If you are planning a family vacation in Sicily, you are in the right place! Today I'm going to tell you what you absolutely must visit in Sicily with your kids. Sicily is a wonderful island that offers a perfect combination of culture, adventure and fun for the whole family. I'm here to give you some tips on places not to miss, absolutely, during your trip.
Get ready to create unforgettable memories!
Best beaches in Sicily for children
Sicily is famous for its heavenly beaches. You can spend wonderful days at the beach building sand castles, playing water games and relaxing under the sun. The beaches of Cefalù, San Vito Lo Capo, San Lorenzo, Vendicari, Punta Ciriga, are just some of the must-see destinations.
Child-friendly hikes on Mount Etna
Sicily is home to the mighty Mount Etna, “a muntagna” as we Sicilians call it. One of the most active volcanoes in the world. One thing you absolutely must do in Sicily with children will be climbing the volcano.
This will be a unique opportunity for your children to learn about geology, observe craters and walk on volcanic grounds. You can book a family friendly guided hike on Mount Etna to explore the trails and enjoy spectacular views.
If you are looking for child-friendly excursions in Sicily, you will have a wide choice of tours (not only on Etna) with our services.
Fun family experiences in Sicily
If your kids love thrills, you can't miss the Madonie Adventure Park or the Serra la Nave Adventure Park on Mount Etna. These adventure parks offer a wide range of fun activities such as tree climbing, archery, and hanging courses. Your little ones will have a great time challenging themselves and overcoming obstacles.
Child-friendly historical places in Sicily
Sicily is a land rich in history and culture. Take your children to visit the Valley of the Temples Archaeological Park in Agrigento, where they can immerse themselves in ancient Greek civilization. You can also visit the Neapolis in Syracuse, the Selinunte Archaeological Park and the Segesta Archaeological Park. Learning will be fun and engaging for the whole family!
Family city tours in Sicily
Don't forget to explore Sicily's fascinating cities. Palermo, Catania, Syracuse, Ragusa Ibla, and Modica offer a blend of history, culture, and culinary delights. Take a stroll through the picturesque streets, visit local markets, and sample Sicilian delicacies such as cannoli and granita.
And if you want to discover the cities with family friendly guides just check out the Sicily Family Tour suggestions.
Your children will be fascinated by the vibrant colors and exotic sounds of these cities.
Enjoy Sicilian food with your children
I cannot talk about Sicily without mentioning its delicious cuisine. Here your little adventurers will have the chance to discover unique and authentic flavors. Sicilian cuisine is a blend of Mediterranean, Arab and Spanish influences, resulting in dishes full of flavor and tradition. Children are sure to love the famous cannoli, with their crispy exterior and delicious sweet ricotta filling.
The arancini or arancine, as they are known, from the classic ragout filling to bolder flavors such as pistachio and mortadella or mushrooms. Also, you cannot miss the Sicilian granita, a wonderful combination of ice and fruity flavors, perfect for cooling off on hot days.
Also be sure to let your little ones try local pasta dishes, such as pasta alla Norma with eggplant and ricotta salata. Sicilian cuisine will delight the palates of young and old alike, providing a true gastronomic experience during your adventure in Sicily.
Want an idea for a fun and yummy experience to do as a family?
Check out our Catania Street Food Tour!
Nature walks with the kids
I absolutely cannot forget to mention some of the most fascinating nature reserves in Sicily during your family adventure. Two of the most spectacular are the Vendicari Nature Reserve and the Zingaro Nature Reserve.
The Vendicari Nature Reserve, located along the southeastern coast of Sicily, is a real gem for nature lovers. Here your children can explore landscapes that have the scent of ancient times, untouched beaches with a variety of natural habitats, and pink flamingos!
The reserve is an important stopover point for many migratory birds, offering birdwatchers the opportunity to spot rare species.
You can take a walk along the trails, observe the salt marshes with pink flamingos and relax on the beautiful sandy beaches. Vendicari is a true paradise for nature lovers and offers many opportunities to learn and have fun outdoors.
The Zingaro Reserve, located on the northwest coast of Sicily, is a protected area of great scenic beauty. Here your little explorers can discover hidden coves, enchanting bays and scenic trails. The reserve has rich flora and fauna, with rare plants, birds, and various species of animals.
You can hike along trails that wind through picture-postcard views, swim in crystal-clear waters and take boat trips. The Zingaro Nature Reserve offers a unique experience in contact with unspoiled nature.
Contact us to request a guide for a tailor-made trek!
The ancient villages and salt pans
In addition to the beautiful nature reserves, Sicily is also full of charming ancient villages that look like something out of a storybook.
Here are some villages I recommend you visit during your Sicilian adventure with children:
Villages in Eastern Sicily: Aci Trezza and Aci Castello, Marzamemi, Novara di Sicilia, Scicli, Montalbano Elicona.
Villages in Western Sicily: Erice, Piana degli Albanesi, Gangi, Petralia Soprana.
Of course there are many more, but are we sure you will make time to visit them all?
One of the must-visit places in Sicily with children is the Saline: an ancient salt production system that dates back to Phoenician times. Here your children will have the opportunity to discover how salt is extracted from the vats and learn the traditional process.
They will be able to observe the white banks of the ponds, creating a fascinating contrast with the blue of the sea and the green of the surrounding vegetation.
It is a unique opportunity to explain to them the importance of preserving and enhancing the environment.
The best known are of those Trapani and Marsala.
Sicilian cultural traditions for kids
Two cultural aspects that are sure to fascinate your little ones are Sicilian puppets and the art of the Sicilian cart.
Sicilian puppets are traditional handcrafted puppets that are used to represent epic stories and legends of ancient Sicily. These finely carved and hand-painted wooden figures depict characters such as paladins, princesses, and mythical monsters.
Your children will be enchanted by the realism and craftsmanship of the puppets, and will be able to watch performances in which the puppets come to life through the skilled hands of the puppeteers. This ancient art form will allow you to discover Sicilian history and culture in a fun and engaging way.
Where to find Sicilian puppets?
- Catania: Antica Bottega del Puparo Fratelli Napoli
- Acireale: Opera dei Pupi Turi Grasso or Museum of Puppets
- Syracuse: Museum of Puppets
- Palermo: Mancuso Pupi
Another symbol of Sicilian tradition is the Sicilian cart. These colorful and decorated carts are true walking works of art. Your children will be fascinated by the bright colors, intricate details and golden ornaments that characterize the carts.
This traditional art form tells stories and legends of the island through scenes painted on the side panels of the carts. You can also admire the skill of the carters in driving and controlling the horses that pull the carts. This unique tradition represents a combination of Sicilian art, history and craftsmanship.
Where to experience Sicilian carts? Book your tour here!
These are the main things to absolutely visit in Sicily with children, although they are not all of them.
So I recommend reading the blog to get ideas and inspiration for planning your family trip to Sicily.
Ready to explore Sicily with your family? Book one of our personalized tours today and create unforgettable memories together! 🌟 Contact us now to start planning your adventure!
Want to plan your trip to Sicily but don't know where to start?
Discover our service Sicily Tailor Made.
.png "angle (4)")
.png "angle (2)")
