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Italy is one of the world’s best destinations for family trips. It offers many incredible attractions and fun activities, perfect for introducing your kids to another culture and instilling a love of adventure. Your family adventure in Italy will be chock full of culture, stunning nature, fascinating historical sites, and mouth-watering cuisine. If you need to decide where to go, these are some of the best destinations in Italy for family adventures.
Top destinations in Italy for family adventures
Sorrento
Perched on rugged cliffs above the Bay of Naples, Sorrento is one of Italy’s most picturesque towns, where you and your kids can bond over ancient sights, delectable food, and beautiful beaches. The best way to get around Sorrento with the family is to hire a car and drive through its scenic coastal roads to visit picturesque towns like Ravello, Amalfi, and Positano.
When exploring Sorrento, visit Piazza Tasso, the town’s bustling square. It sits along a junction of two busy roads and is full of visitors going out and about. When the kids need to rest, grab a seat at one of the cosy cafes lining its sides, and order a slice of pizza as you relax and people-watch.
If there’s one place you should visit in Sorrento with the kids, it’s the Valley of the Mills. The mill is about 700 years old, and you’ll still see the millstream trickling at the building’s far edge. Your kids will surely be in awe at the ancient site that blends well with the lusciously green valley in its surrounding.
While in Sorrento, consider taking the kids on a day trip to Pompeii. Take the train that will whisk you to the ancient city in only 20 minutes. Covered in ashes when Mount Vesuvius erupted in 79AD, Pompeii is home to ancient temples, baths, and houses – many are still in remarkable condition.
Monza
Monza is one of the best destinations in Italy for those looking for something unusual in terms of family adventures. After all, it’s home to the Grand Prix motor racing circuit, the Autodromo Nazionale di Monza and families interested in the race can get tickets to the Italian F1 here. But aside from the F1 race, there’s more to discover in Monza with the kids.
Check out the Cathedral of Monza, which dates back to the 14th and 17 centuries, home to some timeless masterpieces, such as the Tree of Life by Arcimboldo and the fascinating Teodolinda Chapel.
The historic centre of Monza is also a fun place to explore on foot, where you’ll come across many incredible monuments, such as Monumento ai Caduti, Palazzo dell’Arengario, and Ponte dei Leoni along the scenic river Lambro.
Venture outside the city centre to discover more significant monuments like the Royal Palace of Monza. It’s one of Monza’s iconic symbols and features a magnificent facade that will remind you of Milan’s Teatro alla Scala and the Royal Palace of Caserta.
Florence
Florence is one of Italy’s most beautiful cities. It is full of history, culture, arts, and outstanding architecture. Families can explore fantastic attractions in this historical city, from child-friendly museums to beautiful parks. Florence also makes an ideal base for exploring the rest of Tuscany by train, especially in the summer months.
If your kids don’t mind walking, consider exploring the city centre of Florence on foot. The city is compact and is a delight to explore for families, including those with kids. Depending on your pace, you could see the city’s highlights in one day, such as the Duomo, Maria Novella, Piazza della Signoria, and Ponte Vecchio.
Climb to the tower of the Duomo, the Santa Maria del Fiore. Your curious kids will be in awe at the cathedral’s marble facade, baptistry, and the views from above. However, it’s worth noting that the steps can be narrow, so it might not be conducive for those with little kids.
Another attraction you should not miss on your family trip to Florence is Michelangelo’s famous masterpiece, the David. You’ll find it at Accademia Gallery, a famous art gallery in the city. School-age kids may be familiar with the statue as it’s a common topic in art classes.
Rome
Families can enjoy luxury tours in Italy, a fun and convenient way to discover the country’s highlights. You can customise these tours according to your preferences. For instance, you can include the historic city of Rome on the itinerary. Italy’s capital city is full of family-friendly attractions and entertainment, with something to offer for adults and kids.
Rome’s historic city centre is fun to explore with the kids. Visit the Colosseum, where kids can learn about the gladiators and explore Piazza Navona, the city’s most iconic square, home to fantastic restaurants and beautiful fountains.
If you only have time to visit one fountain in Rome, it should be the iconic Trevi Fountain. Set in the heart of Piazza di Trevi, the Baroque fountain is a marvellous sight and a fantastic backdrop for a family photo.
If you have older kids, trek the scenic Aventine Hill. It’s in a quiet and beautiful residential area in the city and offers some of the most stunning city views, including St. Peter’s Basilica.
Venice
Venice is a stunning and magical place to visit with the kids, famous for its incredible tradition of masks and carnival. Dubbed the “City of Canals,” Venice is also renowned for its romantic gondola rides.
A Venetian Gondola ride should be on your list of things to do in Venice. Riding the traditional flat-bottomed boat is a fun adventure, especially when the gondolier serenades you with Italian songs. Riding the gondola is a fantastic way to show your kids around the city and discover its scenic waterways.
Take your kids on a short trip to Murano, where they can witness glassblowers at work. Glassblowing is a Venetian tradition dating back thousands of years. Your kids will be in awe of seeing glass masters sculpt fascinating vases.
A trip to Burano is also a fun activity in Venice. The tiny island sits on a Venetian lagoon and is home to brightly coloured houses home to local fishermen.