Does anyone have any suggestions for "Things to do for children in Italy"? I am planning a trip to Italy with my wife and 2 children to possible Umbria/Tuscany region. We will rent a car and stay at a rental villa for 2 weeks. Hopefully we can rent someplace with a pool - but don't anticipate going to Italy just to swim in a pool. Thus, I am struggling as to 1) do I wait until the children are older and then travel or 2) obtain suggestions for things to do and plan these in to the trip.

Thanks for any info.
BTW - this is my first posting to Slowtrav and if I am not acting according to the rules - please feel free to let me know.
Thanks -

Welcome, Nomad! I first took my boys to Italy when they were around those ages, and everyone had a wonderful experience. Having access to a pool in the summer heat is great for the kids--they can cool off and take a break, and it makes the rental that much more exciting to them. At this point, I'd advise you to read through some of the trip reports on the site from people who have traveled with their kids.
Go to the Trip Reports, and filter by "Italy" and check off "Trip with Children". Also read through the Trip Planning section on the main site, and then work your way through all the sections there--Instructions, Travel Notes for the areas that interest you, Rental Reviews, etc. We have pages on Travel with children here

Also read Jane's wonderful accounts and advice on Travel with Children

Here are some previous threads with good info--and searching the Board will pull up more.
Travel with Kids
Traveling with Children
Dining in Italy with Kids
What Interests Kids in Italy
Good Location for a Child?

This message has been edited. Last edited by: Amy,

Amy, thanks for the nice recommendation you gave The Nomad re my info on traveling with children.
The Nomad: In addition to the link Amy provided, you might find both my 2003 and 2004 reports pertinant to your questions as both of them give lots of info as to what we did with our boy on those trips. He loves Tuscany. The 2004 report might be the best one. Anyway, hope it helps. And--don't be afraid to take your little ones. It will be good for you and for them. Children are good travelers.
If you have specific questions, feel free to e-mail me (address on the website.)