My husband and 18-month old son will be traveling to Italy later this summer and I'm looking for thoughts on good places to go with a toddler. We're flying into and out of Rome, and plan to spend 4-5 days in Rome. We're trying to pick a second destination (3-4 days) and would probably like to stay in Central/Southern Italy. I've been to Florence before but that's an option. We're also considering somewhere on the Amalfi Coast or other destinations. Any suggestions are appreciated!
Posted by
Pa and Italy
4152 posts
I'm looking for thoughts on good places to go with a toddler.
In what aspect? Sites to see, parks? Can you be more specific as to what you're looking for for your child?
Donna
Posted by
59 posts
This thread might help if you are considering some beach-time:
https://community.ricksteves.com/travel-forum/italy/best-beach-with-a-baby
My kids are older but if I still had little ones, I'd be looking for a good place to relax after Rome. Not CT or the AC (unless you go somewhere off the beaten path and don't plan to leave), possibly an agriturismo with pool, definitely a nice beach resort.
Posted by
1970 posts
With an 18 mo old child - you will mainly be planning the trip for yourselves and taking the child along. I love Assisi which is easy to get to from Rome. I really like Assisi midweek as opposed to weekend - more peaceful. Orvieto and Civita Di Bagnoregio is a good option as well. I second the hotel with a swimming pool as an option as well.
Posted by
Boston, MA
1829 posts
18 months old you really don't plan your trip for what they will like.
They won't remember and best for them just to be with you.
As your son gets older (5-8 is when you really need to find destinations that interest him or are child friendly at 18 months you do not)
What I would look for is a place that is stroller friendly.
So usually rocky places like the coast where steps are often considered roads or walkways are not as good in that regard.
I would bring one of those bigger wheel strollers vs. the little city ones for Rome and other locations with cobblestone streets.
Those are annoyingly big but even the smaller strollers are going to be too large to go into small shops and the like.
When doing that usually one parent has to stay with the child while the other goes inside.
Italians in general adore young children and are very tolerant if they are not on their best behavior.
One last thing we learned the hard way:
Gate Checking a stroller is not done in Europe as it is in the US.
If you bring your stroller to the gate in the US, they will tag it and when you get off the plane at your US destination you pick it up before entering the rest of the airport.
In Europe, that is not done you can gate check it leaving the US but it will go with the rest of the checked bags and you will have to retrieve it along with your other luggage at your final destination.
If you have a layover you will not have access to your stroller!
And make sure the stroller is strong enough to get jostled around.