Things for kids and families to do in Sorrento.
Sorrento may be perceived as this beautiful, romantic getaway for couples wanting to sample some of the magic of Italy and the Amalfi region but many people also bring their children and families to Sorrento and so we thought it might be useful to list some of the options of things for kids to do in Sorrento.
Sorrento enjoys a very long tourist season from mid April to mid October making it ideal for families wanting to bring their kids to this breathtaking part of the world.
With its mix of beaches, history, food, and fun day trips, there’s no shortage of things to do in Sorrento with kids.
Whether you’re planning a weekend break or a longer family holiday, this guide covers the top family activities in Sorrento to keep children of all ages entertained.
Family friendly beach clubs
We’ve previously written about Sorrento beaches on our page “things to do in Sorrento“.
Sorrento and nearby Sant Agnello have some fantastic beach clubs and although the beaches in Sorrento and the greater Amalfi area may not be very large they remain extremely popular with tourists and Italian families who bring their own kids here.
The water temperature often reaches 26°C which is welcomingly warm and with marked shallow and deep areas then you know how far you can safely play with your kids.
Although many people staying in Sorrento will have swimming pools at their hotel the sea water at Sorrento’s beaches acts as a strong buoyancy aid making it much easier to stay afloat.
The beach clubs will also have an on-site restaurant or snack bar so you always have somewhere to go if your kids are feeling a little bit peckish. They also provide service to your sun lounger if you don’t want to lose precious sunnbathing time!
Boat ride to Capri
There’s really no getting away from it but if you’re in Sorrento then the water is going to play a pretty large part of what you do or spend your time around.
Taking a boat ride to Capri with your kids can be an exciting adventure and the boats and ferries run regularly between Sorrento and Capri.
Although Capri itself isn’t particularly “kid friendly”, due to a lack of any proper beach and plenty of steps, there are a few things which kids would love.
The chair lift to the top is very popular and it’s not a scary ride (like some chair lifts can be). At the top, at AnaCapri, there is a public park with a small playground for kids.
A trip to the Blue Grotto is also a good option as many kids love transferring onto the smaller rowing boat and then floating into the cave and gasping at the azure blue waters. It might only be a short trip but it does live long in the memory.
Pizza Making Class
Most kids love pizza, right? When you’re in the home of pizza then why not grab the opportunity to learn how to make an authentic Italian pizza by signing up to a pizza making class. The classes are primarily focused on having fun and kids especially love the hand on approach to making pizza!
Visit to Pompeii
Pompeii is a fascinating place for kids to visit as it connects the visitor to history in a deeper way than any other indoor museum.
Pompeii is easily reached from Sorrento, either by public transport or booking an organised tour.
If your kids don’t already know about the history of Pompeii then it’s a good idea to give them some background information, to fuel their imagination ahead of their visit.
There isn’t much shelter from the sun at Pompeii so it’s advisable to bring plenty of liquids and to dress appropriately.
And….there’s always ice cream
Ice cream, or “gelato”, as they say in this neck of the woods (and yes, there IS a difference) is a happiness balm for adults and kids alike and nobody quite does gelato like the Italians.
A mouth wateringly array of flavours and colours will make your kids eyes pop out and the flavours do not disappoint.
Do not just order an ice cream after your meal in a restaurant and then think you’ve had the real gelato experience.
Take your kids to a real gelateria e.g. Raki, Gelateria David, Fresco Sorrento etc and sample the difference between ice cream and and Italian gelatio-a gelato has less calories than an ice cream!
Final thoughts on things for kids to do in Sorrento
Sorrento may be best known for romance and scenic views, but it’s also a wonderful destination for children. From splashing in hidden coves and making pizza to exploring ancient ruins and enjoying gelato in lively piazzas, there’s something for every age group.
The secret to a successful family holiday in Sorrento is balancing sightseeing with relaxation. Slow down, embrace Italian family traditions, and let kids enjoy the simple pleasures of la dolce vita. With so many options, you’ll find plenty of unforgettable things to do in Sorrento with kids.