Traveling in Italy with kids

From fiery volcanoes to azure sea and unforgettable ancients, Italy will stir young minds and pulses.
A rich variety of activities and locations makes traveling in Italy with kids a joy - aided by the Italian love of children. Burn bambini energy zipping over the waves in RIBs then dive/snorkel off Sardinia, or go climbing or orienteering in Tuscany. Potter ravishing coasts in Amalfi or Liguria, cycle on quiet backroads in Sardinia between white sand coves, or ski hidden Alpine valleys where you can dine in caves! Delve epic ancient history – Rome's imperial grandeur perhaps or frozen-in-time Pompeii in the lee of still fiery Mt Vesuvius. Add food all kids will love.

For health & safety advice, please see our Tips page.

Activities for families in Italy

Hot-heads & high spots

Italy is Europe's land of volcanoes – still rumbling Vesuvius, quietly brooding Etna and, in Sicily's Aeolian Islands, Vulcano – the hot-top that named them all. Hit the heights with hiking or winter sports among the famous peaks of the Alps, the stunning Dolomites or the more secret Apennines.

Old - but sick!

Italy's history will stir any child. Discover life and death in ancient times at eerie time-capsule Pompeii, grand gladiatorial arenas or glorious ocean-view temples. Delve colourful past lives, from the Borgias to geniuses Galileo and Leonardo. And teach them about solid foundations by Pisa's wonky tower!

Squisito! (Delicious!)

Feed a young interest in food – learn to create proper pizza or fresh pasta (in any shape!), or see how oils and cheeses are made – after picking olives or milking! And in the home of Slow Food, kids will see how food, land and people truly connect.

Our top trip

Amalfi coast family vacation in Italy

Amalfi coast family vacation in Italy

Pompeii, Mt Vesuvius and the dramatic Amalfi Coast

From US $2170 to US $2380 8 days ex flights
Small group travel:
2024: 23 Mar, 30 Mar, 6 Apr, 4 May, 25 May, 13 Jul, 20 Jul, 3 Aug, 17 Aug, 19 Oct
Travel Team
If you'd like to chat about Italy or need help finding a vacation to suit you we're very happy to help.

Traveling in Italy with kids

Melanie McAnaw from our supplier Headwater suggests a cycling break in the Veneto is ideal for traveling in Italy with kids: “A cycling vacation in the Veneto at a family run and quintessentially Italian agriturismo comes with vineyards for the parents, two soppy collies that are good for dog-loving children of any age, and a gorgeous outdoor pool that's good for everyone!. There’s the opportunity to mix superb, easy cycling with sightseeing so it’s guaranteed to keep our younger customers interested with our traditional mix of activity and local discovery.”
Marta Marinelli from our supplier Exodus says keeping busy and engaged makes for great times traveling in Italy with kids: “We make sure we go beyond the traditional sightseeing experience and keep children and adults always entertained. 'Get involved' activities like pizza and pasta making, arts and craft lessons, and group walks or bike rides allow families to get together, have fun, and bring home some fabulous memories. And our expert leaders and organisation on the ground makes sure all the difficult parts of family vacations are taken care of. We want a no-stress experience for all!”
Written by Norman Miller
Photo credits: [Page banner: Rostislav Glinsky] [Intro: pxhere] [Hot-heads & high spots: Mstyslav Chernov] [Squisito! (Delicious!): Jorge Zapata] [Melanie McAnaw Quote: Simone Ramella]