There is not a wealth of activities in Umbria specifically geared towards children. However, there should be more than enough to keep them entertained during those hours that you’re not lazing by the swimming pool at your choice of Umbria rental property. Hopefully this guide will give you some ideas…
If you fancy spending s few hours on a beach, then it’s definitely worth heading to Lake Trasimeno. The lake is extremely shallow which means that it’s always lovely and warm to swim in during the Summer months. Whilst you’re at the lake, why not take a boat trip to one of the islands within the lake? There are three islands in total – Isola Maggiore, Isola Polvese and Isola Minore. The latter is privately owned and can’t be accessed, but visitors are welcomed to the other lakes, with boats leaving from Passignano, San Feliciano, Tuoro and Castiglione del Lago. There is a lovely walk you can enjoy around Isola Maggiore whose perimeter is only 2 km long and so easily managed by even young children.
If they like the water, then there is a waterpark in Umbria too. Located at Tavernelle, just West of Perugia, it’s a great little waterpark. Due to it’s size, it doesn’t have the thrill rides that some waterparks may have, but there are 3 fun slides, a large swimming pool, diving boards and pool for younger children and, certainly, there is plenty to keep the kids entertained for the whole day. Entry prices are reasonable too, although you may want to take a picnic to enjoy rather than queuing for food at lunchtime.
Some educational places you might want to visit include the Fossil Forest (www.forestafossile.it) and Geolab at San Gimini (www.sistemamuseo.it), an educational museum centred on educating visitors about the history of the planet. Also worth a visit are the Roman Cisterns at Amelia (www.ameliasotteranea.it). The latter gives children the chance to explore the underground rooms and chambers which the Romans built to collect the rain water. The rooms can hold a spectacular 4400 cubic metres of water which could then be collected from one of the many wells on the city’s surface.
For those parents looking for something more light-hearted, you might want to head to an amusement park just outside Perugia. (www.cittadelladomenica.com) The park is inspired by fairytales and children will be able to see Pinocchio’s village, Sleeping Beauty’s castle and Snow White’s House. The park also has traditional amusement park rides such as a merry-go-round and karting track, as well as a maze, slides, Indian village and fort, boating lake and train ride. Children will also enjoy the chance to visit the reptile house and acquarium within the park grounds.
Very few children can resist the lure of chocolate. So if you’re visiting Umbria in October, make sure you take them to Eurochocolate Festival held annually in the middle of the month. Held in Perugia, for nine long days you can’t move in the city without tasting, smelling and browsing among some of the best chcolate stalls in the world! (www.eurochocolate.it)
