Top Things to Do in Brescia with Kids: A Family-Friendly Guide
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Updated 7 May 2025
If you're looking for a family-friendly destination in Northern Italy that's packed with history, charm, and fun experiences for kids, Brescia is a hidden gem worth discovering. From ancient Roman ruins to hilltop castles and interactive museums, this Lombardy city offers a variety of engaging activities for all ages.
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Here's our guide to the best things to do in Brescia with kids:
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​Explore Brescia Castle (Castello di Brescia)
Perched on Cidneo Hill, the Castello di Brescia is one of the city’s highlights — and a great adventure for children. The castle grounds are free to enter, giving families the chance to roam the wide open spaces, discover old towers, and enjoy incredible panoramic views of the city below. For a small fee, you can explore the internal museum sections, but even just walking around the exterior is magical.
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TIP: If you're not up for the uphill walk, there’s a huge free parking lot near the castle — perfect for families with little ones. There are also two cafés on site, ideal for a coffee break or light snack while the kids take in the views.
02
Visit the Train Museum (Museo delle Ferrovie)
Tucked within the castle grounds, you’ll find the Train Museum, officially known as the Museo delle Ferrovie. It’s small, charming, and best of all — free! Kids will love checking out the old locomotives and railway displays. It’s a great stop to add some variety to your castle visit.
03
Step Back in Time at Brixia and the Roman Theatre
For a touch of ancient history, head to Brixia – the Roman archaeological area, one of the largest in northern Italy. Although the museum itself requires a ticket, the impressive Roman Theatre nearby is free to visit and a great way to introduce kids to Roman history in an open-air setting. It’s a fantastic opportunity to let children explore ruins and use their imaginations.
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TIP: Brixia is stunning both by daylight and night light. If you can, we recommend timing your visit just before sunset — this way, you'll have enough time to explore the museum and Roman ruins while it's still light, and by the time you're done, twilight will set in. The illuminated ruins at night reveal a whole new magical atmosphere you won’t want to miss!
04
Piazza della Loggia and Its Famous Clock Tower
Take a family stroll through the Piazza della Loggia, one of Brescia’s prettiest squares, where you can admire the beautiful Renaissance buildings and the famous astronomical clock tower. It’s a great place to grab a gelato, sit back, and soak in the lively local atmosphere.
05
Discover Piazza Paolo VI and the Duomo di Brescia
Just a short walk away is Piazza Paolo VI, home to not one, but two cathedrals — the Old Cathedral (Duomo Vecchio) and the New Cathedral (Duomo Nuovo). Both are free to enter and provide a cool, quiet break from the busy streets — ideal for a little rest or a peaceful moment of discovery with kids.
06
Create a Scavenger Hunt for Kids in Brescia
If you're exploring Brescia with kids, don’t miss the chance to spot one of the city’s quirkiest surprises — a rhinoceros hanging in mid-air! Yep, you read that right. It's part of a modern art installation called Il Peso del Tempo Sospeso by Stefano Bombardieri, and you’ll find it just off Piazza della Vittoria, tucked inside the Quadriportico della Vittoria. The kids will be totally fascinated — it’s like finding a secret hidden in plain sight! Definitely a fun stop during your walk around the city.
Another delightful surprise for families exploring Brescia is the whimsical installation of hanging bats with funny faces. We first stumbled upon them just before Halloween and assumed they were seasonal decorations. However, to our amusement, they were still there months later! You'll find these charming bats suspended between Piazza Paolo VI and Via Cesare Beccaria. If you're walking from or to Piazza della Loggia, you can't miss them. It's a fun little discovery that adds a touch of magic to your city stroll and keeps the kids engaged and curious.
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07
Enjoy a Unique Aperitivo (or Breakfast) at Caffè del Teatro Grande
Looking for a special spot to unwind after a day of sightseeing? Don’t miss the Caffè del Teatro Grande, located inside Brescia’s historic opera house. It’s a unique location for a snack or aperitivo, and kids will love the novelty of sitting inside a real theatre café. Just be aware that it has limited opening hours — so check in advance before you go! Il Caffè del Teatro's official website.
TOP RATED Brescia Tours
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Explore Brescia with this easy-going walking tour that takes you through the city’s most stunning landmarks and hidden gems. It’s the perfect way to get a real feel for this underrated Italian treasure — and prices start at just €29 per person!
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​If you're looking for a more budget-friendly way to discover Brescia, grab this digital guide created by a local for just €5.50 and enjoy the tour at your own pace.
Final Tips for Visiting Brescia with Kids
Brescia is very walkable and stroller-friendly in most areas, with plenty of green spaces, gelaterias, and interesting stops to keep children engaged. Whether you're there for a day trip or a weekend, it's a city that combines culture, fun, and family-friendly charm.
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Looking for more tips on traveling in Lombardy with kids?
Don’t miss our other guides to child-friendly destinations in Northern Italy!
Where to eat in Brescia with kids
Birra & Brace
If you're looking for a family-friendly dining spot in Brescia that caters to both kids and adults, Birra & Brace is a fantastic choice. Located at Via Triumplina, 43, it's easily accessible by car—just a 10-minute drive from the city center. For those using public transportation, the Mompiano metro station is the closest, making it convenient even without a car.
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What sets Birra & Brace apart is its child-friendly environment. The restaurant offers a dedicated kids' menu featuring favorites like schnitzel, ensuring that even the pickiest eaters are satisfied. Additionally, there's an indoor playground where children can play safely, allowing parents to relax and enjoy their meal.