The Dolce Vita as a Family: Discovering Italy with Children and Teenagers
A charming journey through the flavors, culture, and stories of Italy that promises to create unforgettable memories for the whole family.
By Diego Paiva
Amidst picturesque landscapes, historical ruins, and a cuisine that awakens the senses, Italy reveals itself as a perfect destination for a family trip. Let’s explore the wonders of the boot-shaped country through the curious eyes of children and teenagers and precious tips from our community of traveling families. Get ready to explore the land of pasta and gelato with the little ones!
The Charm of Historic Cities
Italy has something for everyone, regardless of age. From fascinating historical sites to beautiful natural landscapes, there are plenty of activities and attractions that will enchant both children and adults. One of the main reasons why Italy is a great destination for family vacations is its rich history. Children can learn and have fun exploring ancient monuments such as the Colosseum in Rome or the Amphitheatre of El Jem in Verona. Italian cities are true open-air museums and become cultural amusement parks for budding young historians. The narrow streets of Florence reveal Renaissance masterpieces, while Venice provides a romantic ride through the canals, creating memories that will last a lifetime. Let’s take this tour through the main cities of the northern part of the country and leave the south, with its beautiful beaches, for another feature. Italy is a country that calls for multiple trips.
Exploring Rome with Kids
The Colosseum is one of the most famous monuments in the world and a must-visit when in Rome. Children will be fascinated exploring the ancient ruins and learning about the history of gladiators. Make sure to book a tour guide specialized in children to make the visit even more engaging; guide Marina Sacco conducts extraordinary treasure hunts that involve the whole family. If not with a guide, it’s advisable to purchase tickets in advance, either through the official website or tour sites. There are different tours available: the standard one, the one including the underground, the night tour… see what interests your family the most. A 15-minute walk from the Colosseum is La Bocca della Verità, a marble piece from the Middle Ages believed to be a lie detector. According to legend, if someone puts their hand in the mouth of the image and lies, their hand will be trapped. Children love to take the test.
Continuing on foot, you can reach the famous Trevi Fountain, crowded with tourists, but this baroque masterpiece is so beautiful and imposing that it cannot be missed. Plus, there’s the myth that to return to Rome, you have to stand with your back to the fountain and toss a coin over your right shoulder. When in doubt… everyone makes a wish! There are several gelaterias in the square, making it a great stop to cool off. And to end the day, how about walking a bit further to Ponte Humberto I, over the Tiber River, where you can enjoy a beautiful view of St. Peter’s Basilica in the Vatican. A great spot for photos.
Are the kids tired or does no one want to spend the day walking? Families recommend hop-on-hop-off buses that pass by all these attractions.
Visiting the Vatican, considered the smallest country in the world and the seat of the Roman Catholic Church, also serves as the residence of the Pope and requires some advance planning to enter the museums, especially the Sistine Chapel with Michelangelo’s ceiling. Tickets can be purchased online, and if they happen to be sold out, try tour websites. Typically, families opt for 3-hour tours. To make the visit to the Vatican Museums more enjoyable for young children, consider printing out a treasure hunt map of the artworks. This can be complemented with an audio-guided tour (available in English). The Vatican Museums also offer guided tours for people with disabilities, as well as for the blind and deaf.
If hunger strikes, there are pizzerias and self-service options available. To wind down from this culturally rich yet tiring day for children, families often end their day at Villa Borghese, which features a lake with pedal boats, bicycle rentals for the family, a children’s playground, cafes, and plenty of greenery, offering a beautiful view over Rome.
Photos 1 and 2: Ice cream parlor and view of Monte Pinciano in Villa Borghese
Florence with Family em família
From Rome, take the train (which offers family rates; the earlier you book, the cheaper it gets) to Florence. This is yet another beautiful city, a true open-air museum! Here, it’s impossible not to see the imposing Duomo, right in the city center. The center, in fact, is practically made up of pedestrian streets, which is very safe for children. The Cathedral of Santa Maria Del Fiore (Duomo) is the fifth largest church in Europe, taking six centuries to build and impresses with its size, giant dome, and facades of white and green marble. It’s possible to climb to the dome, but it’s quite tiring with over 400 steps and not advisable for claustrophobic people and children.
Tickets for the main museums can be purchased online: the Uffizi Gallery, where Botticelli’s painting The Birth of Venus is exhibited, the Accademia Gallery where Michelangelo’s giant statue of David is located, and the Boboli Gardens which offer a beautiful view of the city. The Uffizi offers a special visit for children with a treasure hunt of artworks.
To take a break from so many museums, families can opt for a bike tour, as the center is flat and without cars, or an electric cart tour. And how about taking a family cooking class to discover two main dishes: pizza and gelato?
Florence is also a good starting point for visiting cities in Tuscany, such as San Gimignano, Siena, Lucca, and Pisa. They are all within a maximum of 2 hours by car. You can rent a car, but also take bus tours or go by train and spend the day in the city. If any of these tours include a visit to wineries in the Chianti region, it’s best to hire a tour.
Another place that younger children will enjoy is the Republic Square, where there is an old carousel, and it’s worth passing by the Ponte Vecchio. If you’re lucky, you might catch a puppet show performed by street artists.
The Enchanting Venice
The beauty of Venice lies in strolling, getting lost in its alleys and lanes, crossing over and counting the number of small bridges (there are more than 420). Just be cautious with the smaller ones, as many places lack guardrails. This is the city that celebrates Carnival with masks and gala attire. You can purchase masks at souvenir shops and take an unforgettable gondola ride through the canals. Moreover, it’s worth experiencing the various modes of transportation in this city built on water: the vaporetto (like a bus), the water taxi. Each offers different views of the grand buildings and allows you to see details that can’t be observed on foot.
A visit to the St. Mark’s Square and Basilica is a must, and for a panoramic view of the city, one can ascend the Campanile. Another cultural excursion worth undertaking is the Doge’s Palace with its artworks and architectural richness. If children speak English, they can take a tour of the secret itineraries, showcasing the prisons, torture chambers, and the fascinating story of Casanova’s escape over the rooftops. Right nearby, you can see the Bridge of Sighs, named so because it’s said that prisoners sighed as they passed through it, seeing the outside world for the last time.
To balance out the somewhat dense cultural tours, families in the community suggest taking a boat trip to the islands of Murano and Burano. Murano is renowned for its tradition in glass and crystal making. It’s easy to step into a shop/factory and witness a craftsman blowing glass, which everyone observes with great curiosity. Burano resembles a theatrical set with its brightly colored houses. Another good option is to take a bike ride around the Lido island.
Photo 1 and 2: Touring the canals of Venice, by gondola or on foot
The Italian Cuisine: Pasta, Pizza and Gelato
Italian food is famous worldwide, and children are no exception when it comes to enjoying the culinary delights of Italy. Here are some popular options that are sure to please the discerning palates of children:
Pizza
Pizza is a beloved dish for both children and adults. In Italy, you’ll find a wide variety of authentic pizzas, from the classic margherita to more creative combinations of fresh ingredients. The best ones are those made in a wood-fired oven, of course. Pizzeria Clementina in Rome is always among the most well-known in the city and offers a wide range of flavors. At Forno Campo De’Fiori, also in Rome, the charm is in grabbing the folded pizzas and strolling through the streets while savoring them.
Pasta
Pasta is an essential part of Italian cuisine and is especially popular among children. From classic spaghetti to fun-filled stuffed ravioli, there’s a variety of delicious pasta to try. A great tip from families in our community is to visit the central market in Florence, with many restaurant options on the second floor.
Gelato
Gelato is an irresistible Italian dessert that children will love. With a variety of delicious flavors to choose from, don’t miss out on trying authentic Italian gelato during your trip. A tip is to visit Gelateria Della Passera in Florence or La Gourmandise in Rome, which offer very different flavors.
Services
Where to Stay?
Check out recommendations from traveling families in our community:
IN ROME
Trevi Elite Roma is excellently located near the Trevi Fountain and offers family rooms.
Sonder at Prati Lungotevere is well situated and offers apartments for 4 to 6 people.
Hotel Santa Maria, in the Trastevere neighborhood, by the Tiber River. It’s charming and offers family rooms.
Best Western Plus Hotel Universo, near Termini train station and with family rooms.
Meininger Roma Termini a hostel that feels like a hotel, very close to Termini train station with quadruple rooms.
IN FLORENCE
Globus Urban Hotel, conveniently located near the bus station and major attractions.
Coco Places Firenze, near the train station: a modern apartment with a balcony overlooking a garden.
Hotel Pendini with an excellent location, classic décor, and family rooms.
Travel agencies Viajar com Crianças and Viajar com Adolescentes can help your family plan the perfect itinerary!
IN VENICE
Hotel Papadopoli Venezia, situated by the canal with a private dock. Offers triple rooms.
Hotel A La Commedia, luxurious, excellently located, and family-friendly rooms available.
Hotel Flora, incredibly charming, well-situated, and with family rooms.
Hotel Palazzo Vitturi, centrally located and elegantly appointed rooms for families.
Residenza Ducato, modern apartment, centrally located and very well situated.
Things the Way Family love to pack in their suitcase:
Gate
Eletronics for the travel: smartphone, drone, câmera, charger,…
Destiny
UV clothes, bikinis, caps, diving goggles, snorkel mask and other accessories…
