Sicily with children

Sicily is a great destination for holidays with kids. Italians are a very family-oriented society and Sicilians are no different. So if you are planning to bring your bambini (kids) with you to Sicily, you couldn't choose a better location to travel. Not only will children be welcomed but they will quite possibly be spoilt with the locals going out of their way to cater for them. You might also benefit from some free baby-sitting. Perfect!

There are also plenty of fun, child-friendly activities for kids in Sicily that range well beyond days at the beaches or by the pool. Here are some activities and locations in Sicily that might prove to be a winner for your kids.

Sicily's volcanoes

Kids will love exploring the island’s many volcanoes and their associated thermal activity. On Mount Etna near Catania you can actually ride a cable car up above the mounds of lava to Rifugio Sapienza and then take a 4WD to the summit. It's also possible to trek up to the craters on the isles of Stromboli or Vulcano on the Aeolian Islands and look down into their smoking depths. Alternatively you could see Stromboli’s magnificent lava explosions from the Sciara del Fuoco on a night boat ride, or take the kids to the thermal mud pools on Volcano where they can wallow and mud bathe.

Aquaparks in Sicily

The biggest one , Etnaland is close to Catania and you can be sure your kids will love it, and you too! There are several swimming pools with waves, slides and other activities. There is a cable car that shows you around the whole of aquapark and a train that takes you to a fantastic dinosaur park which is also on a site. Number of monstrous toboggans, rides, laser shows, aquarobic and interesting events throughout the day in Etnaland will mark your holidays as something really special.

Aquasplash is another member of Aquaparks in Sicily. It is located close to Selinunte, in Campobello di Mazara. The park is smaller, but there is music all day long and dancing in the swimming pools. There are several slides and self service restaurant that comes handy after all day packed with fun and swimming. If you are in Cefalu and not sunbathing on the beach, try AcquaVerde Park. Monreale is not only famouse for an absolutely stunning cathedral, but also for its great aquapark , Acquapark Monreale, which is only 15 min from Palermo.

Exploring ancient sites

Sicily is dotted with ancient ruins that kids can clamber over, explore and wander to their heart's content. For kids these sights are like giant jigsaw puzzles they can piece together in their imagination. There are old Greek theatres, places where Roman gladiators fought in combat and plenty of old necropolis' to explore.

Gola di Alcantara

This gorge located just outside Catania is a dramatic place where water has cut a hole through the rock. In some places it is only 2 metres wide with dramatic 25 metre high cliffs. In other places it widens into swimming pools. A visit here is a fun-filled day. You could wander down to the water’s edge and explore the area on foot. Take a picnic and relax while the kids swim and play. Older, more adventurous kids might like to join the groups wading further into the gorge through the cold water. The tourist operators provide waterproof trousers, suits, boots and guides.

Ghoulish catacombs

Sicily has a liberal sprinkling of the macabre and, if they're not too young, kids will probably find the catacombs in places like Palermo and Caccamo quite fascinating. This would not be advised for children who feel frightened underground in dark, small spaces.

Adventure activities

There are a plethora of areas to be active around Sicily. For example you could head to Mt Etna in winter for skiing or alternatively go in summer for biking, horse riding or walking. In the Madonie National Park the kids will love the tree-climbing, cable slides and rope ladders at Il Parco Avventura Madonie. There are also great coastal walks in the Parco dello Zingaro near San Vito Lo Capo on the northern coast or you could take the kids on the walking tracks to visit Pantalica's 5000 tombs in the province of Siracusa. Well day spent could be at Bioparco di Sicilia which has aquarium, animal farm, greenhouse and botanical garden .There are literally endless adventures to be had.

Train trips with a difference

If your children like train rides consider taking them on a day trip on the Ferrovia Circumetnea, a narrow gauge railway line around the base of the volcanic giant Mt Etna. It’s possible to stop off in the towns on the way. Or alternatively taken them on the Treno Barocco del Val di Noto, a historical train driven by an old steam engine that operates on summer weekends linking historic towns in the south east Baroque region. The kids will love the old train and adults should enjoy the beautiful architecture in this region.

Great festivals

Children will also love some of the colourful Sicilian festivals held throughout the year. In Piazza Armerina is the August Palio where there is jousting on horseback and the re-enactment of battle scenes. At Easter time there are a number of interesting processions around the country such as the silent events in Enna or Modica’s Vasa Vasa featuring kissing statues. There’s also a Maritime Festival of boat races in August in Siracusa.

Sicilian Food

There is plenty of food children will enjoy in Sicily. Much of it they’ve probably already tasted of the pizzas and pasta variety so there won’t be too many unknowns for them. Those that are a little more adventurous might like to try some of the other dishes renowned in Sicily such as Catania’s Pasta alla Norma with aubergine and ricotta.There are also plenty of delicious pastries, ice drinks, gelati and hot snacks on offer everywhere. Just remember that some shops close between 12-4pm so make sure you don’t leave lunch too late and miss out, although there is usually a bar open somewhere that will have snacks and drinks.

Similarly be aware that Sicilians eat late in the evening and this can be difficult if your children aren't used to dining so late. If you have your own cooking facilities it won’t be a problem, but if you don’t then you may wish to ensure they have a rest in the afternoon and a snack so they can manage until 7.30-8pm when restaurants open. To get child sized portions in Sicily ask for a mezza porzione.

Accommodation
If you are travelling with children always note this on your accommodation requests. Kids may only be charged at half rate and you should also request any additional services you need such as a cot or high chair

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