Will Your Kids Enjoy the Opera?

If you’re planning a trip to Italy with your kids, you’re probably all very excited. From the food to the amazing sights and sounds, Italy is a place for the whole family. However, Italy is also famous for its operas, which might sound like a brilliant activity to you and your partner, but will it be right for the kids? Before going ahead and booking Italian opera tickets, you might want to spend a bit of time working out whether your children will enjoy the experience. Here are some ways you could help your children have a better time:

Show them an opera on TV

If your children have never been exposed to opera in any shape or form, they probably have a lot of questions. The best way to give them a taste of opera is to show them clips from a show on TV. Avoid making your children sit through an entire opera on TV – as this won’t be nearly as engaging as the real thing. Instead, prioritize showing them some highlights while commenting on what’s happening. Try to bring as much excitement to the experience as possible. Chances are, your kids will get swept up in it all.

Choose an age-appropriate opera

Taking very young children to the opera isn’t a good idea. If your little one is likely to cry or start shouting and complaining part way through, it’s best to wait until they’re older before you go to the opera. However, many school-aged children can get a lot out of the opera – as long as it’s the right one. Some operas won’t be suitable for children, they’ll be slow and boring, and difficult to understand. It’s important to choose a show that other children have enjoyed in the past.

Explain opera beforehand

It can also be a good idea to introduce kids to the story of the opera before you go. This will avoid questions halfway through. If children know what’s going on beforehand, they’ll be able to match what’s happening on stage to what they know. This is especially important when seeing an opera in Italy, as it will likely be in Italian. 

See a day-time opera

While lots of adults like to see an opera in the evening, children may be too tired to really enjoy the experience late into the night. Instead, opt for an afternoon show. If you see an opera in the evening, your kids might start fussing and complaining. This may have nothing to do with the opera and more to do with the fact they’re ready to relax at the end of a long day sightseeing.

Opera won’t be for every child, but try not to give in too quickly when your child assumes it will be boring without giving it a go first. By following the tips above, you’ll have a better chance of introducing your kids to opera in a positive way. However, don’t forget, even if you don’t go on your next trip to Italy, you might be able to catch an opera that’s more local another time.