What to do with kids April 17–19 in Varese and surrounding area

Family weekend: April 17–19 in Varese and the Varesotto

During this weekend the province of Varese hosts many events designed for children and families: creative workshops, nature walks, games, shows and community initiatives. Below is a practical selection to plan time out with kids.

Highlights

• Besozzo – Saturday: kite-making workshop and outdoor activities at the Oratorio di Ca’ Marchetta to mark Earth Day, with family-friendly games.
• Busto Arsizio – Saturday afternoon: a public demonstration for peace and rights, a family-inclusive civic moment.
• Varese – Sunday at 15:00: a march from the Giardini Estensi calling for peace; suitable for families wishing to participate.
• Casciago – Saturday: Swap Party at the IC Campo dei Fiori schools in Villa Valerio to promote reuse of toys and books among children.
• Rescaldina – Sunday, April 19: celebration of the Pedibus 10th anniversary at Parco Iassilli (via Nenni) with activities for families.
• Bodio Lomnago – Saturday 18 & Sunday 19 April: Fismi on Tour at Villa Bossi with craft labs, tastings and a chance to view the lake from a hot-air balloon.
• Comabbio – Sunday: face painting and kids’ activities as part of the Lakes Association festival.
• Solaro – Sunday: Spring Festival in via Mazzini with markets, entertainment and food stands for families.
• Gallarate – Crenna and Moriggia: community lunch in the parish hall with menu options for children.

Workshops and hands-on activities

• Varese – Saturday 9:00–12:00: “Cycling safely” session (CUS skiroll track, via Monte Generoso 59) to learn to ride without training wheels, organized by Fiab and Casa del Giocattolo Solidale.
• Inarzo – Sunday afternoon: Life under water, a lab for children aged 7–12 at the Palude Brabbia Lipu Oasis to explore pond life.
• Castiglione Olona – Saturday April 18: free manga-drawing workshop at Biblioteca Battaini for ages 11–16 hosted by Manga Lab association.
• Schiranna (Varese) – The Luna Park is open all weekend with rides suitable for children and families.
• Cuveglio and Laveno Mombello – Registrations open for free labs to train as show technicians or volunteers (for ages 11+).

Nature walks and outdoor activities

• Inarzo – Sunday 9:30: guided walk On the wings of raptors at the Palude Brabbia Lipu Oasis to observe spring wildlife.
• Tradate – Sunday: Open Day at the Parco Pineta educational center with trails, games and a small planetarium experience for children (EcoPlanetario).
• Olgiate & Lurate Caccivio – Sunday afternoon: a guided walk along the Lura river to discover local biodiversity (free participation).
• Uboldo – Sunday: Mezza dei Boschi, a non-competitive trail through woods and countryside suitable for all ages.
• Samarate – Sunday April 19: ecological day with citizens and associations cleaning urban and green areas.
• Rovellasca – Sunday: Green Cleaning Day to raise awareness about rubbish collection in woodlands.

Shows and storytelling

• Luino – Saturday evening: Sonata per tubi, a contemporary circus show with music created from everyday objects.
• Gerenzano – Saturday April 18: concert–reading “The Pied Piper… and other musical stories” in the library courtyard.
• Cardano al Campo – Friday evening at Sbocc: Antilia Circo presents De Vualé, a clown show with surprising acts.
• Gallarate – Sunday afternoon: dramatized reading of The Hairy Monster at the Teatro di Gallarate, with puppets and theatre for children.
• Varese – Saturday afternoon at the Civic Library (via Sacco): a children’s meeting with author Anna Castellazzi.

Practical tip: always check event times, age recommendations and booking rules (reservation, fees) on official channels before you go. Enjoy your family weekend!