Here's your guide to the best things to do with kids in Sicily:
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Lounge on the Beaches
Since Sicily is known for its beautiful beaches, one of the greatest ways to bond with your children is to relax on the island's family-friendly beaches, with its unique charm and fantastic amenities.
If you're looking for some peace and quiet, visit Mondello Beach in Palermo. With crystal-clear waters and sandy shorelines perfect for building sandcastles and splashing around. If you're more about the dramatic scenery, Cefalù Beach has got you covered with its stunning cliffs and beautiful blue waters. It's a great spot for snorkelling and checking out the coastline too!
When you're at the beach, there's a whole bunch of fun stuff for the whole family to get into. Whether it's soaking up the sun, having a picnic, playing some beach volleyball, or trying your hand at paddleboarding, there's something for everyone. The little ones can splash around in the shallows while the grown-ups chill out in the warm Mediterranean rays. Plus, Sicilian beaches usually have all sorts of amazing extras like beachside cafes, playgrounds, and places to rent water sports gear, making sure families with kids have everything they need for a great day out.
The beaches of Sicily are the perfect way to bond and relax with your little ones, perfect for families seeking fun in the sun.
Image by nikoanastasi from Pixabay
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Explore Mount Etna
Whether you're cruising up in a 4WD, hiking your way, or taking the cable car, the sheer majesty of Mount Etna and its breathtaking fireworks after dark will stick with you and your little ones forever. Mount Etna, the largest of Italy's three active volcanoes, will undoubtedly put on a performance that is likely to pull in people of all ages. You can go on guided tours that can be tailored to fit all ages and fitness levels, ensuring a safe exploration of the volcano's lunar landscapes, ancient lava trails, and smoking craters.
Riding up Mount Etna in a cable car or off-road vehicle adds an extra thrill, treating you to sweeping vistas of the Sicilian countryside and the sparkling Mediterranean Sea. Kids will be hooked by the volcano's geology and history, soaking up stories about its eruptions, legendary tales, and the wildlife that calls this place home. Hike along the trails to truly soak in the rugged beauty of Mount Etna's landscape while knowledgeable guides fill you in on all the fascinating details about the volcano's history.
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Go Horse Riding
The best part about visiting here with the kids is you'll find a ton of villas in Sicily that are family-friendly complete with ample space and amenities to cater to adults and kids. These family-friendly villas of Sicily provide a comfortable and convenient home away from home, with features like spacious living areas, fully equipped kitchens, and often private pools or gardens for added relaxation and enjoyment.
After settling in your villa, saddle up and explore the lesser-known paths of Sicily with the kids on horseback. Led by seasoned guides, these treks unlock the hidden gems of the island's countryside, offering a unique perspective on its rich cultural and natural heritage. Ideal for older children, these excursions cater to all abilities with varying tour length options.
Set off on an adventure, whether it's just a few hours or the whole day, and explore landscapes that unveil the stunning Alcantara Gorges and the lush vineyards of Mount Etna. Some tours even let you guide your horse for a refreshing splash in the sea at the beach.
Whether you and your kids are novices or experienced riders, exploring Sicily on horseback offers a remarkable adventure that immerses you in the island's beauty and history.
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Enjoy the Pretty Bike Routes
Pedalling through Sicily's picturesque bike paths is a classic family day out, giving you and your little ones the chance to discover the island's many landscapes at your own speed. From scenic hills covered in olive trees to quaint coastal towns and vineyard-studded countryside, there's so much to see. And the best part? Sicily's bike routes come in all shapes and sizes, so whether you're into hills or flat paths, there's something for everyone, making sure both adults and kids have lots of fun.
Pedal through olive groves, fruit orchards and vineyards, along beautifully quaint lanes flanked by stone walls, and past rural villages where interesting rest stops await. Book guided cycling tours in half-day or full-day options, promising fun for the whole family while embracing the island's simple pleasures. For those preferring a more leisurely pace, consider renting bicycles and setting your own course. Pack a picnic, choose a route, and set off on a day of adventure, creating perfect memories. Bliss.
Besides getting to see all the amazing sights Sicily has to offer, biking is a great way to get active and enjoy the outdoors. It's all about working together and chatting as you and the kids cruise along, which helps strengthen your relationships and make great memories together.
Image by RENE RAUSCHENBERGER from Pixabay
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See the Historic Sites
Exploring historic sites is a really fun bonding activity for families visiting Sicily with kids, and boy does Sicily have a ton of them! From the ancient ruins of the Valley of the Temples in Agrigento to the majestic Greek Theatre in Taormina, and not to forget the fascinating catacombs of the Capuchin monastery in Palermo, there's something to spark everyone's curiosity. Sicily's historic sites also provide invaluable educational opportunities, allowing kids to learn about ancient civilisations, architecture, and incredible historical events in an immersive way.
Bringing your kids to Sicily's historic spots is like opening a door to wonder and curiosity. They'll be awestruck by the ancient monuments and artefacts, their imaginations running wild and their questions flowing. It's a surefire way to plant the seeds of a lifelong love for history and adventure.
And exploring these sites is a great experience for all the family. Embarking on this incredible journey through time together, sharing stories while soaking up the significance of what you're seeing. Plus, many of these historic spots are nestled in beautiful scenery. Picture picnics among ancient ruins or scenic hikes to reach hidden archaeological gems.
Ashley Pugh ;
Ashley Pugh is one of the Co-Founders of Familydaysout.com and has been committed to writing family related content since 2008. There isn't much about family attractions that Ashley doesn't know, after visiting hundreds of them worldwide over the last 20 years.
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