What to do in Verona with children?

Verona, the city of Romeo and Juliet, is not only a romantic destination for couples but also a delightful place to explore with kids. With its charming streets, ancient monuments, green spaces and fun attractions, Verona offers a wide range of family-friendly activities that blend culture, play, and discovery. Whether you’re planning a weekend escape or a longer stay, here’s how to enjoy the city through the eyes of your little travelers.

• Start the Day with a Family Stroll through Piazza Bra
• A Tale of Two Lovers: Juliet’s House
• Climb Up to Castel San Pietro for a Breathtaking View
• Nature and Freedom: Giardino Giusti
• Time for a Sweet Treat (or Two!)
• Verona’s Bridges: Small Adventures for Big Imaginations
• Rainy Day? Visit the Children’s Bookstore or Library
• Interactive Learning at the Museo di Storia Naturale

Start the Day with a Family Stroll through Piazza Bra

The heart of Verona is Piazza Bra, one of the largest squares in Italy. It’s also home to the famous Arena di Verona, an ancient Roman amphitheater that will spark the imagination of kids and adults alike. While younger children may not sit through an opera performance, just stepping inside and walking through its corridors is an adventure in itself.

Let your kids run around the open space of the piazza while you admire the surrounding architecture. There are also several cafés and gelaterie perfect for a mid-morning snack or a refreshing Italian gelato.

A Tale of Two Lovers: Juliet’s House

While Shakespeare’s tale is certainly more suited to older readers, Juliet’s House (Casa di Giulietta) is one of the most iconic stops in Verona. For children, the balcony and the bronze statue of Juliet are enchanting visuals straight out of a fairy tale. They’ll love the tradition of touching Juliet’s statue for good luck — just be prepared for some crowds.

The courtyard is free to visit, and if your children are curious, the small museum inside offers a quick glimpse into medieval Verona.

Climb Up to Castel San Pietro for a Breathtaking View

Kids love castles — and Castel San Pietro, perched on a hill above the Adige River, is a must. You can either climb the panoramic staircase (great for adventurous little legs!) or take the funicular, which is a fun ride in itself. Once at the top, you’ll be rewarded with a sweeping view of Verona’s terracotta rooftops and winding river.

Bring a small snack or packed lunch and turn it into a scenic picnic spot. The space is open, calm, and ideal for a bit of rest or quiet play before heading back into town.

Nature and Freedom: Giardino Giusti

Sometimes children just need a place to run free — and Giardino Giusti is the ideal escape. This beautifully manicured Renaissance garden includes winding paths, cypress trees, fountains, and even a small maze that kids will love.

Parents will appreciate the serene beauty of the place, and the upper terraces offer another incredible view of the city. It’s also a wonderful spot for family photos, especially in spring and summer.

Time for a Sweet Treat (or Two!)

No visit to Verona with kids is complete without indulging in some local sweets. Look out for a “pasticceria” serving pastafrolla (shortcrust pastries), frittelle (fritters), or a slice of Pandoro — the golden star-shaped cake native to Verona.

For a more hands-on experience, consider booking a family cooking class where your children can try making pizza or fresh pasta. These experiences are becoming increasingly popular and provide unforgettable memories — plus a delicious meal at the end!

Verona’s Bridges: Small Adventures for Big Imaginations

Crossing Verona’s historic bridges can feel like stepping into a storybook. Ponte Pietra is especially fascinating with its Roman foundations and medieval arches. Kids can play a game of spotting different stones or pretending they’re crossing a moat into a castle.

Ponte Scaligero, connected to Castelvecchio, is another favorite. Its distinctive battlements and towers make it the perfect backdrop for a playful photo shoot or a short knight-and-princess themed walk.

Rainy Day? Visit the Children’s Bookstore or Library

Verona has several well-curated bookstores with dedicated children’s sections, such as “Feltrinelli” near Via Quattro Spade. On rainy afternoons, these spaces can be a peaceful refuge where kids can leaf through picture books or join scheduled reading activities.

Alternatively, the Civic Library sometimes hosts storytelling sessions or craft workshops, especially on weekends. It’s a great way to sneak in some downtime without feeling like you’re missing out.

Interactive Learning at the Museo di Storia Naturale

If the weather isn’t cooperating or you want to spark a sense of curiosity in your children, head to Verona’s Natural History Museum. It’s a short walk from the city center and offers fascinating displays of dinosaur skeletons, fossils, and minerals.

This museum is compact enough not to overwhelm small visitors, but still packed with enough to entertain curious minds. It’s an educational break that feels more like an adventure.

Science for the family, for a weekend full of discoveries

The Museum of Natural History is housed in Palazzo Pompei, one of Verona’s most prestigious buildings. Major sections include the one dedicated to Prehistory, with a rich collection of artifacts ranging from the Paleolithic to the Iron Age, and the Geology and Paleontology section, with tens of thousands of fossils, rocks, and minerals.

Prehistoric animals and other strange creatures

What kids are most excited about, however, is the Zoology section (for good reason, we had already recommended the MUSE in Trento for a weekend with kids) with its vast collection of vertebrates and invertebrates preserved dry and in alcohol. The “super stars” include beetles, spiders, and curious crustaceans, very striking exhibits, especially for those who choose to spend the Night at the Museum.

How to book a visit to the Museum

Online Reservation

• Visit the official website of the Museo Civico di Storia Naturale di Verona:
  museodistorianaturale.comune.verona.it
• Look for the “Prenotazioni” (Reservations) section.
• You can usually book individual tickets, family visits, and educational workshops directly online.
• Events like guided tours or children’s activities may require advanced booking, especially on weekends or holidays.

Email Booking

• For group visits or special activities (like workshops or school trips), you can send an email to:
  📧 segreteria.didattica@comune.verona.it

Phone Booking

• You may also contact the museum by phone at: 📞 +39 045 8036353 (ask for the educational office if needed)

Walk-In Tickets

Walk-in visits are possible, but during busy periods it’s strongly recommended to book in advance to avoid long waits or unavailable time slots.

Children should come equipped with a sleeping mat, sleeping bag, pajamas and packed dinner – in short, everything they need for an overnight stay at the museum, and don’t forget the toothbrushes! Another essential accessory for embarking on this adventure is, of course, the flashlight!

Travel to Verona with Italo

The city of Romeo and Juliet is a place of myriad attractions. In addition to being the ideal backdrop for a romantic weekend getaway , Verona is also the perfect destination for a gourmet getaway, as our Verona wine-tasting trip ideas show. Thanks to the frequent trains to Verona, you won’t have timetable problems and can leave every day in total relaxation, enjoying the convenience of high-speed travel! Do you know, for example, that the rail trip from Milan to Verona takes only 1 hour and 14 minutes?

Looking for other ideas for traveling with your kids in a “have fun learning” spirit? Consider the Naples City of Science, easily reachable by train.