ACTIVITIES AT PIAN DI CASCINA / UMBRIAWITHKIDS.NET
Nestled in the hills between Assisi & Gubbio, Pian di Cascina / UmbriaWithKids.net is a lovingly refurbished 17th century Umbrian farmstead, set in an idyllic 20 acres of private land, surrounded by rolling countryside, olive groves, herb gardens, fig, walnut and oak trees. It really is an oasis of calm where children can play happily and safely, make memories and friends – and parents can truly unwind and relax.
Pian di Cascina has been tailormade for families with children, with a wide range of popular and accessible activities on-site or very nearby, so there’s no need to waste your valuable holidays on long, hot car journeys to queue up for busy tourist attractions! And, as we’re on our own private land with just 8 rental properties, even the most popular spots, like the pool and playgrounds, are never over-crowded.
We’ve highlighted below a number of the activities that our guest families enjoy, but please get in touch if you have any questions or special requests.
LARGE SWIMMING POOL
Our guests consistently say that our swimming pool is truly stunning! It faces south facing with uninterrupted views of the Apennine mountains and, being on a hillside, it gives the feeling you are swimming off into the countryside. There are several large terraces with a range of comfortable furniture, and 2 covered loggias that beautifully shade the terraces. We also have a pool slide and large floating bean bags.
CHILDREN’S SPLASH POOL
There is also a children’s splash pool, with plenty of water toys – perfect for younger children. Many parents find their children never want to get out! Safety is paramount, so we are pleased to say that our pool is furbished with state of the art non-slip tiles, so that you and your little ones can walk around the pool without fear of slipping. The pool is also fully fenced and gated and away from the properties.
TABLE TENNIS
Our outdoor table tennis table is a real favourite with both children and parents and often becomes a social hub during the day. Bats and balls are provided, so it’s easy to jump straight in for a quick game or a full family tournament. Friendly competitions can be organised, making it a great way for children to mix, make friends and burn off energy – and for the more competitive parents to enjoy!
MOUNTAIN BIKES
Exploring the Umbrian countryside by bike is a fantastic family adventure. Mountain bikes and helmets can be arranged through a trusted local hire company, who deliver everything directly to Pian di Cascina. We can provide maps for scenic local tracks on and around our land, suitable for a wide range of abilities, making this an easy and memorable way to immerse yourself in our natural landscape. (Bike hire costs apply.).
ZIP WIRE
Our on-site zip wire is guaranteed to put smiles on faces. Safe, fun and endlessly repeatable, it’s a brilliant confidence-booster for children and a great source of entertainment for parents watching nearby. Set within our open grounds neighbouring our play parks, it encourages outdoor play, laughter and new friendships, all in a relaxed environment.
WOODLAND TRAIL WALKS
Gentle woodland trails begin right from Pian di Cascina, perfect for relaxed family walks without needing to drive anywhere. Shaded paths, birdsong and fresh air make these walks ideal even on warmer days. Simple route guidance and maps can be provided, allowing families to explore at their own pace and enjoy nature and maybe a picnic, close to home.
RIDE-ONS
Our collection of ride-on tractors and vehicles is hugely popular with younger children. Set within safe, open spaces, well-shaded by trees, they encourage imaginative play and plenty of laughter. Children can play together, creating their own mini adventures while parents relax nearby. It’s simple, old-fashioned fun that never seems to lose its appeal.
DEGUSTAZIONE / TASTING
For parents looking to unwind, a Degustazione or ‘Tasting Meal’ can be arranged at your villa, for you to enjoy alone or with other families. A local food enthusiast visits to introduce you to Umbrian wines, cheeses, cured meats, truffles, breads, prosciutto and other regional specialities. It’s a relaxed, informal experience that brings the flavours of Umbria directly to you – perfect for an easy, indulgent evening. (€30 per adult)
4X4 FARM TOURS
Pian Di Cascina’s owner Paul has been safely driving the Isuzu truck around our land for many years and provides free 4×4 rides to guests and their children. As well as being great fun, these mini-tours are a ideal for helping you explore the property without too much walking and Paul can take you off the beaten track to enjoy some great panoramic views. 15 year olds can have a 20 minute driving lesson.
TRACTOR RIDES
Paul’s tractor rides around the grounds are always a highlight for younger guests. Slow-paced and safe, they give children a taste of farm life while parents enjoy the scenery. Paul supplies ear defenders as the old Fiat caterpillar track tractor makes plenty of noise. Kids with stronger arms can steer themselves, younger kids can sit and be self-driven at a walking pace. Simple, memorable and very much in keeping with rural Umbrian life. Just ask Paul the day before, it is best done in the morning.
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FREE RANGE CHICKENS
We have a flock of free-range chickens and meeting them is a gentle, hands-on experience that many of the children especially love. Watching them roam and maybe finding a free-range egg or two for breakfast adds a memorable connection to country living. It’s a calm, educational activity that fits beautifully into a relaxed family holiday rhythm.
HIKING IN THE HILLS
The hills surrounding Pian di Cascina offer wonderful hiking and running opportunities and there are a range of gentle trails suitable for families with younger children, up to more energetic climbs, all with very rewarding views. Maps and local advice can be provided, helping you choose walks that suit your family’s pace and enjoy Umbria’s unspoilt landscape. Strava warriors can test themselves on the regular routes.
MAKE YOUR OWN PIZZA
Once a week, subject to sufficient demand, a visiting pizza van brings a real taste of Italy to Pian di Cascina. Families can create their own wood-fired pizzas, choosing toppings and watching them cook before enjoying them together. It’s sociable, relaxed and great fun for children – a holiday highlight for all the family to remember.
TRADITIONAL PASTA MAKING
Hands-on pasta making sessions can be arranged for groups of 4 or more. Guided by a local expert, you’ll learn how to prepare fresh pasta the traditional way, then enjoy the results together. It’s fun, social and truly Italian, giving children and adults alike a real connection to local food culture. A perfectly relaxed, shared holiday experience. (Costs apply)
FRUIT PICKING
Depending on the seasonal availability, guests may be able to pick fresh figs, apples, walnuts and berries locally or on nearby farms. It’s a lovely way for children to see where food comes from and try something new. Fresh, simple and hands-on, it fits perfectly with the slower pace of an Umbrian family holiday.
PLAYGROUNDS
Our playgrounds provide a safe, welcoming space for children play, with swings, climbing frame, slide, hanging rings, mini climbing wall, hanging bars, basket ball net, castle & play fort, role play house with kitchen, sand pit with toys, swing ball, badminton and more. Located close to the villas, they allow children independence while parents relax nearby.
LOCAL CRAFT BEER TASTING
Umbrian craft beer is a hidden gem, and tastings can be arranged locally for parents who enjoy discovering something new. The renowned BIRRA FLEA Microbrewery is just 20 minutes from Pian di Cascina (transport can be arranged) where you can enjoy guided tasting experience that introduces local styles and flavours. A relaxed & informal activity. (Costs apply)
HILL WALKING
For slower, scenic walks, the surrounding hills offer gentle routes with breath-taking views. Ideal for early mornings or late afternoons, these walks are more about soaking up the landscape than covering distance. Quiet paths, clean air and open views make this a calming family activity that requires no more than a bottle of water, sun cream, comfortable shoes and a camera phone!
GAMES AND PUZZLES
Each villa includes a selection of games and puzzles for quieter moments during the day or winding down in the evening. Perfect for siesta time or after dinner, these activities encourage family interaction without screens. Calm, familiar and comforting, they help balance energetic outdoor time with restful relaxation.
MOUNTAIN GAZING
Sometimes the best activity is doing very little at all. Mountain gazing is about enjoying the silence, fresh air and spectacular views that surround Pian di Cascina. Whether with a coffee in the morning or a glass of wine at sunset, it’s a wonderful way to relax – and a dream for budding photographers.
EXPLORING WITH FRIENDS
One of the joys of Pian di Cascina is how easily children make friends. With so many shared outdoor spaces, games and activities, children naturally come together to explore, play and create adventures. It gives parents rare, precious downtime while children enjoy the freedom and confidence that holidays should bring.
OLIVE OIL TASTING
Umbrian olive oil is among the finest in Italy, and tastings can be arranged either at a nearby olive farm or privately at Pian di Cascina. A local artisan introduces guests to the flavours, aromas and techniques that define high-quality extra virgin olive oil. It’s a relaxed, informative experience that brings local food culture to life and fits easily into a family-friendly holiday. (Costs apply)
STAR GAZING
With clean air, minimal light pollution and an elevated location, Pian di Cascina is ideal for star gazing. Enjoy spectacular views of the night sky with Paul’s telescope available to explore planets & distant stars. Smartphone apps can help find constellations, the Milky Way, and you may even spot a shooting star, making this a magical and memorable activity.