Exploring Italy with kids is a dream come true. This beautiful country, with its rich history, delicious cuisine, and stunning landscapes, offers endless opportunities for family fun and learning. Whether you’re wandering through ancient ruins, enjoying a gelato by the sea, or marveling at masterpieces of art, Italy is a destination that will captivate both young and old. Here’s how to make the most of your Italian adventure with children in tow, inspired by our recent family trip.
Shop the post
We just returned from a MAGICAL two-week journey through northern Italy with our 7-year-old, 5-year-old, and 1.5-year-old. While many people commented on how brave we were to travel with such young kids, the trip went remarkably smoothly. We’re incredibly grateful for the memories, learning opportunities, and the world-opening experiences this adventure gave our kids.
This was my first trip to Italy with young children. I have been blessed to be able to spend 6 months in Florence studying Italian language, culture, history and art in college. I had returned again a few years later, but I knew this trip was going to be a totally different ballgame because of the three littles we had in tow.Â
Where to visit in Italy with Kids
Italy has so many amazing areas to visit, but for this trip, we decided to stick to Northern Italy since we hadn’t explored it before. We found a direct flight from JFK to Milan and then set off for Lake Como, the Italian Riviera, Florence, Venice, and ended our trip back in Milan. With a baby in tow, we opted out of the Amalfi Coast this time due to all the steep steps and climbing. For our next adventure, when the kids are a bit older, I hope to explore Rome and the Amalfi Coast, where my family is from.
Lake Como with Kids
We started our trip in Lake Como and stayed in a wonderful Airbnb right on the water in Bellano. Bellano was the perfect spot for our family, with its flat terrain and the best playground we experienced on our entire trip. My kids loved playing with the local Italian children, and it was heartwarming to see how much we had in common with the local families. Bellano even has a beach and a pool club, which we would have loved to visit if we had more time.
What I enjoyed most about Bellano were the stunning views and how easy it was to reach more touristy destinations like Varenna and Bellagio. The town itself was quiet and peaceful, a true retreat from the busier spots. We discovered some fantastic restaurants, including Truth, Che Pasta and Cavallo Bianco, where my husband and I celebrated our 9-year anniversary with a kid-free dinner. I enjoyed the Lake Como regional dish of buckwheat pasta, which I highly recommend! The best gelato in town was undoubtedly from Il Gelato Matto, a treat we indulged in more than once.
Our favorite natural site was the Orrido di Bellano. The breathtaking waterfalls and lush greenery made us feel like we were in Hawaii, surrounded by palm trees and the soothing sounds of cascading water. Bellano offered a perfect blend of relaxation, adventure, and authentic Italian charm, making it an ideal destination for families.
Â
Italian Riviera with Kids: Exploring Rapallo, Portofino, and Santa Margherita Ligure
Next on our trip, we took a train to the enchanting Italian Riviera, where we stayed in an amazing Airbnb in Rapallo. While we absolutely loved our Airbnb, we probably wouldn’t choose to stay in Rapallo again. It wasn’t very touristy, and it didn’t really give us that vacation vibe. If we were to do it again, we’d stay in the next town over, Santa Margherita Ligure.
One highlight of our time in Rapallo was taking an incredible ferry ride to Portofino. Walking around the picturesque town was a real treat. The yachts were enormous and breathtaking, and the beauty of Portofino left us in awe. We enjoyed browsing the designer shops and watching people in their chic attire.
The next day, we hopped over to Santa Margherita Ligure. We found a delicious spot for lunch and let the kids swim in the sea, with the stunning backdrop adding to the charm. We also loved learning more about Saint Margaret, after whom the town is named, and Christopher Columbus, who hailed from nearby Genoa.
Overall, while Rapallo didn’t quite hit the mark for us, the experiences we had in Portofino and Santa Margherita Ligure made the Italian Riviera a memorable part of our trip
Â
Florence: Exploring the Renaissance City
Our kids absolutely loved Florence—so much so that my 5-year-old proclaimed it his favorite place of the entire trip. We enjoyed strolling around the gorgeous streets, and I had the chance to show the kids my old apartment from when I studied abroad. My son was particularly fascinated by The David, although my husband and son had to wait in line for over two hours to see it. If we had to do it over again, I would definitely book the tickets in advance to reserve a time slot.
We indulged in a lot of gelato and savored the amazing paninis throughout the city. Of course, we couldn’t leave without trying a Florentine steak. My favorite gelato shop from my study abroad days, Gelateria Dei Neri, is still open and serving some of the best gelato we had on our entire trip.
A highlight for my kids was riding the carousel in Piazza della Repubblica and buying their souvenirs from the leather market in San Lorenzo. The San Lorenzo Market is another fun destination for families, especially those who love to eat (and who doesn’t?). It was a joy to see the kids immerse themselves in the vibrant atmosphere and pick out their treasures.
Florence offered a perfect blend of historical charm, delicious food, and memorable experiences, making it a top favorite for both the kids and us.
Venice with Kids: A Magical Experience
We absolutely LOVED Venice. Before our trip, everyone seemed to have strong opinions about the city—either loving it or hating it due to its supposed dirtiness and smell. Thankfully, we didn’t notice much of either! We definitely fall into the “loved it” camp, and I think that’s because we stayed overnight. By avoiding the crowded areas like Saint Mark’s Square and the Rialto Bridge during the day and visiting them early in the morning or at night instead, we got to enjoy the city without the throngs of tourists.
Venice is truly magical at night, and my older kids loved being out late, exploring the enchanting streets and canals. One of the highlights of our trip was visiting Murano to see glass blowing, which was incredibly memorable for all of us.
We also discovered the best pizza we’ve ever had at 1000 Gourmet and two of the very best gelato spots—Gelateria Gallonetto and Suso Gelatoteca. A fun fact: gelato originated in the Venezia region of Italy, which explains why the gelato here is exceptional!
Venice offered a blend of unique experiences, delicious food, and a magical atmosphere that made it one of the most memorable stops on our trip.
Milan with Kids: A Perfect End to our Trip
We only had an afternoon in Milan, but we made the most of our time there and absolutely loved it. Our first stop was the amazing Duomo, an architectural marvel that left us in awe. Afterward, we walked around the nearby Galleria Vittorio Emanuele II, admiring the Italian luxury shops.
To cap off our day, my husband and I enjoyed Aperol Spritzes to go, while the kids savored refreshing granitas. We took a leisurely stroll to Sforza Castle, where our kids loved playing in the grass. They had missed running on grass during our trip, and it was a simple joy that made them incredibly happy.
We finished our day with a delightful meal at Miscusi, enjoying our last Italian supper. The evening was topped off with the best tiramisu we’ve ever tasted. Our trip to Italy was truly amazing, filled with unforgettable experiences and cherished memories.
Planning your trip to Italy with kids
The best time of year to visit Italy with kids
We booked our trip for the last week of May and the first week of June. The weather was absolutely perfect for sightseeing, and the crowds were manageable, although Venice was more crowded than I’d like. Reflecting on my time studying abroad from January to June, I also enjoyed Florence without a ton of tourists. With that in mind, I do not recommend visiting during peak summer months, as Italy can get hot and overcrowded.
Finding the best places to stay in Italy with Kids
Opt for Villas or ApartmentsÂ
Since we were traveling as a large group, we decided to stay in apartments and villas instead of hotels. It was less expensive and much easier with children. We booked all our accommodations through AirBnB and Booking.com. We loved being able to put our kids to bed at night and then enjoy a drink, play games, and socialize with the other adults on our trip. Having a kitchen was incredibly helpful; we could head to the market and grab fruit, breakfast items, milk, and snacks for the kids.
Look for kid-friendly Accommodations
The best place we stayed on our trip was a villa in Rapallo. We even enjoyed cooking in a few nights, which turned out to be an unforgettable experience. Dining al fresco in the villa’s beautiful garden among orange and kumquat trees was a highlight. Our 1.5-year-old loved exploring the garden, marveling at the exotic plants, and picking fruit off the trees. Our older two kids had a blast with the small pool and the toys in their bedroom.
Inquire about travel cribs and high chairs
Most of the places we stayed were incredibly accommodating for traveling with a baby. Nearly all the apartments we booked had a high chair and travel crib, and one place even provided strollers. However, we did make the mistake of booking an accommodation in Milan that was not baby-friendly at all. They didn’t have a crib or high chair, and the apartment had steep stairs and a loft, which was quite terrifying for a toddler. My best advice is to thoroughly research and find the most baby-friendly options if you’re traveling with a little one.
Packing for Italy with Kids: Tips for Traveling Light and Staying Organized
When traveling to Italy with kids, packing light is essential for an enjoyable trip. Here’s how we managed to keep our luggage minimal and our family organized:
Travel Light with Essentials
We packed just five outfits per person, eight pairs of underwear, one bathing suit, and one pair of pajamas. Each of us had our best, most comfortable sneakers and a pair of sandals. If you plan to hit the beach, water shoes are helpful since many Italian beaches are rocky.
Laundry Tips
We aimed to do a load of laundry at each Airbnb, but beware: many places in Italy don’t have dryers. Air-drying clothes can take time, so plan accordingly.
Use Packing Cubes
We packed two suitcases for our family of five and used packing cubes labeled with our initials to divide our clothes. This method was incredibly convenient and made managing our luggage much easier. We also brought a laundry bag for dirty clothes, and a shoe bag for our shoes, which kept our clean clothes separate and organized.
Stain Remover is a Must
Between the red tomato sauce and chocolate gelato, kids can get very messy. I highly recommend bringing a stain remover or buying one once you arrive. It will save you a lot of hassle and keep your clothes looking fresh. I brought along these Shout wipes and they were a lifesaver – even removing red wine from my brother’s new white sneakers.
By packing smart and staying organized, you’ll be able to enjoy your Italian adventure without being weighed down by excess luggage.s
Dining in Italy with Kids: Tips for a Stress-Free Experience
Dining in Italy with kids can be a delightful experience with a bit of preparation. Here are some tips that made our meals enjoyable and hassle-free:
Split Adult-Sized Portions
Most restaurants in Italy don’t have specific kids’ meals, so I recommend having siblings split an adult-sized portion. This not only saves money but also reduces food waste.
Bring Your Own Water Bottles
You can’t order tap water in Italy, and we often found ourselves unable to get enough water while dining out. Bring your own water bottles or buy a large one from the local market to keep in your backpack for refills. Staying hydrated is crucial, especially in the summer.
Kid-Friendly Menu Staples
Every restaurant we visited had at least a tomato pasta dish and Margherita pizza. My kids practically lived off these staples. In fact, my 5-year-old loved pasta so much that they asked for it for breakfast even after we returned home!
Enjoy Gelato Often
Eat gelato every chance you get! It’s a perfect treat for kids and a great way to cool down while exploring.
High Chairs and Baby Essentials
We found high chairs at almost every restaurant, making dining with a baby easier. Be sure to pack a wipeable bib to keep things tidy.
Stock Up on Breakfast
We stocked up on breakfast essentials at the local market. My kids loved croissants and yogurt for breakfast, and we also purchased cookies for snacks on the go. This way, we had quick, easy meals and snacks ready whenever we needed them.
Snack Cups and Sippy Cups for Babies
If you have a baby, pack a snack cup to keep messes at bay. It’s perfect for carrying small snacks and keeps your little one occupied and happy. Also don’t forget the sippy cup!
Keep the wipes handy
By American standards, we found Italy to be a bit stingy with napkins. Make sure to pack wipes in your backpack and keep them at the top so you can quickly wipe messy faces and hands.
By keeping these tips in mind, dining out in Italy with kids can be a fun and stress-free part of your trip. Buon appetito!
Essential Baby Gear for Traveling in Italy
Traveling with a baby requires some extra planning and the right gear to make your journey as smooth as possible. Here’s a rundown of the essential baby gear that made our trip to Italy a breeze.
Stroller: Summer Infant 3D Lite
We used the Summer Infant 3D Lite Stroller, which handled the cobblestone streets pretty well and was lightweight enough to easily carry when we had to go up and down stairs. While we found ourselves utilizing our carrier more often, the stroller was invaluable in Florence and Milan. It was definitely worth bringing.
Baby Carrier: Lille Baby All Seasons
Our carrier, the Lille Baby All Seasons Carrier, was a lifesaver. We’ve used this carrier for all three of our kids, and it was perfect for our 17-month-old, who weighs a whopping 30 lbs. The back support saved our spines, and the cover provided shade when he fell asleep. He napped only on the go in the carrier, making it a must-have for our trip.
Why We Loved the Carrier More
We found ourselves using the carrier much more than the stroller because it made navigating the bridges in Venice and the hills of Lake Como so much easier. The carrier allowed us to keep our hands free and our baby close, which was perfect for the more challenging terrains.
When to Use the Stroller
While the carrier was our go-to for most of the trip, the stroller came in handy in cities like Florence and Milan, where the streets were a bit more stroller-friendly. It provided a comfortable place for our baby to sit and allowed us to move quickly through the city.
Changing Pad
We actually did not bring our diaper bag. We opted for a regular lightweight backpack instead but we did include our beloved changing pad which is a lot like this one on Amazon. It was a life saver because it is not only a pad but also holds diapers, wipes, diaper cream, and even spare outfits. Our changing pad had a strap as well which made it easy to whip out of the diaper bag and bring into the bathroom.Â
By bringing the right gear, we were able to ensure our baby was comfortable and happy throughout our Italian adventure. If you’re planning a trip, these essentials can make all the difference!
Air and Train Travel in Italy with Kids: Tips and Lessons Learned
Traveling through Italy with kids can be an adventure, especially when it comes to navigating air and train travel. Here’s what we learned from our experience, and some tips to make your journey smoother.
Air Travel: A Direct Redeye Flight is a Must
Â
We opted for a direct redeye flight from JFK to Milan, and it turned out to be a great decision. The older kids were perfectly entertained by the movie and TV selection, which kept them happy and occupied throughout the flight. Our baby was initially over-stimulated by all the screens, but he eventually fell asleep 1.5 hours into the flight and slept the entire way!
We chose to keep our baby on our lap instead of purchasing an extra seat, and it worked out fine. The flight back home was similarly smooth, with all the kids handling the travel well. If you’re traveling with a baby, consider a direct night flight to maximize the chances of them sleeping through it.
Train Travel: Lessons Learned from Our First Day
Â
Our biggest mistake was not researching and purchasing our train tickets in advance for the first day of our trip. We ended up on a convoluted journey to Como, which included a three-hour ferry ride to Bellano. It was exhausting and not the ideal start to our vacation.
If I had to do it over again, I would have booked our train tickets in advance. After that first day, I used the Trainline app to book all our train travel as soon as we settled in to avoid any more issues. This app was a lifesaver, ensuring we had our tickets ready and didn’t face any more travel hassles.
Train Travel Tips
Our trains were all on time, which was fantastic, but it’s important to prepare your kids for the experience. Make sure they know the safety precautions and what to expect. We were very clear with our kids about the need to rush on and off the train and the importance of holding a hand at all times.
We also had a plan in case we got separated: the kids knew who to go to for help. This preparation gave us peace of mind and made the process much smoother.
Key Takeaways
– Book Flights Wisely: A direct redeye flight can make a world of difference, especially with young kids. Aim for flights that align with their sleep schedules.
– Plan Train Travel in Advance: Use apps like Trainline to book your train tickets ahead of time and avoid the chaos we experienced on our first day.
– Prepare Your Kids: Talk to your kids about safety and what to expect when boarding and exiting trains. Clear communication is key to a smooth journey.
By planning ahead and preparing your kids for the journey, you can make air and train travel in Italy with kids a stress-free and enjoyable experience. Safe travels!
