A family trip to Verona can be an ideal way of spending an enjoyable time together. As parents, it is a fantastic way of helping children to understand Shakespeare, or get a real thrill of the Italian Roman period or Renaissance. It can also be the start of a cultural education, as children meet Italian people and experience their lifestyle.

With small children, a good way of getting into the heart of Verona is through the sleeper train; others may choose to fly in and then get a rental car to cover the distance to the city center. Once in the town center, the first thing that should be done is to locate the rooms and get rid of luggage – then the children can be free to wander through the attractions.

Most children will really appreciate the Roman Amphitheater, which dwarfs them as they explore it - it can also allow parents a well-deserved rest on the stone seats. Children often say that visiting an Amphitheater gives them a real idea of what it was like to live as a Roman. 

Children may become scared and bewildered in the Piazza delle Erbe, depending upon how small they are; the looming buildings on either side of the rather packed market can be very daunting to children.

The Casa di Giulietta will  perhaps not interest children as much as the parents, unless they are already doing Shakespeare at school: it may help to remind them that some of the characters Shakespeare wrote about really existed, and also view the bronze statue of the heroine. 

More to many children’s taste will be the Castelvecchio – a medieval castle with a bloody and treacherous past, just the way kids love it. The children may also enjoy imagining escaping across the bridge – only the noble family were allowed to use it, though.

When planning a vacation in Verona, family travel bookers will need to consider the family friendly nature of restaurants in Verona – The Ristorante, around the corner from Piazza della Erbe, is a friendly restaurant which is closed on Mondays, but serves good wholesome food the rest of the week. The food is not expensive, so its perfectfor families on a budget.

Families on a budget might also consider the Brek self-service restaurant. Found near to the Roman Amphitheatre, it is often populated by locals, and can also be a great way of introducing children to Italian eating habits