Italy has a way of stealing your heart. The food, the history, the art, the atmosphere — it’s no wonder families return here time and again. But what makes Italy truly special is that it’s not just for grown-ups. Kids can become gladiators for the day, taste-test gelato straight from the source, and even create their own Venetian masks.
Planning a family trip to Italy itinerary doesn’t have to feel overwhelming. Whether you’re walking in the footsteps of emperors in Rome, chasing treasures through medieval streets in Siena, or gliding along the canals of Venice, this country offers one memorable experience after another. Here’s how to spend 10 days exploring the best of Italy with kids.
Best Things to Do in Italy with Kids
Travelling with children is all about balance. You want to soak up culture and history, but you also want to keep little travellers engaged. Luckily, Italy is made for this.
Kids can:
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Train as gladiators in Rome, complete with costumes and wooden swords.
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Embark on a scavenger hunt through Siena’s medieval streets.
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Taste authentic gelato during a behind-the-scenes tour in Florence.
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Design and decorate their own Venetian masks in a hands-on workshop.
For parents, this means no more “I’m bored” sighs — every day feels like an adventure. And for kids, it’s about learning without realising it, through fun experiences that stay with them long after the trip ends.
Exploring Rome as a Family
There’s nowhere quite like Rome. The Colosseum, the Roman Forum, the Pantheon — it’s one giant open-air museum. But the beauty of the Eternal City is that children don’t just have to look; they can join in.
A highlight of any Rome Florence Venice family trip is the Gladiator School. Here, kids dress up, learn sword skills, and march like warriors. It’s interactive, energetic, and the perfect way to bring history to life. Afterwards, walk through the Colosseum itself, where you can almost hear the echoes of roaring crowds.
Don’t forget to toss a coin into the Trevi Fountain (legend has it, it guarantees your return to Rome) and enjoy a scoop of creamy gelato on the Spanish Steps. For families, Rome is a city where ancient history feels alive — and delicious.
Tuscany’s Hidden Treasures for Families
After the bustle of Rome, Tuscany’s rolling hills are a welcome change of pace. Siena is the star here, with its grand Piazza del Campo and winding streets that feel like a medieval maze. A scavenger hunt through Siena is a brilliant way to explore — kids can search for symbols, statues and hidden details while parents soak in the atmosphere.
Nearby Pisa is another must-see. The Leaning Tower is as quirky in real life as it looks in photos, and watching kids pretend to “hold it up” is a family tradition in itself. For something more relaxed, head to Lucca. Here, families can rent bikes and cycle the tree-lined walls that circle the city. Safe, scenic, and fun, it’s one of the best places in Italy for families.
Family-Friendly Food Experiences in Florence
Florence is a feast for the eyes and the tastebuds. The city is filled with Renaissance art and architecture, but kids will love it for another reason: gelato.
Take a behind-the-scenes tour of one of Florence’s finest gelaterias and discover how this creamy treat is made. From rich chocolate to tangy lemon, every flavour tells a story — and of course, taste-testing is encouraged. Afterwards, head to the Mercato Centrale, where you’ll find fresh Tuscan produce, from pecorino cheese to honey-drizzled pastries.
Florence also offers some of Italy’s most family-friendly cultural experiences. Climb to the top of the Duomo for panoramic city views, explore statues in the Piazza della Signoria, and wander across the Ponte Vecchio, where jewellery shops glitter above the Arno River. This is a city that mixes culture with fun, making it a key stop on any 10 day Italy itinerary family adventure.
Venice: Magical Moments for All Ages
Arriving in Venice feels like stepping into another world. With its canals, gondolas and bridges, the city is a living fairytale. Families can start with a tour of St Mark’s Basilica and the Doge’s Palace — grand, golden and awe-inspiring. Even children will be captivated by the mosaics and stories of Venetian rulers.
But the real magic happens when you dive into the city’s traditions. In a Venetian mask-making workshop, kids can design their own masks using paint, glitter and feathers, just like those worn during Carnival. It’s creative, hands-on, and makes a wonderful keepsake.
Of course, no visit to Venice is complete without a gondola ride. Gliding through narrow canals, past hidden palaces and under arched bridges, is the perfect way to end your family adventure in Italy.
Planning Your 10 Day Italy Itinerary for Families
Ten days gives you enough time to see the highlights without feeling too rushed. Here’s a simple breakdown for a family trip to Italy itinerary:
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Days 1–3: Rome – Explore the Colosseum, Pantheon, Trevi Fountain and Gladiator School.
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Days 4–6: Tuscany & Florence – Visit Siena, Pisa, Lucca, Florence’s Duomo, Mercato Centrale and a gelato-making tour.
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Days 7–9: Venice – Discover St Mark’s Basilica, Doge’s Palace, enjoy a gondola ride and create Venetian masks.
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Day 10: Departure – Spend your final morning strolling along canals or enjoying one last Italian breakfast before heading home.
This route is flexible — families with younger children may prefer more downtime, while those with teens might want to add extra cultural stops. Either way, it’s a balance of history, culture, food and fun.
Final Thoughts: Why Italy is Perfect for Families
Italy has a unique way of capturing the imagination, whether you’re six or sixty. It’s a place where children can play gladiator, design masks, and eat gelato every day, while parents soak in centuries of history and savour some of the best food in the world.
For families, it’s not just a holiday — it’s a chance to create shared memories you’ll talk about for years.
And when you’re back home, you can carry a piece of your Italian journey with you. At Journeys Made, we create handcrafted travel keyrings with personalised tokens, so whether it’s Rome, Florence, or Venice, you’ll always have a reminder of the trip that brought your family closer together.
