The mountains in summer: a paradise for kids

In Equi Terme in the municipality of Fivizzano, the Geo-Archeo-Adventure Park combines nature, adventure and archeology in one fascinating experience.

Within the Equi Caves complex, recognized as a UNESCO Global Geopark, you can explore spectacular cavities with stalactites, stalagmites and underground lakes, plus visit the prehistoric Tecchia and the Archaeological Museum, where the remains of a cave bear are preserved.

For those who love adrenaline, the park offers a complete adventure course: a zipper line suspended 66 feet or 20 meters above the stream, guided caving in the deepest grottos, the Kids Adventure Park designed for safe fun for young ones. There is an extensive rock-climbing gym and the possibility of exploring the surroundings by e-bike, with qualified environmental guides.

Garfagnana, a fascinating and lush land, is home to the Orecchiella Park, a nature reserve that legend says hides fairies and goblins in the mountains.

Children will love spending a day in the park where they can observe mouflons, deer and birds of prey plus track wolves and bears.

For the more adventurous, just 6.2 miles/10 kilometers from Bagni di Lucca is Canyon Park, the first adventure park in Italy built inside a canyon.

Along ziplines, suspension bridges and footbridges over the waters of the Lima River, experience the most authentic nature.

And for parents wanting to chill, there is no shortage of activities such as SUP, yoga and quiet stops on the banks of the creek.

In the heart of the Apuan Alps is the Antro del Corchia, a fascinating 1.2-mile/2-kilometer underground route through a cave, carved by water into the heart of the marble.

The tour, guided and suitable for children ages 5 and up, winds along steel walkways among stalactites, stalagmites and fossil lakes, offering an exciting journey into the geology of Monte Corchia.

The tour starts in Levigliani, where the Corchia Park Welcome Center is located, also offering visits to mines and marble museums and outdoor nature trails perfect for families.

An atmospheric yet refreshing experience, ideal for escaping the summer heat.

Tranquility, fresh air and authentic flavors render the Pistoia Mountains an ideal destination for young and old alike.

The Ecomuseum of the Pistoia Mountains—spread across the territory with 6 thematic itineraries dedicated to ice, iron, stone, sacred art, nature and daily life—offers children’s workshops designed to bring young kids closer to the mountain environment in a fun and engaging way.

There is no shortage of outdoor activities, including excursions perfect for an initial (and safe) foray into nature.

During the summer, the Ecomuseum organizes guided tours and special initiatives at the Ghiacciaia della Madonnina (Madonnina Glacier), the old Papini ironworks and the Botanical and Forest Garden in Abetone.

In the village of Moggiona, nestled in the National Park of the Casentino Forests, children can track a wolf thanks to a playful-educational itinerary that combines discovery and play.

The Percorso del Lupo (Wolf Trail) consists of 3 stages: a forest path with a reconstruction of a den, an interactive educational-exhibition space, and an outdoor play area dedicated to the predator.

Even if you don’t get to see the wolf, it will still be an opportunity to learn about the facts, legends and behaviors of this fascinating animal.

The trail is not stroller-friendly but perfect for children ages 4 and up.

A short distance away, in Stia, the Planetarium of the National Park of the Casentino Forests allows visitors to feel as if they could touch the stars.

Inside the dome, the night sky comes to life, just as it would appear if there were no light pollution, offering the ability to recognize constellations and be oriented by the stars.

In the summer months, the annual program is enriched with astronomical evenings and nighttime excursions combining science and excitement.

In the heart of Monte Amiata, at some 4,593 feet or 1,400 meters above sea level, the Indiana Park in Castel del Piano provides adventure and thrills for the whole family.

Nestled in a beautiful beech forest, it offers suspended trails through the trees with rope bridges, walkways, pulleys and cables, designed for children, teens and adults.

Those looking for an extra thrill can try the Quick Jump, a 39-feet/12-meter leap in total safety, while the more leisurely can explore the trails of Macinaie Park on foot or by bike, or else take part in fun treasure hunts in the woods.