Sharing is caring!

Mini Travellers takes a look at some of the ways you can make the most of all the family friendly areas on offer in Italy.

Italy is a fantastic destination to visit with children, with the friendliness of the locals and the plethora of activities available; you can rest assured that this is a trip that will be fun for all the family. To help you make the most of family-friendly Italy, we’ve put together a brief guide:

The most family friendly areas

Rome is a classic choice as one of the most well-known cities in Italy. The historical value here is incredible, and you will be able to experience a wide range of activities and experiences, perfect for those children that are a little older. Rome is known for the romantic elements, although this is not the only draw, so you will not be stuck for choice if you decide to head out on a family trip. However, for the younger children, there are many other areas that are much more suitable, some of which are close enough to Rome to allow you to take a day trip!

Puglia is a perfect destination for children. As a less touristy destination, the quieter setting means that you will be confident that your children will be kept entertained and safe too. This area is wonderful for those looking for a relaxing beach holiday, as the range of both public and private sandy shores include many that are family friendly. The clear, shallow waters also mean that you can take them for a dip in the sea with confidence. There is also a wide range of attractions within Puglia including an aqua park, protected marine area and the Indiana Play Park!

Sicily is widely known as one of the most child-friendly areas in Italy, offering exciting adventures for both the younger kids and the older ones too! From puppet shows, ice cream shops and entertainment at the main piazzas to snorkelling trips, water sports and volcano climbing opportunities, Sicily has it all! Family discounts are widely available throughout the region and under 10s are usually free!

Abruzzo is one of the most underrated regions in all of Italy, but this will actually work to your advantage. The tourist season is often much quieter, meaning that you will get a much more authentic experience. The locals will be overjoyed to entertain the little ones at mealtimes and provide any extra information, tips and knowledge that will benefit your trip. Abruzzo itself if quite family orientated with the locals, so you can expect it to feel like a home away from home where you can become a part of the community in your short time there.

Or what about Venice? Here are 9 of the Best Things to do in Venice.

Family friendly accommodation

Although you would hope that all accommodation is family friendly, you will need to check before booking, as there are still a few places that will not accept children. You can take your pick from luxury family villas, rustic apartments or boutique hotels to stay in. Family friendly villas in Italy are often the best option as you have all the facilities you’d have in your own home (plus there’s usually a pool) and you’ll quickly settle into your family home. The range available will ensure that you have a truly authentic experience; you can even stay in a classic cone topped Trulli!

Meals

Meal times in Italy are an absolute pleasure. Setting the fantastic array of rich foods aside (which is one of the best things about Italy), the locals simply love to engage with visitors (especially those with kids). The foods on the menu often cater to all children’s tastes, and if not, the chefs will likely be more than happy to rustle up something special. Picnics at the local beaches are a wonderful experience, and don’t forget to pick up a cheeky ice cream on your travels – Italian ice cream is like no other!

Extra activities

Aside from the local attractions, there are many other extra activities that you can do to keep the children entertained. If you are heading out on a walk, equip them with a disposable camera or a tick list and get them to take a snap of a number of Italian items on the list. You can include items such as traditional Trulli, ice cream, seashells and any wildlife. This will hold their focus and help them to engage with the wonderful world around them. Bring along a set of child friendly books that they can read by the pool, some colouring pens, and invest in some outdoor toys such as the classic bat and ball, a volleyball and of course a bucket and spade! These activities need little to no preparation, and can often be done from your holiday home, giving you some time to sit back and relax in the sunshine!

Top tips

To make the trip itself a little easier and more enjoyable, here are a few top tips:

• Build the excitement by creating a countdown calendar and showing the kids photographs of where you will visit.
• Plan a brief itinerary of all the things you’d like to do (and don’t forget to plan in some well deserved R&R.)
• Do a little research into the place you are staying to find local attractions, parks and areas that are child-friendly.
• Pack a travel pack for the kids with some in-flight entertainment including snacks (and wet wipes)
• Teach yourself and the kids a few basic words of Italian such as “Grazie” which means “thank you.”
• Hire a car from the airport for ease of transport, particularly if you are travelling with more than one child.
• You’re making memories that will last a lifetime so try not to stress and enjoy this family trip together!

Ciao!

NB: This is a collaborative post

Why not PIN this