10 perfect destinations for a day out with kids

At the Balì Museum, science, art, and history come together to create an engaging and inspiring experience. Nestled in the scenic countryside of Saltara and housed in a beautiful 18th-century villa, this museum is a must-see for science lovers of all ages. Just 15 km from Fano, it offers a truly unique interactive journey—from the wonders of the planetarium to dozens of hands-on exhibits that make physics fun, intuitive, and accessible.

But the surprises don’t stop there. The museum’s astronomical observatory opens up a window to the universe, turning your visit into a real journey among the stars. And when curiosity meets wonder, it's time to look up and be amazed by the magic of the night sky.

To round off your day, combine your visit with a tour of the Marche’s cultural treasures. Stroll through the narrow streets of Urbino, a UNESCO World Heritage Site and cradle of the Renaissance, or be enchanted by the romantic charm of Gradara Castle, the legendary setting for the tragic love story of Paolo and Francesca, immortalized by Dante in The Divine Comedy.

Just a few minutes from the centre of Senigallia, the corn maze “Labirinto di Hort” offers a unique and engaging experience—perfect for families, groups of friends, and anyone looking for a fun and thoughtful way to enjoy the Marche countryside.

Spread across 6 hectares, this living maze features over 4 kilometres of winding paths and five themed zones. It’s an experience that blends play, nature, and sustainability—designed to delight visitors of all ages. Along the way, you’ll come across educational panels, fun facts about the environment and agriculture, and a full calendar of events, from kids’ activities and themed evenings to tastings and open-air shows.

And once you’ve found your way out, treat yourself to some well-deserved relaxation in nearby Senigallia—famous for its 13 kilometres of “velvet beach”, the iconic Rotonda a Mare, and breathtaking seaside views that make this town one of the most beloved spots on the Adriatic coast.

In the heart of the Gola della Rossa and Frasassi Regional Nature Park, in Genga (province of Ancona), lies one of the most spectacular karst cave systems in Europe: the Frasassi Caves. A guided 1.5-kilometre tour takes you deep into a timeless world of tunnels, chambers, and galleries where stalactites and stalagmites create extraordinary natural sculptures, enhanced by expertly designed lighting effects. One of the most awe-inspiring highlights is the Ancona Abyss, a vast cavern so immense it could contain Milan’s cathedral. From here, you’ll enter a series of breathtaking spaces such as the White Room, the Room of Candles, and the Giants—massive, ancient stalagmites that look like something out of a fantasy world. 

But the adventure doesn’t stop underground. Above ground, you’ll find the Abbey of San Vittore alle Chiuse, a Romanesque gem dating back to the year 1000, surrounded by greenery, and the Speleo-Paleontological Museum, a perfect stop for curious young explorers, home to the famous skeleton of a marine ichthyosaur. 

If you’re looking for outdoor thrills, head to Frasassi Avventura, an aerial park with treetop trails designed for all ages. And for a truly unique experience, don’t miss the Valadier Temple, nestled in a cliffside cave—an evocative and silent place suspended between nature and spirituality. 

Wrap up your day by savoring the local flavours: try the tagliolini with freshwater shrimp at one of Genga’s traditional trattorias. And why not stay another day to explore the park’s scenic trails? Nature is ready to welcome you again, in all its beauty.

Nicknamed the “Switzerland of the Marche,” Pioraco is a charming village in the upper Macerata area, where nature, art, and legend come together in a truly unique atmosphere. Here, water is the star—its gentle flow accompanies every step along lush green paths filled with enchantment.

The most magical of these is undoubtedly the Li Vurgacci Trail, a 500-metre route just a short walk from the historic center. Winding through woods, crystal-clear pools, waterfalls, and wooden bridges, it feels like walking through the pages of a postcard. But the real heart of the trail lies in the rocks that line it. Here, you’ll encounter the mysterious Vurgacci—grotesque and mesmerizing faces carved into travertine, emerging from moss and shadow. A visionary creation by a local artist, these stone figures transform the landscape into a fantastical world, turning stone into emotion. The trail isn’t suitable for strollers but can be easily walked in just over an hour. It’s a short but unforgettable adventure that adds a touch of magic to any visit to Pioraco.

If you're looking to unwind in a peaceful setting and reconnect with nature in a meaningful way, an enchanting place awaits you in the heart of the Monti Sibillini National Park, in Montalto di  Cessapalombo (Province of Macerata): the Giardino delle Farfalle (Butterfly Garden) —a haven where beauty reveals itself in its most delicate form. In this lush, green paradise, you can watch butterflies flutter freely among fragrant flowers, quiet pathways, and carefully curated thematic areas.

But this garden is more than just a natural retreat—it’s a true center for environmental education and discovery, designed for visitors of all ages. Inside, you'll find a multimedia museum dedicated to the fascinating world of butterflies, featuring interactive displays and engaging videos. A charming observatory greenhouse allows you to witness the full life cycle of butterflies—from caterpillar to metamorphosis—while the 12,000-square-metre outdoor garden is home to wetlands, ponds, blooming flowerbeds, and aromatic herb collections that attract a wide variety of pollinators.

Throughout the year, the garden hosts guided tours, educational workshops, school activities, and family-friendly events, all aimed at promoting awareness of beneficial insects and the vital importance of biodiversity.

To round off your visit, relax at the on-site café and enjoy the authentic flavors of the local area—surrounded by the quiet beauty that makes the Butterfly Garden a truly one-of-a-kind destination.

Have you ever dreamed of stepping into a fairy tale? On the Via delle cascatelle perdute  Lost Waterfalls Trail) in Sarnano, that dream comes to life. Just a few steps into the forest, and you’ll feel like a child again—enchanted by the sound of flowing water, the lush greenery all around, and three hidden waterfalls that look like they’ve leapt off the pages of a storybook.

This easy circular trail—about 6 km long with minimal elevation gain—winds around the charming historic centre of Sarnano (MC) and reveals three natural wonders that were once hidden by vegetation. Today, thanks to thoughtful restoration efforts, they’re accessible to everyone: families, seasoned hikers, or anyone who simply enjoys a peaceful walk in nature. On warmer days, you can even cool off in the crystal-clear waters of the river, shaded by trees.

After your hike, take time to explore the village itself. Sarnano, one of Italy’s Most Beautiful Villages, is a medieval jewel nestled in the Sibillini Mountains, where history, art, wellness, and authentic local flavours come together in perfect harmony.

Hidden beneath the streets of Fermo’s historic centre lies one of the most astonishing feats of ancient engineering: the Roman Cisterns. Built in the 1st century AD, these impressive underground structures span more than 2,200 square metres and consist of 30 chambers arranged in three parallel rows, making them the largest visitable Roman cisterns in Italy. This remarkably well-preserved complex was designed to collect and distribute both rainwater and spring water throughout the city.

Walking through its silent spaces, among soaring vaulted ceilings and millennia-old walls, feels like stepping into a time machine—offering a powerful glimpse into the technical knowledge and urban planning genius of the Roman world. A fun fact for history buffs: the Romans used a special waterproof plaster to line the walls—an ingenious innovation for its time.

To fully appreciate the site and uncover all its secrets, we highly recommend joining a guided tour. It’s a captivating way to explore not only the history of the cisterns but also daily life in Fermo two thousand years ago.

Among the Most Beautiful Villages in Italy, Torre di Palme is home to a hidden corner of untouched nature steeped in charm: the Cugnolo Woods—a rare, intact example of Mediterranean scrub that preserves biodiversity, serenity, and ancient legends. 

Reaching the trail is easy: just a 10-minute walk from the historic centre leads you into this lush green landscape. The entrance is clearly marked with an information board and signposts that guide you along the way. Follow the wooden markers to explore the forest in a simple and safe way. Along the trail, you’ll find rest areas equipped with benches and tables, as well as scenic viewpoints offering breathtaking views over the Fermo coastline. Amid mossy ground, seasonal blooms, and centuries-old trees, the forest comes to life with the songs of birds—like the colorful European bee-eater—and the quiet movements of foxes and badgers that inhabit this peaceful ecosystem. It’s the perfect place for a relaxing walk, a family outing, or a quiet moment of reflection. 

Hidden along the trail, nestled in the greenery, lies the Lovers’ Cave—carved into sandstone and steeped in legend. It is tied to the tragic love story of Antonio and Laurina, two young lovers who, during the 1911 wars, were driven into hiding by fate and societal norms. Pursued and with no way out, they bound themselves together and leapt into the void—leaving behind a powerful symbol of love and freedom that still echoes today. 

After the roughly 2-kilometre walk, let yourself be enchanted by Torre di Palme itself. Perched at 104 metres above sea level, the village overlooks the Adriatic with a stunning panoramic view. Cobbled lanes, terracotta houses adorned with geraniums, stone archways, and medieval churches create a timeless atmosphere to be savored slowly.

Perched on the rolling hills of the Marche region  Ripatransone is a charming village that feels straight out of a picture book—full of delightful surprises and unforgettable views. 

Hidden in the heart of the Roflano district lies a one-of-a-kind curiosity: the narrowest alley in Italy, and perhaps even in the world. Measuring just 43 cm at its base (and a mere 38 cm at the top), this unbelievably slim passage looks like it was made for fairies and elves. And yet, it’s officially recognized as a real alley—narrow, paved, walkable, linking two streets, and even lit by a tiny window. The challenge is simple: squeeze through, snap a memorable photo, and stop by the Tourist Office to claim your official certificate of passage—a quirky little trophy to take home. 

But Ripatransone is much more than a narrow alley. It’s one of the “balcony villages” of the Marche region, offering breathtaking panoramic views stretching from the Sibillini Mountains to Gran Sasso, from the Majella to Monte Conero, and all the way to the blue waters of the Adriatic Sea. Adding to the dreamlike landscape are the “calanchi”—stunning clay formations that give the land an otherworldly, almost lunar appearance. To enjoy these vistas at their best, don’t miss scenic spots like Colle Belvedere, the Ex-Acli Garden, and Colle San Nicolò—natural terraces overlooking the heart of Italy. 

And if you're traveling with kids or in search of a little adventure, just outside the village—right across from the Teatro delle Fonti—you’ll find Quercus Park “La Selva dei Frati”: a tree-top adventure park nestled in the woods once tended by Capuchin friars. With rope bridges, zip-lines, vines, and suspended trails suitable for all ages, it offers fun, excitement, and total safety—all in harmony with nature.

If you dream of soaking in warm waters surrounded by the silence of nature, Lu Vurghe is the perfect place for you. Tucked away in the lush woodlands and rocky cliffs of Santa Maria, near Acquasanta Terme, this open-air natural spa offers pure, spontaneous relaxation in an enchanting setting.

Known since Roman times, these thermal springs still provide moments of true well-being, thanks to their bluish waters that flow from the earth at a soothing  38.6°C (101.5°F). The rock-carved pools and surrounding caves make the experience even more magical—like stepping into another time. To reach them, simply wear comfortable hiking shoes and follow a green forest trail that leads to the pools in about 15 minutes, with a few short stone staircases along the way. While the path is not stroller-friendly, it’s a delightful and rewarding walk that reveals a hidden gem with every step.