Palermo with kids.
A day trip from the UK.
9 family days out in Palermo, 3 that work if it rains. Ticket prices, best ages and how long to allow, so you can plan the day around the flights.
Family days out in Palermo
9 placesMuseo Geologico G.G. Gemmellaro (fossils and dwarf elephants)
Child-friendly fossil museum with a complete Sicilian dwarf elephant skeleton, shark teeth, ammonites and crystals; feels like a time machine, especially with a guide.
- Tickets
- £4.30 (€5) adult, £3.40 (€4) child, free under 6
- Best for
- Ages 5-12
- Allow
- 1-1.5 hours
- Rain
- Works if it rains
- Season
- Reduced in July-August (mornings only); closed mid-August
Museo Internazionale delle Marionette Antonio Pasqualino (puppet museum and shows)
Sicilian Opera dei Pupi shows with sword fights that hold children's attention without needing Italian; large world collection of puppets; good value.
- Tickets
- £4.30 (€5) adult
- Best for
- Ages 4+ for the shows
- Allow
- 1.5-2 hours
- Rain
- Works if it rains
Palermo Cathedral rooftops (Tetti della Cattedrale)
Walking on the cathedral roof is an adventure for older kids, with big views over the city, sea and mountains; roofs-only ticket is cheaper than the full package.
- Tickets
- £6 (€7) adult, £3.40 (€4) child
- Best for
- Ages 8+ (narrow spiral stairs)
- Allow
- 1 hour
Teatro Massimo guided tour
Short, lively tour of Italy's largest opera house; kids enjoy the echo room and royal box; good guides who keep it interesting.
- Tickets
- £12 (€14) adult, £6 (€7) child, free under 6
- Best for
- Ages 7+
- Allow
- 1 hour
- Rain
- Works if it rains
Giardino Inglese (Parco Piersanti Mattarella)
Big leafy garden on the main street where children can run around; small fairground-style rides area; cafe with snacks and ice cream; roller-skating rink reopened Dec 2025.
- Tickets
- Price not published, see the official site
- Best for
- All ages
- Allow
- 1-1.5 hours
Orto Botanico di Palermo (Botanical Garden)
Huge shady garden with giant monumental trees (including a vast fig), bamboo grove, cacti and a papyrus pond; calm escape from the city heat where children can explore.
- Tickets
- £7 (€8) adult, £4.30 (€5) child, free under 6
- Best for
- All ages
- Allow
- 1.5-2 hours
Villa Giulia
Free fenced garden with a playground for burning off energy; quiet break from sightseeing; statues and sea breeze; easy to pair with the Botanical Garden next door.
- Tickets
- Price not published, see the official site
- Best for
- Ages Toddlers to about 10
- Allow
- 1 hour
Mondello beach (Spiaggia di Mondello)
Fine sand with no rocks and a seabed that shelves very gently, so small children can stand in the water a long way out; sheltered bay; a city beach reachable by bus. Holds a 'green flag' for child-friendliness per the city tourism portal.
- Tickets
- Price not published, see the official site
- Best for
- All ages; very shallow water suits toddlers
- Allow
- 3-4 hours
- Season
- Swimming season and summer bus line are seasonal; lidos operate in summer
Ballaro market and street food
A 'sensory adventure' for kids: shouting stallholders, fruit, fish and cheap street snacks (arancine, panelle) eaten on the go; best 9-11am.
- Tickets
- Price not published, see the official site
- Best for
- Ages 5+ (tight crowds hard with toddlers)
- Allow
- 1-1.5 hours
Prices are each venue’s own adult and child ticket prices, converted to pounds. Where we could not confirm a price we show none. Opening hours and seasons change, so check the venue before you fly.
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Day trips to Palermo
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