Exciting family-friendly events for the June 2nd long weekend

The June 2nd holiday weekend is the perfect opportunity for families to enjoy a mini getaway and embrace the early summer vibes. From the north to the south of Italy, a host of events, festivals, and initiatives are tailored specifically for children. Here’s a curated selection of must-attend activities that promise a weekend filled with exploration, fun, and wonder.

Arcadia Street Fest in Caldes

On May 31st and June 1st, the charming village of Caldes in Trentino will host the Arcadia Street Fest, a vibrant street festival featuring artists, marching bands, games, circus performances, and delectable food. This event is part of the ANAP National Association of Performing Arts, which aims to promote urban theater. Expect international artists, comedic bands, and delicious Slow Food served street-style. The historic Castel Caldes, a recently renovated 13th-century castle linked to the legend of the young Olinda, will serve as a stunning backdrop for this magical weekend of music, art, and nature.

Venice Boat Show workshops

The Venice Boat Show, running from May 31st to June 2nd, offers engaging workshops titled Marinara Adventures, organized by Kid Pass at the Scali dell’Arsenale. Three daily sessions (at 2 PM, 4 PM, and 6 PM) cater to children aged 4 to 10. Activities include creating an Ocean Drum, crafting flying fish in a Koinobori workshop, and a tactile journey titled Laguna in tasca, aimed at fostering creativity and environmental awareness among young participants.

Open Castles in Piedmont

On the weekend of June 1st and 2nd, the Castelli Aperti initiative returns, celebrating Piedmont’s rich historical heritage. Numerous castles, villas, towers, and gardens will open their doors to the public across various provinces, from Turin to Alessandria and Cuneo to Verbano-Cusio-Ossola. Guided tours will be complemented by tastings, concerts, historical reenactments, and family activities. The 2025 edition marks the 30th anniversary of this initiative with a special project titled All the Colors of Culture, featuring artistic performances alongside the visit experience.

Educational workshops in Bologna museums

During the weekend of June 1st and 2nd, Bologna’s University Museum System will host a series of educational workshops. On June 1st, the Capellini Museum will conduct a Fossils to Go workshop for children aged 4-6 (accompanied by an adult). On June 2nd, the Palazzo Poggi Museum will host a session called Look Around! for ages 4-5 with an adult, while the Zoology Collection will feature the Animal Quiz Show for kids aged 7-8 (without adults). These workshops require advance booking at a cost of €6, ensuring small group sizes for an engaging experience.

Tucogiò festival in Treviso

From May 31st to June 2nd, Monastier di Treviso will host the Tucogiò festival, fully dedicated to play in all its forms. This 16th edition revolves around the theme 20 Steps Through History, transforming the town into a vast interactive journey through different eras, from the Jurassic period to the digital age. Families can engage in over three kilometers of creatively designed games, complete with animated spaces and widespread workshops.

The Children’s Village in Porcari

On June 2nd, the historic center of Porcari, in the province of Lucca, will transform into an open-air playground with the Villaggio del Bambino. From 10 AM to 8 PM, the main streets of the town—Via Pacini, Via del Municipio, and Piazza Felice Orsi—will host free activities designed for young children, including games, workshops, performances, and animations. This initiative, promoted by the municipality with logistical support from Demia, aims to enhance local life quality and invest in the future through children’s engagement. In case of bad weather, the event will be rescheduled to June 15th without changes to the schedule.

Magical day at Bosco dei Folletti

In Urbania, the Bosco dei Folletti will host Forum Dance – Marchigiano Folklore on June 2nd. This enchanting day will feature dances from the 19th century, donkey rides, climbing activities, water games (bring your swimsuit!), and guided tours of the Folletti Trail. This magical park, nestled in nature, is designed to stimulate children’s imaginations with wooden houses and fairy-tale figures.

Aquiloniamo kite festival in Porto Sant’Elpidio

On June 2nd, the lungomare of Porto Sant’Elpidio will come alive with Aquiloniamo, a day dedicated to kite flying. From 10 AM, attendees can participate in a kite-making workshop (cost: €5), browse the Mylove market along the promenade, purchase kites, and enjoy the spectacle of giant kites soaring over the beach—weather permitting. This event encourages patience, as kite flying relies heavily on the wind; too strong can be dangerous, while too weak can hinder take-off.

Cordesca event in Sulmona

During the weekend of May 31st and June 1st, Sulmona will welcome the Cordesca, a junior version of the renowned Giostra Cavalleresca. Since 2003, around 300 children and teenagers aged 8 to 14 have paraded in Renaissance costumes as ladies, knights, musicians, and flag-wavers. The historical parade will traverse the city center to the Pallozzi Municipal Stadium, where the ring race will take place. This event is recognized by UNICEF for its educational and social value.

Aniene Festival at Parco Nomentano, Rome

Starting June 1st, the Nomentano Park in Rome will host the Aniene Festival, featuring a kids’ area rich in artistic, creative, and physical workshops. The Espero Studio of Psychology will organize games and activities designed to foster social interaction among children. Every day from 7 PM to 10 PM, a free play area will be available, equipped with materials and creative activities. Paid workshops (cost: €8) will take place from Tuesday to Thursday, including circus skills (Tuesday), storytelling (Wednesday), and freestyle basketball (Thursday). Evenings will feature live music, swing dancing lessons, and theatrical performances, all accompanied by food trucks in the park’s dining area.

Fantastic World of Fantasy at Lunghezza Castle

On June 1st, the Lunghezza Castle near Rome will transform into the Fantastic World of Fantasy, an event designed to immerse young children in the magic of fairy tale, comic book, and cinematic characters. Throughout the day, children can meet their favorite heroes and participate in immersive shows, themed games, and animations. The event will include picnic areas, relaxation zones, and refreshment points for an entire day filled with fantasy.

Explora museum in Rome

On June 2nd, Explora – the children’s museum in Rome – will offer special opening hours for the Republic Day celebration. Kids can explore interactive exhibits and engage in educational activities freely. This is a place where learning meets play and discovery. It is advisable to book online to access available time slots.

Cherry Festival in Turi

From May 31st to June 2nd, Turi will celebrate the Ferrovia cherry with a festival that enlivens the historic center with food stands, craft stalls, live music, DJ sets, and talk shows. For children, there will be shows, school performances, and roaming entertainment featuring bands, folk groups, and street performers. Guided tours will also be organized to explore the local area.

Etna Comics in Catania

From May 30th to June 2nd, the Catania exhibition center will host the 13th edition of Etna Comics, the International Festival of Comics and Pop Culture. This beloved event for families and enthusiasts includes stalls dedicated to comics, games, cosplay, cinema, and merchandise. Activities for children will abound, featuring creative workshops, author meetings, and themed kids’ areas.