Last Updated on May 21, 2024 by Suzy McCullough
When we were planning our summer holiday last year, we had the idea to go to Italy. We were excited – we loved Italy when we went to Tuscany a few years ago but hadn’t had the chance to go back. We quickly found things to do in Rome and a place to stay in Sorrento with family.
We also booked a villa in Sicily to spend some time with some old friends and their children since your money goes further there than pretty much anywhere else in Italy. Left with a week in the middle to hang out with my mum there was only one place in my mind where we could go.
Guest post
Now, while the Italian Lakes have been on Mum’s bucket list since I can remember, I have to say they weren’t really on mine. Sure, I thought they would be pretty but I still wasn’t too fussed. I was a little apprehensive about how kid-friendly it would be. I figured looking at a pretty lake for a week wouldn’t really be my kids’ idea of fun! Nonetheless, we headed to Lake Como for a week of fun, sun and relaxation.
How wrong I was!
Lake Como is probably one of the best family-friendly destinations we have ever been to and here’s why:
Lots of kid-friendly activities
Swimming – we had an absolute blast swimming with the kids every single day. We were in an Airbnb but it didn’t have its own pool but it didn’t matter. Almost every town along the lake has its own lido (swimming pool) and lots also have lake access giving you loads of options.
Mini golf – We found the most spectacular crazy/mini golf course in Menaggio. It’s right by the lake so the scenery is out of this world and the kids were in their element! So much so we had to take them twice in the week that we were there!
Boats – I’m talking big boats and little boats here. One day we caught the ferry across to Bellagio. The kids thought it was brilliant – from waiting for it to arrive to riding it across the lake – they loved it! Another day we hired a speedboat for a few hours and did some exploring of our own. It was great to be out on the water and a welcome cool relief from the heat that day. We got great views of the lake towns and villas that you couldn’t get from the shore. Not to mention how much the kids loved “driving” the boat!
Out-of-this-world stunning scenery
I can’t even begin to explain how gorgeous Lake Como is. The little towns perched right on the edge of the lake literally look like they are straight out of a storybook or a postcard! I don’t think the kids really cared what it all looked like but you can’t mind doing kid-focused activities like mini golf and swimming when you look around and are surrounded by that kind of backdrop! It truly was breathtaking.
Exploring
Heading to the different towns we found lots of things to do. From looking around an old church (it had an enormous bell that was ringing as we arrived which was a bonus) to exploring cute little towns to touring historic villas and gardens. There was lots to do and look at which always kept my kids distracted.
Food
You can’t write about a trip to Italy without mentioning the food! While there are heaps of kid-friendly options such as pizza and pasta, there are also so many delicious options for adults too! We had a wonderful time trying out new dishes. And you can’t deny that Italy has the perfect mid-afternoon snack: gelato!
This is a guest post by the lovely Emma Wanderlust over at Wanderlust and Wet Wipes.
About Emma
Emma’s a pushing 40, travel-mad mum to 2 young kids (aged 6 and 4) and a crazy dog. Originally from the UK, she’s lived in 10 cities across 5 continents all over the world. She currently lives in Doha, Qatar. Emma started blogging about her family travels in 2017 when she had an epiphany about how to have successful adventurous family holidays.
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