A 10-Day Itinerary For Visiting Italy With Kids

A young girl looks at a painting in a museum in Rome.
Photo Courtesy: Antonia Grant

Get ready for la dolce vita on a fabulous 10-day itinerary for visiting Italy with kids! Families adore visiting Italy with kids, as the country offers a perfect blend of enriching cultural experiences and family-friendly attractions. Plus, the country’s emphasis on family values creates a welcoming environment for your next vacation. Milan captivates with its modernity and iconic landmarks like the Duomo. Meanwhile, Venice, known for its enchanting canals and historic architecture, provides a magical atmosphere for kids to explore. Also, Florence is a treasure trove of art and history, with the Uffizi Gallery and Ponte Vecchio. In Rome, the Eternal City, families can immerse themselves in ancient history by exploring the Colosseum and Roman Forum. If you need help putting together an itinerary, check out this sample 10-day itinerary for visiting Italy with kids! 

Milan

While there are plenty of flights daily from the United States to major cities across Italy, we suggest starting your itinerary for visiting Italy with kids in Milan. It offers a strategic location in northern Italy, allowing you to see the country from north to south and eventually end your itinerary in Rome or Pompeii. It’s completely possible to see some of the city’s highlights in a day, but if you need time to rest after landing, feel free to add an extra day in Milan to your Italy itinerary with kids.

Day 1: Duomo di Milano, Galleria Vittorio Emanuele II, Navigli

The Duomo in Milan surrounded by a beautiful sunset. This is one of the best things to do on an Italy itinerary with kids.
Photo Courtesy: Ouae Ben Salah

Any family day in Milan should start with a visit to the Duomo di Milano. Families can explore the iconic grand interior and take an elevator to the terrace for panoramic views. You should also consider purchasing tickets in advance to skip the lines. Adjacent to the Duomo, stop at Galleria Vittorio Emanuele II. Enjoy some window shopping and treat the family to gelato at historic cafes within this stunning shopping gallery. Look out for the famous bull mosaic on the floor near the entrance! 

Try a local eatery for an authentic Italian lunch, like Ristorante Cracco in Galleria Vittorio Emanuele II. Then, you can head to Sforzesco Castle, a short walk from the Galleria. Here, kids can explore its various museums with engaging exhibits – there are 9 in total! Don’t miss Michelangelo’s unfinished masterpiece, the Pietà Rondanini. Nearby, you can also stop for a break in Parco Sempione. Bring a picnic or grab some snacks, and kids can enjoy the playground while you soak in the surroundings. 

Milan also has plenty of other museums you can add to your itinerary for visiting Italy with kids. The Leonardo da Vinci Science and Technology Museum will captivate young minds with hands-on exhibits about inventions and scientific principles. If your kids enjoy art, visit the Pinacoteca di Brera for a remarkable collection. The courtyard here provides a lovely spot for a short break.

Evening Activity: Navigli

If you have extra energy to spend the night exploring, conclude your day with a visit to the Navigli district, known for picturesque canals. Enjoy a leisurely walk, explore local shops, and perhaps consider a boat tour for added fun. Parents can even stop for an aperitivo – order a drink and some complimentary snacks! Or, for dinner, choose a family-friendly spot like Trattoria Madonnina for a taste of Milanese cuisine. Reservations are recommended.

Venice

Next on your 10-day itinerary for visiting Italy with kids is Venice. Around two to three hours from Milan, it’s easily accessible via Italy’s national train system. Some trains, like the Frecciarossa or Italo, are high-speed and offer quicker travel times, though they can be more expensive. Meanwhile, regional trains offer cheaper prices, but seats aren’t guaranteed and they often take longer or require more transfers. Either way, keep an eye on your belongings and watch out for pickpocketers. While you could rent a car on your Italy family vacation, we don’t recommend it, since you’ll only be visiting major cities. 

Day 2: St. Mark’s Square & Basilica, Doge’s Palace, Gondola Ride

Two boys look through slats in the stone of St. Mark's Basilica down to San Marco Piazza.
Photo Courtesy: Kelli Wein

Depending on when you arrive in Venice, start your day at the famous Piazza San Marco. Flanked by the Doge’s Palace on one side and the famed St. Mark’s Bell Tower on the other, this famous square is lined with quaint shops, cafes, and pigeons children can feed. Then, stop by St. Mark’s Cathedral. This beautiful Byzantine church has a stunning exterior complete with paintings, elaborate statues, and more cool architecture. It’s also free to tour inside, though you can expect a wait to get in unless you visit very early in the morning. 

The Doge’s Palace in Venice, featuring a stone facade on a sunny day.
Photo Courtesy: Marika Sartori

Combine a visit here with a trip to St. Mark’s Campanile, aka the Bell Tower. (Admission is free for kids under six.) For an additional ticket, families can take a speedy elevator up to the top of the bell tower for stunning views over Venice! Next, kids can learn about the city’s history at The Doge’s Palace. While younger kids may not find every aspect of a visit here interesting, you can make it more fascinating with a family-friendly tour. Viator offers a St Mark’s Square & Doge’s Palace Guided Tour for Kids & Families

Then, take kids to see the famous Bridge of Sighs nearby or walk a little further to see the Rialto Bridge. You can also stop for lunch at Trattoria Antiche Carampane, known for its delicious seafood. 

Afternoon Activity: Mask-Making Workshop

An assortment of white masks on a black table, ready to be painted in a Venice Mask-Making Workshop.

One fun way for kids to experience Venice’s cultural history is by taking a mask-making workshop. Learn more about the origins of ​​Venetian masks, which are equally mysterious and amazing. Viator offers a fantastic Venice Carnival Mask-Making Class for kids, letting them learn the trade from a master artisan. Lasting around two hours, little ones can learn about the centuries-old celebration of Carnival before making their own paper-mâché mask in a production class! 

GetYourGuide also offers a Create Your Own Carnival Mask Workshop

Evening Activity: Gondola Ride 

A young boy smiles as he rides a gondola through the canals of Venice, with the Bridge of Sighs in the distance.
Photo Courtesy: Kelli Wein

What better way to see Venice than on a gondola? To avoid most of the tourists and price gouging on your Italy family vacation, we suggest taking one in the evening to get some great views. Some of the best spots to take a gondola ride are Campo San Barnaba, San Polo, and Friari. Approach any one of the local gondoliers by the canal and don’t be afraid to negotiate the price. If you want to check out the source of the boats, you can also visit a Gondola Workshop in the neighborhood of Accademia. It’s not open to the public for a tour, but you can still peer at the workmen inside! 

Day 3: Murano

A store selling handmade glass in Murano, Venice, one of the best places to visit on an Italy itinerary with kids.

Murano is a must for any families visiting Venice on their Italy itinerary! A tiny island south of Venice, it’s easily accessible via a short Vaporetto (water taxi) ride. When you arrive in the morning, you’ll be surrounded by charming houses and experts trained in the art of glassblowing, lining the Grand Canal like street performers. Families who want to learn more about the Venetian tradition of glassblowing can also visit the Venice Glass Museum to see the world’s largest collection of glass. Or, let kids get hands-on experience at the Murano Glass Factory, which offers a variety of lessons spanning from 20-minute introductions to more complicated two-hour lessons on how to make glass cups. 

Viator also offers a Glassblowing beginners class in Murano, a 2-and-a-half-hour small-group class where kids can learn about shaping molten glass from an expert. Afterward, browse the stores along the Grand Canal to buy souvenirs, grab dessert from a local cafe, and people-watch while you wait for your taxi back to Venice. If you want to eat lunch in Murano, Trattoria Busa alla Torre offers outdoor seating overlooking the canals and great seafood dishes. 

Additional Activity: Acqua Alta Bookshop

The Acqua Alta Bookshop in Venice, one of the best places to visit on an Italy Itinerary with kids.

Once you return to Venice in the afternoon, take kids to the Acqua Alta Bookshop. Located just a short walk from the Rialto Bridge, Piazza San Marco, and other famous attractions, this hidden gem is packed to the brim with all kinds of books. Plus, toys, souvenirs, and more fun for kids to browse, most of which are in English. Books are stored in gondolas, wheelbarrows, bathtubs, and other whacky structures, some even coming together to form a huge wall made entirely of encyclopedias!

Evening Activity: Ghost Tour

Visiting Venice with tweens or teens? If your kids are up for it, join a family-friendly ghost tour. With companies like Avventure Bellissime, which offer Venice Ghost and Legends Walking Tours, you can watch Venice’s intriguing history come to life in the quiet canals and narrow alleys after dark. A fun addition to any Italy itinerary with kids, the tour lasts around an hour and a half, passing through famous spots like the Rialto Bridge as you learn facts about people like Biasio, a murderous butcher.

Where To Stay In Venice With Kids

A boat parked in the canal outside the entrance to Splendid Venice - Starhotels Collezione.
Photo Courtesy: Splendid Venice – Starhotels Collezione

Looking for the best places to stay in Venice with kids? To stay just a few minutes from St. Mark’s Square, check out Splendid Venice – Starhotels Collezione, a beautiful kid-friendly hotel right in the heart of the city. JW Marriott Venice Resort & Spa offers kids’ clubs and a family pool. Another great option is Hotel Excelsior Venice Lido Resort, one of the best family hotels in Venice for families, and plenty of others. 

Florence

Families who love art and history simply must add a stop to Florence on their Italy itinerary! Known as the “cradle of the Renaissance,” it’s filled with kid-friendly museums, and its streets almost feel like a living history museum themselves – not to mention the scenic Ponte Vecchio that separates the two sides of the city. Depending on which train you take, traveling from Venice to Florence should take between 2 to 4 hours. Here’s the best Florence, Italy itinerary for families! 

Day 4: Piazza del Duomo, Leonardo da Vinci Museum, San Lorenzo Market

A view of the Florence skyline, including the famous Duomo.
Photo Courtesy: Ali Nuredini

One of the first things you need to see when visiting Florence with kids is the Duomo. Designed by Filippo Brunelleschi between 1420 and 1436, this architectural marvel tops the Florence Cathedral and is one of the most iconic landmarks in the city. When planning an Italy itinerary with kids, we suggest visiting in the morning, since the line to go inside is always long. Families with teens can even take a long climb up the dome to get a gorgeous view of the Florence skyline! 

The Leonardo Da Vinci Museum in Florence, one of the best things to do on an Italy itinerary with kids.

Once you’re done visiting the Duomo, take a short walk to the Leonardo Da Vinci Museum. A testament to one of the world’s greatest inventors and painters, this kid-friendly educational institution has an extensive collection of Da Vinci’s sketches, prototypes, and even a few paintings. It’s especially fantastic for kids because it’s a sensory experience, so little ones can touch and interact with most of what’s on display!

For lunch, stop at San Lorenzo Market. Located in a historic, cast-iron building, the market, also known as Mercato Centrale, you can spend a few hours touring the market, sampling prosciutto, cheese, and anything else your family can get its hand on! If you’d prefer a full meal, however, there’s also a wonderful Sicilian restaurant on the second floor. Plus, a variety of stalls selling pasta and to-go meals like Lampredotto, a type of fish sandwich. 

Additional Activity: Walking Tour

A family of four poses in front of Ponte Vecchio in Florence.
Photo Courtesy: Nicci Stewart Robertson

Short on time while visiting Florence? A walking tour is another fantastic way to see all the top attractions in Florence while keeping kids entertained. You’ll get to visit places like Ponte Vecchio, Piazza Della Repubblica, San Lorenzo Market, and the Duomo. There are many free options for families as well, including Florence Free Tours, La Bussola, etc. Or, check out Tours For Kids by With Locals, The Best of Florence: A Family-Friendly Private Tour by GetYourGuide, and a hop-on, hop-off bus tour

Afternoon Activity: Palazzo Pitti & The Boboli Gardens

A view of the statues and greenery at the Boboli Gardens in Florence.

Art lovers can’t miss another one of Florence’s architectural marvels, the Palazzo Pitti. It’s home to multiple museums, including the Palatine Gallery, the Royal Apartments, the Gallery of Modern Art, and the Costume Gallery. Plus, once you’re done exploring, you can check out The Boboli Gardens behind the palace. It’s perfect for an afternoon stroll, as beautiful flora wraps around statues and other priceless artworks. If you really want an amazing view, however, you’ll have to climb to the top of the observation tower. Afterward, stop for a gelato break at Gelateria Santa Trinita. 

Evening Activity: Dinner & A Sunset Stroll

Families looking for a traditional dinner will love Trattoria ZaZa, which has a variety of pasta dishes as well as larger plates. Then, you can take a sunset stroll along Ponte Vecchio. Connecting two sides of the Arno River, it is more like a road with shops on both sides, which sell everything from jewelry to leather goods. Little kids will love to spot animals from its entrance while older kids admire the funky shape and learn about its story, including when it wasn’t destroyed by bombs during World War II. 

Left Image: Statues at the entrance of Palazzo Vecchio. Right Image: A young girl looks up at the large columns within the interior courtyard of the Palazzo Vecchio.
Photo Courtesy: Gunjan Prakash

Art lovers visiting Florence can’t miss a trip to the Uffizi Gallery. As one of the oldest and most visited galleries in the world, it houses an incredible collection of paintings. In fact, the museum is home to masterpieces by artists such as Leonardo da Vinci, Michelangelo, and Botticelli. Remember to book tickets in advance to avoid long lines. (​​Viator offers this Early Access: Guided Uffizi Gallery Tour with Skip-the-Line Ticket!) 

Once you’re done, stop at Piazza della Signoria. It’s home to several important landmarks, including the Palazzo Vecchio and the Fountain of Neptune. There are often street performers and musicians playing, making it a great place to people-watch and soak up the atmosphere of Florence.

From there, make your way to Palazzo Vecchio, one of the most iconic landmarks in Florence. Dating back to the 13th century, this large palace showcases a unique mixture of Gothic and Renaissance-style architecture. It’s also home to the Museum of Florence, which contains a wealth of art and artifacts. For lunch, check out Osteria All’antico Vinaio. Famous for its colossal sandwiches, this is a quick and delicious lunch option. Grab your sandwiches and head to the nearby Piazza della Repubblica to eat them. Kids will love the antique carousel here! 

Afternoon Activity: Cooking Class

A young child cuts a piece of cheese, while taking a cooking lesson in Florence with their family.

Taking a cooking class in Florence is a wonderful way to bond as a family and learn more about the city’s diverse culinary traditions. With local companies such as Mama Florence, Eating Europe, and Florence Cooking Classes, families can learn how to make gelato, fresh pasta, and more delicacies in an intimate and personalized setting. Viator also offers a Florence Cooking Class: Learn How to Make Gelato and Pizza. Or, check out GetYourGuide’s Cooking with Kids 3-Hour Experience

Evening Activity: Boat Cruise Or Walk Along The Arno River

A view of the Arno River and Ponte Vecchio from Monsignor della Casa Country Resort Spa
Photo Courtesy: Monsignor della Casa Country Resort Spa

End your day by taking a nighttime stroll along the Arno River. Families can cross Ponte Santa Trinita for stunning night views of Florence. The city lights reflecting on the river create a magical ambiance! Or, you could even take a boat cruise. River cruises are also a great way to learn about Florence and its history. Your tour guide will point out all of the important sights and tell you about their significance. Then, for dinner, stop at Trattoria 4 Leoni. Showcasing a cozy atmosphere, this charming trattoria is located in Piazza della Passera. Try the Florentine steak! 

Left Image: A view of the statue of David through the crowd at Accademia Gallery. Right Image: Two kids look up at a piece of art within the Accademia Gallery.
Photo Courtesy: Gunjan Prakash

Families can’t leave Florence without visiting the Accademia Gallery. Of course, it’s famous for a good reason, since it showcases some of the most famous art in the world! This includes Michelangelo’s famous statue of David, which you can see on display in all its glory. Aside from the statue, the gallery also has a collection of paintings by Renaissance artists such as Leonardo da Vinci and Botticelli. To make the experience more interesting for your family, make sure to pick up an audio tour specifically for kids. 

If you have extra time on your Italy itinerary with kids, you could also visit The Palazzo Strozzi. Though it may not be the most interesting for toddlers or younger kids, it’ll definitely be a hit with teens or older children! Upon arrival, little ones will receive a unique “children’s explorer’s bag,” which comes with torches, pens, and paper games to make the experience more enjoyable. For lunch nearby, indulge in authentic Neopolitan pizza at Il Pizzaiuolo

Afternoon Activity: Marble Paper Class

The colorful final product of a kid-friendly marble art class in Florence.
Photo Courtesy: Gunjan Prakash

When visiting Florence for the first time, be sure to take a marble paper class with your kids. This is a unique opportunity to get your hands dirty and learn how to make beautiful works of art using only marble paper and a few simple tools. Ideal for families with kids who are older than six, the classes are small and intimate, typically last two or three hours, and all materials are included. Many local providers offer this class, and you can even take a class with a local artist like Giulio Giannini or Francesca Vannini.

Optional Activity: Galileo Museum

Inside the large entrance to Galileo Museum, with a huge skylight overhead.

For a quick stop after your class, check out the Galileo Museum. Focusing on all things Galileo Galilei, the museum walks visitors through his various inventions, including telescopes and microscopes, all the while highlighting the story of the astronomer’s life. It’s one of few museums in Florence you’ll be able to attend without waiting in line, and you can probably tackle its tiny interior in an hour or so. 

Evening Activity: Climb To Piazzale Michelangelo

For your last evening in Florence, visit Piazzale Michelangelo on the south bank of the Arno River. Offering sweeping views of Florence, it’s a scenic place to see at sunset because of its elevated position over the city. Though the viewpoint requires some steps to reach, so it’s not stroller-friendly, it’s worth it if you’re up for the climb. After, you can stop for dinner at Il Latini, a family-style restaurant known for its warm hospitality and delicious Tuscan dishes. 

Where To Stay In Florence With Kids

A view of the exterior of the Four Seasons Hotel Firenze
Photo Courtesy: Four Seasons Hotel Firenze

Looking for the best places to stay in Florence with kids? If you are planning an upcoming family vacation to Florence, you can check out the Four Seasons Hotel Firenze, a grand palatial hotel overlooking Giardino Della Gherardesca. 

Families who want to stay in an upscale hotel near Santa Maria del Fiore and the Uffizi Gallery will love Palazzo Vecchietti, which offers rooms with floor-to-ceiling windows. Hotel Lungarno is set along the river overlooking Ponte Vecchio, and St. Regis Florence is only a 10-minute walk from the train station. Finally, Hotel Savoy is another great option for families to consider when staying in Florence. Check out our list of the best hotels in Florence for families for more options! 

Rome

The last stop on our Italy itinerary with kids is Rome! This ancient city was once the capital of the Roman Empire and still serves as a popular spot for tourists visiting Italy. We suggest ending your trip in Rome and then flying from Rome back to your home destination, rather than making your way back up to Milan. Keep reading to find out more things to do in Rome with kids!

Day 7: Ancient Rome

An aerial view of the grounds inside the Roman Forum.

Rome’s historic city center is a must-visit during your vacation to Italy. It’s home to impressive landmarks, ancient architecture, and archaeological sites from thousands of years ago. 

The Trevi Fountain in Rome under a blue sky.

Start at the Spanish Steps, a famous monument towering above Piazza di Spagna. Here, families can take in the ambiance while they appreciate the view. From there, you can head to the Trevi Fountain, one of Rome’s most recognizable landmarks. Don’t forget to toss in a coin and make a wish! Nearby, families can also stop at the Marcus Aurelius Column and enjoy a break in the town square. 

Then, make your way to the Pantheon to admire its beautiful domed ceiling. Grab a quick gelato at Gelateria Della Palma, then head to Piazza Navona to see The Fiumi Fountain, Neptune Fountain, and more! 

Additional Activity: Walking Tour

There are many ways to tour this area with kids. Families with teens will love touring by bike or Segway, while multigenerational groups may prefer touring by bus. Those who prefer luxury tours may do so by vintage car. This free walking tour is a great option to start with, and it can be booked in advance.

Rick Steves Audio Guide is a self-guided audio tour using an app on your phone. GPSMY CITY is also a good way to customize your walking tour and go at your own pace. Best Of Rome Walking Tour is great for families with teens.

Optional Activity: ​​Cooking Class

Two kids kneading dough while taking a pasta cooking class in Rome.
Photo Courtesy: Gunjan Prakash

End your day with an evening cooking class from companies like Local Aromas, Eataly Roma, or Viator. Not only will you learn how to make delicious fettuccine, gnocchi, or pizza, but you’ll get to eat your hard work for dinner too! 

Day 8: Vatican Museums, St. Peter’s, and Castel Sant’Angelo

The Vatican in Rome surrounded by pedestrians.  It's one of the best places to visit on an Italy itinerary with kids.

Start the second day of your Rome itinerary with kids at St. Peter’s Basilica. Since the lines can get long during the day, we suggest arriving before 9:00 AM and checking out the main floor, which is free to enter. (Even then, a wait is likely inevitable.) 

St. Peter’s features works by many famous Italian artists, including Michelangelo’s famous Pieta statue and art by Bernini. You can also climb to the top of the dome for a rewarding view, but we don’t recommend this with young kids. GetYourGuide offers various Tours of St. Peter’s Basicilia, as does Viator, which features a Private Tour of The Vatican & St. Peter’s. Remember that St Peter’s Basilica has a strict dress code: no shorts, sleeveless tops, or short skirts showing knees. Please read the requirements online before visiting. 

Two kids stand together and admire a painting, while exploring a museum.
Photo Courtesy: Gunjan Prakash

Once you’ve toured the basilica, head outside to St. Peter’s Square. This famous town square is a work of art, perfect for letting kids run around and see the elegant and colorful Swiss Guards. If you have time, we also suggest a stroll through the pristine Vatican Garden. 

Next, visit the Vatican Museums. Located right next to the basilica, it would be ideal to see this stroller-friendly destination at the beginning of your visit. However, the lines are often long, so some families prefer seeing the museums afterward. One ticket gives you access to all the galleries. Kids can explore Egyptian relics, Renaissance paintings, Greek and Roman Sculptures, and of course, the Last Judgement in Michelangelo’s Sistine Chapel! Viator offers a family-friendly Vatican Museum Tour, which includes special skip-the-line access.

Optional Activity: Sunset Views From Castel Sant’Angelo

A city view, including Vatican City, atop Castel Sant'Angelo.
Photo Courtesy: Gunjan Prakash

While the second day on this Rome itinerary with kids has been a long one, we highly recommend visiting Castel Sant’ Angelo. Overlooking the River Tiber near Vatican City, it was originally commissioned as a mausoleum for Roman Emperor Hadrian. Now, families can visit this gorgeous destination for a 360-degree view of Rome! We suggest taking a tour to see the inside as well, where kids can all kinds of historic weapons, former prisons, plus secret apartments. End your day enjoying the panoramic vistas of St. Peter’s Basilica at the top! You can even take a meal at the top of the castle, if you are interested.

Day 9: Colosseum, Roman Forum, and Palatine Hill

A mom and her young daughter look into the center of the Colosseum, one of the best places to visit on an Italy itinerary with kids.
Photo Courtesy: Dani Ward Colosseum

Visiting the Colosseum is a must during any Italy itinerary with kids! Families will be impressed by this historic amphitheater, offering a glimpse at life as a gladiator amid deadly battles and other forms of entertainment. 

A free Rick Steves Audio Tour is available if you want to save money on exploring. But we recommend booking a tour, especially an underground tour to see the Colosseum’s lower level. This is where gladiators used to wait their turn. It also features props, plus the elevator that lifted animals into the arena! Underground tickets can sell out, especially during peak seasons, so be sure to book in advance. We suggest companies such as CoopCulture,  Civitatis, and Viator, which has a Semi-Private Colosseum Underground Tour.

Families who want to skip the underground tour can also combine a trip to the Colosseum with other sites in the historic city center. Viator offers a wonderful Colosseum and Roman Forum for Kids Tour, including the Colosseum, Palatine Hill, and the Roman Forum. This was once the center of daily life in ancient Rome, featuring ruins, an ancient plaza, and other historic points of interest. Palatine Hill is located above the Roman Forum and is the most important of Rome’s seven hills. 

If you’re not taking a tour and want a budget-friendly way to see the Forum, download the Parco Colosseo app or Rick Steves Audio Tours Europe.

Additional Activity: Gladiator Class

A view of participants at the Gladiator School in Rome, one of the best things to do on an Italy itinerary with kids.
Photo Courtesy: Gladiator School Rome

Teach your kids how to fight like a real gladiator at the Gladiator School Of Rome! At this historical museum and educational attraction, older kids and tweens can train to be gladiators for a day and travel back in time two thousand years with an exciting two-hour class. In the process, they’ll learn more about Ancient Rome and what it took to survive back then – all with replica gladiator clothing and weapons!

Between gladiator games, fun facts about history, and more wholesome fun, it’s a wonderful way to immerse kids in an iconic period of history. Once you’re done with the class, your ticket also includes a free tour of the Gladiator Museum, featuring hands-on exhibits and cool artifacts! 

Book the Gladiator School through Viator here for free cancellation up to 24 hours in advance and the tickets are cheaper than buying direct!

Optional: Circus Maximus, Bocca Della Verita, Dinner in Trastevere

The ancient Roman chariot track on a sunny day at Circus Maximus.
Photo Courtesy: tommao wang

If you have extra time, you could walk from the Colosseum to the Circus Maximus below Palatine Hill. Though most of this chariot stadium has been destroyed, kids will love walking around the oval racetrack and imagining their chariot games.

La bocca della verita in Rome, one of the best places to visit on an Italy itinerary with kids.
Photo Courtesy: Gunjan Prakash

Then, learn more about an iconic legend at Bocca Della Verita in Santa Maria in Cosmedin Church. Kids will surely get a kick by sticking their hands inside the face and taking a funny photo! (Just remember there’s often a line here.) 

Once you’re done exploring, head across the bridge to Trastevere to eat dinner. Trattoria Da Enzo is a kid-friendly restaurant that’s wonderful for classic pasta dishes and other Roman delicacies, but you can expect a wait. 

Day 10: Villa Borghese, Bioparco di Roma, and Piazza Navona

A family of four rides a surrey bike around Villa Borghese, with the museum behind them.
Photo Courtesy: Gunjan Prakash

From the convenient Parco dei Daini entrance, explore Villa Borghese, one of Rome’s biggest public parks. It features gardens, ponds, and ancient statues. Combining several scenic sites, there’s also a tourist train that travels through the park. There are many ways to explore Villa Borghese with kids, here is what we recommend for each age group on your Italy itinerary with kids.

For Toddlers and Young Kids

  • Bioparco di Roma is ideal for toddlers and young kids. Families can see hundreds of animals like zebras, tigers, giraffes, and monkeys at this zoological park.
  • Since there are a lot of picnic and play areas (including two playgrounds in different parts of the park), Villa Borghese is also a nice way to spend a quiet afternoon lounging and letting kids play.
  • Young kids will also love the nearby Explora Children’s Museum, where they can challenge themselves with science, art, and history-related exhibits.

For Older kids + Teens

  • Tweens and teens will adore renting Surrey bikes or quads. Grab a map of the enormous park and gardens and start exploring.
  • Borghese Gallery is another great option for older kids and teens. This spectacular destination is home to masterpieces by Caravaggio, Raphael, Bernini, Canova, and Titian. Viator offers wonderful Art & Mythology in the Borghese Gallery Tour for Kids to give kids more context.
  • Museum Carlo Bilotti, located nearby, showcases contemporary sculpture and painting in a lovely 19th-century orangery. It’s a great place to visit on an Italy itinerary with kids!

All Ages

  • On a sunny day, families with kids of all ages can also rent rowboats to take out onto the lake and see the ancient Temple of Asclepius.
  • Visit Terrazza del Pincio, located at the Southern end of the Pincio Promenade, if you’re looking for a great view of the city.

To end your day, exit near the Spanish Steps, then head to Piazza Navona for dinner. Saltimbocca Ristorante serves traditional pasta dishes in a cozy setting, and there are two sizes of tiramisu! 

Where To Stay In Rome With Kids

Grand Hotel De La 
Minerve in Rome, Italy.
Photo Courtesy: Grand Hotel De La Minerve

For a convenient stay in the historic city center, consider hotels such as Hotel Nazionale Roma, Crossing Condotti, Grand Hotel de la Minerve, Albergo Santa Chiara, St. Regis Rome, Hotel Artemide, and Hotel de Russie. Families who want to stay in trendy Trastevere will love the Villa Agrippina Gran Melia, located on the banks of the River Tiber. Check out our list of the best hotels in Rome for families to learn more! 

Optional: Day Trip To Pompeii

Naples with Pompeii behind it
Photo Courtesy: Denise Jones

If you have an extra day to spare on your Italy itinerary with kids, we highly recommend taking a day trip from Rome to Pompeii, which is around 2 hours away if you opt for a high-speed train. 

When most people think of Pompeii, they think of the disaster that occurred there. However, this extensive archaeological site in southern Italy’s Campania region is also a fantastic place to learn about history, architecture, and culture! Firstly, start by exploring the ruins of the ancient city in Pompeii Archaeological Park and telling kids how it was destroyed by the eruption of Mount Vesuvius. Many guides can show you around and explain the history in more detail. 

Then, head to the Pompeii Amphitheatre. Families can also visit the Pompeii Archaeological Museum, which has an extensive collection of artifacts. Art lovers may prefer seeing the glittering frescoes and mosaics of Villa dei Misteri or House of the Faun. Don’t forget to stop by the Pompeii Forum to learn even more about this ancient city!

If you’re looking for something more active on your Italy itinerary with kids, the area has several hiking trails. Families can also see Vesuvius National Park to learn about the volcano that destroyed Pompeii. Finally, take a boat ride around the Bay of Naples. 

Happy Travels!

Two pose sit at the edge of a fountain on one side of Piazza Navona. It's one of the best places to visit on an Italy itinerary with kids!
Photo Courtesy: Heather Paterson

We hope you liked this 10-Day Itinerary For Visiting Italy With Kids! From Milan to Rome, this kid-friendly country is brimming with history, fantastic food, and so much more to make your next family vacation amazing. Enjoy your next trip to Italy with kids!

*This post may contain affiliate links that may earn us a small commission, at no additional cost to you. Affiliate links in no way inform the hotels, sights, products, or other recommendations included in our articles. All opinions and recommendations expressed here are compiled from submissions submitted by the generous members of our Families Who Love To Travel community.

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Families Love Travel Team

The Families Love Travel Team has a zest for life and an even bigger passion for globetrotting! Comprised of real-life travel professionals, we work hard behind the scenes to provide dynamic solutions for adventuring with children. Our enthusiastic team understands the challenges that often accompany traveling with kids and is committed to making Families Love Travel an inclusive space to convey these experiences.