Umbria is a landlocked region in central Italy, the only one on the Italian peninsula with neither a coastline nor a border with another country. Known as the 'Green Heart of Italy', it is a land of rolling hills, oak forests, olive groves, and medieval hill towns. Umbria is famous for the Basilica of San Francesco in Assisi, the Gothic Duomo of Orvieto, the festivals of Spoleto and Perugia, and a hearty cuisine built around black truffles, cured pork from Norcia, lentils, and the powerful Sagrantino red wine of Montefalco.
Family activities
Engaging experiences for travellers of every age.
Cascata delle Marmore (Marmore Falls)
One of the tallest waterfalls in Europe at 165 metres, an ancient Roman-engineered cascade dropping in three thundering tiers near Terni. Nature trails and viewpoints let families watch the water release on its timed schedule - always check release times before visiting
Duration: Half day
Città della Domenica (Perugia)
Umbria's classic family wildlife and theme park on a wooded hill above Perugia, with deer, wolves, and farm animals, fairy-tale and Western-themed corners, a little train, and gentle rides - ideal for toddlers through pre-teens
Duration: Half to full day
Lake Trasimeno & Ferry to Isola Maggiore
Italy's fourth-largest lake offers calm lakeside beaches at Passignano, Tuoro, and Castiglione del Lago plus a short ferry to car-free Isola Maggiore, a medieval fishing island where children can roam traffic-free lanes
Duration: Full day
Perugina Casa del Cioccolato (San Sisto)
The home of Perugina and the famous Baci chocolate kiss, with a chocolate museum, views over the Baci production line, and a tasting. A sweet, hands-on visit that delights children old enough to follow the guided tour
Duration: 2-3 hours
Gubbio Funivia (Colle Eletto cable car)
A thrilling open two-person 'birdcage' basket that carries riders standing up Monte Ingino to the Basilica of Sant'Ubaldo, with sweeping views over Gubbio. A memorable ride for older children and teens comfortable with heights
Duration: 1-2 hours
Orvieto Underground
A guided tour through the labyrinth of caves, wells, tunnels, and ancient cisterns carved into the volcanic rock beneath Orvieto over millennia - an atmospheric underground adventure that captivates school-age children
Duration: 1 hour
Parco del Cardeto & Assisi Town Wandering
Assisi's green Parco Regina Margherita and the open spaces below the Rocca Maggiore give children room to run, while the car-free medieval streets, the free Basilica di San Francesco, and the clifftop views make for an easy family stroll
Duration: Half day
Fonti del Clitunno
A tranquil park of crystal-clear springs, weeping willows, and gliding ducks near Spoleto, praised since Roman poets. A gentle, stroller-friendly stop where small children can feed ducks and picnic by the water
Duration: 1-2 hours
Family-friendly hotels
Accommodation designed with families in mind.
Agriturismo farmhouses (Umbrian countryside)
Rural farm-stay accommodation across the hills around Assisi, Todi, and Lake Trasimeno with pools, outdoor space, and farm animals - a favourite with families seeking a relaxed, child-friendly base and home-cooked Umbrian meals
Family features: Pools, farm animals, outdoor play space, family rooms, home-cooked dinners, included breakfast
Lakeside hotels (Castiglione del Lago & Passignano)
Family-friendly hotels on Lake Trasimeno with easy access to gentle beaches, ferries to the islands, and lakeside cycling paths, offering a calmer pace than the busy hill towns
Family features: Near lake beaches, family rooms, bike rental, ferry access, relaxed setting
Sina Brufani (Perugia)
A historic five-star hotel on Perugia's panoramic Piazza Italia, with grand views over the valley and a swimming pool built above ancient Etruscan ruins visible through a glass floor
Family features: Family rooms, swimming pool over Etruscan ruins, central location, restaurant, valley views
Dining with kids
Eating out as a family.
Umbrian restaurants warmly welcome children at any hour - most trattorias happily provide a mezza porzione (half portion)
Torta al testo (the Umbrian flatbread, split and filled) is cheap, filling, and loved by almost all children
Strangozzi or umbricelli pasta with a simple tomato sauce is the mild, family-friendly regional dish to try first
Gelaterias line the hill-town squares and are perfect for keeping children happy between sights
Lunch service is more relaxed and family-friendly than dinner, and lunch menus are cheaper for the same dishes
Family travel tips
Practical advice for stress-free family trips.
Build downtime into every day — over-scheduled kids melt down faster than tired adults.
Carry snacks, water, and a small first-aid kit at all times.
Many attractions offer discounted family tickets — ask at the ticket window.