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Verona Arena

Things to Do in Verona with Kids: A Perfect One-Day Itinerary for Families

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Updated 25 February 2025

Verona is a beautiful city in Italy with a rich history. It is a popular tourist destination for being the setting of Shakespeare’s "Romeo and Juliet.", its picturesque surroundings and cultural events. Verona is the perfect destination for a family trip in Italy. With its beautiful medieval architecture, lovely parks and gardens and vibrant atmosphere, there are plenty of things to do in Verona with kids. From taking a tour of Juliet’s house to exploring the ancient Roman amphitheatre, there is something for everyone. Here's our Verona in one day itinerary with some of our favourite things to do in Verona with the kids.

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Explore the iconic Verona Arena, a must-visit historical site for families interested in Roman architecture and culture.
Discover the grandeur of Verona Arena, where families can experience ancient history and impressive performances.
Enjoy breathtaking views of Verona from the Arena, offering a stunning perspective of the city’s historic landmarks.

01

Start the day in Verona with a visit to the Verona Arena

The Arena is a large amphitheatre that was built in the first century AD. Today, it is one of the most popular tourist attractions in Verona. Kids will love exploring this ancient structure and imagining what it was like to see a Roman gladiator and wild animals battle.

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Visiting the Verona Arena with kids can be a great experience. To make sure you have a great time, here are some tips to help you get the most out of your visit.

 

TIPS FOR VISITING VERONA ARENA WITH KIDS:

 

1) Buy tickets online before you go or when you get there on the day. This way, you can go straight to the “online tickets” entrance and avoid long queues. You can also book a skip-the-line guided tour with the licensed guide (Book your tour here) or get a Verona Card with Arena Priority Entrance (Get your card here).

2) Furthermore, from October to May, if you visit on the first Sunday of the month, the entrance fee is only 1 Euro! 

3) Show the kids some videos about the arena beforehand so they know what to expect and get excited about their visit.

4) Don’t forget to explore underground corridors and hallways; 

5) Climb to the top and admire the view (not recommended for those who are afraid of heights). 

6) It's important to remember that the arena is an outdoor amphitheatre. That means it can be quite hot during the day, so be sure to dress your kids in light, comfortable clothing. And don't forget the sunscreen and hats!

7) And finally, if you are visiting with small children, there are a lot of stairs, so be prepared to carry your children if they get tired.

02

Cross the Castelvecchio bridge

The Castelvecchio Bridge, built in 1354, spans the Adige River and is a stunning example of well-preserved medieval architecture. As a family, we loved walking across the bridge, taking in the breathtaking views of Verona and the river. It’s a great spot for photos and to introduce your kids to the city’s rich history.

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If your family enjoys history or art, make sure to visit Castelvecchio Museum, housed in a 14th-century castle. The museum is home to an impressive collection of art and artifacts from the Middle Ages and Renaissance, offering a fascinating insight into Verona’s past. The museum's interactive exhibits make it fun and educational for kids, and it’s a great way for the whole family to learn about the city’s culture.

 

TIP: If you visit the museum from October to May, don’t miss the chance to enjoy a special offer: on the first Sunday of the month, the entrance fee is only 1 Euro! 

Visit the official website of Verona to book your tickets and plan your visit in advance!

Admire the historic Castelvecchio Bridge in Verona, a beautiful spot for family photos and scenic views of the city.
Kids having fun at the playground in Verona, a perfect spot for family relaxation and outdoor play in the city.

03

Have a break in Alessandro Canestrari Gardens

There is a cafe, toilettes and playground for kids to explore and have some fun.

Explore the historic Porta Borsari in Verona, an ancient Roman gate offering a glimpse into the city’s rich past.

04

Explore Piazza delle Erbe

Make your way back to the centre of the city via the Vittoria Bridge. Stop by Porta Borsari and then continue to Piazza delle Erbe - one of our absolute favorite spots during our family trip to Verona. It’s the kind of place that instantly makes you feel like you’re part of something special. The square is filled with vibrant energy, surrounded by beautiful historic buildings and lively markets. We loved exploring the ancient market stalls, picking up local treats, and immersing ourselves in the lively atmosphere of this picturesque square.

Stroll through Piazza delle Erbe in Verona, a vibrant square filled with history, market stalls, and family-friendly attractions.

05

Climb Torre dei Lamberti and Explore Verona’s Historic Squares with Your Family

Climbing the Torre dei Lamberti is a must-do activity in Verona—trust us, the view from the top is absolutely worth the climb! Once you've taken in the stunning panoramic views of the city, head to Piazza Mercato Vecchio, a charming historic square that offers a taste of Verona’s rich past. 

For some family fun, we highly recommend taking the kids to Piazza dei Signori. The kids will have a blast running around the statue of Dante, chasing pigeons and enjoying the vibrant energy of this popular square. It’s a perfect spot for families to relax and watch the little ones play. Afterward, take a moment to unwind in one of the nearby cafés, sip on a refreshing drink, and watch your kids burn off some energy.

Piazza Mercato Vecchio in Verona
Juliet's house in Verona

06

Is the courtyard of Juliet's house worth visiting?

Juliet's house is the main symbol of Verona, and many tourists come here every day. This is a beautiful medieval palace that can be visited with an entrance fee (TIP: From October to May, if you visit on the first Sunday of the month, the entrance fee is only 1 Euro). However, it is free to visit the courtyard of the building, where you can see the famous tiny balcony and Juliet statue. Queues to visit the courtyard are often long and can take an hour or more. When you finally get there, you find a very small crowded courtyard and another queue of people waiting to take their photo with the Juliet statue. If you are a Romeo and Juliet fan or you wish to learn more about the history of the balcony and the story of Romeo and Juliet, then take a tour of Juliet’s House but definitely not worth waiting an hour in my opinion just to see the courtyard especially if you are travelling with young children.

DAY TRIPS FROM VERONA

Discover Parco Sigurtà, one of the top family attractions near Verona, Italy – offering beautiful gardens, a fun maze, and outdoor activities perfect for kids and families to enjoy together.
Parco Giardino Sigurta
Enjoy a family day out at Parco Sigurtà, a top attraction near Verona, Italy, featuring lush gardens, a scenic maze, and fun outdoor activities perfect for kids and families.

Parco Giardino Sigurtà

Have you ever wanted to explore the most beautiful park in Italy? Parco Giardino Sigurtà in Valeggio sul Mincio in the province of Verona is the perfect place for you!

 

It won the Most Beautiful Private Park Award in Italy in 2013, took the second place in the European Garden Award in 2015, received the World Tulip Award in 2019, and was named the “World Tulip Destination Worth Traveling for”. As this award suggests, the best time to visit the park is during tulip season - March to April. But every season there is something interesting to do and see. The park offers a wide range of activities for visitors. The maze and animal farm are great for kids to explore and have fun.

To get around, you can rent a bicycle (or bring your own at no extra charge) or an electric golf cart. You can also take the little train or mini shuttle. The park hosts various events throughout the year.

Explore Parco Sigurtà, a must-visit family-friendly destination near Verona, Italy, with beautiful landscapes, exciting trails, and a maze for kids to enjoy together.
Experience Parco Sigurtà near Verona, Italy – a family-friendly park offering stunning gardens, nature trails, and outdoor adventures that kids and families will love.
Borghetto sul Mincio
Explore Borghetto sul Mincio, Italy – a picturesque, family-friendly village near Verona, known for its charming mills, beautiful riverside views, and scenic walking paths perfect for family outings.

Borghetto sul Mincio

Borghetto sul Mincio is a small town in the province of Verona. A must-see when visiting Parco Giardino Sigurtà. It is listed among the most beautiful villages in Italy. The town is situated on the banks of the Mincio River, with the historic centre on an island in the middle of the river. With its variety of restaurants, cafés and shops, this small town is a popular destination for tourists wishing to experience the beauty of the Italian countryside.

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Hidden playground in Borghetto sul Mincio

This playground is a great find. It is a real gem hidden behind the Grand Cafe San Marco and it offers amazing views of the Visconti bridge and surroundings. The location is ideal for families looking for a joyful meal or a drink with some entertainment for their kids. 

Discover the hidden playground in Borghetto sul Mincio, Italy – a family-friendly gem offering a safe and fun space for kids to play while enjoying the picturesque riverside views and charming village atmosphere.

WHERE TO STAY IN VERONA

Leonardo Hotel Verona 3* check reviews here

There is no shortage of accommodation in Verona. If you're not traveling by car, it's best to find a city centre hotel close to all attractions that Verona has to offer. However, if you rent a car and are looking for a quieter, more secluded spot outside of Verona city centre, you can look around for hotels and farm stays (called agriturismo) in the countryside.

 

During our visit to Verona we stayed at the Leonardo Hotel which is only 10 minutes’ drive from the historic centre of Verona. With amenities including free stay for children under 6, free parking, small playground with trampoline, slides, football field and more, nice outdoor areas and easy motorway access, the hotel is the perfect place to stay in Verona especially when visiting other places outside of Verona. You can also join their Members Club and get a 10% discount on your first booking.

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Stay in family-friendly accommodation in Verona, Italy – offering comfortable rooms, convenient locations near top attractions, and the perfect base for exploring the city's rich history and culture with kids.
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