Activities for children in Alghero — in English, or where English is understood
There is no shortage of things for children to do in Alghero. There is a shortage of anyone writing them down in a language you read — most of it lives on posters by the school gate, in the parish hall, and in Italian Facebook pages. This is what we have found, sorted by what a foreign family can actually use. It is a living list: reply to any edition to add or correct something.
In English, or run by international residents
On Stage Alghero (at Lo Teatrì) — theatre and movement courses in English and Italian for children from 6, teens 11–18, and adults. Learning the language through performance; run by Saskia Peterzon. The single most useful activity for a child who has just arrived, because it mixes local and foreign children and makes Italian a game rather than a subject.
Language tutoring — several tutors work with school-age children on Italian for school, and with adults on business Italian; see the directory for those who answer and where they teach (Alghero, Olmedo, Sassari, or remote).
Kickboxing and private sport coaching — offered privately in Alghero, Olmedo and Sassari by an instructor who also teaches languages; useful for older children who want structure outside school.
Italian-speaking, but where foreign children are common
Sailing and the sea. Alghero's sailing clubs run children's courses (corsi vela) from about age 7 in dinghies, mainly May–September, with weekly summer camps. Language is Italian; the boat does most of the teaching.
Football, basketball, volleyball. Every town has its società sportiva; sign-ups in September, a medical certificate (certificato medico sportivo, from a sports doctor, not the GP) is required and takes a few days to arrange. Ask the club which doctor they use.
Swimming. Indoor pool courses run through the winter; summer is the sea. Places at the pool go quickly in September.
Music. The scuola civica di musica and private teachers take children from primary age; instrument lessons in Italian, but music is music.
Scouts (AGESCI) — active, Italian-speaking, and one of the fastest ways for a child to build a local group of friends. Enrolment in autumn.
Libraries. The municipal library has children's sections and occasional readings; check its programme rather than assuming.
The seasonal things
- Summer camps (centri estivi) — June to early September, run by the comune, sports clubs and private organisers; the comune often offers reimbursements for families with children 3–17. Sign-ups in May; the comune's page lists the accredited ones.
- Ice rink — a temporary rink appears in December; the group chat lights up with it every year.
- Workshops — Lo Quarter courtyard, the Bee Garden, farm visits (pick-your-own figs in late summer); announced on posters and in the daily brief when we catch them.
- Sea rescue and free swimming lessons — occasionally organised on the town beaches in early summer; short notice, high value.
How to sign up for anything
- September is the month. The activity year mirrors the school year; missing it often means waiting until January.
- Certificato medico sportivo for any organised sport — a specific certificate from a sports medicine doctor. Book it in late August.
- Codice fiscale for the child — clubs ask for it; if you don't have it yet, get it (see the paperwork playbook).
- Whatsapp is where the schedule lives. Every club has a parents' group; ask to be added, even if your Italian is basic — the timetable changes are announced there and nowhere else.
Ask, in Italian
"Mio figlio ha [età] anni e parla poco italiano. Accettate bambini stranieri? Quando iniziano le iscrizioni?" — My child is [age] and speaks little Italian. Do you take foreign children? When do sign-ups start?
The answer, in our experience, is always yes to the first question.
A living page. We add what families tell us and remove what closes. Reply to any edition with a correction and it goes in the same week. Last reviewed: September 2026.