Great ideas for family holidays in Italy

Family is a big deal in Italy and there is hardly another country in the world where your kids will be made to feel more welcome on holiday. What’s more, with miles of rambling countryside, thrilling theme parks and tasty cuisine, Italy will capture their imagination just as much as yours.

So where should you go in Italy when you want to take the kids? Here’s a suggestion for a brief tour through some of Italy’s favourite family destinations:

Take the little ones to Rome

Rome is a brilliant introduction to family holidays in Italy and as far as your children are concerned, it’s one big playground of awesome monuments, child-friendly attractions and huge green parks. The aptly-named Museo dei Bambini is designed specially for little ones, while Bioparco di Roma is one of the finest zoos in the country.

Then there are the massive outdoor sites like the Forum, Palatine Hill and of course, the Colosseum, to really bring all those dry history lessons to life. And don’t forget to have a pizza on one of the broad piazzas or treat everyone to the world-famous gelato!

When you’ve exhausted the city sights, take a day trip to Bomarzo Monster Park in Northern Lazio, which has a bizarre collection of stone creatures and a forested garden.

Go natural in Umbria

On your way north, be sure to make a stop in the central region of Umbria. Extremely popular with visitors of all ages, Umbria is a patchwork of nature parks, hilltop medieval towns and awe-inspiring waters.

Roam around walled settlements like Spoleto or clifftop Orvieto and the kids will love the twisting, turning streets. Spark their interest with the spooky mummies underneath Ferentillo’s church; centuries-old bodies which have been naturally preserved in the local soil.

Or if you have younger ones, they might prefer a visit to Perugina Chocolate Factory to explore the museum and taste a few samples along the way. With Tavernelle Waterpark also at Perugia, the town makes for a good place to stay.

Get your buckets & spades out for Rimini

What summer family holiday would be complete without a trip to the seaside? Though you may feel spoiled for choice with Italy’s boundless coastline, Rimini is a good bet for action-packed family fun. Situated in north-easterly Emilia Romagna, Rimini is a town known for a hospitality as warm as the weather, as well as prime beaches, water activities and a healthy dose of theme parks.

In fact, the Rimini Riviera has a whole complex dedicated to amusements, from Fiabilandia for younger children, to the Aquarium Cattolica and Italia in Miniatura, filled with to-scale reproductions of the country’s most famous sights, letting children leap from the tip to the top of the Boot in just a few bounds.

There are also plenty of child-friendly hotels and resorts here, as well as a few spas and a lively evening vibe if you can manage a night off from the kids.

In truth, the length and breadth of Italy is chock-full of things to do as a family. Don’t rule out places like romantic Venice; the boat trips, costumed figures and floating castles will really appeal to the kids. Alternatively, opt for a quieter retreat on the islands of Sicily or Sardinia, where the children can roam the vineyards and valleys to their heart’s content. However you introduce your kids to Italy, one thing’s for sure, you’ll all come back with plenty of ideas for a return trip.