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What to do with kids in Catania

Catania with children works if you alternate the black stone of the centre with open spaces. The centre is small and walkable, and the elephant in Piazza Duomo is a good start at any age. In summer, keep the hot hours for a museum or the beach, and save a granita as the reward at the end of the walk.

Below are the places children actually enjoy, and further down every family-friendly place, sorted by where you are. For a ready-made day, the planner keeps a slower pace and puts the breaks in the right places.

Where to take the children

  1. Piazza Duomo e Fontana dell'Elefante

    U Liotru, the lava-stone elephant with an obelisk on its back, is the symbol of the city and everyone likes it. Every walk starts here, and the Pescheria is a few steps away.

  2. La Pescheria

    Whole swordfish, octopus and buckets of water flying around: for a child it is a real show. Early morning is calmer; mind the wet and slippery ground.

  3. Castello Ursino

    A real castle with towers and a moat, once surrounded by the sea and then by lava: a story that tells itself. The Civic Museum is inside, but the visit can stay short.

  4. Villa Bellini

    The garden to run in, with avenues, a flower clock and room to play. On clear days, from the terraces, you can show children the smoking volcano.

  5. Museo dello Sbarco in Sicilia

    Life-size reconstructions and a simulated bombing raid: gripping for teenagers, perhaps too intense for little ones. It is indoors, so fine in summer too.

  6. La Playa

    A long sandy beach, with equipped beach clubs, for half a day in summer. Take the bus from the centre, and either bring food or stop at a lido.

A slower pace, short walks between stops and a break to eat: the walk fits the little ones.

Plan a walk with children

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Every family-friendly place

Frequently asked questions

Is Catania good for children?

Yes. The centre is compact, street food wins almost everyone over and the sea is close. Avoid the hottest hours in summer and take a long lunch break, perhaps with a granita.

How much walking is a day with children?

In the planner, choose the "Relaxed" pace and the "With children" interest: stops get shorter, breaks more frequent, and walks between them stay short. Every leg shows its minutes and metres.

What if it rains?

The Castello Ursino and the Museo dello Sbarco are indoors. There are more ideas on the page about what to do in Catania when it rains.

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