Top 10 Things to Do in Italy with Family

There are plenty of Italian islands scattered throughout the Tyrrhenian, Ionian, Adriatic, and Ligurian seas. The most famous, Sicily and Sardinia, capture the Mediterranean’s coastal beauty like no other place in the world.

Golden- and white-sand beaches, hideaway coves, translucent seas teeming with marine life and coral, and colorful coastal villages introduce families to the traditional Italian way of life. Your family will embrace the breathtaking seascapes and culture as you hop from island to island.

You can find more ideas on what your kids will enjoy most with our best islands to visit in Italy.

Thoughts of Venice conjure images of gondolas gliding across canals that weave between ancient buildings.

This typical view of Venice is worth every second and your family will adore a cruise across the Venetian canals to boutiques, museums, markets, and more.

You may choose gondolas as your main mode of transportation around Venice, set sail during sunset past significant Venetian sites that your gondolier will share stories about, or access nearby beaches via gondola to relax and soak up the sunshine during your perfect Italy family vacation.

Learn more: A Guide to Planning a Gondola Ride in Venice

Traveling to Italy with kids will give you dreams of iconic sites, but before you explore the hidden charms of Pisa and the magnificent museums and monuments scattered around the Tuscan city, be sure to stop at the Tower of Pisa to capture a quintessential snapshot of your children leaning against the iconic building.

There is more to see and do around the towering marble cylinder than you think. After capturing photos together, take your family to the cathedral and baptistery in the Piazza dei Miracoli, where singers show off the famous acoustics of the breathtaking Roman Catholic ecclesiastical building.

The mighty summit of Mount Vesuvius casts a commanding shadow across the Italian coastline, where the Bay of Naples rests.

The stratovolcano is a beautiful natural formation shrouded in history that you and your family will unpack as you choose from several activities beyond the borders of Naples.

You may wander the trekking trails that weave through the mountainside to lofty viewpoints overlooking the sea with your older children or amble around the remnants and ruined buildings of Pompeii with younger kids to discover the stories of Ancient Rome.

Tuscany is a marvelous Italian region that encompasses vast stretches of sunflowers and hosts historic fortress towns and castles overlooking the scenery. The culinary legacy of Tuscany is also iconic and your family may delve into its history on gastronomy tours of olive estates and restaurants revered for their pasta.

Your kids will adore the opportunity to string together their own bowl of pasta as you prepare pockets of traditional ravioli topped with cheese and sundried tomatoes. There is so much joy to be had indulging in Tuscany’s culinary courses.

Whether your family is interested in culinary history or eager to try the many famous flavors of the region, 4 Best Cities to Explore the Food of Tuscany and 5 Dishes to Try on Your Trip to Tuscany provide more information on how you can experience the gastronomy of the region as a family.

History and culture may be the main focus on trips to Italy, but the landscape from the northern Alps to the southern arid coastline along the Adriatic Sea offers dynamic hiking opportunities perfect for children of all ages.

Trails weave through the emerald fields to views of glacier-capped mountains in the north, while hills crowned with medieval villages roll to the horizon, and golden plains lead to dramatic medieval monasteries.

Alpine lakes, thundering waterfalls, and hidden gorges add an extra layer of natural opulence to the experience, accentuated by discovering ancient towns or meandering historic walls.

Learn more: 7 Breathtaking National Parks in Italy for Nature Lovers

Villas, some of which once acted as manor houses, are grand estates often located in the country, but Italian castles are distinct fortresses, of which there are thousands throughout the country. Known for impenetrable walls or deep moats, soaring towers or prominent positions on the edge of a hill or mountain, they bring storybooks to life.

Each tells a unique historical tale that may feel like a game or fantasy. Medieval fairs further create an immersive ambiance, with locals dressed in period clothing, the aromas of medieval food drifting through the streets, and traditional games, including sword fights, bringing contemporary crowds to their feet.

Italy can feel like one large archeological site, making it a perfect destination to uncover history. Wander through museum galleries to find functional ceramics and tools or view mosaics and frescoes preserved through the centuries.

Become amateur archeologists by finding clues in the landscape that lead to giant Greek temples or enjoy a scavenger hunt inside the halls of a legendary museum to solve a mystery of ancient empires on a Rome family tour.  Whether visiting Ostia Antica or touring the Colosseum, exploring Pompeii or visiting Ostuni, Italy makes the past relevant.

Gelato is an essential treat to enjoy when visiting Italy, especially when touring as a family. The delicious combination of flavors offers a light and creamy variation on ice cream that kids are sure to enjoy, coupled with tastes that range from indulgent to fruity, nutty to artisanal.

A gelato tour can take your family to a number of different gelaterie in a city, introducing you to what makes each individual location popular and special. You could also complete a tour with a class that will teach your kids how to make traditional gelato, with a recipe you can take home as a souvenir.

Italy provides an alternative perspective to mass-produced goods by celebrating the artistic quality of a product through artisanal craftsmanship. Centuries-old traditions can take center stage as you discover what makes an item artisanal, who is behind its design, and how you can follow their instructions.

Whether learning to blow glass in Murano or make paper in Tuscany, craft chocolate in Perugia or produce olive oil in Puglia, pride, elegance, and focus add to the luster of artisan crafts across Italy.

Traditional techniques and legacy combine in preserved craftsmanship and you can find inspiration for the types of experiences right for your family when exploring our Italian arts and crafts - how to see and experience them.

From island hopping to cooking traditional Tuscan cuisine, these essential experiences will let your family explore the best of Italy during your vacation.

You may visit the iconic destinations that are home to these exceptional experiences with sample itineraries from our Italy family vacations or clue yourself up further on Italian culture with our Italy family travel guide.