Things to do with Kids in Tuscany and Umbria

Things to do with Kids in Tuscany and Umbria
UMBERTIDE AND PERUGIA AREA
Water Slide, Umbertide Pool
In case you haven't spent enough time at your Villa's pool, the public pool in Umbertide has a giant
water slide, usually only available after late morning. It's a great place to spend a whole day, especially
in the middle of the week.
Maridiana Alpaca Farm Near Umbertide
Maridiana is a farm that breeds Alpacas, angora goats and
selected sheep, situated in the Niccone Valley
approximately 10 minutes from Umbertide. They have a
shop selling ‘Alpaca’ wool products and the animals can
be freely patted.
Directions:- from Santa Chiara drive towards Umbertide.
Continue through the centre of the town and follow the s.s 3 bis
towards Citta di Castello, after 3 km at Niccone, turn left and
take the road s.s.416 del Niccone direction Mercatale, Cortona, Lisciano Niccone. After 3 km you will find on
your right the indication of MARIDIANA ALPACA; turn right on the small tarmac road, heading up on the hill.
After 1 km you will find on your right an iron dark green gate with small stonewalls and a ceramic plate,
indicating the farm. Enter the gate and proceed until you reach the farmhouses.
Monte Tezio, Etruscan Tomb or Leaning Tower Walk
Monte Tezio is a fairly short walk with amazing views and the remains of an ice storage facility at the
top. Alternatively, the short Etruscan Tomb Walk or the Leaning Tower of Vernazzano are relatively
easy and have interesting focal points to keep children interested. All walks are in the Circular Walks
On The Tuscany Umbria Border book which can be found in your apartment.
Visit Perugia on the Mini Metro www.minimetrospa.it
Perugia has a beautiful hill top city centre and a fun way to
get there is to use the Mini Metro. Opened in 2008, it’s a
driverless mono rail system that takes you from the
Stadium (Pian di Massiano station) right up to the main
pedestrian street (Corso Vanucci) Terminal Pincetto. The
journey lasts approx 15mins and you get great views along
the way. Tickets are purchased from the station at 1 euro
for a single journey, children under 6 go free.
To get there take the ‘Pantano’ road from Santa Chiara to
join the Raccordo at Mantignana junction. Join raccordo
and travel in the direction of Perugia. Take the Madona
Alta exit and then follow signs for Minimetro park and ride.
Things to do with Kids in Tuscany and Umbria
Tour the Perugina Chocolate Factory and taste the products Tel: 800 800 907
Well worth a visit especially for lovers of chocolate. The Perugina chocolate factory (now part of the
Nestle Empire) which makes the famous "Baci" or kisses chocolates offers tours of its museum with a
visit to the factory Monday to Friday - book in advance by phoning. It includes a tasting of their most
popular chocolates and is inexpensive. The tour takes about one hour, the factory is located in the
outskirts of Perugia.
Year round, Monday to Friday, from 9 AM to 1 PM and from 2 PM to 5.30 PM.
Located a short ride from downtown Perugia: NESTLE' ITALIANA S.p.A., Viale San Sisto, 06132 PERUGIA
ITALY 0039 075 5276796, [email protected]
CITTA' della DOMENICA, near Perugia
www.cittadelladomenica.it Tel: 075 5054941
A cross between a game reserve, and an Italian theme
park, there are also gardens, and play areas for the
children. It is on the outskirts of Perugia. Don’t expect
Legoland or Alton Towers but it’s worth a look for the
variety of attractions and it’s very close to Santa Chiara.
DO CHECK THE WEBSITE FIRST FOR
OPENING HOURS TO AVOID
DISSAPPOINTMENT.
LAKE TRASIMENO
Passignano and Tuoro Beaches
Passignano
We recommend Sualzo beach near Passignano. It has a
small beach, a bar and an outdoor swimming pool and
playground. From here you can take a 15min stroll into the
pleasant town of Passignano along the lake front. To get
there take the raccordo (dual carriageway that runs under
Perugia and over the lake) in the direction of Firenze and
exit at Passignano Est, off the slip road turn right and then
turn left into a carpark with marina just before entering
Passignano. Once at the marina drive all the way down to the left to find the entrance to
the beach. Windsurfers, pedalos and sail boats can be hired from the Tuoro beach, and the wild at
heart can hire a windsurfer or try kitesurfing.
Things to do with Kids in Tuscany and Umbria
Bike Ride around Lake Trasimeno
The whole route is 60km, part road, part track so for older children and teenagers. With younger
children you can do part of the Percorso Ciclibi Trasimeno which is on tracks only. Bicycles can be
hired from a number of key points around the lake including Passignano. Bicycles with baby carriers
are also available. Scooter hire for older teenagers and adults is also available.
Ferry Ride to the Islands on Lake Trasimeno
Take the Kids on a Boat Trip to Isola Maggiore
or Isola Polvese, Lake Trasimeno
The ferry to Isola Maggiore departs
from Tuoro or Passignano. St Francis of Assisi lived on
the island as a hermit around 1211. There is a 12th
century Church called Saint Michael the Archangel on
the top of the hill and a Romanesque church, S.
Salvatore. Olive trees on the island can be hundreds of
years old. Visitors can explore the old town and fun
pathways cross the island.
Isola Polvese is now used as a scientific park, with research and educational activities. There is a
medieval fortress that dates back to the 13th Century, and a 'Garden of the Aquatic Plants,' which was
made from a former swimming pool that was dug into the rock. Ferries depart from from San
Feliciano.
Isola Maggiore is good for a restaurant lunch and a short walk whereas Polvese is better for swimming
and a picnic.
Tavernelle Water Park
A Fantastic park just south of Perugia with four
pools it has something for all ages. There is a heated
lagoon for smaller children with clowns that spray
water and little slides and hydro-massage area for
the adults. For older children and adults there are
some pretty good cork screw waterslides and
inflatable rings. There is a large grassy area with
sun-loungers and umbrellas for hire and picnic
benches plus cafe area.
N.B. You are required to wear swim hats or ‘cuffi’ which
can be purchased there for a few euros. The park gets
busy on the weekend in summer so better to visit during
the week if possible. Please ask us for directions.
Things to do with Kids in Tuscany and Umbria
Horse Riding
There are several places to go horse riding on the Tuscany Umbria border. There is a riding school in
San Pietro a Monte, between the town of Trestina and the village of San Leo Bastia. There are also
stables at Fattoria Caldese near Lerchi and Citta di Castello, where there is also a golf driving range, a
9 hole course and a spa. Finally near Lake Trasimeno there is the Valvasone stables (Marina Tel:
3937241527, English spoken.)
GUBBIO AND TO THE EAST
Gubbio and the Funavia Ride
Take the cable ride "funivia" up Monte Ingino, at the top,
enjoy the view and kids will be fascinated by the corpse of
Sant'Ubaldo in a glass coffin in the church. Back in the
town there is lots to do: walk three times around the
Fontana dei Matti and become an honourary citizen of
Gubbio, visit the enormous medieval town hall and head
up to the Duomo where more blackened corpses await in
their glass coffins. Tuesday is market day in Gubbio.
TIP: Kids will enjoy the free play park with zip wire near the
Teatro Romano.
Frasassi Caves
Highly recommended for a rainy day or if you need a day out of the sunshine, the caves are open all
year round and have a constant temperature of 14
degrees. The 1.5km tour takes approx 1 hour. Guided
tours in English are available from May – Sept. The
caves consist of an immense cavern and a series of large
chambers, tunnels, wells and labyrinths which snake for
13 kms. Stalactites have been formed that over the
passage of thousands of years, have entwined themselves
to create stunning reflections on the surface of the water,
and take on bizarre shapes. For the ardent ‘speleologist’
a 2.5 hr blue tour can be pre-booked, min age 12yrs.
Reservations +39 0732.90090. The caves are approx
80kms from Santa Chiara near a town called Genga.
www.frasassi.com
FLORENCE AND SIENNA AREA
Sienna + Sculpture Park
The Torre del Mangia ("Tower of the Eater")
Nick-named for its first guardian, Giovanni di Balduccio, called 'Mangiaguadagni' for his love of food.
The tower, built the same height as the Duomo di Siena (to show the church and the state had equal
power), is visible from all parts of Siena. In the summer the queues can be long as only a few people
are allowed up at any time.
Things to do with Kids in Tuscany and Umbria
Chianti Sculpture Park
The Chianti sculpture park is a woodland trail with contemporary
sculptures along the way, many of them interactive and great fun for kids
who get the chance to run around in the open air with interesting
encounters along the way. Suitable for people of every age, with a pushchair
or a wheelchair.
GPS: Long.E. 11° 22' 53" – Lat.N. 43° 23' 36"
Museo dell Tortura (Museum of Torture- Medieval Criminology)
Also in Siena- not for the weak hearted or nightmare prone! In Vicolo del Bargello, next to Piazza del
Campo... compelling and grusome. There are various instruments of medieval torture. Deeply
disturbing but informative. Hours are seasonal.
Thermal Baths
There are several thermal baths in Tuscany, the nearest to our
area are Rapolano Terme and San Crescentino dei Bagni (free).
The fancy spa hotel San Giovanni offers a family entry ticket
which is good valaue at 36 euros. The waters here are a constant
39.4 degrees and the hotel provides 4 pools two of which have
indoor / outdoor swimming. There is also a nice self service
restaurant serving a good variety of salads and snacks.
Saltalbero Adventure Park
The Saltalbero Parco Avventura is located near the thermal
baths at Rapolano Terme, between Lake Trasimeno and
Siena. It has a series of different obstacle courses for
children (and adults) of all ages.
The courses are
constructed at varying heights amidst the shade of a forest,
safety harnesses, helmets and safety briefings included.
Tip - combine Saltalbero in the morning with the
Rapolano Thermal Baths in the afternoon
Pinocchio Park
A theme park based on the Italian fairytale by Carlo Collodi
(Carlo Lorenzini) Pinocchio Park is quaint and quirky and
found in the small town of Collodi, near Florence. There
are statues and fountains of the Pinocchio characters, and a
delightful puppet show. with all the familiar characters.
(Never mind that the puppet show is in Italian.) The
pathway is thick with vegetation and full of surprises.
Parco di Pinocchio: Via S. Gennaro, 3 - 51014 Collodi Pescia (PT)
- Telefono/fax : 0039 0572 42.93.42 -http://www.pinocchio.it
Things to do with Kids in Tuscany and Umbria
CITTA DI CASTELLO AND NORTH
Sansepolcro Water Park
Easy to get to either by driving or via train from
Pierantonio/Umbertide. This water park has a large play area, dive
board, two pools and two large slides. A lovely feel to this park but
the slides are normally only open from 3pm onwards. Lots of open
space and shade for a picnic.
Canoeing On The Tiber At Citta di Castello
Hire a Canadian Canoe at Citta di Castello Canoe Club (€25 all day hire in 2013). A great family day
out on the River Tiber - it's best to head upstream at the start of the day.
CANOA CLUB CITTA' DI CASTELLO a.s.d.,
Piazza Porta San Florido, 06012 - Citta di Castello (PG)
Telefono e Fax: 075 8553656
http://www.canoacastello.it/dove.php
ADRIATIC COAST
FANO
For a real taste of the Italian seaside we recommend a day trip
to Fano. The journey takes around 1hr 30mins but is well worth
it. It’s a pretty town with a host of great safe private beaches
offering full facilities including lounger/brolly hire, children’s
play areas and swimming pools. Stick to the north end of the
town for the Sandy beaches. We recommend Lido Uno which
is clean and friendly with free WIFI. Free parking available near
the Hotel Elizabeth. Please ask for directions.
Mirabilandia
A proper amusement park with world class roller-coasters and
rides that equal those of anywhere else in Europe. Unlike
amusement parks in northern Europe it's actually fun to go on
the water rides in the summer heat. Follow the E45 northbound
and then branch off just after Cesena, journey from Santa
Chiara takes around 1hr and 30mins.
Things to do with Kids in Tuscany and Umbria
ASSISI AND SOUTH
Ramba Zamba
Indoor Play Barn
Kids will love this play barn
come soft play area. It has a
huge volcano slide which you
can climb up, a pirate
ship/maze and lots of ball
pits, bikes, etc. Definitely a
good place to go should you
get a rainy day or if the kids
need to let off steam for a few hours. Has a small restaurant on site.
TIP: Combine with a trip to Assisi to get the best of both worlds!
Exit ss75 S. M. degli Angeli (nord)
Assisi - (Pg) - dir. Costano.
Zona Industriale - Via dei Vetturali
Tel. 0758042800
Activo Park
An outdoor activity park near Spoleto. It has obstacle
courses involving zip lines and rope bridges at different
levels of difficulty as well as a water slide with inflatable
tubes. There are activities suitable for all age groups.
http://www.activopark.com/
Carsulae
The little known ruins of a once thriving Roman town located near San Gemini between Todi and
Terni. There is lots of space for kids to run around in and plenty of interesting things to look at. Take a
picnic and combine with a visit to the Cascata delle Marmore.
Cascata delle Marmore
Waterfalls near Terni in southern Umbria with a total
height of 165 metres. The Cascata delle Marmore were
created by the Romans when they diverted the Velino
River over a cliff into the River Nera. Today, the water
is diverted to a hydroelectric plant much of the time so
check the official website for visiting times.
http://www.marmorefalls.it/
At 165m, the Cascata delle Marmore are the tallest
man made waterfalls in the world.
Things to do with Kids in Tuscany and Umbria
Rafting Near Norcia, Umbria
Spend a couple of hours rafting in Umbria down a
tributary of the River Nera. Fun and suitable for all
ages
http://www.raftingumbria.com/
There is also rope bridge assault course, called “ponti
tibetani” in Italian. For wilder, white water rafting
contact the rafting centre at the Cascata delle Marmore
(over 18's only).
€35 for adults and €25 for children, for 2 stretches of river.
http://www.umbriaavventura.com
Bomarzo Monster Park
A garden full of whacky Mannerist sculptures from the
16th Century depicting monsters, leaning houses, giants
and other fantastical things to fire the imagination.
Located just over the border from Umbria in the region of
Lazio, it is close to the A1 motorway, take the Attigliano
exit.