Villages and castles for families: family‑friendly weekend in Emilia‑Romagna

Dates: 15–17 May 2026

A weekend designed for families to discover the villages and castles of Emilia‑Romagna with activities for children: historical reenactments, local markets, creative workshops and evening shows set in historic locations. Below is a practical guide to the main events and tips for planning your family outing.

Main events

• Roccabianca Storica (Roccabianca Castle) – Court reenactments, themed trails and scenes suitable for children, with family-friendly guided tours.
• Frutti del Castello – Spring 2026 (Paderna Castle, Pontenure, PC) – Saturday 16 and Sunday 17 May 2026, 09:00–19:00. Fruit, flower and plant fair with local produce and crafts. Pet friendly.
• The Night of Fata Bema: D'amor Vivente (Montechiarugolo Castle) – Evening performances and immersive routes among myths and legends; best suited to families with older children.
• Medieval Market and Fairy Park (Gropparello Castle) – Animations, creative workshops and green trails designed for young children.
• Spring Donnino Festival (Fidenza) – Activities across the historic center with entertainment and workshops for kids.
• Music at the Spa (Salsomaggiore Terme) – Concerts and performances in historic venues suitable for the whole family.

Practical information

Period: Friday 15, Saturday 16 and Sunday 17 May 2026.

• Getting there: many locations are reachable by car; check parking and local transport timetables. Shuttle services may be available on event days.
• Tickets and reservations: booking is recommended for guided visits, reenactments and evening shows, especially during the weekend.
• Family tips: bring comfortable shoes, layered clothing, snacks and water; if bringing pets, carry a leash and bags and check site-specific rules.
• Strollers: some historic areas or unpaved paths can be challenging with a stroller; consider a child carrier backpack for rougher trails.

Why go

The weekend provides sensory and educational experiences: children can connect with nature and local products, take part in hands‑on workshops and learn local stories and traditions in historical settings. A perfect day out combining fun and culture for the whole family.

Where (example)

Paderna Castle – Str. per Paderna Montanaro, 10, 29010 Pontenure (PC). Coordinates: 44.9541691, 9.7878601.

Plan ahead: check specific event schedules and booking procedures with each venue to secure places for children’s activities and workshops.