“What can I do with my children in Abruzzo?” A question asked with increasing frequency in the lead up to summer holidays; unable to offer advice based on personal experience or necessity, we consulted some of our Abruzzo-bound, child-clad friends for their recommendations of what they did with their kids so they don’t get bored or restless.
We asked Loretta D’Orsogna , an Abruzzesi artist with two children, and our own indispensible “Mr PR”, American Joshua Lawrence who had lived in l’Aquila before the earthquake, and who also has two children. Here’s their combined answers, based on these children who are between the ages of 7 & 13.
Water Parks
Both of our gurus recommended waterparks:
“My kids idea of a great time is a large waterpark. The one in Vasto is quite good, and the prices are affordable (€20 adults and €16 for kids, compared to Disney Paris which is €56 for adults and €46 for kids). In many ways it’s just your standard basic water park, but the music stage show can be amazing (and I normally hate stage shows at amusement parks!); they let you bring your own food in, there was a fun band at the wave pool, and a falconer. “ Joshua.
Vasto incidentally is a beautiful Romanesque town which offers plenty of sights too for adults if you want a break from the waterpark and somewhere to explore.
If you are based in the province of Teramo there is another waterpark just outside Tortoreto with very similar prices:
Read more about the Waterpark in Vasto & Tortoreto
Canoeing
Canoeing on the Tirino River below Capestrano, home to a castle that can be viewed on the way back to your base. Read more how to arrange your accompanied canoe trip
Wolves & Wildlife
“Children love The Wolf & Wildlife Refuge just outside Popoli. “ Joshua.
There is a small tour you can go on that includes a walk entitled Prey & Predators:
Playgrounds
“My children love talking to other children, and often the best place for them to chat is at the playgrounds.” . Particularly good: Lanciano – Parcogiochi alla Pista/Ippodromo; Pescara – Piazza Salotto; San Vito Marina: Parcogiochi al Lungomare.” Loretta.
Pizza & Ice-Cream
Children’s love of pizza & ice-cream hardly needs explaining! True to Italian form, Abruzzo provides both in excellent abundance of both in-land and all along the coast.
Author: Sam Dunham
Sam is a freelance SEO content creator and IGCSE Geography and English teacher at Istituto Cristo Re in Rome. She also runs the Life In Abruzzo Cultural Association, sharing stories and insights about this captivating region.
Alongside raising a teenager, Sam hosts guests at her family’s traditional home, the Little House of the Firefly in Abruzzo, offering a warm welcome and insider tips on local culture, food, and hidden gems.
