12 Abruzzo Villages to Discover with Kids

When we arrived in Abruzzo at the end of September, we thought we would only stay for the winter. We never imagined that this land would conquer us to the point of staying here in the spring too. My husband is from Abruzzo, and for him it was natural to bring the children back to his homeland to give them an experience that would connect them to this unique region. We spent an unforgettable winter, with snowfalls that exceeded two meters, but now that the mountains are awakening and nature explodes with green, it is the perfect time to explore the villages of Abruzzo with the children.

The Abruzzo villages are perfect places for a family trip, far from the chaos of the city. Here, every corner tells stories of a distant past, and nature, with its mountains, woods and rivers, is always within reach. In this guide to the villages of Abruzzo, I will take you to discover some of the most fascinating places in the region to visit with children.

Campo di Giove: a gateway to the Majella National Park​

Campo di Giove is one of the Abruzzo villages that fascinated us the most for its location in the heart of the Majella National Park. During the winter, the village transforms into a small paradise for snow lovers, but in spring it is even more evocative, with woods that awaken and paths perfect for family walks. We spent a lot of time here, exploring its landscapes, which are ideal for children, with paths suitable for all ages.

If you want to know 5 things to do in Campo di Giove with kids, read our article that will guide you through the various activities to do with the family, from nature to culture.

Villetta Barrea: where to see deer in Abruzzo​

If you are looking for a natural experience to live with children, you can’t miss Villetta Barrea, in the Abruzzo National Park. This village is famous for its excursions in the heart of the woods, where you can spot deer and other wild animals. During our stay, we were lucky enough to observe the deer very close up, a unique emotion that the children will remember forever.

Read our article on Villetta Barrea to find out where to see deer in Abruzzo and what to do with your family in this corner of paradise.

Pescasseroli: the heart of the Abruzzo National Park

Pescasseroli is one of the most famous and loved villages in Abruzzo by families, and it was a point of reference during our stay. Located in the Abruzzo National Park, it offers a perfect mix of nature, culture and outdoor activities. During the winter, the ski slopes are ideal for children, but even in spring there is plenty to do: from walks in the woods to exploring the trails suitable for everyone.

Find out more about what to do in Pescasseroli with kids in our dedicated article, where we also tell you how to best enjoy this pearl of Abruzzo.

Capestrano: a dive into history

Capestrano is a medieval village that seems to have come out of a history book. Here, walking with children is like taking a leap into the past, among castles and ancient churches. Its panoramic position, on the hills of Abruzzo, offers breathtaking views that never cease to enchant. Not only a place of great historical value, but also a village where children can have fun exploring the ancient streets and squares.

If you are wondering what to do in Capestrano with kids, our article will give you all the information for an unforgettable visit.

L’Aquila: between art and nature

L’Aquila is the capital of Abruzzo and a place that cannot be missed on the list of Abruzzo villages to visit with children. Despite the damage of the earthquake, the city has managed to get back on its feet and offers visitors a perfect combination of art, history and nature. Its historic center is full of monuments and squares to explore, while the city parks are the ideal place for a break in the open air.

Aielli: the dreamy village

Aielli is one of the villages in Abruzzo that surprised us the most. With its colorful houses and characteristic streets, it is like entering a fairy tale. This small village is ideal for quiet walks with children, who can discover every hidden corner of Aielli. The panoramic view from the top of the village is spectacular, and the castle is also worth a visit.

If you want to find out what to see in Aielli with kids, read our article that tells you everything about this enchanting village.

Sleeping Beauty of Abruzzo: A Journey into Legend

Another village that we could not fail to include in our guide is the “Sleeping Beauty of Abruzzo”. This fascinating place is surrounded by legends and traditions, which intertwine with the beauty of the landscape. A visit to this village is like a journey through time, between ancient traditions and breathtaking views.

If you want to find out more about this village and other legends of Abruzzo, read our article that will take you to discover “The Sleeping Beauty of Abruzzo and 5 other profiles in the world.”

The view of the trabocchi: the Abruzzo coast

If you love the sea, you can’t miss the Abruzzo coast, famous for the trabocchi. These ancient fishing machines have become the symbol of the area and an unmissable stop for families. Walking along the coast, with children watching the fishermen at work, you really feel part of another time.

Find out more about the view of the trabocchi in our article that will guide you through this fascinating experience.

Rocca Calascio: the fairytale castle

Rocca Calascio is one of the most beautiful castles in Abruzzo and a place that has literally stolen our hearts. The view from here is breathtaking and a walk up to the castle is a perfect adventure for the whole family. If you want to find out what to do in Rocca Calascio with kids, our article will guide you step by step.

The unmissable stages of the Trans-Siberian of Abruzzo

The Trans-Siberian of Abruzzo is one of the most exciting experiences we can suggest to families. This historic panoramic train crosses the most beautiful landscapes of the region, offering incredible views of the mountains and villages. If you want to know everything about the unmissable stages of the Transiberiana of Abruzzo, read our article where we tell you about this adventure on rails.

The Mills of Abruzzo: A Journey into the Past

The mills of Abruzzo are witnesses of a past that seems to have remained unchanged over time. Walking among these mills, immersed in nature, it is possible to tell children the story of how they were used in the past. If you want to know more, read our article on the 5 unmissable mills of Abruzzo, where we will guide you through the wonders of this tradition.

Lake Scanno: a corner of paradise

Finally, we cannot fail to mention Lake Scanno, one of the most beautiful places in Abruzzo. With its crystal clear water and the woods that surround it, it is the ideal place for a family day. If you want to know what to do at Lake Scanno with kids, read our article that will give you all the information to enjoy this wonder to the fullest.

We conclude our journey in the Abruzzo villages with the children

After six months spent in Abruzzo, experiencing the rhythm of the seasons and immersing ourselves in its authentic beauty, we can say with certainty that this region has so much to offer to families who decide to visit it. The villages of Abruzzo are places where uncontaminated nature meets history and tradition, offering experiences that enrich every trip.

We were lucky enough to experience a winter with snowfalls that exceeded two meters, and seeing the region transform in spring was truly special. Each village, with its peculiarities and its charm, was able to give us unique moments. From small historic centers to walks through the woods and mountains, the villages of Abruzzo are the perfect context to create unforgettable memories together with your children.

If you also want to discover Abruzzo with your children, I hope this guide has been useful to you. Each village, with its history, culture and traditions, has something special to offer and I am sure that you will be fascinated as it happened to us.

There is nothing better than exploring with your little ones and discovering the heart of the most authentic Italy, the one that never ceases to amaze you.

Travel the world with MiniLonely

Abruzzo is a region that is very, very underrated, but that hides truly unique places to visit with children. To make their adventures unforgettable, we have dedicated two of our MiniLonelys to Abruzzo.

Remember that traveling is also a way to grow, and every experience can enrich the baggage of memories to share with your children; our travel diaries are the perfect notebooks for little explorers that they can customize as they like.

If you don’t know the MiniLonelys, don’t miss out! They are real operational notebooks divided by destination; the Abruzzo ones are:

In these diaries you will find:

  • pages dedicated to games,
  • free pages to draw and paste photos or tickets,
  • Stickers to color and cut out,
  • dictionary,
  • Itinerary,
  • curiosities and information about the places of the trip and much more.

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