Kid-Friendly Italy – Viterbo
When planning a trip to Italy, the first thing everyone thinks of is Rome, Venice, Florence, and maybe Cinque Terra, if they have the time. Don’t get me wrong, these cities are some of my all-time favorite places to visit. They offer the best of the best in art, history, culture, and…crowds. When looking for kid-friendly Italy, are you looking to venture beyond the big city prices, chaos, and crowds? Me too! Grab your passport! Let’s go!
If I could have all the art, history, and gelato without the crowds, I’m pretty sure I’d have died and gone to heaven! Often it’s the crowds that will steer families away from big cities. Making a kid-friendly Italy itinerary is very doable. Most cities do their best to make their museums and attractions as kid-friendly as possible. But sometimes, you just need the pace and vibe of a smaller city. Viterbo is one of those really kid-friendly cities. Keep reading. I’m pretty sure you’ll agree with me that a kid-friendly Italy is just up the road (or train track) from Rome!
Which Way To Viterbo?
Just north of Rome (about 80 miles, but only 1 hour by train from Roma Termini or Fiumicino airport) is Viterbo. The name just rolls off your tongue! Viterbo is known for being a lively, university town and has an active art scene. Compared to Rome, it’s a sleepy little town! But, it holds so much history, art, and artisan designer shopping.
Often families choose to fly into Rome – Ciampino or Fiumicino (AKA Leonardo da Vinci Airport). You’ll find that there are some pretty affordable long-haul flights and even more affordable budget European deals awaiting those wanting to venture into the region of Romulus, Remus, the Etruscans, and all those Caesars.
Kid-Friendly Italy – Getting There
Traveling to Rome is every aspiring ancient history buff or archaeologist’s dream. Do you have a virtual archaeologist or an armchair historian in your family who can’t wait to see all the ancient ruins, texts, and artifacts? Then, Rome, and its medieval castle towns, are waiting to meet you!
Viterbo Museums – Kid-Friendly Italy
The Etruscan Museum is a scoop of kid-friendly Italy. There are loads of interesting ways for the kids to learn about archaeology and the many digs that have taken place around Viterbo, Italy. Most artifacts from nearby digs are housed in the Etruscan Museum.
Papal Palazzo – Kid-Friendly Italy
There’s nothing like having a whole room, containing a single piece of amazing art, all to yourself on a balmy, autumn afternoon in Viterbo. Palazzo dei Papi is definitely one of Viterbo’s must-see sights. It’s kid-friendly, engaging and you get 3 attractions in one, affordable ticket price!
Shopping – Kid-Friendly Italy
When in Italy… shop like a local! There are some outrageously creative designer seamstresses and artisans in this area. Check ‘em out if you are looking for something really unique to take home. There are also great artisan shops for ceramics, foodie gifts, and jewelry. Something for everyone!
If you want to round out your kid-friendly Italy trip by taking the kids shopping, head to the street markets! Viterbo’s street market is lively, and affordable no matter the size of your budget.
Viterbo – Kid-Friendly Italy
That’s it! Viterbo’s version of kid-friendly Italy includes a few must-see sights for families traveling with kids. You could easily enjoy Viterbo for a weekend. A week is perfect to take in all the sights, sounds, and tastes of this southern Tuscan region.
There are several other fun things to experience in Viterbo. If you can fit these into your itinerary, I’m sure you’ll enjoy them. We didn’t have quite enough time (or were there on the wrong September weekend). But I’ve heard great things about:
- Thermal Baths – Terme dei Papi, Baths of Bullicame, and the Bagnaccio Spa Park and Botanical Garden.
- Festival and Macchina di Santa Rosa. (It’s as popular as The Running of the Bulls in Pamplona. Spain). Note: The city will be bursting at the seams with people during this festival, but returns to it’s normal, quaint, walled city after a few days.
If you are keen on visiting other fascinating, kid-friendly cities just outside Rome, you’ll enjoy my posts about Grottaferratta and Lago Albano.
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I studied in Rome for six months, I feel like I had a professor who lived in Viterbo!
I bet you did! It’s a university town too. With it being so close to Rome it’s a perfect place (imho) to live. I’d move in a heartbeat if I could! We absolutely loved everything about Viterbo. I can’t wait to get back and explore the neighboring towns next time.
Btw, what an amazing experience to have gotten to study in Italy. Dream come true, I bet.