5 Family-Friendly Destinations in Italy

Families planning travels in Italy are spoiled for choice of destinations. These have been our kids’ favorite places as they’ve traveled at various ages. Here are five Italian destinations worth showing the family:

Venice

Filled with eye candy and activity, Venice is a sure family-pleaser. Ride the Vaporetto along the Grand Canal to see one lavish palazzo after another, shop for carnival masks in the San Paulo neighborhood, and see how many lions your kids can spot. On a nice day, take a boat to the island of Lido, renting bicycles or a spot on one of the beaches.

Verona

One of Europe’s best-preserved Roman arenas sits in the center of the old city, which is almost entirely encircled by a deep bend in the Adige River. A medieval bridge crosses it, extending from the imposing Castelvecchio, once both a palace and a defensive fortress. Look for chariot tracks in the stones beneath the nearby Roman arch and shop for treats in the lively daily market in Piazza Erbe. Brave the crowds to stand on Juliet’s balcony (although the story is pure fiction).

Lake Garda

Italy’s favorite family playground, the long lake has something for everybody: beaches on its southern shore, Medieval towns and castles, windsurfing in the north, lakeside villages, and multiple theme and fun parks. Explore it on Lake Garda Ferries, stopping in Sirmeone and Malcesine to see castles. In the latter, kids love riding the revolving cable car up Monte Baldo.

Luca

Not far from Pisa, (you can visit the Leaning Tower on a day trip by train), Luca is a charmer. A wide wall encircles the compact old city, providing a promenade along its top for walkers and cyclists. Climb one of the city’s tall, slender towers for bird’s-eye views, and look for the oval piazza that was once a Roman arena. You can spot bits of its remaining architecture along the outside walls.

Rome

The No. 1 sight for kids in Rome is the Colosseum, which you can view from the perspective of spectators or get a lion’s-eye view from below the arena floor. Reserve well in advance for your kids to join a gladiator class and learn more about these ancient Roman spectacles. The Forum is nearby and filled with history, but most kids would prefer renting a boat or biking in the Borghese Gardens. Many of its attractions will appeal to young children, including playgrounds, weekend pony rides and occasional puppet shows.