My three grndchildren are arriving tomorrow - they are 6, 4 and 3.

Hello Londonlass,Given the current temperatures bucket, spade and beach seems like a plan? Or up to Lake Fiastra ? Picnics at the Abbadia?Later in the week you might need to think of indoorsy things as it looks as though we have some big storms coming!I'm sorry but I don't know where the Dinosaur Park has gone to but someone will probably pop along soon to tell you.MoxieOooh the castle at Caldarola might be an idea too

Thanks Moxie. We are planning on going to the beach on Tuesday and Wednesday, but we think we may have to be back here when the storms come! Yes, they enjoy Lake Fiastra and it is good when it is too hot!

There is a water park to the west of Ancona, but I have just been looking on the internet and can't find anything about it, even though we found the website a few months ago. Will keep looking!Maybe someone else knows about the water park?The beaches along our stretch of the Adriatic have many playgrounds for the children - lots have been revamped this year and if there is a festival on as well, you could combine the two.The Corriere Proposte (small A5 size magazine out monthly), found in newsagents, has all the festsa's and markets and events listed, so hopefully there may be something on in your area.

There is the Verde Azzuro water park in Cingoli in Macerata which would be very suitable for younger kids under supervision with slides and a wave pool. There is a bigger and 'scarier' aqua park - Onda Blue just south of San Benedetto in Tortoreto.

Hi Kevan,I thought of the Onda Blue one but if I remember rightly it doesn't open until mid June. Worth checking though. Thanks.

Thanks to both of you. Yes I have heard of the water park at Cingoli but know nothing about it. It is worth trying out. I don't think the big one will be quite our thing yet! It is scary enough trying to hold three wriggly children who all think they can swim, but who all make a good attempt at drowning themselves and me!!

Has anyone been here for the day? Looking at the prices page it seems to only quote staying in a cabin for a few days??? Am I being thick? Don't answer that!

I seem to remember that it cost about €14, not cheap, there were only about 3 decent rides and inevitably the queues for these were long, plus everything closed for about 3 hours at lunchtime! Onda Blue is better- especially if you visit an Aqua e Sapone shop beforehand and ask for tickets for Onda Blue- each year they give these half price tickets away with purchases.

The water park near Cingoli is Eldorado go to www.parcoeldorado.com. We have used it with our kids many times. A little difficult to find (on the outskirts of Apriro) but definately a great days entertainment for kids.

I always forget to take bathing caps when I take my sons to the water park - which means buying a new set for the family each time I go. We haven't been to the parks in Macerata as they are a bit far - we usually go to river verde www.rivaverde.it/english/index.htm in Ascoli Piceno province on the coast near Pedaso. It's a bit small but the boys loved it when they were 5 and 7 and still love it now they are 8 and 10. Although it's advertised as a holiday camp on the website you can just turn up and pay for a day at the pool. BUT we need to handover an ID card for entrance.

I'd suggest the adventure park at Cingoli or horse riding. We've collected as many activities together on this page as possible www.villasanraffaello.com/free-time/family-fun-activities-le-marche.html this page includes links for the adventure park

Big thank you to everyone for all the good information. We have had a great week and have tried out lots of suggestions. The rest we are saving until they come back again for 2 weeks in August! We are now off for a stonking Sunday lunch with plenty of pasta at our local restaurant, and then they fly back tomorrow.