Le Marche, Italy, is a fantastic destination for a family holiday, offering a mix of outdoor adventures, cultural experiences, and relaxing beach time. Here are some great things to do with kids in Le Marche:
Adventure parks
Le Marche offers a variety of adventure parks. For instance, the Frasassi Avventura provides an exhilarating experience with its suspended cables over the Sentino river, swinging Tibetan bridges, and vertiginous pulleys. Carpegna Park, nestled within the Sasso Simone e Simoncello Natural Park, provides a variety of outdoor activities. Moreover, the region boasts the Fiastra Adventure Park, where visitors can enjoy zip wires over a lake, tightropes among trees, archery, and even disc golf.
Water parks
Le Marche offers a variety of water parks for those looking to enjoy a splashy adventure. Parco Acquatico Eldorado in Apiro is a popular choice, boasting a range of attractions including the Big Twins slides, which are some of the longest in Europe. Another notable water park is Acquapark Onda Blu in Tortoreto, which features a wave pool, various slides for all ages, and a 150m slide with a 30% gradient for thrill-seekers.
Lago di Fiastra
Lago di Fiastra is a stunning turquoise lake located in the Sibillini Mountains National Park in Le Marche. It’s an ideal destination for families looking for outdoor fun, nature, and relaxation. Whether your kids love swimming, hiking, or just playing by the water, there’s something for everyone! You can rent kayaks, canoes, pedal boats, and stand-up paddleboards (SUPs).
The Castle of Gradara
Gradara is one of the most memorable towns in Le Marche, and a truly magical place to visit with kids. Children can climbe to the top of the castle and check out the original furniture and imagining daily life in the fortress. In the summer, Gradara hosts many events, such as historical parades and falconry shows organized right between the fortified walls.
Boat Trips
A boat trip along Le Marche’s coastline is a fantastic way to explore hidden beaches, swim in crystal-clear waters, and enjoy breathtaking coastal views. Whether you choose a guided boat tour, a private rental, or a family-friendly ferry, there are plenty of options to suit all ages.
TartaDay in Numana
Tartaday is a special event, it involves the release of sea turtles back into the Adriatic Sea, a significant event for marine conservation efforts. In the summer, with advance reservation, you can take a boat to the beach and watch biologists release the turtle into the wild (more info here in Italian).
Medieval festivals
During summer, Le Marche comes alive with exciting medieval festivals perfect for kids. From the thrilling jousts of La Quintana in Ascoli Piceno to the magical Le Notti delle Streghe in Montalto delle Marche, families can enjoy knights, markets, and fairy-tale performances. Events like Castrum Sarnani and Offagna’s medieval week offer hands-on activities, historical reenactments, and delicious feasts, making summer in Le Marche a truly enchanting adventure for all ages.
Sandy beaches
This might be quite obvious, but Le Marche has some amazing sandy beaches that are perfect for kids! Most of the beaches are equipped with sun loungers and umbrellas (that you can rent), bars and restaurants, and children’s playgrounds.
If you’re looking for a family-friendly beach town, check out:
- Pesaro
- Fano
- Senigallia
- Numana
- Porto Recanati
- Porto San Giorgio
- Civitanova
- San Benedetto del Tronto
Rafting
Rafting in Le Marche is a fantastic adventure for families, especially in areas where the region borders Umbria. One of the best places for rafting is near Norcia, along the Corno River. This river offers gentle rapids, making it an excellent choice for beginners and children. The experience usually lasts about two hours and takes you through beautiful natural landscapes within the Sibillini Mountains. Local rafting operators in Norcia provide guided tours, ensuring safety and fun for all participants.
Another great location is the Marmitte dei Giganti Canyon, in the province of Pesaro and Urbino. This breathtaking canyon features crystal-clear pools and unique rock formations, perfect for a mix of rafting and canoeing. It’s a more relaxed water adventure, ideal for families who want to explore nature at a slower pace while still enjoying a bit of excitement on the water.
