When starting a family, finding free time for yourself becomes increasingly difficult: family activities practically become the norm. Fortunately, there are truly interesting activities for kids and all family members.
There are various ways to reconcile experiences that once were part of your free time with things that can satisfy children and teenagers. A family, in fact, can aim for exhibitions, workshops, and experiences suitable for everyone.
To help those who may not know much about these options, we decided to create this article. So here are 15 family activities that can make everyone happy for a weekend away.
We will try to divide this article region by region with one activity per location.
The Walk to the Stanghe Waterfalls (Trentino Alto Adige)
Do children want a close encounter with nature? The Stanghe Waterfalls, just a few kilometers from Vipiteno, are a natural monument accessible even to children aged 3 and up thanks to the presence of scaffolding and suspended walkways.
The entire route can be completed in about 90 minutes, depending on your pace and the children's rhythm. These waterfalls are one of the best places to improvise a nature-focused experience for kids.
Le Cornelle Wildlife Park (Lombardy)
In Valbrembo, near Bergamo, there is this splendid wildlife park with various protected species threatened with extinction spread across environments ranging from savannah to tropical forest. This is the perfect opportunity for mom and dad to show their children animal species that are otherwise hard to see, in a setting more interesting than the typical zoo found around Lombardy. So here is a great family activity for animal lovers!
The Gardetta Dinosaur Trail (Piedmont)
In the mountains of the Cuneoprovince, Piedmont, you can take a trail discovering dinosaurs found in Italy. The hike crosses the Gardetta plateau starting from the diffused hotel called “La Locanda degli Elfi” and is guaranteed fun for all kids interested in the world's most famous reptiles. Definitely an upgrade compared to museum visits as a type of family activity.
Genoa Aquarium (Liguria)
The aquarium of Genoa is one of the city's main attractions and a perfect opportunity for curious children to explore the marine world. 400 different species totaling 150,000 animals divided into over 70 tanks including birds, reptiles, invertebrates, and marine mammals. It's hard to remain indifferent to such beauty.
Bardi Fortress (Emilia Romagna)
Near Parma is the Bardi Fortress, one of the most beautiful castles in the entire peninsula. This solitary fortress atop a rocky spur actually houses museums and events. For anyone already interested in history, a day at Bardi Fortress is an unmissable opportunity for a special visit.
Frasassi Caves (Marche)
One of the most magical places in all of Italy is the Frasassi Caves, nestled near the northern Apennines of Marche. These spectacular karst cavities offer an incredible way for children to encounter the majesty of nature.
The Tarot Garden (Tuscany)
The Tarot Garden is an incredible attraction located in Pescia Fiorentina where you can show visiting children what an amazing discovery art can be. Visiting the Tarot Garden is a wonderful way to introduce the little ones to works with great imaginative potential through one of the most fascinating places in the peninsula.
Rasiglia (Umbria)
In Umbria there is an ancient village called Rasiglia built over a river spring that, over the years, has transformed into a sort of small Venice where streams, waterfalls, and spring water basins meet and clash in harmony. There is no better place to let the little ones hear the voices and languages of man and nature coming together in a great symphony.
The Park of the Monsters (Lazio)
In Bomarzo is one of Italy's most beautiful monumental art sites. The Park of the Monsters is an incredible artistic park where you can take your children to discover fantasy atmospheres from another time, with extravagant statues and a heritage of great charm.
Roccascalegna Castle (Abruzzo)
In Roccascalegna, on the hills of the Sangro Valley, there is an incredible castle often used as a film location. Roccascalegna Castle, built by the Lombards in the 7th century AD, is the perfect way to introduce children (and parents) to the timeless charm of the Middle Ages and its paths.
MAB Nature Reserve (Molise)
On the border between Molise and Abruzzo is the MAB Nature Reserve (Collemeluccio – Montedimezzo), the perfect place to spend a relaxing holiday immersed in nature tamed by man. There are various trekking routes, an entire archaeological area with ruins, and all essential services to spend a festive weekend there.
The Dog Museum (Campania)
In Mondragone there is a unique museum, perfect for showing children or teenagers everything about the figure of the dog, man's best friend. This family- and kid-friendly museum has a permanent exhibition about the faithful four-legged friend who has accompanied us as a species throughout history. Is there a better family activity?
Sardinia Aquarium (Sardinia)
In Cala Gonone, a splendid place where vacation meets beach and sea art, there is the Sardinia Aquarium which, with its 25 tanks, can be the perfect place to combine fun and culture . Like in museums, children will be introduced to the sea but not only. The museum is perfect for introducing the little ones to the products humans derive from it. CultureJust like in museums, boys and girls will be introduced to the sea and much more. The museum is, in fact, perfect for helping little ones get familiar with the products that humans derive from it.
Footprints in the Park (Calabria)
In Calabria, in the woods of the Sila Piccola, there is a wonderful adventure park. Besides classic trekking, there is an eco-experiential trail and the possibility to practice archery.
Gemmellaro Geology Museum (Sicily)
Inside the Department of Earth and Sea Sciences is the Gemmellaro Geological Museum of Palermo. Across three floors, over 600,000 different specimens spanning 270 million years of history are displayed. This is the best way to put aside books and learn about ancient animals. The museum also contains the only complete skeleton of a dwarf elephant in all of Italy!
Conclusions
Many of the family activities mentioned above are actually perfectly accessible even to those without children who just want to spend an alternative weekend. If you want to discover more events like these, take a look at our events page—you'll find many ways not to get bored during the weekend!