Childrens Activities - near your holiday home in Tuscany

Needless to say a successful holiday for the family is trying to do the near impossible and cater for everybody's needs. A fundamental successful family holiday is of course one where the children are happy and involved. In Italy we are fortunate that everyone loves children of all ages, and they are very welcome in restaurants etc. where they are spoilt. However in between eating the Italian Pizza and Galato you may wish them to burn off their energy. Below we would like to suggest a few ideas as to how this may be achieved from your holiday home in Tuscany.

The local piazza bar have mountain bikes for hire, but be aware that the hills a paths are great fun going downhill but long and steep coming up!

In the local National Parks there are some fabulous walks with spectacular views where even children will be impressed. In addition trails lead through and around the marble quarries, which on the Carrara side are to a degree, open to the public and fascinating.

Down the Sechio Valley towards Lucca there is the castle at Verrucole (San Remano) and the Parco Avventura. Here one can experience the challenges of suspension bridges vertical nets etc. amid the fir trees designed to test all abilities in a safe environment. For details visit - selvadelbuffardello.it

Further down near Barga there is the Grotta del Vento. These caves are extensive and impressive with English tours with lots to interest all. A wonderful place to go when the weather is very hot. For details visit - www.grottadelvento.com

Heading towards the coast there is a water park near Rometta and if you are looking for a swimming facility there is lots of opportunities in the area generally. Including the hot spring waters of Equi Terme.

Again if history is an interest, then there are numerous castles, Roman remains of the city of Luni (near Sarzana) from which the area gets its name.

Needless to say the coast south from the river Magra is just one long sandy beach for 20-30 miles with safe bathing. North of the Magra river you have the Cinque Terre which means an inexpensive boat rides and if you are lucky dolphins as well. Check out cinqueterre.it for the fireworks etc.

Should you be flying into Genova or venture north to visit the famous Portofino then the new sea life centre and Europe's largest Aquarium is a must. Visit acquario.ge.it

Also on the coast at the Lido Di Camaiore (Marina Di Carrara) in the summer there is to be found the Luna Park with a good range of challenging rides adjacent to the wide beaches.