Weekend in Verona
This weekend itinerary balances Verona's enchanting atmosphere with family-focused activities, combining the festive magic of the newly opened Christmas markets and free outdoor play with exciting ticketed attractions like the Children's Museum and Parco Natura Viva. The schedule considers children's energy levels and includes practical tips for a smooth, enjoyable experience. Remember to bring comfortable walking shoes and pack snacks and drinks for excursions.
Friday Evening - Festive Market Magic
Friday, November 14Christmas Tree Lighting
Kick off the festive season with the magical lighting ceremony of the towering Bauli Christmas tree, marking the official start of Verona's Christmas period. This is a wonderful, free event for the whole family, filling the air with anticipation and holiday cheer.
Perfect for all ages, the tree lighting is a memorable start to the holiday season. Arrive a bit early to get a good viewing spot. Restrooms available in nearby cafes or public facilities. Stroller accessible.
Porta Nuova is well-connected by local buses. Public parking garages are available nearby, such as Parcheggio Saba Verona Porta Nuova, but may fill up quickly. Walking from the city center is also an option.
Christmas Market Stroll
After the tree lighting, immerse yourselves in the enchanting atmosphere of the Verona Christmas Market in Piazza dei Signori.
Explore over 100 stalls offering local products, gift ideas, and traditional Christmas sweets and drinks. It's an ideal early evening activity with plenty to see and sample.
Kids will love the festive decorations, the array of unique crafts, and the delicious smells. Look for special treats like 'pandoro' (Verona's famous Christmas cake) and warm drinks. While browsing is free, set a small budget for a snack or a souvenir. Public restrooms are usually available in the market area. Stroller-friendly paths can get crowded, so consider a carrier for younger children if it's busy. Suitable for ages 3-12.
Piazza dei Signori is in the heart of the historic center, best reached on foot or by local bus. Parking is available at nearby garages like Parcheggio Saba Isolo or Parcheggio Piazza Cittadella, about a 10-15 minute walk away.
Saturday - Discovery & Wildlife Adventure
Saturday, November 15Children's Museum Fun
Dive into a world of interactive learning and play at the Children's Museum Verona (CMV).
This STEAM-themed museum offers highly experiential exhibits designed for children aged 0-12, where curiosity is celebrated, and touching is encouraged! Kids can explore zones dedicated to water, light, mechanics, and more.
Perfect for energetic and curious kids, the CMV encourages hands-on discovery. They will love the water play area (waterproof dungarees and booties available), building zones, and light experiments. Remember to bring spare socks or non-slip socks, as you enter without shoes! Suitable for ages 3-12. Expect to spend 1 hour 45 minutes per visit slot. The museum has restrooms and is stroller accessible.
The museum has reserved internal parking. It's also accessible by public transport; check local bus routes to Via Santa Teresa.
Family Pizzeria Lunch
Enjoy a relaxed and delicious family lunch at a kid-friendly pizzeria in Verona.
Many pizzerias in the city center are welcoming to families and offer simple, beloved Italian dishes like pizza and pasta, often with kids' menus or smaller portions.
Kids will love choosing their own pizza or a simple pasta dish. Many places offer high chairs and a lively atmosphere. Aim for an early lunch to avoid peak crowds. This is a great opportunity to refuel before the afternoon's adventures.
Most pizzerias in the city center are easily accessible on foot from major attractions. If driving, utilize public parking garages and walk.
Wildlife Safari Adventure
Embark on an exciting journey to Parco Natura Viva, a modern zoological park and safari park dedicated to protecting endangered species.
Located just outside Verona, it offers a fascinating wildlife section for walking and a unique safari park experience by car, allowing kids to see animals up close.
Kids aged 3-12 will be thrilled by the variety of animals and the safari drive. The wildlife section requires walking, so comfortable shoes are essential. Allow 4-5 hours for a complete visit, plus 30-45 minutes for the safari drive. Stroller-friendly paths are available. Restrooms and refreshment stations are throughout the wildlife area. Suitable for all ages.
Parco Natura Viva is about 22 km from Verona. The best way to get there is by car (approximately 20 minutes drive) with ample parking available. There's also a direct bus from Verona Croce Bianca that takes about 23 minutes.
Evening Treat & Play
After a day of adventure, enjoy a relaxing early evening.
Head back towards the city center for a delightful Italian gelato or a casual dinner at another family-friendly spot. Consider an 'aperitivo' for the adults with some non-alcoholic options for the kids.
A sweet treat is a perfect reward for a day of exploring. Many gelato shops stay open late. Alternatively, find a simple trattoria for an early dinner, ensuring kids get to bed at a reasonable hour. Look for places offering outdoor seating if the weather permits.
Easily accessible on foot within the city center. Public parking garages are available.
Sunday - Relaxed City & Park Exploration
Sunday, November 16Park Play & Picnic
Enjoy a relaxed Sunday morning at Parco delle Colombare, a local favorite known for its sprawling green space along the Adige River.
It features three separate playgrounds, ample room to run, and clean public facilities, making it ideal for families.
This park is perfect for energetic kids to burn off steam. There are shaded climbing structures for toddlers and a zip line for older children. Pack a picnic lunch to enjoy under the trees, or grab some fresh bread and cheese from a local bakery beforehand. Restrooms and drinking fountains are available. Suitable for ages 3-12.
Accessible by local bus routes along the Adige River. Street parking may be available in the surrounding residential areas, or use a public parking garage a bit further away.
Castelvecchio & River Views
Take a leisurely walk to the Castelvecchio Bridge (Ponte di Castelvecchio), a stunning medieval bridge that offers fantastic views of the Adige River and the castle.
Kids will enjoy exploring the bridge's ramparts and watching the river flow by. Afterward, you can explore the castle grounds from the outside or simply enjoy the surrounding area.
This is a free activity that offers great photo opportunities and a chance for kids to imagine knights and castles. The bridge is stroller accessible. Restrooms are available in nearby cafes or public facilities in the city center. Suitable for ages 3-12.
Easily accessible on foot from the city center. Multiple bus lines pass by Castelvecchio. Public parking garages are available nearby.
Sweet Treat & Play
Wrap up your weekend with a final sweet treat, like a visit to a local pastry shop for some Italian 'pasticcini' or another round of gelato.
Find a small piazza or a quieter spot for the kids to have a last bit of free play before heading home.
A perfect, relaxed end to the weekend. Kids will enjoy choosing their own pastry or ice cream. Piazza delle Erbe is a lively square with plenty of space (though not a playground) for a last stroll. There are numerous cafes and shops in the area. Restrooms are available in cafes. Suitable for all ages.
Piazza delle Erbe is centrally located and easily accessible on foot. Utilize public parking garages for drivers.
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