Things to Do in Verona with Kids: A Perfect One-Day Itinerary for Families
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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. 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.
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.
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 was built in 1354 and spans the Adige River. It is a fine example of well-preserved medieval architecture. If you're interested in history or art, Verona's Castelvecchio Museum, housed in a 14th-century castle, is well worth a visit. The castle is home to a large collection of art and artifacts from the Middle Ages and Renaissance.
TIP: From October to May, if you visit the museum on the first Sunday of the month, the entrance fee is only 1 Euro!
03
Have a break in Alessandro Canestrari Gardens
There is a cafe, toilettes and playground for kids to explore and have some fun.
04
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.
05
Climb the Torre dei Lamberti and explore Piazza Mercato Vecchio
and then let your kids run around the statue of Dante chasing pigeons in Piazza dei Signori.
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
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.
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.
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.
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.
