Traveling to Italy with kids: a complete guide

If you’ve been longing to live your best dolce vita but aren’t sure how that’ll work out when traveling with to Italy with kids, be assured, it’s an eminently family-friendly destination that has plenty to keep all ages happy. Picture your older kids getting hands-on with history at ancient Roman attractions, and everyone enjoying beautiful beach towns and scenic lakeside resorts Then there's all that incredible kid-friendly food — who doesn’t love pizza, pasta and gelato, right?! Feeling inspired? Read on for detail on visiting Italy with kids, including when to visit and how to get around, through to a suggested itinerary to kickstart your perfect trip. 

The best times to visit Italy with kids

Wondering when to go to Italy with kids? That all depends on the kind of vacation you’re looking for, your feelings about the likes of crowds and heat, and your budget.

With that in mind, read on for a run-down of reasons to visit in each season, with overviews of the weather, tourism conditions, and best activities each period is ideal for.

Spring: Best overall time to visit Italy with kids

Spring in Italy (March–May) means mild-to-warm weather and small-ish shoulder-season crowds that make outdoor sightseeing in the likes of Rome, Florence and Venice all the more pleasant.

These months are also wonderful for families with older kids to — for example — enjoy countryside bike rides in Tuscany, and coastal walks in Cinque Terre (a personal favorite).

Summer: Best for beach breaks, but hot and crowded 

Italy’s June–August summer season sees the country hit peak heat, and peak high-season crowds. 

While summer is a wonderful time to head to the Amalfi Coast (for example, see our fabulous 4-day Amalfi Coast itinerary), Sardinia, Sicily and the Italian Lakes, it’s very hot, crowded and more costly than other times of the year.

Given the heat, and crowds, it’s probably not the best time to visit with very young kids, but you’ll be best placed to make that decision.

Fall: Best for cultural trips

Visiting Italy in fall (September–November) means not having to share top attractions and beaches with as many tourists, with the weather remaining warm-to-mild in first part of the season.

As such, it’s a great time to visit Italy with kids to enjoy a mix of outdoor and indoor attractions. 

Think everything from enjoying a rural vacation in Tuscany during the region’s harvest period, to enjoying some of the beach beaches in Italy in less crowded conditions, and visiting the best museums in Florence. 

Winter: Best for festive vibes and skiing

Winter (December–February) in Italy is the time to visit to ski in the Dolomites, or visit Rome and Florence with fewer fellow tourists when both cities will be made all the more magical, thank to Christmas markets, lights and events.

Come February, you could experience the fabulousness of Venice’s carnival, though crowds are always big for this major calendar event. 

Editor’s tips: while planning your own trip to Italy with kids, wise up with our guide to how to plan a trip to Italy, and take inspiration from our Italy itineraries. 

For example, our 7 days in Italy itinerary, 10 days in Italy itinerary and 14 days in Italy itinerary are packed with food for thought.

Staying safe and healthy in Italy

While Italy is safe and very family-friendly, here are some guidelines to make your trip to Italy with kids run more smoothly.

Road and traffic safety

Be aware that Italian cities can be on the chaotic side, thanks zooming cars and scooters, and small roads and streets that can be tricky to navigate.

Keep kids safe by holding hands when crossing streets (drivers don’t always stop at pedestrian crossings), and always, always look both ways — scooter drivers have a habit of going against the traffic.

If you plan to rent a car, bear in mind that car seats are legally required for kids under 150 cm (4 ft 11 in) and booster seats are needed for kids under 12 years old.

Also note that highway driving is very past-paced.

Food and drink

When it comes to eating and drinking in Italy, note that tap water is safe to drink everywhere and public fountains provide free, drinkable water, so bring water bottles to refill on the go.

Planning to eat out a lot? Italian restaurants love kids, and even the pickiest of eaters will surely find something to love on menus — pasta, pizza and risotto are usually sure-fire winners!

Healthcare and emergency services

Bring basic medication (e.g. pain relief, allergy medicine, motion sickness tablets) with you — Italian pharmacies won’t necessarily stock the brands you’re used to.

If you need anything, look out for pharmacies ("farmacia") with their green cross signs, being aware that many close 1-4pm in smaller towns.

While public hospitals (ospedale) offer free emergency care, you should expect long waits, and travel insurance is highly recommended to cover doctor visits, prescriptions, or emergencies.

On the subject of emergencies, 112 is Italy’s general emergency number, 118 is the number for medical emergencies, and call 113 for police services.

Sun safety 

Italy gets very hot in summer (86°F to 104°F/(30°C to 40°C), especially in the south.

So, you’ll all need hats, sunglasses, and sunscreen. It's advisable to avoid the midday sun — plan outdoor sightseeing for the morning or late afternoon.

Staying safe on public transport 

Pickpocketing is common in busy metros in the likes of Rome, Milan and Naples — keep an eye on bags and valuables.

Also be aware that many metro stations don’t have elevators, which can make transporting strollers a hassle. 

How to get around Italy with kids

When it comes to getting around Italy with kids, the country has a well-connected transport system, which means it’s easy to travel between cities and regions. Read on for an overview.

Trains 

Quick and comfortable, Italy’s train system is great for families who are looking to travel beyond their base, and transfer between cities, with high-speed and slower regional trains both available. 

Kids under four travel free if they don’t occupy a seat, and those aged 4-12 get 50% discounts on most services. For cheaper fares, book high-speed train tickets in advance.

Buses

Buses are a decent backup option if you need to reach towns not connected by trains e.g. Tuscan villages, parts of the Amalfi Coast, and parts of Sicily.

Buses are cheaper than trains, but luggage and stroller space is limited, and they can be crowded.

Ferries and vaporetto

Ferries connect Sicily, Sardinia, Capri, and coastal towns like Positano, Naples and the Cinque Terre.

Some notable routes and services are Naples to the island of Capri, Venice’s vaporetto (water bus) services, and Sorrento to Amalfi and Positano.

Car rental 

Renting a car is a good idea if you want to explore more rural areas in the likes of Tuscany, the Amalfi Coast, Sicily, and the Dolomites.

Car rental isn't recommended for big cities like Rome, Florence, or Milan. Traffic conditions can be crazy, and there’s limited parking.

How to get around cities

Here’s how to make the most of your time in Italian cities, through getting around with ease.

Walking 

Italy’s cities have compact, pedestrian-friendly historic centers, making walking the best way to explore.

Many cities have car-free zones (ZTL), making walking safe for kids, plus there are plenty of fun places to stop while you explore — think piazzas, fountains, gelato shops and pizza vendors.

One word of warning — it can be a pain to push strollers across cobblestone streets in historic areas.

Metro (Rome, Milan, Naples, Turin)

Offering extensive coverage in the cities of Rome, Milan, Turin and Naples, the Metro is fast and means you get to avoid heavy traffic. 

Kids under ten travel free on the Metro in Rome, but you’ll want to avoid rush hours (7-9am and 5-7pm).

Buses and trams

Buses and trams are good for short city transfers, but can be slow in traffic. Meanwhile, taking trams in Milan and Rome is often a fun experience for kids.

Taxis 

Taxis are expensive, but useful for short rides with tired kids, and easier than navigating public transport with lots of luggage.

Note that taxis don’t stop when you wave — you need to find a taxi stand.

10 tips for traveling to Italy with kids 

In addition to the transport advice shared above, here are our top 10 tips that should make your experience of traveling to Italy with kids all the smoother.

1. Packing tips 

If you have young kids, we suggest packing a lightweight travel stroller, and a carrier for when cobblestones make strollers tricky to push.

As public restrooms often lack soap or toilet paper, it’s a good idea to have hand sanitizer and wipes.

You might also want to bring a portable booster seat — lots of restaurants don’t have high chairs. And don’t forget to bring small toys and activity books to keep kids entertained.

2. Accommodation tips

As many hotels have small rooms, and are located in older buildings without elevators, take time to research Italy accommodation that best suits your needs, be that a larger family room, or a place with a kitchenette.

Also note that Airbnb apartments in historic cities may have steep stairs or small balconies — check safety details before booking.

3. Attraction tips

Popular sites like the Colosseum, Vatican, Uffizi Gallery, and Leaning Tower of Pisa often have long wait times, so you should pre-book skip-the-line tickets or guided tours to avoid waiting in the heat.

4. Use public transport and buy passes

Driving and parking are difficult in cities, so your best bet is to explore on foot, or using metro, tram and bus networks.

Kids under four often ride free, and ages 4-12 get discounts on many transport options.

In Rome and Milan, buy a metro day pass for unlimited rides. When in Venice, buy a vaporetto pass to avoid expensive single tickets.

5. Take breaks, and don’t overstuff your itinerary

We recommend trying to stick to visiting 2-3 main sights a day to avoid overtiredness.

Also, look to include playgrounds, gelato stops and park visits between bigger sightseeing activities, and use hop-on-hop-off bus tours in big cities to give little legs a rest.

6. Plan for siesta time 

Note that many shops, small restaurants and attractions close 1-4 pm in smaller towns and rural areas.

So, plan indoor activities, like visits to bigger museums, during siesta hours.

7. Prepare for late dinners 

Italians tend to eat dinner late (usually after 8pm), which can be tricky for younger kids. 

To avoid your kids getting irritable from being hungry, eat big lunches, have afternoon snacks, and note that touristy restaurants will serve dinner earlier. 

8. Bring snacks and water bottles 

Related to the above, it’s a good idea to stock up on your kids’ favourite snacks, fruit and biscuits from local supermarkets and markets. 

Carry your own water bottles — you can refill them at public water fountains. 

9. Avoid the midday heat

Italy gets extremely hot in summer, especially in Rome and other top southern destinations.

As a result, it’s best to sightsee early in the morning or evening, and to visit indoor attractions (e.g. museums and churches) during the hottest part of the day.

10. Be mindful of safety in crowded areas

As in most crowded tourist hotspots, places like Rome, Venice, Florence and Naples have pickpockets. So, use a crossbody bag with a zipper — storing any valuables in the front pockets — and be extra vigilant in metro stations, trains and markets.

It's also advisable to hold younger kids' hands in crowded space.
 

Things to do in Italy with kids 

Happily for those traveling to Italy with kids, many of the best things to do in Italy are very pleasing on the child-friendly front.

Read on for a run-down of extra-special things to do in Italy with kids — from hands-on museums and outdoor adventures, to cool gladiatorial experiences.

if you;re in the market for a beach vacation, read up on the best beaches in Italy. 

Best places to uncover history 

Here are some of Italy’s best historic sites for kids.

The Colosseum and Roman Forum, Rome: walking where gladiators once fought once has huge appeal for kids. Consider booking a child-friendly guided tour for interactive storytelling, and be sure to book skip-the-line tickets.

Editor’s tip: read up on the best things to do in Rome with kids, and find out about the best places to get off the tourist trail in Rome. 

Pompeii and Mount Vesuvius, near Naples: visiting a real-life buried city with preserved streets, frescoes and houses is an unforgettable experience, especially if you also plan to climb Mount Vesuvius to see the active smoking volcano that created it.

Leaning Tower of Pisa, Tuscany: taking photos of kids pretending to hold up the tower is a whole of fun. If you all have a head for heights, climb to the top for spectacular views.

Best theme parks and fun family attractions

Gardaland, Lake Garda: Italy’s biggest theme park boasts rollercoasters, water rides and Peppa Pig Land. Just be sure to buy fast-track passes to avoid long waits in peak season.

Etnaland, Sicily: this water-and-dinosaur park is perfect for cooling off in during long, hot summer days in Sicily.

Best hands-on cultural experiences 

Arguably more entertaining than just visiting museums, here are some of the best ways kids can get hands-on with Italian culture. 

Gondola rides and mask-making workshops, Venice: taking a boat ride through Venice’s canals is simply magical. Arty kids might also love learning to make their own Venetian carnival mask.

Pizza-making classes, Naples or Rome: while kids will no doubt love eating plenty of pizza during their vacation, go one step better through booking a family pizza-making class, perhaps even led by a chef who honed their skills at one of the best pizza joints in Naples.

Go to gladiator school, Rome: elevate your visit to the Colosseum by booking a gladiator school experience that sees kids get kitted out in gladiatorial regalia and train with (foam) swords.

Spooky catacombs, Rome and Naples: 7+ year-olds who are into history and mystery will be thrilled by touring the ancient tunnels beneath Rome and Naples.

Best places for family-friendly outdoor adventures

Parco Natura Viva, Lake Garda: this drive-through safari park is a winner with all ages.

Cinque Terre: this scenic UNESCO area is loaded with coastal trails, and opportunities to snorkel and see dolphins during boat trips. Note that the five towns are hilly, and hiking paths are steep, so you might want to wait until your kids have moved beyond the tottering toddler stage to head here. The wait will be worth it!

The Dolomites: head to the Dolomites for fun family hikes, bike rides and cable car trips. Though mainly known as a skiing destination, the region is a dream for outdoor adventures in summer. For example, if your kids are older and love adventure, note that the Dolomites offer some of Europe's best mountain biking.

Italy itinerary with kids

While the places you choose to include in your own family vacation to Italy will depend on your personal must-visit places, the ages of your kids, your budget, and when you plan to visit, here’s a suggested 7-day itinerary that covers a range of top attractions.

Of course, you might just want to focus on one or two cities on a shorter break. In which case, read our 3 days in Rome itinerary, and our day-by-day itinerary for the perfect weekend in Florence.

Fancy visiting Venice? Discover how many days you need in Venice.

Alternatively, if you fancy doing a deep dive into particular regions, check out our Northern Italy itinerary, Southern Italy itinerary, Amalfi coast itinerary and Tuscany itinerary.

In the meantime, take inspiration from a 7-day family-friendly Italy itinerary that’s ideal for first-time visitors. 

Day 1: Arrive in Rome, uncover ancient history 

After landing in Rome, take the swift Leonardo Express train (30 min) to central Rome. 

After checking into your family-friendly hotel (read our guide to where to stay in Rome), spend your first afternoon exploring the Colosseum and Roman Forum. As mentioned above, you might want to book a Gladiator School experience.

That evening, dine on the best pizza in Rome.

Day 2: Explore the Vatican and see street shows

Spend the morning of day two exploring the Vatican — you could book a family-friendly tour to keep kids engaged with fun facts while they view the likes of the Sistine Chapel’s ceiling and Egyptian mummies.

If your kids are young (or you don’t think they’ll enjoy the Vatican’s museums), visit the Bioparco di Roma zoo instead.

Come the afternoon, head to Piazza Navona, where kids can let off steam and see funny street performers. 

You could step inside the Pantheon and make a pizza pitstop here, but be sure to leave room for dinner. We suggest dining in Trastevere, where you can take your pick from plenty of child-friendly family-run restaurants.

Day 3: Towers and Leonardo da Vinci fun in Florence

On the morning of day three, take the Frecciarossa high-speed train (1.5 hours) from Rome to Florence.

As for the best area to stay in Florence, we recommend finding somewhere near Piazza della Signoria or the Duomo.

Talking of which, if your kids are old enough, after arriving in Florence and checking in, head straight to the Duomo to climb 463 steps for amazing views from the  top.

Alternatively, take a horse-drawn carriage ride around the historic center, or if your kids are into science, head to the Leonardo da Vinci Museum where they’ll get to play with some of the master’s inventions.

That evening, enjoy a traditional family dinner. For example, you might want to try Bistecca alla Fiorentina (Florentine steak) or simple tasty pasta at Trattoria Mario.

Day 4: Adventures in Pisa and the Tuscan countryside 

On day four, take a day trip to Pisa, which is among the best day trips from Florence.

It takes just an hour to get from Florence to Pisa by train, which means and your family will be taking funny family photos “holding up” the Leaning Tower of Pisa in no time at all.

Come the afternoon, you could enjoy a visit to a Tuscan Farm. For example, Fattoria Poggio Alloro in San Gimignano is a great place to enjoy exactly that before heading back to Florence for the night. 

Day 5: Gondola rides and mask magic in Venice

Day five is devoted to transferring from Florence to Venice on a two-hour train ride. Depart early to give yourselves plenty to time to enjoy some of the best things to do in Venice that same afternoon.

After checking in (read up on where to stay in Venice — near a central vaporetto might be your best bet to make it easier to get around), take a gondola ride through Venice’s canals.

Disembark at St Mark’s Square to view the Basilica. If your littles ones’ legs aren’t so little, climb its bell tower for breath-taking views.

Another option to book a late-afternoon Venetian mask-making workshop class. Craft-loving kids will have a whole lot of fun painting and decorating their own carnival masks.

Day 6: Theme Park fun at Gardaland, Lake Garda

On day six, head out straight after breakfast to take a 1.5-hour train to Peschiera del Garda, where the thrilling fun of Gardaland — Italy’s biggest theme park — awaits, with rides for all ages.

You could book a family room in the resort itself, or else stay right beside Lake Garda for easy access to fun boat trips and lakeside dining. 

Day 7: Explore Milan before departing 

On the morning of day 7, take a one-hour train to Milan to visit the duomo — you can walk on the rooftop!

Depending on when your flight is booked for, you could also explore the Leonardo da Vinci Science Museum, where interactive exhibits and space displays have a whole lot of appeal for science-mad kids.

If you fancy staying an extra day, read up on where to stay in Milan.

Inspired to visit Italy with kids? Arm yourself with information from our guide to how to plan a trip to Italy, and take inspiration from our Italy itineraries. 

Alternatively, to forego the hassle of planning contact our local Italy travel experts — they can curate your ideal Italy itinerary for any duration, and all ages.