Travel to Italy with Kids: tips from an Italian 9-year-old

Welcome to today's Flavor of Italy podcast episode! Today I have a very special interview with Riccardo, a nine-year-old Italian boy who shared what kids really want to do when they travel to Italy. If you’re planning a family trip to Italy with kids this summer, Riccardo’s insights will help you create an exciting and memorable itinerary for your children.
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Meet Riccardo

Riccardo, who turned nine in June, is proudly Italian despite having an American mom and Italian dad. Riccardo was born in Rome and has lived here his whole life. He’s passionate about his Italian heritage and excited to share his favorite activities and recommendations for families visiting Italy with kids.

Soccer in Italy

Riccardo is a big soccer fan, a sport deeply embedded in Italian culture. “Soccer is the number one sport in the world and my favorite,” he says. For visiting Italy with kids, he recommends experiencing soccer in two ways:

1. Shopping for Soccer Gear:
   • Cisalfa: This store is filled with soccer boots, soccer kits, and sweaters from various teams like Roma and Milan.
   • Roma Store: Here, you can buy customized jerseys, balls, and other memorabilia from the Roma team.
   • Buy Italian soccer shirts online here.
2. Attending a Soccer Game:
   • Although the soccer season runs from the end of August to June, catching a game during this period can be an unforgettable experience.

Beaches in Italy with kids

Italy, shaped like a boot, has plenty of coastal areas perfect for family outings. Riccardo’s favorite beaches include:

1. Sperlonga: Located about an hour and a half south of Rome, it’s a beautiful spot for a day trip when you're in Italy with kids.
   Read this about the Best of Sperlonga, and Sperlonga the Seafood Haven.
2. Ostia: Just on the outskirts of Rome, it’s easily accessible and offers a refreshing escape from the city.

At the beach, you might come across vendors selling grattachecca, a delightful shaved ice treat with various syrups – something Riccardo hasn’t tried yet but looks forward to.

Exploring Rome

Riccardo emphasizes the importance of choosing a tour guide who can make the experience interesting for visiting Italy with kids. He suggests focusing on stories and activities that capture children's imaginations, like learning about gladiators at the Colosseum.

Tips to Stay Cool in Rome:

• Gelato Stops: Regular breaks for gelato and water help keep kids refreshed.

• Nasoni Fountains: These public fountains provide cool drinking water and are a fun way to stay hydrated when you're in Italy with kids.
  The Nasoni fountains are a unique feature in Rome, offering fresh drinking water. The water flows out of a spout continuously. To drink from a Nasone, you can simply cover the bottom of the spout with your finger, and water will shoot up from a small hole on top, creating a convenient drinking fountain. This allows you to easily drink or even wet your head to cool off. Fill up your water bottle from the nasoni!

Art and History

Rome is filled with historical sites and art that can be fascinating for kids if presented in an engaging way. Riccardo loves visiting churches to cool off and admire the frescoes on the ceilings. He also enjoys hearing stories about the sculptures in Rome’s famous fountains.
One fountain sculpture story Riccardo loves tells about two people who were constructing different projects: one was building a fountain, and the other, a church. The fountain builder warned the church builder that if the church collapsed, it would destroy the fountain. The church builder ignored the warning. In response, the fountain builder created sculptures of people in shock, holding their hands up as if to protect themselves and the fountain from the potential falling church.

Unique Tours and Experiences when you're in Italy with kids.

Riccardo recommends various fun and educational tours in Rome:

1. Golf Cart Tours: These tours are a comfortable way for families to explore the city with a guide explaining the sights.
2. Bicycle Tours: For the more active families, bike tours are a great option, with plenty of opportunities to stop and drink from the nasoni fountains.
3. Fiat 500 Tours: Riccardo is excited about his upcoming tour in an old Fiat 500, a historic and iconic Italian car.

Souvenirs and Memories

When it comes to souvenirs, Riccardo suggests small, memorable items like gadgets to attach to your book bag, or magnets. He particularly likes fridge magnets in the shape of a pizza or the shape of Italy, which serve as great reminders of the trip.

This is a great Travel Guide to Italy and Rome for Kids.

Italian Food

Food is a big part of the Italian experience. Riccardo encourages kids to try:

1. Pasta Pomodoro: Simple pasta with tomato sauce.
2. Pasta Vongole: Pasta with clams, a favorite of Riccardo’s.
3. Pizza: Especially the Margherita, made with tomato sauce, mozzarella, and sometimes sausage (salsiccia).

For drinks, he suggests water, Coca Cola, fizzy water, and Fanta.

Conclusion on travel to Italy with Kids

Riccardo’s insights provide a unique perspective on what makes Italy special for children. From experiencing the thrill of a soccer game to enjoying the simple pleasure of gelato and beach outings, Italy offers countless activities that will make your family trip unforgettable. Remember to consider Riccardo’s tips and recommendations to ensure a fantastic time in Italy with your kids.

Riccardo’s Parting Words: "I hope you have a good time if you come to Italy. Remember these things to have an even better time."

More to do with kids in Rome!

Go to a water park.
Gladiator school for kids.
Read more about gladiators here: myths and facts
Vatican Museum and Sistine Chapel for Kids

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