers, one of the needs to always keep in mind isentertainmentChildren, just like adults, need a break from the usual routine, and their primary need is to stay active and engaged.
For this reason, we have gathered a series of ideas and places where you can enjoy activities that combine fun with education, also exploring the history, mysteries, and legends of our country!
Nature Vacations
Does your family love challenges and adventures? If so, you’re probably the type who enjoys being outdoors, whether in the mountains or by the sea. This section is dedicated to you!
Family-Friendly Trekking
Among the activities to do in Italy with children, trekking is undoubtedly one of the most stimulating. Our peninsula offers an embarrassment of riches when it comes to places to hike, as from north to south we can boast truly breathtaking landscapes.
Among many destinations, the region with the greatest number of trails designed for the whole family and with varying difficulty levels is Trentino Alto Adige. In particular, the area around Lake Garda is rich in diverse routes and views, worth visiting not only in summer but also in winter, perhaps for skiing and snowshoeing.
Why practice trekking with children? Well, first of all, it’s a healthy sport that involves the whole body and brings physical and mental benefits. It’s also a fun activity that can be very educational to expand your children’s knowledge of flora and fauna, as well as raise their awareness about respecting nature.
Kid-Friendly Beaches
When it’s hot, what children probably want most is to splash around in the water. Also, when it comes to beaches, Italy and its islands are unmatched worldwide!
If we talk about clean seas, the first destination that comes to mind has to be Sardinia. Beaches like those of Costa Paradiso or the Saline on the island of Sant’Antioco and Cala Brandichi in San Teodoro are not only earthly paradises but also extremely safe. You can enjoy some relaxation by the sea in complete peace, thanks to the shallow waters perfect for children to play in.
Other destinations that combine beautiful landscapes with safe seas are Sicily and Puglia. In the first case, we recommend the beach of San Vito lo Capo in the Zingaro Nature Reserve. Western Sicily is indeed a wonderful area to travel, and we refer you to our guide for a complete itinerary.
As for Puglia, a perfect area to visit with children is the beaches of Rodi Garganico. Awarded the Blue Flag, they boast long sandy shores and clean waters and are equipped with services and accommodations. For a more authentic vacation, you could rent one of the traditional seaside cottages or one in the town’s historic center.
Playgrounds
Do your kids never get tired and have energy to spare? Great, the best way to tire them out is to let them have fun in an amusement park!
If you happen to be near Bologna and have little time, you can take your kids to Fico Eataly World for a visit to Luna Farm, the first farm-themed playground.
Otherwise, if you want to dedicate a whole day to fun, the place for you is the Legoland Water Park at Gardaland! Inside Gardaland, on Lake Garda, you’ll find the Lego-themed water park, with attractions built as if made of bricks and full of interactive water games!
Another very nice park to visit with children in Italy is the Pinocchio Park. Calling it an amusement park isn’t quite accurate, as it’s a different and very moving experience. It’s a commemorative park, blending art and nature, where you really feel like you’re living the story of Pinocchio. A place that will delight the whole family!
[activecampaign form=22 css=1]
Museums for the Whole Family
Cities aren’t exactly among families’ favorite destinations for summer travel. However, a city like Turin has repeatedly shown it’s kid-friendly, especially with its museums.
The National Cinema Museumhoused in the rooms of the Mole Antonelliana offers numerous initiatives aimed at introducing children to the world of cinema to discover its magic, mechanics, and the great stars of Italian film.
Egyptian culture also fascinates children greatly, with pyramids, mummies, and anthropomorphic deities. For this reason, the Egyptian Museum in Turin has dedicated spaces for kids to learn about pharaohs through play.
Finally, near Turin is the town of Venaria Reale which hosts the splendid Savoy Royal Palace. Beyond the magnificence of the rooms and parks, children can enjoy themed activities continuously organized based on temporary exhibitions.
Castles
Last but certainly not least are the magnificent castles of our peninsula. Children have always been greatly attracted to the mysteries and legends of knights and there’s no better way to get them passionate about Italian history than taking them to explore castles in person.
Your destination is therefore the Aosta Valley which boasts over 70 castles from all eras, including fortresses, fortified houses, and manors.Among the most beautiful is Castel Savoia in Gressoney, which with its towers and white stones truly looks like it came out of a fairy tale!
In short, there are truly many and varied places to go on vacation with kids in Italy. For more ideas, you can keep following our blog. And if you love traveling in company, join Meeters to experience Italy with children in a new way!