Visiting Catania with Children: Family-Friendly Guide by a Local Mum

Traveling with kids means balancing curiosity, comfort, play time (and snacks!).
Here are my best local tips to enjoy Catania at your family’s pace.

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Top Family-Friendly Activities in Catania

1. Explore Piazza Duomo & the Elephant Fountain

Start your journey at Piazza Duomo, the heart of Catania. Let your kids marvel at the iconic elephant statue, “U Liotru,” while you enjoy a granita from one of the nearby cafés. Don’t forget to visit the Cathedral of Saint Agatha!

Tip: Take a break here to snap family photos and let your kids run around in the square.

At the entrance to the Palazzo degli Elefanti you can also see the famous Senate carriages, ancient carriages that parade during the celebrations of the city's patron saint: St. Agatha. A celebration, perhaps, unsuitable for children because of the crowds; yet at certain times and with a few tricks it will be possible to witness certain moments.

In Cathedral Square you’ll find the Fountain of Amenano, or “acqua a linzolu”. A young man holds a cornucopia, and water flows into a rounded basin, creating a mini waterfall — like a cascading sheet!

The water then runs into the Amenano River, a hidden underground river flowing beneath Catania’s historic center.

2. Fish Market — fun, colorful, noisy (kids love it!)

Introduce your kids to the vibrant Sicilian culture by wandering through the famous fish market. They’ll be fascinated by the colorful stalls and lively atmosphere.

Unique Experiences for Families

If you want a true local experience, try the Street Food Market Tour, designed especially for families with children!

This tour transforms the bustling market into a real treasure hunt among the vibrant colors and flavors of Catania’s most iconic marketplace. Together, we’ll taste traditional local products, each with its own story to tell. It’s a hands-on way for your family to feel like locals for a day.

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What does the experience include?

A 2-hour tour with a licensed guide

Various tastings of typical products

A souvenir map of the market

Book your Street Food Market Tour here.

Looking for a more classic family tour that includes visits to the city’s main monuments? Check out our Catania Family Tour for a perfect blend of history and fun.

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3. Rooftop Walk — Badia di Sant’Agata

If you love seeing cities from above, don’t miss the chance to climb to the rooftops of the Abbey Church of Sant’Agata. Located on Vittorio Emanuele II Street, just a stone’s throw from the Duomo, this experience is both fun and rewarding for families.

A ticket costs 5 euros and is free for children. Once inside, a maze of stairs—which kids will love to explore—leads to the dome. From the top, you’ll enjoy breathtaking views of the entire city. 

On one side, gaze at the sparkling sea and coastline; on the other, marvel at the majestic Mount Etna.

Tip: Visit on a clear day to capture the best photos and enjoy the panoramic views.

4. Visit the Roman Amphitheater: mini-archeology · stories · exploration

Did you know that the Amphitheater of Catania is the second largest Roman monument after the Colosseum?

Unfortunately, you cannot see much of what was once this colossus destroyed by the devastating earthquake in 1693. 

The earthquake wiped out the city of Catania, burying with it even this incredible historical landmark.

Today it is possible to visit only a small part of it. Access is from Piazza Stesicoro, admission is free but the site is not always open. In any case, if you are lucky enough to find it open, get out and explore this beautiful millenary stone labyrinth together with your children. 

Guaranteed fun, practically a small urban playground!

5. Bellini garden: playground · open space · ice cream nearby

Villa Bellini is the city's historic garden of Catania. It has always been a gathering place for families on Sunday walks. While very beautiful, it needs real maintenance. 

However, I'll point out two playgrounds, inside the garden, the first behind the fountain and the second overlooking Piazza Roma, the latter is definitely nicer, there are various games also well maintained and lots of trees. 

There is a beautiful Ficus, planted in 1860, with its branches and roots it gives life to some particularly beautiful structures, in which children can play little explorers!

Just in front of the Villa Bellini, you will find two historic bars the Savia bar and the Spinella bar where you can indulge in tasting both sweet and savory specialties, the granitas with brioche (strictly col "tuppo" remember!) the cannoli, the almond pastries. 

6. The Puppet Theatre (Teatro dei Pupi)

Immerse your family in Sicilian tradition by attending a puppet show. It’s a magical experience for both kids and adults.

Pro tip: Check schedules in advance and book tickets online.

Make your trip easier

7. Family-Friendly Eats in Catania

kid-friendly · quick bites · ice cream & granita stops

What would it be like to visit Catania with children without tasting a typical Sicilian specialty? Just in front of the Villa Bellini, you will find two historic bars the Savia bar and the Spinella bar where you can indulge in tasting both sweet and savory specialties, the granitas with brioche (strictly col "tuppo" remember!) the cannoli, the almond pastries. 

And then the savory: arancini with sauce, pistachio, the cartocciate, the Sicilian. The arancini from I canusciuti and the siciliane from Bar Mazzini are excellent.

If you want to have a true Catanese experience, after your meal go to one of the city's kiosks (see photo) and order a lemon mandarin or a lemon and salt seltzer, I won't give it all away just yet. Taste it and tell me!

If, on the alternative, you are looking for a place always in the center after you can eat with your children quietly sitting at a table, I recommend one that will fascinate you not only because of the food.

I am talking about the Hostel l'Agorà, which is located behind the fish market, in a very characteristic and picturesque area of the city of Catania.

The place is very informal, young and "easy" environment. The food is good and children are offered colors and drawing paper while waiting for their orders. There are also dedicated menus for the little ones.

But the most beautiful thing about this place is the underground lava cave that can be visited inside. From the underground cellar, a door leads to a natural lava cave crossed by the waters of the Amenano River.

The photo does not do it justice because the lighting inside is not excellent, but I assure you it will be an experience your children will certainly love!

In Piazza Duomo you can stop at Bar Prestipino where you will find everything from sweet to savory.

If you love fish, but in street food version, then I recommend: Scirocco Street Lab or Siccia.

Bonus tip: Many restaurants in Catania are child-friendly and happy to accommodate special requests.

Family Cooking Experience

If your family loves cooking and tasting local dishes, I can organize a personalized Sicilian cooking class just for you!

Learn to make traditional Sicilian dishes: arancini, pasta alla Norma, cannoli…

Hands-on experience for kids and adults alike 👩‍🍳👨‍🍳

Small group, guided by a local chef and foodie

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💡 This is a fun, hands-on way to discover Sicilian flavors and make memories as a family!

If you’re planning some beach time during your trip, don’t miss my previous article on the best beaches in Eastern Sicily — full of tips for families, including some great spots near Catania. 🌊

Read about the beaches here 

It’s a perfect way to combine city discoveries with seaside fun, giving your kids a balanced and exciting day!

8. Museums for Kids in Catania: What to Do When It Rains

If it rains in Catania, don’t worry! While the city may not offer many indoor attractions specifically designed for kids, there are still several interesting places to visit. Here are a few ideas to enjoy a family-friendly day even when the weather isn’t ideal.

Castello Ursino
Castello Ursino is one of Catania's most famous historical landmarks. With its medieval walls and rooms full of history, it's a perfect place for exploring the city’s past. Kids will love the chance to feel like little explorers in an ancient castle.

Museo dello Sbarco in Sicilia
For children aged 5 and up, the Museo dello Sbarco is a fascinating stop. It explores Catania’s role during World War II with interactive exhibits and historical materials that engage children and stimulate their curiosity.

MuZoo - Zoological Museum of Catania
Another must-see is MuZoo, the zoological museum of the University of Catania. Inside, you’ll find an extensive collection of stuffed animals from Sicily and beyond. It’s a great opportunity for kids to learn about the animal kingdom in a fun and educational way.

PoloTattile Multimedia
For a unique experience, don’t miss PoloTattile Multimedia. This is a tactile multimedia center where children can engage with interactive exhibits, offering a sensory experience that’s both fun and educational. It’s perfect for stimulating their curiosity and learning in a hands-on way.

Bonus Tip: Discover Mount Etna with Your Kids!

If you're planning a trip to Catania, don’t miss the opportunity to explore Mount Etna with your kids. Whether you want to enjoy a family-friendly excursion or take part in a special Etna tour, there’s so much to discover on this majestic volcano! From easy hikes to fun activities and breathtaking views, it's a memorable experience for all ages.

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Book Your Family Adventure!

Ready to explore Catania with your little ones? Let us help you plan a personalized family itinerary or book a guided tour designed just for kids. Click here to get started!

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