Verona in 2 Days for Families - Arena di Verona and Piazza Bra
A relaxed, kid-focused 2-day plan in Verona for families. Short transfers, stroller-aware routes, plenty of breaks, and activities that interest children (green spaces, animals, castles). Designed for spring (May) with milder weather and longer daylight.
Highlights
- Arena di Verona and Piazza Bra
- Museo di Castelvecchio (castle museum)
- Ponte Pietra & riverside stroll
- Teatro Romano and Museo Archeologico
- Parco Natura Viva (safari & zoo)
- Giardino Giusti
Itinerary
Day 1
Easy-paced discovery of Verona's historic center with open spaces for kids and a castle visit. Plenty of snack and restroom breaks.
Explore Arena di Verona & Piazza Bra (morning)
Start at the iconic Roman amphitheatre. Let kids run on the open piazza lawn and see the Arena from outside — quick, memorable, and stroller-friendly around the square.
Tips from local experts:
- Arrive by 09:00 to avoid crowds and long queues; families can enjoy photos from the piazza without entering the Arena.
- Piazza Bra is largely flat and stroller-friendly; use the wider pedestrian paths on the south side to avoid cobblestones.
- There are public restrooms and a small tourist information office nearby; take a quick bathroom break before moving on.
Light snack & playground-style break near Piazza Bra
Grab a pastry or sandwich from a café on the piazza and enjoy a relaxed snack. Short rest for water, changing diapers, and a toddler stretch.
Tips from local experts:
- Choose a café with outdoor seating so restless kids can move while you eat; many cafés near Piazza Bra have high chairs if you ask early.
- Allergen-aware tip: ask staff for simple items (plain bread, fruit) — many places are used to families and will help accommodate requests.
- Use this 20–40 minute window for a quick restroom/change: several cafés and the tourist office offer baby-change facilities.
Visit Museo di Castelvecchio (castle museum)
Walk across the river over Castelvecchio's historic bridge to the fortified museum — kids enjoy the castle feel and open ramparts to explore safely.
Tips from local experts:
- The castle has exciting ‘castle’ spaces for kids to imagine knights — keep a close eye near edges but most ramparts are safe and fenced.
- There are ramps into the main museum sections but expect some cobbles in the approach; a lightweight stroller or carrier is helpful for upper walkways.
- Visit quieter galleries first (upper floor) and leave interactive or more crowded displays for later — good nap-window timing inside the museum café.
Lunch & local market snacks at Piazza delle Erbe
Piazza delle Erbe has market stalls and cafés with quick family-friendly options — pizza by the slice, fresh fruit, and shaded tables.
Tips from local experts:
- Eat early (around 12:45) to secure seating and avoid the lunchtime rush; many small trattorie nearby will accommodate children and offer simple pasta.
- Market stalls are great for picky eaters—buy fresh fruit, cheese, or focaccia and eat at a bench while kids watch the square.
- If someone has allergies, pick a seated café and ask for ingredient details; most family places are used to customizing simple dishes for kids.
Afternoon gelato (short treat)
Slow down with a gelato stop — a short sweet break to recharge before riverside exploring.
Tips from local experts:
- Choose a gelateria with seating (or sit on a nearby bench) — gelato shops in the city centre usually have allergen info on flavors.
- Order kid-size cones or cups to control portions and avoid sugar meltdowns later.
- If you have a stroller, position it in the shade while you enjoy the gelato so little ones can cool down afterward.
Ponte Pietra & riverside stroll on Lungadige
Walk along the Adige River, cross the historic Ponte Pietra, and use the flat riverside paths for an easy, stroller-friendly outing with views and photo stops.
Tips from local experts:
- Use the riverside (Lungadige) paths which are flatter and easier with a stroller than some bridge steps; the east side ramp is gentler for buggies.
- Bring a small windbreaker — spring evenings can be breezy along the river even after warm afternoons.
- Look for shaded benches for snack or water breaks; the river banks offer safe spots for toddlers to run under supervision.
Teatro Romano & Museo Archeologico (late afternoon)
The Roman theatre area has grassy tiers where kids can climb and play; the small archaeological museum nearby has kid-friendly displays and bathrooms.
Tips from local experts:
- The grassy slope of the archaeological park is perfect for a quiet playtime — let kids expend energy while adults enjoy the view of the city.
- Museum restrooms include family-friendly facilities; stop in for changing if needed before dinner.
- If anyone needs a quieter space, the museum interior is calmer than the outside terraces — good for winding down pre-dinner.
Early family dinner near Piazza Bra (relaxed)
Choose a family-friendly restaurant around Piazza Bra — aim for an early 18:00 dinner so kids can eat before becoming tired. Many places offer pasta, pizza and high chairs.
Tips from local experts:
- Reserve or arrive early (18:00) — many family restaurants fill later in the evening; quieter side-street tables are easier with a stroller.
- Ask for high chairs and a simplified kids' pasta or pizza; mention allergies so the kitchen can adjust sauces or toppings.
- After dinner, a short, flat walk back across Piazza Bra lets kids burn off a little more energy before bed.
Day 2
A full day that balances an exciting wildlife safari/zoo with an easy return to a formal garden in Verona. Longest transfer is to Parco Natura Viva — planned early to avoid queues and midday heat.
Transfer to Parco Natura Viva (Bussolengo)
Drive or take a short shuttle to Parco Natura Viva — leave early to maximize animal-activity time and cooler hours.
Tips from local experts:
- Driving (or a booked shuttle) is fastest and easiest with kids — public buses add time and transfers; plan for 25–40 minutes depending on traffic.
- Pack a small cooler with water, snacks, sunscreen and hats — May can be sunny and families spend several hours outdoors.
- Bring lightweight stroller or carrier: the park paths are mostly pram-friendly but a carrier helps at viewpoints and closer animal enclosures.
Parco Natura Viva — Safari park & wildlife area
Half-day exploring the drive-through safari section and the zoo areas. Children can see large mammals up close; the park offers shaded picnic zones and playgrounds.
Tips from local experts:
- Start with the drive-through safari early (less queueing and more animal activity) — bring binoculars or a simple animal-spotting checklist for kids.
- The park has shaded picnic areas and wheelchair/stroller-friendly paths in many sections; the Visitor Centre has changing facilities and baby areas.
- Watch for scheduled feedings or keeper talks posted at the entrance — they are short, engaging, and great for younger children’s attention spans.
Lunch at Parco Natura Viva (family cafeteria or picnic)
The park offers cafeterias with kid-friendly choices; alternatively, use one of the shaded picnic areas if you brought food.
Tips from local experts:
- If anyone has allergies, the park cafeteria staff are used to families — ask about ingredient lists; otherwise, picnic foods from city markets are a safe fallback.
- There are high chairs and indoor seating if the weather turns — choose indoor seating during cooler spring breezes.
- Allow a relaxed 60 minutes for lunch; kids will appreciate the downtime after walking around exhibits.
Return transfer to central Verona
Head back with a comfortable transfer — a midway rest stop if needed for bathroom or snack.
Tips from local experts:
- Aim for a quieter return (around 15:15) to avoid peak traffic; a short break halfway helps reset cranky children.
- Strollers should be collapsed for a transfer vehicle; keep a travel pack with wet wipes and spare clothes handy.
- Use the transfer time as a nap window for younger children — a calm car ride often helps them recharge.
Giardino Giusti — peaceful formal garden (late afternoon)
Return to the city for a calm garden visit. The lower terraces and shaded areas are pleasant for kids; older children enjoy the small labyrinth and views from the upper terraces.
Tips from local experts:
- Arrive late afternoon when the garden is quieter and the light is softer — perfect for photos and a calm walk for little legs.
- Lower garden paths are more stroller-friendly; the upper terraces have steps — bring a carrier if your child tires or wants to climb higher.
- Look for shaded benches near the fountains for snack breaks; the garden is less crowded in May so kids can explore gently.
Evening gelato or early dinner in Piazza delle Erbe (gentle finish)
Wind down with a final gelato or an early simple dinner in Piazza delle Erbe — a relaxed, flat area to sit and let children move before bedtime.
Tips from local experts:
- Pick an earlier dinner (18:15–19:00) so kids aren’t out too late; many trattorie offer family-sized portions or child-friendly pasta.
- If you prefer a low-key end, choose a seated gelateria spot and let kids sit on a bench while you sip something warm or cool.
- Take advantage of the flat piazza for a final slow walk — it’s stroller-friendly and good for a last photo of Verona’s lively heart.
Itinerary Attributes
| Days | 2 |
| Highlights | 6 |
| Season | - |
| Month | - |
| Persona | Families |
| Transfers | 2 |
| Restaurants | 6 |
| Total Activities | 12 |
| Total Places | 12 |
| Activities Types | Attraction, Meal, Culture, Outdoor, Transfer |
