Skateboarding

Actually, skating is a big deal all over Europe (and the world) like it is here. Still, it would only make sense if he’s an avid skater and you have the time to visit skateboard parks. If you’re not planning on going to a few parks, I say leave it at home.

Do YOU want him to take it is the only question that needs an answer.

When will he have time to use it? He won't be able to use it in Rome with all the cobble walkways. He won't be able to use it in Venice with all the bridges. I've never seen kids skateboarding in the city centers. He won't be able to carry it into most museums or churches. I would tell him no. It's not appropriate.

Donna

We have never seen one skateboarder in Italy. Not one. In most places, the streets are to rough for it. Doing "Ollies" and jumps on nice historical places might just land him in the Italian pokey. I don't recommend it. IMHO, he will also be out of place with his Vans, hat on backwards and other skateboarding attire.

People skateboard all over the world. Let him take it.

Melanie,

My suggestion would be definitely to leave the Skateboard at home. A few things to consider:

You'll probably all be too busy touring for him to spend time using it. If you're not going to be touring, why go to Italy? Spend the time discovering the country and culture. He can do Skateboarding at home.

Someone else mentioned the cobblestone streets (and there are a LOT of them). Not exactly suitable for Skateboarding.

As someone else mentioned, I've also NEVER seen anyone doing that in Italy nor have I seen ANY Skateboarding parks. Perhaps it's just something that's never "caught on" there, but there could also be local laws prohibiting that type of activity! The laws may vary from city-to-city and you may not find out about these until the Police stop him.

It's going to be cumbersome to travel with. If he insists on taking it, be sure that you insist that HE'S the one that must carry it for the entire trip!

Good luck and happy travels!

There are lots of skateboarders in Rome.
We watched a whole pack of them scuffing up the exterior at the Ara Pacis building.

I would be more concerned about the local laws. Many areas are restricted, but the signage isn't clear.

A very big deal for the kids there are the shoes with the wheels in the heals (gliders). These are extremely popular as are the fold-able razor scooters.

I think it would depend on how and where he intends to use the board. I have not seen skateboards on the street, sidewalks such as you see in the US or used as transportation. The average street in Europe does not lend itself to skateboarding -- too narrow, too crowd, and too rough. But have seen them in the skateboard parks and sometimes very crowd. The parks are part of the urban area and generally not close to the normal sightseeing areas.

If you and your son don't mind carrying the board around, I'd say do it. Most visitors to this site are concerned with museums, attire, and restaurants. I commend you for considering your son's interests, too. You will have to search the web for skate parks. It may be a good way for your son connect with kids his age. Let us know how it went and have fun!

Do you want him to get INJURED on his skateboard and spend his/your vacation in the hospital while in Italy? Will you have more than adequate medical travel insurance to cover him? Where will he skate...cobblestone streets, broken sidewalks, or how about down the middle of the Via dei Fori Imperiali where he can get run over by a speeding city bus or wild-assed taxi driver? Are you going to let him loose on the city by himself to get into trouble, or will you spend your precious vacation time supervising him while he grinds his skateboard down ancient stairways? I think he should leave the skateboard at home. There will be plenty for him to see and do.

I've seen a few kids boarding but nothing like you do in the States. I would go with the advice of leaving it at home for all the reasons others posted. If you were moving here you could find a few skate parks scattered around but on vacation I'd say no.

Hello Melanie,

We visited Northern Italy in 2008. Our 14 year old son, Chris would only go if he could bring his skateboard. He had stayed with his grandparents on our previous trip. While his younger brother, Ryan loves everything Italian -cars and pizza. With some reservation, I let him bring his skateboard. We found Milan to be very skateboard friendly. With groups of kids riding, unfortunately, the heat and humidity of June was oppressive and Chris didn't ride. We rented a condo in Fumilatte near Varenna and Chris found a isolated area to ride. He came running back upset telling us that an Italian lady was yelling at him to stop. It wasn't until we drove up to the summit of Passo Stelvio when we were enjoying the magnificent views. There was a large snow bank behind us. Chris and Ryan used the phillips on my Swiss army knife to remove the wheels of the skateboard and converted it to a snowboard! Leave to two Northern California teenagers! They had a blast and got alot of attention.
We traveled to Castelrotto. Chris wanted to try to skateboard. But I was unsure how the conservative town would respond. He found an isolated location, we could see him and his brother from the balcony of our hotel. Within minutes a small crowd gathered around them, I could hear laughter and applauds. They were a hit with the Castelrottoians! The kids came back so happy, telling us people were really enjoying watching Chris perform stunts.
I think common sense is paramount. Allow them to skate in areas where they'll have least impact. Ask local kids where they skateboard. They'll be excited to talk with like-minded American kids.
David