Verona, Italy, is probably best known for its links to Shakespeare, notably Romeo and Juliet tourist attractions. Beyond that, there is so much more to enjoy in the city, particularly if you are visiting Verona with kids.
From the amphitheatre dating back to the 1st century, an impressive castle overlooking the River Adige and many child-friendly museums, to the lively Verona streets, piazzas, parks and markets, you will find your trip to Italy with children unforgettable.
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Is Verona Worth Visiting?
Verona is the second-largest city in the Veneto region (Venice is the largest) and has one of Italy’s most stunning medieval city centres. The unique location on the winding bends of the River Adige is truly beautiful, and the city blends rich history and culture with fun activities and unique attractions. Perfect if you are visiting Verona with kids.
Is Verona Good for Families?
There are many things to see and do in Verona, Italy, with kids. The city is compact and lively, with many family-friendly activities such as museums, trails, play areas, parks, piazzas, markets and festivals. Another bonus is that the city is mostly pedestrianised, so it’s very safe to walk around and explore, with many places of interest in Verona near each other.
When is the Best Time to visit Verona, Italy?
If you travel to Verona, Italy, the best time to visit is April to June or September to October. Verona’s weather will be warm and sunny most of the time, with little rain during these periods. If you can cope with colder weather, Verona in winter is another option. There are many things to do in Verona in December, including fabulous Christmas markets.
Verona in June
June is a beautiful month to visit Verona (average 21ºC) and explore the city in great weather. A must-do activity in Verona, where you can enjoy opera in the largest open-air opera house in the world. The magical opera festival is held in the Roman Arena from mid-June until August, with three or four evening performances per week.
Verona in September
In September, the temperature averages around 20 ºC with low rainfall. Tocati is an international festival of ancient and traditional games held in mid-September over a weekend. Across the city, children are taught traditional games, including skittles, kite flying, slingshots and bowls. There are also food stands, concerts and events related to folklore.
How to Get to Verona
Train: Verona is easily accessible by train, including Frecciarosa (fast trains) from key cities, including Venice, Milan, Florence and Rome. Perfect if you want to take a day trip to Verona. Book your Verona train tickets here.
Air: The main Verona airport is Verona International Airport. You can take the Aerobus from Verona airport to Verona’s main train station for around €6, and this takes you to Porta Nuova railway station in 15 minutes. Another option is to take a taxi (c. €45). View flights to Verona for your dates here >>>
Brescia Airport is a small airport with many low-cost carriers offering flights to Verona, so this is popular with tourists. The airport is located quite a distance from Verona. The airport bus to Porta Nuova train station takes about 45 minutes.
Car: Verona is a pedestrianised city but hiring a car is a great idea if you are looking to explore the areas around Verona. Check with your accommodation re parking options. Compare hire car prices for your dates >>>
Where to Stay in Verona with Kids
Many of the best Verona hotels are situated in the ancient centre of Verona, so you can easily visit the main attractions during your city break. The kids will also enjoy exploring the charming streets, with great shops, outdoor dining and beautiful architecture.
Budget: Boutique Apartment Cà Monastero
This lovely apartment is located within a historic building in the centre of Verona, near Piazza Bra and the Roman Arena.
There are two bedrooms, a bathroom, a living room/dining area, fully equipped kitchen, balcony with city views. The location has a terraced area and great restaurants close by. Check it out here.
Mid-Range: Residenza Borsari
Stylish bed and breakfast in central Verona, just a short walk from Juliet’s Balcony, Piazza Erbe and the Roman Arena.
You will love the beautifully decorated rooms and halls, comfortable beds and breakfast on the terrace in the summer months. You can book adjoining rooms if you are travelling with a larger family. Check it out here.
Splashing Out: Corte Realdi Suites Piazza Erbe
These stunning apartments overlook Piazza Erbe in the centre of Verona and are located in a beautiful historic building. You can book one of the extremely spacious hotel suites or self-catering apartments (1-2 bedrooms) with frescoed ceilings, large terrace areas, stunning décor and fantastic facilities. Strollers, board games, cots and extra beds are available on request.
Top 10 Things to do in Verona with Kids
What to do in Verona with kids? Most family activities and Verona’s main attractions are found in the historic city centre, such as the infamous Romeo and Juliet balcony, the medieval Lamberti Tower and the Roman Arena. The city is also home to beautiful piazzas, parks, interactive museums, and an impressive fortress overlooking the River Adige. Here are the top 10 things to do in Verona:
Before you start, make sure you purchase a Verona City Card for entry to Juliet’s Balcony, the Verona Arena, Torre dei Lamberti and dozens of museums, not to mention free travel on the ATV bus network! Get your city card here >>>
#1 Torre dei Lamberti
Amazing 84m-high watchtower (dating back to the 12th century) that you can climb to see stunning panoramic views across Verona. The kids will love seeing the illusion of an eye from the inside as you look up toward the top of the tower. Pallazzo Della Ragione, next to the tower, has a lovely market to explore for some food, drinks and souvenirs.
#2 Children’s Museum
Great place to visit in Verona with kids. This interactive museum for babies, toddlers and children up to 12 years old is based on learning about Science, Technology, Engineering, Art and Mathematics (STEAM) through play.
Check the website for various special events and workshops you can book ahead of your visit.
#3 Roman Arena
One of the best Verona activities, this amphitheatre is older than the Colosseum in Rome. If you are visiting with older children, then take the opportunity to admire the views as you climb the 50 levels of seating.
Younger kids will enjoy exploring the underground corridors and hallways, then running out into the impressive oval showground. Why not try this skip the line guided Roman Arena Tour.
#4 Natural Sciences Museum of Verona
Based across two sites, you can visit the museum at the Palazzo Pompei to see geology, palaeontology and zoology exhibitions or head to Palazzina Commando for the prehistoric and botanical sections. Fun and educational tours and trails can be booked for children.
#5 Juliet’s Balcony
Don’t miss a visit to Juliet’s balcony in Verona. You can pay a little extra to stand on the balcony, and the kids will enjoy waving at the crowds below and exploring her house. There is also a museum with props from the Romeo and Juliet film, fun exhibits and interactive activities for children. If this is your thing, why not book onto this Romeo and Juliet guided walking tour.
#6 The Walls and Fortresses Park
Surrounding the city of Verona, the Parco Delle Murae dei Forti is a 9km park with city walls, fortresses dating back to the Middle Ages, nature trails and amazing wildlife. Book a guided tour of the underground systems that link the fortresses to capture the kid’s imagination.
#7 Castelvecchio and Ponte Scaligero
Charming 14th-century Verona castle overlooks the River Adige, with medieval towers, an art gallery and beautiful fishtail castellations on the castle and bridge. The kids will love exploring the passages and walkways of the fortress, which were previously used as escape routes in earlier centuries and learning a lot about Verona city.
#8 Piazza delle Erbe
Via Mazzini intersects the Piazza and is the main shopping street home to top Italian brands. This market square has a lively atmosphere, and you can buy some great souvenirs, clothing, and tasty fruits or vegetables.
The Piazza also has many places to sit and watch the world go by. Don’t miss a visit to the basement of Benetton, where you can see Roman ruins inside the shop.
#9 Giardino Giusti
A truly beautiful place to go in Verona, this hidden gem across the river from the historic centre has masterful Renaissance landscaping. Kids (especially younger children) will enjoy exploring this extraordinary Italian garden’s pathways, mazes, buildings and statues.
This Verona park is a real oasis and offers a great break from sightseeing.
Where to Eat in Verona, Italy with Kids
Italian food tastes amazing, world-famous for fresh ingredients and fabulous taste. It is worth a visit to try the food in Verona, Italy! Kids will love the pasta, pizza and gelato on offer in Verona. Don’t miss a visit to one of the many bakeries for delicious pastries and sweet biscotti.
Locanda Ristori – Traditional, family-friendly Verona restaurant with amazing food, unique ingredients and the option to enjoy the outdoors in the Piazza near Teatro Ristori. View on TripAdvisor Here >>>
Signor Grano – Located near the Museo di Castelvecchio, this cute café serves melt-in-the-mouth pizza with stunning fresh ingredients at a great price.
Gelateria La Romana Verona – Amazing ice cream and crepes, unique flavours and a favourite with the locals. You even get white/milk chocolate added to the bottom of your ice cream cone! View on TripAdvisor Here >>>
2 Days in Verona Itinerary
The city of Verona has lots of family-oriented activities to enjoy, and there is a lot to pack in if you are visiting Verona for one day or a weekend. Grab a Verona tourist map, pop on some comfy shoes and follow this itinerary for your visit to Verona with kids.
Day 1: 1 Day in Verona
Why not start your city break in Verona with this 2.5 hour city walking tour >>
Morning: Start in the picturesque Piazza Bra. You can admire the huge 14th-century Portoni Della Bra double archway, visit one of the many cafes or bakeries and soak up the lively atmosphere.
The kids will love the fountains, public gardens, and merry-round. The Roman Arena is next to the Piazza, where the kids will have fun exploring the underground walkways and oval showground. Get Your Tickets here >>
Locanda Ristori is close for lunch (a 5-minute walk on Vicolo Valle 1/3).
Afternoon: Visit the Natural Science Museum of Verona, located right on the River Adige and a 10-minute walk from the Piazza Bra via the Ponte Navi bridge.
You can take a bus (52) from Piazza Bra and arrive in 15 minutes or taxi in 10 minutes.
If you are travelling with very young children, The Children’s Museum is another option.
Day 2: 48 Hours in Verona with Kids
Morning: Visit Juliet’s House, and you can get some great photos on the balcony and experience the fun museum. You can then enjoy lunch and visit the markets and shops in Piazza Erbe and Via Mazzini.
Piazza Erbe is only a two-minute walk, where you can climb the impressive Torre dei Lamberti to enjoy the view over the rooftops of Verona.
Afternoon: After recharging your batteries, visit the impressive 14th Century fortress of Castelvecchio. The kids will love crossing the impressive Verona bridge that leads to the castle and exploring the fortress itself.
Head to Signor Grano for some delicious pizza to finish a perfect weekend in Verona.
Day Trips from Verona with Kids
Verona has a perfect location in the northeast of Italy to take some amazing family day trips. Don’t miss a day trip from Verona to Lake Garda. This fabulous location has so much to offer for adults and kids of all ages.
The beautiful cities of Venice, Vicenza and Padua are great day trips from Verona and the impressive Dolomites.
Lake Garda
Italy’s largest lake is perfect for families, and booking an overnight stay is recommended. Take the ferry to visit the lake’s enchanting towns and villages. Malcesine is home to Scaliger Castle and the historical Palazzo dei Capitani, which are breathtaking. Sirmione, Lazise, Gardaland Theme Park (including Peppa Pig Land!) and Parco Natura Viva Zoo/Safari Park are amazing.
Take a train from Verona to Sirmione in 25 minutes, then use the ferry service to visit other locations. Another option is to hire a car if you want to visit the zoo or theme park.
View more of the best theme parks in Italy here >>>
Venice
The Floating City is not missed and offers a perfect day trip from Verona. Explore the winding streets and alleyways separated by canals and linked by 400 bridges, visit St Mark’s Basilica, Doge Palace and St Mark’s Square, and don’t miss a legendary gondola ride.
The kids will love visiting one of the many carnival mask-makers shops (San Polo area) or the glass-blowing island of Murano.
Venice is just over one hour away from Verona via car, or you can take the direct train to Venezia Santa Lucia station in 1 hour 20 minutes. Get your train ticket here >>
The Dolomites
Active kids and nature lovers will love a visit to this scenic setting in South Tyrol. This UNESCO heritage area has impressive mountains, beautiful valleys and picturesque villages to explore.
Set off early and take the Frecciargento train from Verona to Bolzano in about 1 hour 30 minutes, from there you can take a bus to Val Gardena. Get your ticket here >>
Here, there are many children’s playgrounds, festivals for kids, educational trails, beautiful treks, and the option to ski in the winter.
You can easily hire baby and toddler items in Val Gardena, and there are plenty of accommodation options for an overnight stay.
Related Post: Facts About Italy
How to Get Around Verona
Verona is a compact city and easy to walk around, so the best way to explore is on foot. You will discover many hidden gems as you wander, and there are plenty of great cafes, bakeries and ice cream shops to take a break.
The Verona Card is worth buying. It offers 24- or 48-hour free or reduced entrance to museums and monuments and unlimited travel on the ATV transport system. Get your Verona card here >>>
Plan Your Trip to Verona with Kids
Or view properties in Verona on Vrbo >>>
View car hire prices and availability >>>
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Sylvie Simpson is the founder of European Cities with Kids. For the past 6 years, she has been travelling all over Europe whenever she has the chance, both solo, for work and with her daughter. Sylvie is on a mission to help people make the most of city breaks in Europe with kids and helps over 50,000 readers per month plan and make the most of their trips in Europe with kids.