Beyond the Museums: A Family Theme Park Trail Through Italy

Five parks, one country, endless memories — a guide for families.

For families — and I’m thinking particularly of that classic five-person unit of two adults and three children of varying ages — an Italian theme park holiday offers variety that pure culture cannot match.

Gardaland

On the shores of Lake Garda, Italy’s premier theme park offers over forty attractions. This is the park Italians themselves visit. Family of five: approximately €220-250

Mirabilandia

Near Ravenna on the Adriatic coast, Italy’s second-largest theme park focuses on adrenaline. The iSpeed coaster launches to 120 km/h in 2.2 seconds. Family of five: approximately €180-220

Rainbow MagicLand

South of Rome, calibrated for families with younger children. Rome is thirty minutes away by train. Family of five: approximately €150-180

Leolandia

Near Bergamo, focusing squarely on families with children under twelve. Features PJ Masks, Peppa Pig characters. Family of five: approximately €130-160

Etnaland

In the shadow of Mount Etna, Sicily’s largest theme park combines thrills with a water park and a dinosaur park. Family of five: approximately €160-200