Sicily is the largest island in the Mediterrenean sea and the most Southern region of Italy. It offers great archeological sites, clear-water sandy beaches, colorful cities, spectacular sceneries and great food.
This is a list of the top 30 activities that you and your family can do in Sicily. You can choose between museums, educational farms, parks and renowned tourist destinations.
Sicily is also home of the famous delicious sweet Cannoli, the Etna volcano (the highest in Europe) and the Greek theatre of Taormina
1. Explore Palermo: this colorful and extraordinary city boasts an incredible cultural heritage that will fascinate you and your family. Here, you can admire the Cathedral, the Massimo Theatre, the Norman Palace and many other stunning landmarks. Don’t forget to try the local food, too, especially the Arancini rice balls!
2. Catania: this city is a must see for families vacationing in Sicily. Thanks to its rich history, you can admire important landmarks such as the Cathedral of Saint Agata, the Bellini Garden, and even the underground areas.
3. Tour the Aeolian Islands: each one of these islands has something to offer. You can enjoy the hot sea srpings of Volcano island, the wild beauty of Salina and the pictoresque villages of Lipari.
4. Syracuse: this beautiful city is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and one of the most important cities in Italy, dating back to the 8th century BC. Here you can admire the picturesque harbor, the Fountain of Diana, the catacombs and the Maniace Castle. If you’re in for a little adventure, you can even reach the island of Ortigia.
5. Villa Romana del Casale: this late imperial Roman Villa is included in the UNESCO World Heritage List and is an extraordinary example of archaeological richness of Sicily. Kids will love the incredibly well preserved mosaics that cover around 3000 square meters ad depict heroes, gods and everyday life.
6. Castello di Venere (Venus Castle): this 12th century castle is located in Erice and is partially open to the public. This area is particularly sought after due to the impressive panoramic view that can be enjoyed from the top.
Be Part of Our Online Community
Get the latest tips and ask outher moms in our online community! It is free and you get access to all the info you need for your family travel planning.
7. Visit a “green flag” beach: in Italy, the beaches that are considered particularly family-friendly are awarded the “green flag” (Bandiera Verde). In Sicily you will find many of those, such as: Cefalù, Lipari, Marsala, Mazara del Vallo, Balestrate, Giardini Naxos and more.
8. Museo del Giocattolo e delle Cere a Bagheria: this toys museum features a vast collection of vintage toys, a workshop, a multimedia classroom and a book shop.
9. Scala dei Turchi: this geological marvel is a spectacular white cliff composed of marl, a soft material that has been shaped by the wind and the sea. Kids will awe at the incredible seascape that covers the coast of Agrigento and learn about the legend of the Saracen ships that landed here during the 16th century.
10. Taormina: this stunning city is rich in history, culture and breathtaking natural landscapes. The symbol of Taormina is the Greek Theater, as well as Piazza IX Aprile, a panoramic spot from where you can observe the bay below. Visiting the Pearl of the Ionian Sea is a once in a lifetime experience.
11. Cattedrale di Monreale: this Cathedral, together with the Convent and the Royal Palace, dates back to the 12th century and is now a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The facade is quite simple, but the real treasure is inside: you can admire the largest mosaic in Italy and second in the world, that covers over 6000 square meters.
12. Museo del Papiro: this museum, founded in 1987, focuses on the recovery, preservation and research related to the culture of papyrus. Your family will be impressed by items from the 15th century BC, fragments of papyri charred during the eruption of Mt. Vesuvius in 79 AD, and numerous other artifacts. If you and your family are in Syracuse, we recommend you take some time to visit this hidden gem.
13. Try the local food specialties: Sicily boasts an incredibly rich culinary heritage that can satisfy all tastes. Make sure to try the “Pasta alla Norma”, a pasta dish with eggplant, tomato and ricotta; the “arancini”, fried rice balls stuffed with meat sauce, and the iconic Sicilian cannoli, a fried pastry shell filled with sweet ricotta cream.
14. Climb Mount Etna: this is the most active volcano of Europe and a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Due to the nature of this site, it’s not always possible to reach the summit, however, visitor can still enjoy shorter hikes suitable for families with older children.
15. Visit the Valle dei Templi: the Valley of the Temples is an extraordinary archaeological site located in Agrigento and part of the UNESCO World Heritage. It’s famous for its well preserved Greek buildings, such as the Temple of Demeter, the Temple of Juno and the Temple of Concordia, that was converted into a christian church in the 6th century AD.
16. DonnafugatCastle: this castle is located a few km from the city of Ragusa and is open to the public. You can admire its beautiful ornate facade, 22 rooms that display the original furniture, as well as a charming, 8-hectare wide park. If you are in Ragusa, this is certainly a must see!
17. Parco delle Madonie: the Madonie Regional Natural Park gives visitors the opportunity to explore around 40 thousand hectares of land and with a remarkable biodiversity. Here you can enjoy walking, trekking, birdwatching, climbing etc. This is the perfect destination for families who love adventure and the outdoor.
18. Museo del Sale (Salt Museum): this museum is located in Nubia near Trapani city. Visitors can learn about the centuries-long history of this product and discover the tools and artifacts used in this industry. The goal of the museum is to educate visitors about the cultural significance of salt in Sicilian history, making it a valuable destination for families.
19. Monteserra Butterfly House (near Catania): this is a tropical greenhouse that houses hundreds of butterflies of different species. You can learn about their life cycle and their influence on the natural habitat while observing them closely. The greenhouse is located inside the Monte Serra National Park.
20. Tindari Archaeological Park: this ancient Greek and Roman settlement features the remains of a Basilica, a Theater, two houses and a public bath. Visitors can also admire the Antiquarium, composed of five rooms containing a selections of items found during the countless excavation campaigns in the area. This archaeological park is the perfect way to discover the cultural past of Sicily.
21. Parcallario (near Syracuse): this is an adventure park for families who love nature and sport. Parents can choose between routes of varying difficulties, a zipline, the “tubby track” and more. Thanks to cables, wooden logs, nets and Tibetan bridges, your little ones will be able to “jump” from tree to tree in complete safety.
22. Cava del Carosello (near Syracuse) : this is a salt mine located in Realmonte. Families who come here can enjoy a beautiful landscape, explore the caves and walk along the trails. This unusual geological formation makes it a fascinating destination for a day trip in the nature.
23. Gole dell’Alcantara (near Catania): this is a botanical and geological park that surrounds the gorges of the Alcantara riverbed. The park offers numerous activities for families who enjoy the outdoor, such as trekking and river trekking, body rafting and a “spray park”.
24. Antonio Pasqualino International Puppet Museum: this museum was founded in 1975 and features thousands of items such as puppets, marionettes, hand and shadow puppets from all over the world. Visitors can also admire the largest collection of “pupi”, the puppets used in the traditional Sicilian puppet theater that is part of the UNESCO Intangible Cultural Heritage.
25. Palermo Family Park: this park is dedicated to kids up to 11 years old. Here you will find trampolines, bouncy castles, an area dedicated to water games, a playground and games dedicated to the little ones.
26. Timpa of Acireale (near Catania): this is a protected natural area overlooking the sea that safeguards the local fauna and flora. It’s easy accessible and it’s one of the most popular tourist destinations in the island.
27. Museum of Optical Illusions in Trapani: the MOOI is a museum dedicated to optical illusions. The exhibitions combine optics, physics, psychology and architecture to show how our senses can be deceived. This unique museum is certainly worth a visit and it’s suitable for the whole family.
28. Chocolate Museum of Modica: this museum opened in 2014 and it is dedicated to the typical product of Modica: a type of chocolate created using manual grinding. The exhibition features documents and items related to the history of chocolate, as well as 22 chocolate sculptures.
29. Fattoria Bassa Corte (near Agrigento): this educational farm has the goal to teach children about nature, animals and agriculture in an age-appropriate way. Kids can attend workshops and observe the authentic life in the countryside: an interactive experience for your little ones!
30. Agriturismo Al Poggetto (near Palermo) : this farmhouse is perfect for families with children as it offers a vast array of activities such as kid-friendly trekking itineraries, a playground and many accomodations.
