Best Things to Do In Sorrento With Kids

"Ciao, Sorrento!" is what the kids will say when they see the spectacular Italian coastline and are dazzled by the beautiful city of gardens. This is the perfect place for little ones to have fun and make happy memories with you.

Best Things to Do In Sorrento With Kids

Sorrento | ©Nick Fewings

There is no better way to spend your holidays with children than in beautiful Sorrento. Beaches, ice cream, pizza: every child's dream. What's more, it doesn't matter if it's winter or summer, there's always something to see and do in Sorrento. It's the perfect place for children to explore new cultures, learn about history, fall in love with art, soak up other cultures and absorb the flavours and smells of the Mediterranean.

Sorrento is a peaceful place for you and an oasis of fun for children. Take advantage and don't miss the excursions that depart from Sorrento. Keep in mind that children are experts at adapting to any situation, but you still need to consider a few things when travelling with them.

Avoid unnecessary stress on your flight with children

Arriving at the airport| © Midjourney - Joaquín Montaño
Arriving at the airport| © Midjourney - Joaquín Montaño

It may be obvious, but I have often made the mistake of taking a flight from an airport that is quite far from where I live to save a few pounds. Adding four hours of travel time to the time it will take to get to Sorrento in Italy will be hell for the little ones: children double their perception of time and will feel frustrated because they see you stressed about things they don't understand.

I suggest you prioritise a flight that leaves from your city or from the airport closest to your home. Here's what I suggest: take a direct flight to Naples-Capodichino Airport, spend the night in Naples and, if possible, take a day to visit Naples with the children; this way, they can rest and get used to the pace of the trip. The next day, travel to Sorrento.

If there are no direct flights to Naples, then take a flight to Leonardo da Vinci International Airport in Rome and do the same: rest and take the opportunity to visit Rome for two days, so that you wake up refreshed the next day on your way to Naples and then Sorrento.

And this isn't just about the flight: when you're in Rome or Naples and want to go to Sorrento, try to find the best tourist buses in Naples to make the trip more enjoyable and peaceful with the children.

Book in advance to avoid long queues

Booking online| ©Marek Levak
Booking online| ©Marek Levak

Sorrento is an extremely touristy place. No matter whether it's summer or winter, Sorrento always has crowds of tourists. That just means that, once again, planning ahead will be your mantra, so that only family serenity accompanies your trip. There's nothing more stressful than a child waiting in line at a place that may bore them and frustrate them because they're missing a day at the beach to go see some ancient ruins in the sun.

I suggest you do some research, compare offers and check the timetables for the place you're going to. Book online any tours that meet your needs as the head of the family. For example, if you want to plan a trip to Pompeii with children, I suggest you do so first thing in the morning to avoid traffic and be among the first to enjoy the ruins.

Unexpected things always happen. No matter how many reservations you make or precautions you take with your family, a tour may be cancelled or the weather may prevent you from enjoying the trip. Have a backup plan so you don't waste the day, such as visiting the historic centre or spending an afternoon in the gardens of Sorrento.

Besides, it's not just about avoiding long queues, but also about adapting the trip to the pace of the little ones. Some trips can become tedious if they last too long. For example, if you plan a tour of the Amalfi Coast from Sorrento, ask in advance about the timetable and whether the tour times can be adjusted so that the children don't get bored or impatient on the way.

3. One attraction at a time, one place at a time

Pompeii with Mount Vesuvius in the background| ©Antonio Campoy
Pompeii with Mount Vesuvius in the background| ©Antonio Campoy

Children's energy is intense but short-lived, so I suggest you take one day at a time to see everything Sorrento has to offer. You can even plan to visit three places, but they should be very close to each other and enjoyable and short visits so that the children don't get restless. You can visit Piazza Tasso, Sorrento Cathedral and take a final stroll in the Vallone dei Mulini.

I know that time is always pressing, but remember that children don't go at the same pace as you. They go from peaks of hyperactive excitement to moments of sleepiness and exhaustion, so you need to make a schedule that suits them. Enjoy yourselves and don't rush the trip.

It's best to mix up your days: take a day to visit Pompeii on one of the tours from Sorrento with the kids; relax while strolling along the beaches of Sorrento or stay at the hotel pool playing with the little ones. The next day, you can go to Naples to visit the Catacombs of San Gennaro to teach them some history, or you can take a boat trip along the Sorrento coast, which the children will love, especially if the water splashes them on the way.

Book a boat trip around Sorrento

4. Take advantage of reduced rates and discounts for children under 7 years old

In Capri| ©VV Nincic
In Capri| ©VV Nincic

There are many places in Sorrento that offer special rates for children under 7. Even museums have policies that allow children under three to enter for free. This will help you adjust your travel budget. This way, you can save money to include an excursion to the beautiful island of Capri in your trip and let your children discover this paradise.

What's more, when you book the places you want to visit with your family on Hellotickets, you can select the age range of your children from the options. The price for your children will be automatically deducted from the total price. But be careful: include babies on the website, even if they are free, because sometimes babies are not counted on tours and this can cause confusion on the day of the trip.

Let's be honest. Italy is a place for family enjoyment, but I'm sure you don't want to go into debt for the rest of the year just to spend a limited amount of time in one place. Reduce the risks with these tips and make the most of your trip with the kids by paying as little as possible while travelling with them.

Traveller Tip

Book your museum visits for the first Sunday of each month, as many museums offer free admission on that day. This is the case for many museums throughout Italy.

5. Bring a snack in your backpack

Girl with Backpack| ©Vladislav Vasnetsov
Girl with Backpack| ©Vladislav Vasnetsov

It's best to carry something light in your backpack for the children to eat or snack on. Some good apples, a couple of peaches, accompanied by some nuts, are always a good source of energy and nutrition. The best thing is that fruit in Italy is extremely sweet and delicious.

Let's face it: Italy is obviously one of the world's gastronomic capitals and you'll never be short of something delicious to eat when you're out and about on the Italian streets or on excursions, but children can't live on ice cream and pizza alone, no matter how much they want to. I should add that they are also at a stage of growth and a healthy, balanced diet is important for their development.

Children are extremely unpredictable. Sometimes they get hungry at odd times, due to a change in routine, or they are simply overwhelmed by new and exotic flavours and just want something familiar. Sometimes, hunger is a way of saying that they are bored and want to divert their attention to something else, so you can bring something homemade for them to enjoy the familiar taste.

6. Baby carriages will not be your best ally in Sorrento

The streets of Sorrento| ©alessiorossitto
The streets of Sorrento| ©alessiorossitto

Most of the routes you will take in the streets of Sorrento will be on stairs, and almost all the paths are not smooth, but rather cobbled. If we add to this the number of hours spent walking around the historic centre and along the coast, then a baby stroller is not the most advisable option.

The best option I can offer you if you are travelling with small babies is to opt for baby carriers or slings. You'll appreciate how versatile these backpacks are, adapting to all kinds of environments, and you won't have to worry about the stress of travelling with a car. There are even several places that don't allow cars, such as the ruins of Pompeii.

If you're travelling with slightly older children, they'll enjoy walking because they'll be feeding their brains with new experiences. I suggest you take breaks at certain places so they can entertain themselves and rest.

Oh! Another thing I forgot: despite the law requiring child car seats, don't expect to rent a car with one or ask for one in a taxi: child car seats are not common in this area, so it's best to be prepared and bring one with you if you're renting a car.

7. Protect them from the sun if you are travelling in summer

Child with sunscreen| ©sals_r
Child with sunscreen| ©sals_r

July and August are the best months to travel to the Mediterranean coast of Italy, but it's also important to recognise that temperatures in the region at this time of year are extremely high and can be unbearable for young children. Bear in mind that many of the visits to Sorrento are outdoors and being in the sun can be uncomfortable and irritating for children who are not used to spending so much time in the sun.

Hydration before and during any excursion or walk in Sorrento and its surroundings is extremely important. Invest in quality sunscreen before your trip, even if it costs more than usual: the sun is relentless in Sorrento at this time of year. Remember to wear comfortable shoes, preferably trainers, even if your children want to wear sandals or crocs. It is best to protect their feet.

This applies not only to children but to you as well. The heat can be overwhelming, especially if you're not used to such high temperatures. You can also take advantage of the occasion and try to beat the heat by buying one of those beautiful hats from the Amalfi Coast in one of the chic shops on Corso Italia or in the trendy Piazza Lauro. If you feel like it, you can book a tour of this coast, which is very close to Sorrento and also very hot. Of course, an ice cream at the end of the visit or a refreshing limoncello is the best way to beat the heat.

Book an excursion to the Amalfi Coast

8. Be careful with the low temperatures in winter

Christmas in Sorrento| ©vincenzo di nuzzo
Christmas in Sorrento| ©vincenzo di nuzzo

If, on the other hand, you are travelling in winter to enjoy Christmas with your family in beautiful Sorrento, then you will need to protect your children from the cold and icy winds. Sorrento is one of the few places in Europe to offer so many options for walks and trips all year round. There's nothing like spending Christmas in Naples and in the beautiful Piazza Tasso in Sorrento.

Buying waterproof jackets designed for the winter cold, although an expensive investment, is necessary for children to enjoy their walks while braving the cold. Boots are a good idea because of the city's terrain and the amount of walking you'll be doing.

Finish off the kids' outfits with some good hats to protect their ears, and don't forget plenty of ice cream to help their bodies adjust to the outside temperature and the fat in the milk warm them up inside. The Christmas lights, together with the huge trees in the squares, will make the little ones forget the cold and warm up with the fun of the trip, playing with other children in the area.

9. Things to consider when staying in Sorrento with children

Boat on the Amalfi Coast, Sorrento| ©BrenD
Boat on the Amalfi Coast, Sorrento| ©BrenD

Ideally, you should find accommodation with a swimming pool and games room where you can spend your free time with the children. This way, you can have a day of rest at the hotel to recharge your batteries for the next day's outings, and if the hotel has a private beach, don't think twice, it's even better! There are also many boat trips from Sorrento that will take you to other coasts and earthly paradises.

Sorrento, in the metropolitan area of Naples, is the best value for money in terms of hotel accommodation for families. It is one of the most central towns and close to all the tourist attractions of the Amalfi and Neapolitan coasts. In other words, it is not far from anything, which means that sightseeing trips will not tire out the little ones.

What's more, if you are only staying in Sorrento for three days, you can also treat yourself to a little extra in terms of accommodation, as it is some of the cheapest in the region.

Book a hotel with breakfast and parking included, if you need it. If possible, book one with an on-site restaurant in case the day's outing is long and you miss the opportunity to dine out due to the hustle and bustle of the streets. Changing meal times can make children irritable and upset their nutritional balance. If you plan ahead, you can go to the hotel and have dinner in peace, maintaining your routine and meal times. Your children's development will thank you for it.

Traveller Tip

It is normal for the small beaches in Sorrento to be quite crowded with tourists in summer. I suggest you add an extra expense for your peace of mind and hire some chairs with umbrellas on one of the private beaches offered by the city.

10. Plan your meals with children in Sorrento

gnocchi alla sorrentina| ©Giorgia
gnocchi alla sorrentina| ©Giorgia

Something you should always take into account is to plan restaurants and meal times for the children. It's easy to fall into unhealthy eating habits when we're travelling and distracted by the charms of Sorrento, but it's important to focus on meal times and places to eat, otherwise the children and their growth will suffer.

If you plan your schedule well, you won't leave anything to chance and you won't find yourself running around the city or tourist spots looking for a free table for your family, making the children dizzy and more irritable.

You can eat healthily and deliciously if you take any of the food tours of Naples and Sorrento, so I suggest signing up for one with your whole family. Let's go! The Mediterranean is synonymous with freshness and good food. Check the opening hours of restaurants near the promenades and always have a plan B if your first choice doesn't have any tables available.

11. Check out the children's cultural calendar

Circolandia| ©Charles
Circolandia| ©Charles

Despite the incredible excursions and attractions that Sorrento has to offer, I suggest you reserve some time in your itinerary for the children to enjoy activities designed especially for them. There is always something on the city's cultural agenda that will appeal to children.

Of all the options, I recommend Italian circuses such as Circolandia, which are known for their fantastic repertoire and multitude of activities that allow children to let their imaginations run wild. Theatre or reading fairs always feature a puppet stand, where children can laugh and enjoy Italian traditions.

The city offers special tours that include pizza-making classes for children. Nothing will delight your child more than learning how to make their favourite dish: pizza. You can also organise a trip to an ice cream factory so they can learn about the culinary art of ice cream making. It's all a matter of finding out what they might like.

What are the advantages of taking a guided tour with children vs. visiting Sorrento on your own?

Sorrento Cathedral| ©Mentnafunangann
Sorrento Cathedral| ©Mentnafunangann

There is a misconception that if you plan your trips independently, without using guided tours, then you are not really travelling. You may be very organised and manage to plan an almost perfect trip for your family, but someone who uses tours for their trip is also organised. Guided tours can make your excursions with children easier and take a lot of weight off your shoulders.

In Sorrento, you have the opportunity to save time and money. The guides already know the tricks of the city's traffic, know how to manage visiting times and know how long the tour will take. A trip that lasts four hours can be reduced to one hour, giving you the chance to do other activities with your children. In addition, the tour package usually includes the price of admission to the sites, which saves you a significant amount of money.

Most importantly, the guides will make the trip and the history more dynamic and fun. This is a bonus when travelling with children. Not only do they condense the information, but they also suggest different ways of narrating the events of the site. This way, the whole family will learn while you relax and connect with Italy.

Which towns should I not miss on the Sorrento Peninsula?

Visit Herculaneum| ©Pablo Cabezos
Visit Herculaneum| ©Pablo Cabezos

Sorrento is located on the southern coast of the Sorrento Peninsula. It is a municipality in the metropolitan area of Naples, in the Campania region. When you go, you will realise that it is one of the most beautiful areas in the world. The place is extremely photogenic and children will love finding out which films were shot in the region and then watching them with you.

Don't miss the opportunity to take your children to the island of Capri or to marvel at the beautiful landscapes of Positano. They can also learn about Roman history on excursions to Pompeii and Herculaneum or discover the turquoise beaches of the Amalfi Coast, as well as respect for nature on the slopes of the imposing Vesuvius.

And yet all this kingdom of beauty is only minutes away from the great and historic city of Naples. The capital of pizza, a classic for children who will never fail to enjoy learning about the origins of their favourite food. The Neapolitan warmth will give them a big hug in winter and a refreshing ice cream in summer.

Book an excursion to Pompeii from Sorrento