Guest blog written by Alina from @slow_cooking_school
Tuscany and Umbria aren’t just for wine tastings and romantic views—they’re full of magical, meaningful experiences for families too. Whether your little ones are budding chefs, nature lovers, or thrill-seekers, here’s our curated guide to slow, joyful travel with kids in the heart of Italy.
This part of Italy is perfect for families who want to unwind, explore at their own pace, and really connect with the place they’re visiting. These are the kind of days that feel simple but stay with you forever.
Each idea comes from our personal experience and stories shared on the Tuscany Umbria Blog, where we explore the region through the eyes of families, food lovers, and adventurers alike.
1. Cook Together at the Slow Organic Cooking School
Start your journey in the kitchen! At the Slow Organic Cooking School, kids and grown-ups roll up their sleeves to prepare handmade pasta, pizza, and traditional Tuscan desserts using fresh, local ingredients. Everything is organic, seasonal, and prepared with love.
It’s hands-on, delicious fun—and everyone goes home with new skills and sweet memories. The best part? You get to enjoy your creations together at the end of the class, with a view of the Tuscan hills.
2. Gelato Break at Gelateria Buongusto, Montepulciano
After wandering Montepulciano’s charming stone streets and maybe even climbing the old city tower, nothing beats a visit to Gelateria Buongusto.
This family-run gelato shop serves all-natural, seasonal flavors—think wild strawberry in spring, fig and walnut in late summer. The creamy textures and creative combinations will have you coming back for more. It’s the kind of place where choosing just one flavor feels impossible.
🍦 Location: Montepulciano, Tuscany (search on Google Maps)
3. Wild Horse Riding in Chianciano Terme
Looking for a bit of adventure? Saddle up for a wild horse ride through the forests near Chianciano Terme. You’ll follow peaceful trails surrounded by trees, with just the sound of hooves and birdsong.
Even beginners can join, and kids will love the experience of riding a gentle horse through nature. It’s a quiet, off-the-grid moment that brings a sense of freedom—and lots of excitement too.
🐎 Just minutes from the town center (search riding schools on Google Maps)
4. Soak & Play at Theia Thermal Pools
Chianciano Terme is also home to the Theia Thermal Pools, a great spot for kids and parents to relax. The warm waters (33–36°C) are spread across indoor and outdoor pools, with shallow zones and bubbles that kids love.
There’s space to swim, float, splash, and simply enjoy the warm mineral-rich water. On cooler days, the steamy outdoor pools feel like a treat. Don’t forget to bring flip-flops and towels!
👉 More info: Theia Thermal Pools
5. Chocolate Dreams at the Perugina Factory (Perugia)
In nearby Perugia, visit the iconic Perugina Chocolate Factory—home of the famous Baci chocolates. It’s part museum, part workshop, part candy paradise.
Families can join guided tours, watch how chocolates are made, and even create their own sweet treats in a hands-on class. For chocolate-loving kids (and let’s be honest—parents too), this is a must-do.
🍫 Great for a rainy day or if you’re passing through Umbria’s capital.
6. Adventures on Lake Trasimeno
Need a chill day in nature? Lake Trasimeno is ideal for families who love being near the water. Pack a picnic, find a shady spot, and take it slow.
You can rent kayaks or paddleboards from Acqua Dolce Sailing, or take a short ferry ride to one of the lake’s islands. Feeling active? Rent bikes from Cicli Valentini and follow the easy lakeside path, which offers great views and stops for gelato or snacks.
🌊 Kayak rental: Acqua Dolce Sailing
🚲 Bike rental: Cicli Valentini
7. Tree-Top Thrills at Rapolano Adventure Park
Spend a day outdoors at the Rapolano Adventure Park, where kids (and adults!) can climb, swing, and zip through treetop rope courses.
It’s all set in a beautiful forest, with different difficulty levels so even young children can join. There’s also space for a picnic and spots to relax if not everyone wants to climb. Expect lots of cheering, laughter, and high-fives!
🌲 Wear closed shoes and bring snacks.
8. Discover Hidden Villages
Slow travel is all about wandering—and Tuscany and Umbria are full of quiet, pretty towns that feel untouched by time.
Places like Panicale, Paciano, and Città della Pieve are perfect for strolling, grabbing a slice of warm focaccia, and just soaking in the atmosphere. Kids can safely roam small piazzas, peek into old churches, and feel like they’ve stepped into a storybook.
These villages don’t need big attractions—they’re lovely just as they are.
Where to Stay: Il Fontanaro Family Villas
To complete your Tuscan experience, consider staying at Il Fontanaro — a collection of family-run villas designed with children and parents in mind. The villas are fully equipped to host families comfortably, each featuring an infinity swimming pool, outdoor spaces, and kitchens. Located within walking distance of both the village and the organic gardens, children can explore independently while adults relax in the peaceful countryside. It’s the perfect base for a slow and meaningful stay in the heart of Umbria, border Tuscany.
Whether you’re traveling with toddlers or teens, Tuscany and Umbria offer a slower, more meaningful kind of family travel. You won’t find big theme parks here, but you will find fresh air, local flavors, peaceful landscapes, and lots of shared smiles.
Perfect for families who want to reconnect—with each other, and with the world around them.
Want to find out more about Tuscany with kids? Check the website of Alina: Tuscany Umbria Blog.
Are you curious about more tips for great vacations with kids? Both in the Netherlands and abroad? Follow me on Instagram and Facebook! I share daily the best tips for family outings and travel. Stay updated and get inspired for your next family adventure!
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