Family Travel Attractions In Three Of Italy’s Top Destinations

Not long after we were married, my husband and I spent a romantic week in Venice.  It was so enchanting that I promised myself we would come back one day.  Little did I know that we’d be returning with two kids in tow.   We visited two cities and one island and found that it wasn’t difficult to find friendly and enjoyable places to take our little ones.  Here are our favorites:

Rome

No vacation with children is complete without a trip to the zoo.  The Bioparco is one of the finest zoos I’ve ever visited.  There is a stunning array of animals including amphibians, reptiles, birds and mammals.  My children were especially fond of the capybaras and the pygmy hippopotamus.  However, the Bioparco is more than just a zoo.  It’s also a botanical garden featuring many exotic plants from around the world.  There’s a sweet little train that runs throughout the zoo and gives tours.  It was a fun way to give our feet a break.

Lion in Bioparco, Rome, Lazio, Italy by Bruno

The Sistine Chapel may seem like an unusual place to take your children, but at four and seven, my children were both in awe of the impressive architecture and the stunning artwork.  As a former art nerd, I couldn’t help but tear up as I viewed Michelangelo’s frescos and Raphael’s tapestries.  No matter what your age, this beautiful chapel is well worth a visit.

It’s almost a requirement to visit ancient ruins when in Rome.  While the Colosseum might seem like the obvious choice, I recommend the Pantheon.   Built in 27 BC by Marcus Agrippa, the Pantheon was a temple for all the gods of ancient Rome.  When you enter the building, the first thing your eyes are drawn to is the massive cupola.  Despite its age, the Pantheon’s dome is still the world’s largest unreinforced concrete dome.  The oculus opens into the sky allowing natural light (and sometime rain) to enter the building.  It is truly breathtaking.

Pantheon, Rome, Italy by Claire for Europe Explored

Venice

The Doge’s Palace (Palazzo Ducale) is an absolute must see in Venice.  I recommend taking a guided tour so you can get a detailed history of this magnificent palace.  My husband and I enjoyed the art and architecture while our children were most excited by the Bridge of Sighs and the prisons.

Take a relaxing ride in a gondola on the Grand Canal. It’s the best way to see the gorgeous architecture of Venice.  My son was so soothed by the water that he fell asleep in my arms!

The Lido di Venezia is a fabulous place to let your kids be kids.  They can play in the sand and surf while you and your partner enjoy a private beach hut.  Be sure to get some delicious gelato while you’re there!

Gondolas on Grand Canal, Venice, Italy by Claire for Europe Explored

Sicily

Ancient ruins aren’t just a Roman specialty.  The Temple of Concordia is amazingly preserved and the grounds are positively lovely.  Surrounded by olive and almond trees, there’s a real sense of serenity surrounding the ruins.  Local legend is that newlyweds who visit the temple on their wedding day will have a peaceful marriage.

The Museo Archeologico Regionale Eoliano was so entertaining that we spent four hours exploring its fascinating exhibits.   With artifacts spanning 5000 years, there is so much to see that it might seem overwhelming,  Take your time and look over all the exhibits, be sure to visit the church and climb the steps to see the dazzling view from the cliffs.

If you’re traveling in Sicily during the summer, a great way to beat the heat and see something endlessly captivating is to visit the Catacombs of St. John.  My daughter was so enthralled that it was all she would talk about for weeks afterward.  The tour is incredibly informative and the guide speaks English extremely well.  Although there are no bodies, photography is still prohibited.

Temple of Concordia, Agrigento, Sicily, Italy by Berthold Werner

If you’re planning on taking your family to Italy, be sure to visit some of these amazing destinations.  You’ll create memories that will last a lifetime.

As a freelance writer for Holiday Place, Susan Crown spends an inordinate amount of time chasing her children through crowded airports.  When she’s not writing, she enjoys reading, sailing and eating her body weight in gummy worms.

Tags: Rome, Sicily, venice

Category: Italy