Are you looking for an amazing country to explore with kids? Italy may be the destination you need

Weather of Arabia - People in Italy are patient and helpful and there is no shortage of things to do, from searching for treasures in Roman ruins to building castles on sandy beaches. Add superfood to the mix and you have the perfect recipe for an unforgettable family trip.

What makes Italy good for kids?

There are relatively few attractions for children in Italy, but museums and attractions generally offer free admission or discounts for children. Many also offer smartphone apps, touch screen devices, audio guides, and children's tours.

Going out to eat is easy too. Kids are welcome most of the time and with pizza, pasta and gelato on the menu, good times are guaranteed. Although children's menus are rare, it is possible to order half the portion (mezza porzione).

Getting to the towns can be tricky at times, as you have to contend with bikes, cobblestone streets and fast motorbikes - not ideal if you're pushing a stroller.

Where is the best in Italy for children?

The historic cities of Italy have a lot to offer, from the monumental ruins in Rome to the small boats in Venice and the heavenly climb in Florence. In the wilderness, you can go around mountain lakes and family adventures in the Dolomites. Puglia, Calabria and Sardinia have stunning beaches all around, while Sicily sparks with volcanic fireworks.

Best things to do in Italy with babies and toddlers

Relax in parks, squares and children's playgrounds

Among the museums and artifacts of Italy's major art cities, you'll find many parks, squares, and children's playgrounds. Places like Villa Borghese in Rome, Piazza della Repubblica in Florence, and Piazza San Marco in Venice are key points for launching your children from the chain.

For the older kids, there are several theme parks dotted around the country, including the famous Gardaland near Lago di Garda.

Head to the beach

Do as the locals do and go to the beach in the summer - though don't go in August if you want to avoid the worst of the crowds. Upon arrival on the sands, health clubs rent umbrellas and loungers as well as provide restrooms and bar facilities. You'll find beaches all over the country but many of the best are in Sardinia and the southern regions of Calabria and Puglia.

Best things to do in Italy with young kids

Explore ancient ruins

Kids and antiques aren't always a perfect holiday combination. But even the most demanding kids will be thrilled to see the Colosseum in Rome or the sinister remains of Pompeii. It is natural that these sites are very crowded, so it is recommended to visit them in the afternoon when the temperatures cool down and the number of visitors decreases. And if you're looking for somewhere less crowded, try Matera in the south where your kids can explore the ancient cave dwellings known as sassi.

Watch wildlife in addition to the zoo in Rome and the aquarium in Genoa

Italy offers plenty of opportunities to interact with wildlife. Dolphins swim in the waters of Taranto and can be seen - if you're lucky - on boat tours. Elsewhere in the north, brown bears, wolves and chamois roam the remote national parks of Abruzzo. It's very unlikely that you'll see one but it's fun to know it might be there.

Enjoy interacting in Italy's family-friendly museums

Museums are a good option for rainy days. Among the kid-friendly options are Explora, a colorful play museum in Rome for those under 12, and the Carpigiani Ice Cream Museum near Bologna. Elsewhere, you can meet a mummy at Turin's Egyptian Museum or marvel at Milan's National Museum of Science and Technology, Italy's largest science museum.

Have fun on the water

From ziplining in Venice on a gondola to sailing trips on Lake Garda or tours of the coasts of Capri, Italy's waters offer fun and excitement. Older kids who love adventure can try kayaking in the Aeolian Islands or rafting on the Raganello River in Calabria.

Do some exercise in the mountains

The Dolomites in Veneto and Trentino-Alto Adige are an ideal area for sports all year round, with stunning landscapes and activities for all ages and abilities. Places such as Cortina d'Ampezzo, Val Gardena and Val Badia offer excellent, family-friendly facilities such as skiing, sleigh and snowboarding in the winter, and hiking and cycling tours in the summer months.

Climb the monuments to take in the famous sights

Little explorers may be able to climb landmarks and towers all over the country. The Leaning Tower of Pisa is a must-see for the family, while the Campanile bell in Piazza San Marco in Venice offers 360-degree views of the city of canals. For even more impressive landscapes, you can climb the dome of St. Peter's Basilica in Rome or Brunelleschi's famous dome in Florence.

Best things to do in Italy with teens and pre-teens

Volcano exploration

Italy is among the few countries where volcanoes can be explored.

Persistent teens will have no problem climbing Mount Vesuvius, the only active volcano in mainland Europe. At sea, Mount Etna and Stromboli offer frequent fireworks displays in Sicily. But when they are calm, they can be visited on escorted tours.

Become a soccer fan

Attending a match of one of the best football teams in Italy can be an exciting experience. Juventus fans can head to the Allianz Stadium in Turin. As for the fans of the two Milan teams (AC Milan and Inter), they must go to the San Siro stadium. While fans of Rome and its traditional rival, Lazio, can attend their teams' matches at the Stadio Olimpico in Rome. Check club websites for match details. If you cannot attend the match, all three stadiums can be visited on guided tours.