10 Must-Do Activities for a Family Vacation in Italy (with Kids of All Ages)

Italy might seem like a romantic getaway destination, but it’s actually one of the best places to travel with children.

Sure, the food and history will amaze you, but there are also plenty of activities that will keep younger kids and teenagers entertained.

10 Ways to Explore Italy as a Family (Kids Included)

Once you book your flights or family vacation cruise, here are some of the activities and adventures you can get everyone excited about.

1. Book a Vineyard Experience in Tuscany

No, you won’t need a babysitter for this one because Tuscany has a number of family-friendly vineyards. While you sip your Chianti, your kids can learn how grapes are grown, meet the farm animals, or even join a mini cooking class. Castello di Verrazzano near Greve is a great choice for families, as is Fattoria La Vialla.

2. Take a Gondola Ride in Venice

There’s something fairy tale-like about gliding through the canals of Venice. Kids will enjoy the colorful bridges and the songs and stories gondoliers share during the ride. Plus, you and your partner get to have a little romantic moment.

3. Go On a Gelato Tasting Adventure

You can’t leave Italy without tasting the gelato; it’s an unspoken rule. If you find yourself in Florence, don’t miss Gelateria dei Neri, known for its unique flavors like ricotta and fig. In Rome, Giolitti is a classic spot near the Pantheon.

4. Visit the Leaning Tower of Pisa

If your teen loves a good Instagram post, this is the place to be. The Leaning Tower of Pisa is one of those iconic spots where you can take fun family pictures with everyone pretending to hold the tower up. Visit early in the morning or late afternoon to avoid the bigger crowds.

5. Discover Pompeii’s Ancient Ruins

Families with older kids and teens will love Pompeii. The streets, amphitheatre, and ancient homes really bring this place to life in a way that no history book could. It’s an educational outing and adventure wrapped up into one. Just be sure to pack some good walking shoes.

6. Take a Family Bike Ride In Tuscany

Thanks to Tuscany’s gentle countryside routes, the entire family can join in on this one. Cycling past the sunflower fields is beautiful, and you could even stop at a vineyard or two. Guided tours are also available if you don’t want to venture out on your own.

7. Spend the Day at Lake Garda or Lake Como

If you’re in the mood for a change of pace, northern Italy’s lakes are incredible. Lake Como’s charming villages and ferry rides are ideal for relaxing, and if you’re at Lake Garda, there are some nearby amusement parks you can stop at.

8. Make a Pizza (or Two) in Naples

In Naples, you can join a hands-on pizza-making class where kids can roll their own dough, choose their own toppings, and watch their creations come to life in a wood oven. Highly recommended options include Associazione Verace Pizza Napoletana and Mimì alla Ferrovia.

9. Explore Cinque Terre

The rainbow villages of Cinque Terre look like they belong in a children’s storybook. There is plenty to see and do, including boat rides along the coast. There are also some small beaches in Monterosso where kids can play in the sand while parents relax and enjoy the scenery.

10. Head to an Interactive Museum

At the Leonardo da Vinci Museum, families can play with models of his famous inventions, while the Galileo Museum introduces young minds to early scientific discoveries through interactive displays. These museums turn learning into play, which keeps children engaged for hours.

Italy: The Dream Family Destination

With so many activities for both kids and adults, there is nothing stopping you from choosing Italy as your next family vacation destination. The hardest part is choosing which adventures to fit into your itinerary.