Country Spotlight: 5 Kid-Friendly Italy Fun Facts

Are you looking for a kid-friendly travel destination where delectable cuisine, stunning and diverse scenery, and a rich range of cultural activities prove the norm? Then, Italy’s for you. From gorgeous beaches like those along the Amalfi Coast to vibrant archaeological sites like Pompeii and Herculaneum, there’s something for every member of your family. And as for fine artwork, incredible architecture, and warm hospitality? Italy has you covered there, too.

But when it comes to Italy trivia, how much do you and your kids know? There’s more to this country than meets the eye. So, take a few minutes to check out these Italy fun facts and test your knowledge about one of our favorite family travel destinations.

Where in the World Is Italy?

A Southern European travel staple, Italy is bordered by France, Austria, Slovenia, and Switzerland. But did you know it also contains two microstates? While you may be familiar with the more famous of the two, Vatican City, many people are surprised to learn about San Marino. San Marino covers little more than 24 square miles, and it sits on the northeastern side of the Apennine Mountains.

More Italy Fun Facts

What else do you need to know about Italy? Here are some more Italy fun facts that’ll get you and your kids dreaming about a visit to this Mediterranean gem.

1. Smallest Country in the World

Did you know that Vatican City is the smallest country in the world? Located within Italy’s capital city, Rome, think of it as a country within a country! Yet, don’t let the size of this diminutive nation fool you. As the seat of the Pope and the headquarters of the Roman Catholic Church, Vatican City has long been an international center of religion, politics, and some of the most incredible artwork and architecture the world over.

2. Chocolate Kisses

Did you know there’s an Italian version of the chocolate kiss? Known internationally as Baci (Italian for “kisses”), these chocolates have been manufactured by the Perugina company in Perugia, Italy, since 1922. Besides their chocolate hazelnut decadence, the kisses are wrapped in love notes written in four different languages. Where can you find them? They remain a fixture of the famous (and irresistible) Eurochocolate Festival, held annually in Perugia. This year’s festival will take place from October 15-24, 2021, so mark your calendars! Whether you’re an avowed chocoholic or simply interested in learning more about Italian culture, there’s no better place to be!

3. Italy’s Volcanic Past

Did you know that Italy has three active volcanoes? They include Vesuvius near Naples, Etna on Sicily, and Stromboli off the coast of Italy. Vesuvius’s eruption in A.D. 79 destroyed two thriving urban centers near present-day Naples, Pompeii and Herculaneum. Yet, paradoxically, the ash from the explosion preserved both metropolises in time, providing incredible glimpses into Italy’s Roman heritage that you can still see today. Find out more about one of the most famous volcanic eruptions in history.

4. Pasta Party

What do you think of when you hear the word “pasta”? We’d wager Italy’s top of mind. But did you know there are more than 500 different types of pasta eaten in the country? How many have you and your kids tried? Get started before you go by learning how to cook pasta like an Italian nonna.

5. Football-Crazed Country

What’s the most popular sport in Italy? Football! But if you’re envisioning pig skins and helmets, think again. When Europeans say “football,” they’re referring to the sport Americans know as soccer. Italy has won four FIFA World Cup titles, including a show-stopping win in 2006. We’ll see how they do next year with 2022’s World Cup set for Qatar. Here’s why you need to keep your eye on this upcoming event.

Teach Kids About Italy Through Great Reads

Don’t let the exploration end with the five Italy fun facts above. Instead, check out these fantastic titles you and your kids will love diving into:

Ciao Bambino!: A Child’s Tour of Italy – Enjoy a tour of Italy through a child’s scrapbook of his Italian vacation. The story includes several Italian words with a pronunciation and translation guide provided at the back of the book.

Italy ABCs: A Book About the People and Places of Italy – An alphabetical exploration of the people, geography, animals, plants, history, and culture of Italy.

Learn About Italy Through Its Language

What’s a fun and exciting way to get ready for a trip to Italy? Learning useful words and phrases. Being able to speak a little Italian will also lead to fascinating interactions with locals. Here are a few indispensable words and phrases to help you and your family get started:

Hello … Ciao
Good-bye … Arrivederci
Good morning … Buongiorno
Good evening … Buona sera
Good night … Buonanotte
Please … Per favore
Thank you … Grazie
I would like some white wine … Vorrei del vino bianco

A Taste of Italy

Are you ready to find out more about Italy for families? Besides loading up on Italy fun facts, check out our latest post on planning a Classic Italy family vacation.

As a Virtuoso-affiliated travel agency, we offer exclusive benefits to our clients. Our travel planning services ensure you’ll get the best value and enjoy meaningful and authentic experiences so you can focus on creating lasting memories with your kids.

Click here to get started.