Republic Square
Central Florence, Italy

Among the city’s memorable scenery is a sight children will adore—a carousel. Once privately owned by the Picci family, this antique carousel is made of wood and includes 20 horses and two king’s carriages. It operates throughout the day in Florence's Republic Square from November to May. Dating to the early 1900s, the carousel has been carefully restored and is run by the fourth and fifth generations of the Picci family. The top panels are painted with depictions of Italian cities, including Pisa, Rome, and Venice, while the inside includes paintings of Roman gods and cherubs. Complete with lights and music, the carousel is small enough to engage the littlest tots and includes spaces for moms and dads to stand next to them as they whirl around the piazza.

1 Via Astoria, Sottomarina
30019 Chioggia, Venice, Italy

Astoria Village is an amusement park at the center of Venice’s peninsula known as Sottomarina. It offers more than 20 rides, games, and activities such as a mirror maze, canoe ride, carousel, trampolines, slides, ball pit, and log flume. There’s also a play area just for little ones. A restaurant serves a variety of seafood and drinks. In addition, nearby at Astoria Beach there are volleyball courts and a playground as well as chairs and umbrellas for relaxing.

Giardino di Boboli

1 Piazza Piazza dei Giudici
50122 Florence, Italy

Established by the wealthy Medici banking family of Florence, Boboli Gardens features statues, fountains, and artificial caves called grottoes. Wander all the sights of the garden that became a model for royal courts throughout Europe. Offering a vast green space within the city, kids can toss a coin into the Fountain of the Ocean before you set up a family photo in front of the 18th century, rounded pavilion called the Kaffeehaus. There also is the Lemon House, home to hundreds of historic citrus plants collected by the Medicis. Terraced areas, a botanical garden, a branched archway, a central reflecting pool, and more, provide for a lovely natural escape and place to relax or enjoy a picnic. The gardens' popular attractions include masterpieces like The Prisoners by Michelangelo (though the version currently here is a replica, not the original), Bathing Venus by Giambologna, and the 18th-century Paris and Helen by Vincenzo de Ross. From its entrance behind the Palazzo Pitti (Pitti Palace) the garden gradually slopes upward; be sure to look back toward the palace as you near the top for a grand view of the central city beyond.

28 Via Brera
Milan, Italy

Escape the city hustle and bustle for a little relaxing family time here. These 5,000 square meters (54,000 square feet) of lawns, flowerbeds, and 18th-century elliptical ponds, located just behind Brera Art Gallery in the center of Milan, are a plant-lover's field day. One of the oldest Ginkgo biloba trees in Europe is located here, as are countless species of mature flora in greenhouses dating back to the 19th century. Orto Botanico di Brera's founder, Maria Theresa of Austria, originally intended the gardens for the use of medical and pharmacological students. Today the University of Milan and the Academy of Fine Arts operate the place as a research center. Entry is completely free, and the gardens are open all day, every day.

4 Via Miano
80145 Milan, Italy

Not many parks include a royal palace within, but hey, this is Italy and Capodimonte Park dates to medieval times. It also is one of the country’s largest parks at 50 hectares (124 acres). It includes lakes, woods, and large green areas, so plan to explore the wooded paths, admire statues, and toss a few coins into the fountains. Overall, there are plenty of attractions that make a few hours here both engaging and enjoyable. Not least for nature lovers will be the more than 400 plant species, some found in English-style gardens. Bring a picnic or ball to toss and relax while the kids roam nearby.

15 Via Michelangelo Buonarroti
30016 Lido di Jesolo, Venice, Italy

A huge pirate-themed waterpark, Caribe Bay has entertainment for every member of the family. It offers a variety of pools and waterslides for all ages. Shallow play areas with fountains and water-spraying canons are available for little ones. Additional attractions include miniature golf, waterfalls, climbing walls, bungee jumping, a high ropes bridge, 135-meter-long (443-foot-long) crazy river, and jungle jump. Shops and eateries provide souvenirs and refreshments.

Maschio Angioino

Via Vittorio Emanuele III
80133 Naples, Italy

The sight of ancient castles is always impressive, no matter what age you are. Castel Nuovo is especially imposing, and it is located right in central Naples, in front of Piazza Municipio and city hall. The fortress and former royal residence that faces the Mediterranean Sea dates to 1279 and is one of the city’s most famous and important symbols. Meticulously restored over the centuries, today the castle includes the Municipal Museum of Naples, spread over two floors. Also inside is a prison, armory hall, chapels, bronze doors, sculptures, paintings, and much more. Your kids should be captivated imagining the history within these walls and the stories and legends they’ll hear about on their visit.

Duomo

1 Via della Canonica
50122 Florence, Italy

Too famous and majestic to miss, the construction of the Cathedral of Santa Maria del Fiore began in 1296. Designed in Gothic style, this is the third-largest church in the world, after Rome’s St. Peter’s Basilica and London’s St. Paul’s Cathedral. The nickname of Duomo derives from the enormous octagonal dome on the east end, while the structure itself is 153 meters (502 feet) long, 90 m (295 ft) wide at the crossing, and 90 m (295 ft) tall. Visitors will enjoy learning interesting facts, like how the dome remains the largest brick and masonry dome ever built and how skeptics thought it would collapse.

Today, the Duomo is recognized around the world as a symbol of both Florence and the Renaissance. There are ceiling and wall frescoes, detailed mosaics, and stained-glass windows by artists such as Vasari, Zuccari, Donatello, and Ghiberti. Also inside is the New Sacristy, where early Italian Renaissance statesman Lorenzo de' Medici took shelter in 1478 after he and his brother Giuliano were attacked (Giuliano was killed) while attending Mass. The views from atop the cupola are incredible, reached only after climbing 463 winding steps, which may be too much for little kids but prove a good challenge to older ones.

Funicolare Centrale

Just off Via Toledo, Piazzetta Duca D'Aosta
80132 Naples, Italy

Ride the steep, cable-driven funicular that is part of Naples’ public transportation system, Central Funicular, from Piazzetta Augusteo to Piazza Fuga in the Vomero district. Riders will enjoy the steep incline and great views of the surrounding area. Adults will be interested to know the Central Funicular opened in 1928 and is one of the most-used funicular railways in the world, carrying over 10 million people per year. From top to bottom, the line is 1,270 meters (4,167 feet) long but ascends 170 meters (558 feet) in altitude at an average gradient of 13 percent. This is one of four funiculars in the city—perhaps plan to ride them all. Find more information, including timetables, online at www.napolike.com/turismo/funicolari-napoli.

Certosa e Museo di San Martino

5 Largo San Martino
80129 Naples, Italy

There is much to see and admire at this former monastery, from its museum full of artifacts and the hanging gardens, to the view from its Vomero hilltop setting. Take the funicular at Montesanto station to get here then wander the grounds and admire the chapel’s intricate exterior. Inside are the painted ceilings and marble alters that amount to what some say is the most beautiful church in the city. Kids will see boats, model ships, swords, pistols, and much more in the museum. Adults will appreciate the 17th-century paintings and collection of presepi (nativity scenes). The views from outside offer all of Naples below, including Mount Vesuvius and the Gulf of Naples. Once you’ve taken your share of outstanding photos, wander the Vomero neighborhood and shop, grab a bite to eat, and finish off with some gelato.

Città della Scienza

57/104 Via Coroglio
80124 Naples, Italy

Kids can touch and learn in this 5,000 square meter (16,404 square feet) museum, one of the country’s largest. Themed exhibition areas include Sea, Planetarium, Bugs & Company, Green and Other Colors, and Corporea, Human Body Museum. The last is an interactive space with more than 100 exhibits based on the human body and biomedical sciences, including a feature where you can see an x-ray of your body as you move. There are virtual reality experiences, interactive features, games, labs, and much more. The whole family should find a visit here fascinating. Check the museum website for information on temporary exhibits, tours, and special events, as well as operating hours.

Sempione Park, 2 Viale Gadio
Milan, Italy

Built for the 1906 Milan Universal Expo, Civic Aquarium of Milan consists of 36 enormous tanks and pools, all providing a fascinating experience your kids should enjoy. There are more than 100 species of fish living in authentic re-creations of marine environments, ranging from the Mediterranean to Africa to Southeast Asia to the Amazon—the last featuring razor-toothed piranhas. Though there is a bias toward fresh and saltwater native Italian sea life, there’s a vast selection of foreign species as well. Educational events suitable for the whole family take place throughout the year, and the aquarium's marine biology library, repository, and archives are the most extensive in the whole of southern Europe. Check the website for information on special events, temporary exhibits, and operating hours.

Various locations throughout Florence, Italy

Get creative with your kids and take a family cooking class while in Florence. Learn to make some of your favorite Italian dishes, from gelato to pizza and pasta. There are many choices among the available classes, from a small-group affair in a private Florence apartment to lunches made at a Tuscan farmhouse. Several of the city’s hotels also offer cooking classes, many that start with a visit to the city’s Mercato Centrale to gather fresh ingredients. This is a great option when introducing kids to cooking, as transforming a vegetable or fruit into flavorful sauce or dessert will capture their imagination and inspire more experiential learning, after which they can eat the results.

Various locations throughout Milan, Italy

Get creative with your kids and take a family cooking class while in Milan. Learn to make some of your favorite Italian dishes, from gelato to ravioli and pizza. Several of the city’s hotels also offer cooking classes, and some start with a visit to the Milan city market to gather fresh ingredients. This is a great option when introducing kids to cooking, as transforming a vegetable or fruit they’ve picked out into a flavorful sauce or dessert will capture their imagination and inspire more experiential learning. Even better, after the class they get to eat the results! There are many class choices available throughout the city.

Contrada Agnelleria
95032 Belpasso, Catania, Italy

In Catania’s Belpasso municipality, Etnaland is one of the country’s most popular family attractions, offering both a theme park and waterpark. A variety of rides are available such as rollercoasters, carousels, rotating swings, electric boats, a train, log flume, cable car, and more. Additional entertainment includes a 4D cinema, fun house, laser show, go-karts, and bumper boats.  The waterpark has a range of waterslides for all ages as well as a lazy river and wave pool. In addition, there are plenty of shallow play areas with small slides and spray features for little ones. Vendors sell refreshments and souvenirs.  

Museo Galileo

1 Piazza dei Giudici
50122 Florence, Italy

Budding scientists and historians will enjoy this unique Florence museum. Named in honor of Italian astronomer, physicist, and engineer, Galileo Galilei, older kids especially should find the attractions intriguing and educational. Visitors will learn just how influential Galileo was, making fundamental contributions to the scientific fields of motion, astronomy, strength of materials, and scientific method. The museum features Galileo’s instruments such as telescopes, microscopes, and surgical tools as well as oil clocks, maps, chemistry cabinets, and other interesting items, totaling more than 1,000 objects. Videos accompany many exhibits, and guided tours are available. Outside a massive sundial casts a shadow indicating the time of day. Give it a try before heading on to the next fascinating Florence attraction. See the museum website for more information on tours and operating hours.

Throughout Florence, Italy

After just one lick you’ll agree that the pursuit of more gelato is a worthy task to undertake. Gelato is the Italian version of ice cream, yet denser and creamier. Some say that Florence is where it originated. Your kids will have fun on this tasty quest, though may find it difficult to choose a flavor among watermelon, pistachio, rose, lavender, and chocolate, to name just a few. Those in the know advise to avoid gelato shops than advertise exclusively in English or gelato that comes in bright, artificial colors. Look for shops with covered stainless-steel containers and friendly service, as well as signs reading “Produzione Propria/Gelato Artigianale.” This should indicate that the gelato was made in-house in artisanal fashion, not mass-produced with mediocre ingredients. Among Florence’s favorite shops are Vivoli, Gelateria La Carraia, Grom, and Perché No!

Various locations throughout Milan, Italy

After just one lick your kids will agree that a family mission to try as many flavors of gelato as you can is a fun way to experience Milan. Gelato is the Italian version of ice cream, yet denser and creamier. Children will surely enjoy this tasty quest, though may find it difficult to choose a flavor among watermelon, pistachio, rose, lemon, and chocolate, to name just a few. Those in the know advise to avoid gelato shops than advertise exclusively in English or gelato that comes in bright, artificial colors. Look for shops with covered stainless-steel containers and friendly service, as well as signs reading “Produzione Propria/Gelato Artigianale.” It indicates that the gelato was made in-house in artisanal fashion, not mass-produced with mediocre ingredients. Among Milan’s favorite shops are Ciacco (near the Duomo) and La Gelateria La Della Musica (Navigli neighborhood), to name just two.

Central Florence, Italy

Florence’s compact and historic city center has much to offer families visiting the city. Kids will get a sense of history just from the cobblestoned streets and there’s scenery aplenty along the Ponte Vecchio, a medieval stone arch bridge. The area is a UNESCO World Heritage Site, full of piazzas (public squares) and distinct architecture of Renaissance-style palaces and churches. Some of the city’s major art museums are found here, including the Uffizi Gallery and Pitti Palace. Street musicians are a common sight within the city center, providing entertainment for the whole family while you enjoy yet another cup of creamy gelato. If you’re accompanied by little travelers, be sure to let them ride the antique carousel.

Piazza di Santa Maria Maggiore
50123 Florence, Italy

Who doesn’t like seeing sights from a double-decker bus?! With so much to see in Florence, the amount of walking will tire out not only the little legs in the family. Hop-on hop-off bus tours called City Sightseeing Florence offer flexibility and an efficient way to see some of the city’s most popular sights, totaling about 15 in all. Among them are the Cathedral of Santa Maria del Fiore, Boboli Gardens, and Pitti Palace. Although buses can’t navigate through the city center, there are three different routes and commentary is available in several languages. Relax and take in the sights without worrying where the kids are and hop off when you please. The bottom level of tour buses is wheelchair accessible.

200 Vicolo del Casale Lumbroso
00166 Rome, Italy

Rome’s largest and most popular waterpark, Hydromania is a fun place for families to spend a day under the sun. The park has several pools and a variety of waterslides for all ages. A DJ plays music at the wave pool. Whirlpools provide a place to relax and enjoy a massage. A shallow play area with small slides, spray features, and a water-dumping fish is available for the littlest guests. A sandy area offers beach volleyball as well as chairs and umbrellas. Guests also can play soccer on the park’s synthetic grass. In addition, a kids’ club has live entertainment such as magic shows. Vendors sell refreshments and souvenirs.

Via Popilia 239
Rimini, Italy

Italy in Miniature is an 85,000-square-meter (914,932-square-foot) theme park containing accurate scale replicas of over 270 famous Italian and European monuments and scenic spots. Ivo Rimbaldi created the miniature monuments using foam resin, ideal against wear and tear caused by the weather. The park has a beautiful landscape dotted with flowers and bonsai trees, in which miniature moving trains, motorways, cable cars, ships, ports, airports, and popular attractions make up the park's highlights. Across a replicated border of Italy is a miniature Europe. The perfection of the miniatures is a visual treat, and the park draws more than 500,000 visitors annually.

Via de Servi, 66R
50122 Florence, Italy

If your children don’t know much about the incredibly talented Leonardo da Vinci, they will have a better understanding of his genius after a visit to this museum. The Italian painter, sculptor, engineer, and architect still holds prominence throughout those fields into the modern era. Kids can touch and test the inventor’s machines, with 50 life-size models. Visitors can see geographical tables written in his own hand and reconstruct some of his inventions in the workshops. They can observe the progression of his art, including the famous Mona Lisa and Last Supper, in the Hall of Paintings. Exhibits include multimedia installations and explanatory panels in five languages. Check the museum website for more information including operating hours.

100 Via delle Tre Fontane
00144 Rome, Italy

Rome’s Luneur Park offers family-friendly entertainment. It has a variety of rides such as a Ferris wheel, caterpillar-shaped rollercoaster, carousel, and rotating swings. The park’s Splash Zone features various waterslides and a water-dumping bucket as well as chairs and umbrellas for resting. Additional attractions include an inflatable bounce house, high ropes course, and innertube slide. The park also is home to miniature horses, sheep, and llamas. Several eateries serve hamburgers, hot dogs, French fries, pizza, drinks, ice cream, and other refreshments.

Duomo di Milano

Piazza del Duomo
20122 Milan, Italy

Whether you simply tell the kids, “They don’t make ‘em like that anymore,” or that the construction of the Milan Cathedral began in 1386 and took nearly 600 years to complete, this beautiful sight should impress the whole family. The cathedral, called the Duomo, played a significant role in spreading the Christian faith and establishing Catholic traditions of worship. Measuring 157 meters (515 feet) long, 92 m (302 ft) wide, and more than 106 m (350 ft) high, the 40,000-seat capacity Milan Cathedral is the second-largest church in Italy (next to St. Peter's Basilica) and the second-largest Gothic cathedral in the world (after the Cathedral of Seville in Spain). The cathedral's numerous monuments and artworks include three superb altars, the St. Bartholomew statue by Marco D'Agrate, the tombs and sarcophagi of many archbishops, and other architectural masterpieces. Guided tours are available, and rooftop views of Milan are worth the small fee.

Museo dei Bambini Milano

Via Enrico Besana, 12
20122 Milan, Italy

It’s true that children learn the most through play and hands-on experiences, which is why you’ll want to bring them to the city’s children’s museum. Most appropriate for ages 6 and under, Museo dei Bambini Milano (MUBA) lets visitors touch and explore its interactive exhibits. Most displays are in kid-size dimensions, while workshops and activities are led by friendly and patient staff. Older kids also will enjoy things like learning about light and color, magnetic walls, and transforming materials into original creations. Check the website for information on special events, temporary exhibits, as well as for operating hours.

Corso Venezia, 55
20121 Milan, Italy

There’s no denying that the sight of dinosaur skeletons enrapture kids the world over, which is why a visit to Milan Natural History Museum is a must. Unsurprisingly, the T-Rex skeleton is a highlight, and the selection of more than 100 dioramas amounts to the most of any Italian museum. The permanent exhibits cover topics from fossils and dinosaurs to plants and the history of man. There really is something for the whole family, and many of the exhibits have interactive displays that will keep even the youngest kids entertained. Guided tours are available; check the website for more information.

9 kilometers (5.6 miles) east of Naples, Italy

Many children may already know about the volcano that erupted in 79 CE and destroyed the ancient city of Pompeii. But a hike up its face will truly capture their imagination in a way no schoolbook can. Despite the fact that Vesuvius remains an active volcano—erupting about 40 times in the past 2,000 years—this is a safe activity that gets the whole family moving. Modern technology can predict an eruption two weeks in advance, so rest assured and know that the stunning views from the top will be worth it. The hike is moderately difficult and takes 30–60 minutes. Climb the switchbacks and stairs, getting views of hardened lava until the trail ends at the crater, where you’ll see the entire city and Bay of Naples. You can drive to the lower parking lot or take a public bus that leaves every 40 minutes from the Ercolano Scavi station. There also are private tours offered through several Naples companies, most including tours of Pompeii ruins.

30 Via Po
10124 Turin, Italy

At Turin’s Mystery House Escape Room groups get 60 minutes to escape uncertain doom. Groups must work together to solve riddles, clues, and puzzles as they try to escape different scenarios. There are several different rooms to choose from including the Egyptian-themed Pharoh’s Secret, espionage-themed The Bomb and The Spy, and Virus, with the goal of recovering an antidote. Another challenge puts two team of two against each other to see who can detonate the bomb first. Instead of being trapped in a room, the 90-minute Urban Escape Game is a type of treasure hunt that takes participants throughout Turin’s city center. In addition, there is an escape room designed just for ages 8 to 13.  

Museo Archeologico Nazionale di Napoli

19 Piazza Museo Nazionale
80135 Naples, Italy

There are so many interesting things to see at Naples National Archaeological Museum that it would be a shame to miss it. With a history going as far back as the 8th century BCE, paleo-Christian relics, and the memory of Pompeii just a glance toward Vesuvius away, Naples has something to say about archaeology. Housed in a 16th-century palace, the museum contains mosaic floors from the Roman era and marble statues excavated from Pompeii, as well as an excellent collection of inscriptions and Egyptian and Etruscan collections. There also is a large model of Pompeii that depicts the lost city. Audio guides are available and recommended. The museum is closed Tuesdays. Check the website for information about tours, temporary exhibits, and special events.

La Specola

17 Via Romana
50125 Florence, Italy

If you’ve maxed out on all of Florence’s palaces and art, revisit the amazing natural world at La Specola. It features mammals, insects, sea creatures, birds, and the hippopotamus that was once a pet of the city’s wealthy Medici family. The museum is especially entertaining for older children, as it contains wax cross-sections of the human body that may unsettle the littlest kids. There are more than 5,000 specimens collected over 200 years—enough to engage your aspiring zoologists. Be sure and check the website for operating hours, special events, and information on tours. Located next to the Boboli Gardens, plan a stop there afterwards to relax and imagine the pet hippo who once romped in the garden.

47 Via del Rotolo
95126 Catania, Italy

Founded in 1965, Nettuno Park is one of Catania’s oldest amusement parks. It offers a variety of classic rides such as a carousel, bumper cars, and small caterpillar-shaped rollercoaster. Visitors can try their luck at winning prizes by playing midway-style games. Additional attractions include a 4D cinema and gaming arcade. Vendors sell refreshments and souvenirs.

Piazza della Signoria
50122 Florence, Italy

Noted as one of the city’s most family-friendly museums, Palazzo Vecchio showcases how the wealthy lived centuries ago. Plan to book a guided family tour of the Palazzo Vecchio in advance, as kids should enjoy the costumed guides, activities, puppet shows, and scavenger hunts. A secret passage leads to a room where they can dress up in royal children’s clothing. Tours and activities take one to two hours. Parents will find sumptuously decorated rooms and panoramic views from the walkway and 95-meter-tall (311-foot-tall) tower. The second floor features Donatello's Judith and Holofernes, one of his last bronze masterpieces, and on some summer evenings the outdoor balustrade on the roof is open, offering a terrific view of the city in all directions.

Piazza del Plebiscito
80132 Naples, Italy

A large public square, Piazza Plebiscito is a gathering spot for Naples’ residents, where they come to stroll, chat, and let the kids play. The expansive open space includes some of the city’s major monuments and architecture, including the royal palace, the domed Basilica of San Francesco da Paola, and the pastel-colored Palazzo della Prefettura and Palazzo Salerno, one located on each side of the piazza. Enclosed by a curving row of columns, the scenic area conveys the city’s grandeur and includes bronze equestrian statues that will make for fun photos of the kids. Various concerts and events are held here throughout the year or just wander through the narrow streets and people watch. Before you leave the area, stop by the historic Gran Caffe Gambrinus in the corner to grab some coffee and pastries, or stay to admire this coffeehouse that was a haven for the city’s residents, intellectuals, and politicians, dating to 1860 and including decorative ceilings.

Various locations throughout Naples, Italy

Though your family may not be able to sample pizza from all of Naples’ more than 800 pizzerias, it’s a tasty goal to aspire to. The city is known as the birthplace of pizza, where it evolved from similar flatbread dishes sometime in the late 1700s. Neapolitan pizza, or Naples-style pizza, is simple and delicious, including sauce, mozzarella cheese, and fresh basil. The key to its popularity is to use fresh ingredients and cook it at high temperatures, usually between 426–482 degrees Celsius (800–900 degrees Fahrenheit) for just one minute. There is even the Associazione Verace Pizza Napoletana, which certifies the city’s pizzerias that use artisan traditions, including the type of flour used to make the dough. Consider seeking out Antica Pizzeria Port’Alba in Centro Antico, which is regarded as the world’s first pizzeria, dating to 1738. Kids may not care about all this history and detail, just about where to get the next delicious pizza—perhaps the most famous fast-food the world’s ever known.

Various locations throughout Naples, Italy

There are many places in Naples offering classes on making that famous Neapolitan pizza—an experience the whole family should enjoy. Some say cooking is an art form, something that will be conveyed by the care and craft that goes into transforming the simplest ingredients into a mouth-watering delight. Get creative with your children and spark their interest in cooking with experiential learning where they get to eat the results of their work.

Pompeii or Herculaneum Ruins
Milan, Italy

All you need to do to travel back in time is drive about 24 kilometers (15 miles) from Naples, where you’ll end up at the ancient, ruined city of Pompeii. You know the one—destroyed by hot gas and lava that erupted from nearby Mount Vesuvius in 79 CE. An experience that will transcend any schoolbook learning, a visit is sure to create lasting memories. In addition, there are the ruins of Herculaneum to consider, also close by, at just 15 minutes from Naples. These excavated cities include many streets, houses, villas, baths, and temples that are still standing. The sight of all this will bring life in the 1st century to the forefront of the imagination, giving kids a glimpse of what Roman cities looked like nearly 2,000 years ago. You can reach both cities by trains that leave from central Naples.

Stadio San Siro

Piazzale Angelo Moratti
20151 Milan, Italy

Soccer players are sure to enjoy a visit to this symbol of Milan. The hallowed turf of San Siro stadium has played host to World Cups, Champions League finals, and some of the greatest moments in the history of soccer, called football here. Since 1926, the San Siro has been the grand home of Italian football. Guided tours of the 80,018-seat arena are available, and the view of the Duomo from the east stand is staggering. But the best experience is to watch a Serie A league match, usually on Sundays. The stadium’s San Siro Museum boasts life-size statues of football heroes such as Franco Baresi, Paolo Maldini, and Ruud Gullitt, as well as hundreds of medals, trophies, and jerseys. There also is a store to pick up souvenirs.

Parco Sempione (Simplon Park)

Piazza Sempione
Milan, Italy

Established in 1888, Sempione Park encompasses 38.6 hectares (95 acres), spacious enough for the family spread out and relax. Located in the historic center of Milan, the park is next to two famous landmarks, the Sforza Castle and ornately decorated city gate, the Arch of Peace (Arco della Pace). Kids will enjoy the playgrounds and small, rideable train. The 100-meter-tall (328-foot-tall) steel tower, Torre Branca, is one of the city’s highest points, providing panoramic views after an elevator ride to the top. The most outstanding monument here, however, may be the Arco Sempione, which many have compared to Paris’s Arc de Triomphe. Bring a picnic and a ball to toss as you enjoy this lovely free attraction.

26 Via Federigo Stibbert
50134 Florence, Italy

Recall the era of knights in this engaging museum full of armor from both Eastern and Western civilizations. Once the private villa of Frederick Stibbert, he added to a collection of artifacts that he inherited. The grand hall will make a lasting impression, as it contains life-size horses and knights in procession. There also are tapestries, furniture, musical instruments, ceramics, and clothing, amounting to tens of thousands of artifacts from throughout the world. The museum also offers a café, and gardens surround the outside of the villa.

Parco Avventura Tre Querce

Panoramic Road
10025 Pino Torinese, Turin, Italy

Opened in 2012, Three Oaks Adventure Park is located within Collina di Superga Natural Park in Turin’s Pino Torinese municipality. It offers 11 different high ropes courses featuring more than 80 aerial games for a range of skill levels. There are even two courses just for ages 3 to 6. There are various obstacles along the courses such as rope ladders, bridges, nets, swings, ziplines, and more. Additional climbing structures include walls and a tree. Guests can play at the park for up to three consecutive hours, and afterwards there are hammocks available for resting. Safety equipment and training is provided.

Napoli Sotterranea

Beneath the Historic City Center
Naples, Italy

No one in the family is likely to forget the unique experience you’ll get under the streets of the city center. Napoli Sotterranea (Underground Naples) is found 40 meters (120 feet) below ground, including aqueducts, secret chambers, catacombs, and even vegetable gardens. Their construction began over 2,000 years ago, and the area was used as an air-raid shelter during World War II. Your tweens and teens may be most excited to explore here, though little ones may find it spooky. Touring the area, with its hidden labyrinth of tunnels and passageways, gives a glimpse into an ancient way of life. Some areas are optional, as tunnels are extremely narrow and require use of a candle to see by. Guided tours are the only way to visit here, which last about 90 minutes.

48 Via Carlo Valvassori Peroni
20133 Milan, Italy

Let your children bounce and play at this trampoline park that offers a break from all that history, art, and culture! Sometimes the simplest activities are the best when it comes to keeping kids amused. The whole family can get a little exercise while flipping and having fun, or just watch as your kids laugh and enjoy the free-form play. Some of the trampolines include ramps and there’s a foam pit, ninja warrior area, and dodgeball courts. Rates are charged per hour; check the website for more information including operating hours.