Traveling with a toddler is a unique experience. It will, of course, change the way you travel. But if you’re ready to embrace those changes – it is absolutely rewarding. Liz’s family, including her young nephew, recently visited her in Italy for the holidays and she learned a LOT about traveling with little ones! Here is her top “Toddler in Italy” advice:
Fewer Daytrips and more Overnight Stays
Liz’s family was visiting her in her small town and therefore they did a lot of day trips to larger nearby cities. Day trips are do-able, and the train rides are entertaining, but she discovered that having a home base that you can go back to for a mid-day nap is incredibly useful with a toddler. It can give you more time to explore and enjoy the city at a slow pace. Cities with a lot to do and see like Rome, Venice, and Florence deserve a few days each.
That being said – don’t fear the train rides. Toddlers ride for free if you don’t book them a seat. And, with the way the trains are set up, it’s easy to keep them entertained while you travel. Much more relaxing than a car ride!
Enjoy the Piazzas and the room to run
One of the nicest parts of Italy is the big piazzas — open squares where kids are allowed and even encouraged to run. Making use of these areas is the perfect way to enjoy Italy with a toddler. Liz’s nephew loved chasing the birds and running around the piazza with his new toddler friends. You’ll often find other kids enjoying the space to run and make noise while their parents sit nearby and sip a spritz.
Venice especially has enclosed campos that are perfect for a toddler to run around. Without the danger of falling in the water or wandering off too far.
For the locals, piazzas are about community. They’re a place to hang out and enjoy the sunshine. And a place where children are expected to run. Our best advice for Italy with a toddler: revel in the piazzas.
Italian Food is Delicious
Italian food is incredibly kid-friendly. In almost every restaurant (even the most specialized) you can find pasta pomodoro (spaghetti with tomato sauce). If your toddler is more adventurous in their tastes, there are plenty of other kinds of pasta, cheeses, and meats for the little ones to enjoy! And, of course, gelato abounds. Liz’s little nephew had a great time at all the restaurants.
Not Every Activity Can or Will Involve the Toddler
Not every activity that you want to do in Italy will be suited for your toddler. If you have a group, it’s nice to have one person watch your toddler chase pigeons in the piazza while the others go to enjoy Michaelangelo’s David. This is obviously more difficult if you’re just a couple, but traveling in a multi-generational group can help spread the child-care burden and make sure that everyone gets a little adult time to enjoy the wonders of Italy solo.
Find out what’s most important to each adult and what the others don’t mind missing. While Liz’s family was on the Parmigiano tour, for example, Liz was able to step away with her nephew when his attention wandered. Having someone who could step away from the tour to play with the toddler was incredibly helpful. And it made the tour all the more enjoyable for her sister and brother-in-law who were the most excited about taking the tour.
Find Kid-Specific Activities – Even if They’re Not Specific to Italy
In Bologna, Liz found an optical illusion exhibition. While not in any way Italy-specific, this was a great highlight for little Noah. Every city will have exhibitions, museums, and activities that are geared toward the local children. Embracing these kinds of spaces can make your trip all the more fun as you watch your little one enjoy and explore. The exhibit was also pretty cool for the adults on the trip.
Much like the illusion exhibition, playgrounds and parks are not unique to Italy. However, taking some time from the museums and sightseeing to let your toddler get some of their energy out on the playground or in a park is a great way to balance your vacation
Slow Down and Watch
This is advice we’d give to anyone traveling in Italy, even without a toddler. To sit in a café and soak up the vibes. To watch the world around you and absorb the culture instead of rushing from site to site. It’s absolutely our preferred way to see and enjoy Italy! And with a toddler it’s even more important.
They are learning about the world and absorbing new sites and sounds all the time. And they get pretty excited about small things (like dogs and boats). Take some time to sit (or stand) and watch the boats go by in Venice. Or the dogs and people pass in Florence — it’s a perfect way to spend the afternoon.
Castles are Great Adventures
Castles, old ruins, and other open-plan adventures are perfect for toddlers. While you delight in the frescos, toddlers can enjoy the freedom to roam and explore interesting new structures they’ve never seen before. The Italian countryside is dotted with old castles. Many of them are in quaint little villages that offer a perfect fairy-tale feel to your vacation.
So while you’re traveling in the countryside for wine tastings and unique meals, stop at a castle for a fun family activity!
Backpacks/Carriers are Key
Italy can involve a lot of walking. A stroller is usually the perfect way to transport your kid. But, sometimes there are spaces where a stroller is impossible. Liz’s family decided to climb the Florence belltower and used a backpack for the stairs between the platforms. It was difficult but effective.
A backpack was also the perfect way to contain and ensure Noah’s safety on the Vaporetto (ferry) in Venice. With all the luggage, having a hands-free way of containing and carrying your toddler will make a big difference.
Are you ready to explore Italy with your toddler? Let us know! We’re always excited to help families make new memories in Europe!
