My lifelong passion is discovering the best things to do in Abruzzo with children. As a Pescarese who grew up exploring every corner of this remarkable region, I’ve watched it captivate countless young minds – including my kids, niece, and nephew! Although I live between Rome and Luxembourg, I still discover new family activities in Abruzzo each time I return home. Let me share my insider’s guide to experiencing family-friendly travel in Italy’s most authentic region, blending beloved local spots with hidden treasures that most tourists miss.
Outdoor Adventures: Where Nature Meets Family Fun
National Parks: A Wild Playground for Kids
Abruzzo national parks are among Italy’s finest family-friendly travel destinations. Remember my first encounter with a Marsican brown bear in the Parco Nazionale d’Abruzzo? Well, don’t worry – I was safely distant! But that moment sparked a lifelong love for our region’s wilderness. Here’s where your family can safely experience our natural wonders:
- Parco Nazionale d’Abruzzo, Lazio e Molise: Take the family-friendly “Sentiero del Lupo” (Wolf Trail). My tip? Visit the Wildlife Area in Civitella Alfedena early in the morning—that’s when I’ve had the best luck spotting chamois with excited young visitors! The visitor center offers excellent interactive exhibits designed specifically for children. Don’t miss the Junior Ranger program during summer months—my nephew still proudly wears his badge!
- Gran Sasso and Monti della Laga: The cable car to Campo Imperatore remains my nephew’s favorite “adventure ride.” Pack a picnic of local arrosticini (lamb skewers) – there’s nothing like lunch at 2,912 meters! Remember to bring extra layers; I learned that lesson the hard way one sunny-turned-chilly August afternoon. The botanical garden near the lower station offers guided tours for families with older kids, where children can learn about local flora.
Mountain Adventures for the Whole Family
The Majella National Park deserves special mention when exploring Abruzzo with kids:
- Visitor Center Valle dell’Orfento: Their educational programs are fantastic! Last summer, my friend’s kids participated in a treasure hunt that taught them about local wildlife – pure genius!
- Grotte del Cavallone: These caves sparked my love for geology as a child. Now, I recommend starting with the shorter tour for younger kids – trust me, even that will amaze them.
- Grotte di Stiffe: These underground caves feature guided tours through tunnels and flowing watercourses. Children will be fascinated by the stalactites and stalagmites that create a magical, otherworldly environment.
- Mountain Refuges: The Rifugio Pomilio offers unique family rooms and kid-friendly hiking trails. Pro tip: Book their “Little Mountaineers” package, which includes a guided nature walk and traditional mountain lunch.
Beach Days: Adriatic Joy for All Ages
Regarding family activities in Abruzzo, our beaches offer something unique. Growing up in Pescara, the beach was my second home. Today, Abruzzo beaches for families provide the perfect blend of fun and safety:
- Pescara Beach: My childhood playground now offers excellent facilities for families. Head to the northern section—they have the best kid-friendly shallow pools and my favorite gelato stand! Pro tip: Book umbrellas in the quieter area. The recently added playground near Ponte del Mare is perfect for early evening fun when the sun becomes less intense.
- Pineto’s Pine Grove Beach: This is where I taught my friend’s kids to build their first sandcastle. The natural shade from the pine trees is a lifesaver during hot summer days. Don’t miss cycling along the beachfront – rental shops offer child seats and helmets. The new nature trail behind the beach has educational panels perfect for curious minds.
- Torre del Cerrano Marine Protected Area: I discovered this hidden gem while looking for quieter beaches. The ancient tower hosts marine biology workshops for kids every Tuesday and Thursday in the summer. The shallow waters are perfect for first-time snorkelers!
Cultural Discoveries: Making History Fun
Castle Adventures
Looking for unique things to do in Abruzzo with children? Remember when I accidentally locked myself in a tower at Rocca Calascio? (Don’t worry, the custodian had spare keys!) Now, I always tell families:
– Visit Rocca Calascio in the early morning to avoid crowds
– Pack water and snacks – the climb up is an adventure itself
– Bring a camera for those “king and queen of the castle” moments
– Join the weekend medieval reenactments (my niece’s highlight of 2023!)
– Check out the new interactive history tablets available at the visitor center
Medieval Villages Perfect for Young Explorers
Family-friendly travel in Italy takes on special meaning in our medieval villages:
- Santo Stefano di Sessanio: The narrow streets are like a natural maze that kids love exploring. The local wool workshop offers child-friendly demonstrations – my young cousin still uses the bracelet she made there.
- Scanno: Besides its heart-shaped lake (perfect for Instagram-loving teens), the traditional jewelry-making demonstrations fascinate children of all ages.
- Pacentro: The castle ruins here are more accessible than Calascio for families with toddlers. Plus, the village’s cat population provides endless entertainment!
Interactive History
The Museo delle Genti d’Abruzzo in my hometown, Pescara, offers some of Abruzzo’s best indoor family activities. Their weekend workshops let children try traditional crafts – my young cousins still proudly display their handmade ceramics! New additions include:
– Virtual reality reconstructions of ancient Abruzzo
– Hands-on archaeology sessions (book in advance!)
– Traditional costume try-on station
– Interactive fountain system demonstrating ancient water management
The Museo Archeologico Nazionale in Chieti explores ancient Roman artifacts, from statues to coins. Its interactive displays and kid-friendly programs enrich the experience for all ages.
Foodie Fun: Kid-Approved Local Flavors
Kid-Friendly Restaurants in Abruzzo
As someone who’s been exploring family dining options since childhood, here are my tried-and-trusted recommendations:
- Traditional Trattorias: Look for family-run establishments that serve kid-sized portions of local specialties. Authentic Abruzzese dishes like arrosticini (lamb skewers), maccheroni alla chitarra (hand-cut pasta), and regional cheeses are always a hit with young diners! Many trattorias offer kid-friendly menus and high chairs, making mealtimes stress-free.
- Beachfront Eateries: Many coastal restaurants offer dedicated children’s menus and play areas, perfect for combining meals with sea views.
- Mountain Refuges: These rustic restaurants in our national parks often provide simple, child-friendly meals and incredible views.
- Agriturismi: Farm-to-table experiences where kids can meet animals before dinner – a guaranteed success!
Sweet Adventures
When looking for things to do in Abruzzo with children, don’t miss these treat stops:
- Traditional Pasticcerie: Watch little faces light up at the sight of local sweets and chocolates
- Gelaterias: Every beach town has its specialty flavors – making gelato-tasting a delicious family activity
- Cooking Classes: Many local establishments offer kid-friendly baking sessions
Interactive Food Experiences
Family-friendly travel in Italy wouldn’t be complete without hands-on cooking experiences:
- Pizza Making Workshops: Learn to stretch dough and choose toppings
- Traditional Pasta Classes: Perfect for older children who can handle the chitarra
- Sweet-Making Sessions: Create traditional Abruzzese cookies and candies
Seasonal Magic: Year-Round Family Fun
Summer Activities
Summer brings endless opportunities for family activities in Abruzzo:
– Water parks and aquatic centers with age-appropriate areas
- Onda Blu Waterpark: This waterpark offers slides, wave pools, and play areas tailored to children of different ages. Parents can relax while kids splash and play.
- Aqualand del Vasto: This is one of Abruzzo’s largest water parks, offering a variety of attractions that are perfect for families. It features thrilling water slides, wave pools, a lazy river, and dedicated kid-friendly play areas.
– Mountain refuges offering cool escapes from coastal heat
- Parco Avventura Majella: Experience treetop adventures with zip lines, rope bridges, and obstacle courses. It’s a fun, confidence-boosting activity for all ages.
– Beach clubs with organized children’s activities
– Evening entertainment in historic town centers
Winter Wonderland
Abruzzo with kids takes on a magical quality in winter. Growing up, ski weekends at Roccaraso were a family tradition. Today, I recommend:
- Family Ski Areas: Many slopes offer dedicated children’s zones
- Snow Parks: Perfect for first-time winter sports experiences
- Winter Hiking: Well-marked trails suitable for family excursions
- Mountain Villages: Cozy spots for hot chocolate after snow play
Spring and Autumn Adventures
The shoulder seasons offer some of the best outdoor activities for kids in Abruzzo:
- Spring Festivals: Local celebrations with family-friendly activities
- Autumn Harvests: Participate in grape and olive picking
- Wildlife Watching: Perfect weather for nature observation
- Cultural Events: Special programs designed for families
Practical Tips from a Local
Getting Around
Based on years of visiting families around:
– Rent a car for maximum flexibility with children
– Plan routes with regular breaks at kid-friendly stops
– Download offline maps – mountain areas have limited coverage
– Consider scheduling rest days between activities
– Book accommodations with parking in historic centers
Best Times to Visit
For an ideal family experience in Abruzzo (and you can also read when is the best time to visit Abruzzo, in general):
– Spring (April-May): Perfect for outdoor adventures
– Early Summer (June): Beach season without crowds
– Fall (September-October): Ideal for hiking and harvests
– Winter (December-February): Skiing and festive markets
Family-Friendly Accommodations
Choose from:
– Agriturismi with educational activities
- Fattoria Tana della Volpe in Pacentro, 15 minutes from Sulmona. They organize cooking sessions, excursions, wine and food tasting sessions, and activities for kids.
- Fattoria di Maria Donata, between Cugnoli and Alanno, is about 35 kilometers from Pescara and the same distance from the Majella National Park.
– Beach hotels with children’s programs
- SeaPark Spa Resort in Giulianova, right on the beach.
- Hotel Meripol, at Alba Adriatica.
– Mountain lodges with family rooms
– City hotels near main attractions
Your Abruzzo Family Adventure Awaits!
After years of showing friends and family around my beloved region, I can promise this: Abruzzo with kids offers something special for every family. From the sandy shores of Pescara to the majestic peaks of Gran Sasso, every corner holds potential for unforgettable memories.
Remember, the best family activities in Abruzzo often come from spontaneous discoveries – like that time, we followed a shepherd’s directions and found the most beautiful picnic spot near Penne Lake. So pack your sense of adventure, bring the kids, and get ready to explore Italy’s most family-friendly hidden gem!
Before You Go…
If you are seriously planning to visit Abruzzo with kids because there are so many things to do with kids in Abthere, you might also be interested in reading this article. It will make you and your family feel EVEN MORE at home when you are here!
15 Must-Know Abruzzo Local Tips for an Authentic Experience
Related Articles and Pages
Drop me a comment below with questions about kid-friendly restaurants in Abruzzo or the best outdoor activities for kids – I’m always happy to share more local tips!
