The best places to visit in Italy with kids: Planning, tips & more

Culture. History. Rustic countryside. Fabulous food and wine. What could be better than a family vacation to Italy? This diverse country has mountains and lakes in the north, sleepy Mediterranean villages in the south, towering volcanoes and, of course, the eternal city of Rome, with its staggering history and culture. From the refined elegance of Lake Como, the charm of Florence and the beauty of the Amalfi Coast, Italy is the dream destination for a family holiday.

One of the enduring pleasures of an Italian holiday is how naturally children are welcomed in. Bambini are welcomed without fuss, whether you’re settling into one of our villas or tucking in at a local trattoria. Outside, there’s plenty to spark their curiosity, from the frozen streets of Pompeii to the sheer scale of the Colosseum and the perplexing tilt of Pisa’s most famous tower.

Our guide to the best places to visit in Italy with children will give you tips on the top destinations, advice on how to plan an Italy family vacation, and some inside knowledge on the best family vacation spots in Italy.

How to plan a family trip to Italy

Crafting an itinerary for your family trip

You only have a limited amount of time on your family holiday to Italy, so putting together an itinerary is essential to make the most of every day.

Our top tip: make sure the children are involved in the planning, but keep it flexible as you never know when you might change your mind and go off on an unplanned adventure.

A train trip is always fun, and if you’re on an Italy family vacation a train journey through the Tuscan countryside or into the heart of Naples or Rome is a great day out. Speak to your concierge for more information on routes and booking tickets.

What’s more, with our additional service menu, we can provide an array of child-friendly equipment and experiences. Whether you need cots, pushchairs or toys delivered to the villa, or you’re looking for a private chef to craft the ultimate family meal, your onefinestay concierge can arrange whatever their little hearts desire. 

Our top tip: We can organise professional childcare services at many of our villas in Italy, so parents can have a little quality time together, with the peace of mind that the children are being taken care of.

Tips for travelling to Italy with children

Holidays in Italy aren't just for couples. Children are adored in Italy, and you'll find that everywhere you go, they're greeted as if they're long-lost nephews and nieces. If you're travelling to Italy with children, here are a few top tips to make it an extra-special time:
 

Prepare them beforehand by going online and having a look at the region you’ll be visiting. Don’t just focus on the museums and the history, but find videos and photos of the beaches and the fun, child-friendly entertainment on offer so they feel excited about the adventure.

Teach them a few simple Italian phrases like ‘please’ and ‘thank you’ that the locals will appreciate.

Get them involved in the planning by asking them what they'd like to do. That could be days on the beach, hiking up volcanos (which any active youngster will love), or visiting theme parks throughout the country.

Dense crowds around the 'big ticket' locations may be overwhelming for a young child. Instead, head to quieter locations where they can enjoy Italian culture in a more relaxed setting.

If you’re visiting attractions or theme parks, have your dedicated concierge book ahead so you don't spend hours waiting in line. This is especially important if you plan your Italy family vacation during the peak summer season (June - August).

The best places in Italy for a family vacation

From the fascinating history of Rome and the incredible culture of Florence to the rolling hills of Tuscany and the breathtaking beauty of the Amalfi Coast, here are a few of the best places to visit in Italy with children.

Best places for culture lovers and history fans

Italy has more than its fair share of fascinating history and rich culture. The birthplace of the Renaissance, home of some of the world’s greatest artists and the crux of the Roman Empire, you’ll be spoilt for choice by historical sites and vibrant galleries.

Top spots for nature and adventure

Italy transitions from the mountains of the north to the hot, Mediterranean climate of the south, with the soft rolling hillsides of Tuscany in between. The country's natural beauty is staggering and one visit is never enough to experience everything it has to offer. 
 

Best beach destinations

Is Italy a beach destination? Absolutely. The Italian Riviera runs from the French border to Tuscany, with the city of Genoa in the middle. Expect golden sandy beaches and sleepy villages that pepper the clifftops and valleys along the coastline. Follow the Tuscan coast all the way down past Pisa and towards Lazio, where the pace of life slows down. If you want the best beaches without the usual crowds, head south of Anzio to the Circeo National Park for deserted, sandy spots with sheltered coves that are just right for paddling.

FAQs – Planning the best family trip to Italy

Planning a family trip to Italy can feel like a happy dilemma, there’s simply too much to choose from. From Tuscany to the coast and beyond, one visit is rarely enough, which is all part of the appeal.

Our dedicated guest experience team is on hand to share local insight, arrange those thoughtful extras, and take care of the details that make family travel feel seamless. Below, we’ve answered some of the questions we’re most often asked about traveling to Italy with children.

What is the best way to travel through Italy with children?

Italy is well connected, with several international airports making arrival straightforward. Once you’re there, the road network is excellent, from wide highways to coastal routes and Alpine passes that turn the journey into part of the experience.

For families, hiring a car tends to make the most sense. It gives you the flexibility to move at your own pace, stop when needed, and explore beyond the obvious. Your concierge can arrange everything in advance, so it’s ready when you are.

How do I prepare my child for international travel?

Traveling abroad is exciting, but for younger children, the unknown can feel like a lot. A little preparation goes a long way in making the experience feel like an adventure, rather than overwhelming.

Start by showing them where you’re headed. Find Italy on the map, talk through the journey, and explain what the day of travel will look like, time zones included. Involving children in the planning helps, too. Let them choose a day trip or activity they’re excited about and build it into the itinerary.

A few simple Italian phrases can make a surprising difference, helping children feel more confident and connected. And when it comes to food, ease them in. Pizza and pasta may be familiar, but regional dishes can vary. Trying an authentic Italian restaurant at home before you go can help broaden tastes and avoid any mealtime standoffs once you arrive.

What is the best month to travel to Italy?

It will depend on where in Italy you travel to and what your plans are. For city breaks in Rome and Florence, any time of the year is ideal. For beach holidays (along the Amalfi Coast), the best travel months are May, June, September and October. Most Italians take their annual holiday during July and August so the roads and beaches are quite busy during this period.

What is the most child-friendly city in Italy?

It’s so difficult to say which is the best city to visit in Italy with a family, but if we had to pick just one, it would be Florence. It’s not as busy as Rome, so it won’t overwhelm younger visitors but is guaranteed to enthral them. From the antique merry-go-round in Piazza Della Repubblica to the charming Bartolucci toy shops where they can buy their very-own Pinocchio puppet, Florence is an exciting city for children of all ages.

Plan your Italian family itinerary with onefinestay

With a collection of exclusive villas across Italy, from countryside estates to coastal retreats, onefinestay offers a more considered way to experience the country. Browse our destination guides to start planning, they’re a surprisingly good way to get children excited about what’s to come.

When you’re ready, our Travel Advisors are on hand to match you with the right family-friendly villa, and take care of the details from there.