# The Madonie with kids: adventure parks, stars and snow > What to do in the Madonie with children: Parco Avventura Madonie, Pollina Adventure, GAL Hassin, picnic areas, easy trails and sledging, with 2026 prices. - Page: https://www.lemadonie.it/en/things-to-do/with-kids/ - Updated: 2026-10-19 - Other languages: [Italiano](https://www.lemadonie.it/esperienze/bambini.md) · [Español](https://www.lemadonie.it/es/que-hacer/con-ninos.md) · [Français](https://www.lemadonie.it/fr/que-faire/en-famille.md) · [Deutsch](https://www.lemadonie.it/de/aktivitaeten/mit-kindern.md) With children the Madonie work for three reasons: two adventure parks in the woods, an astronomical observatory with a planetarium and several forestry picnic areas, some of them free to enter. **Parco Avventura Madonie** in Petralia Sottana has tree courses from age 3, **GAL Hassin** in Isnello lets children under 6 in for free, and in winter Piano Battaglia has snow for sledging. Here you will find what to do by age and season, what it costs and the few Park rules that apply to little ones too. If you are looking for a day-by-day plan, see the [Madonie itineraries](https://www.lemadonie.it/en/itineraries/). **At a glance** - **From 3 years**: baby courses at Parco Avventura Madonie, picnic areas with play equipment, sledging. - **From 6 years**: planetarium and museum at GAL Hassin, the Rocca di Cefalù, children's tree courses. - **For teenagers**: hard tree courses (from age 15), climbing, archery, half-day trails. - **Cost**: some picnic areas are free to enter; at Parco Avventura Madonie activities cost between 8 and 24 euros (2026 prices). - **Watch out**: in the Park there is no water or services outside picnic areas and villages. ## What to do in the Madonie with children: ideas by age This table brings together the activities we have checked, with the minimum age given by the operators. Details are in the sections below. | Activity | Where | From what age | Approximate cost 2026 | |---|---|---|---| | Baby courses and castle in the trees | Parco Avventura Madonie, Petralia Sottana | 3-8 years, no harness | 8-10 € | | Children's tree courses | Parco Avventura Madonie | 1.10 to 1.30 m tall | 10-12 € | | Planetarium and meteorite museum | GAL Hassin, Isnello | 6 recommended, free under 6 | 10 € reduced | | Courses, climbing wall, trampolines | Pollina Adventure, Serra Daino | depends on the activity | operator's price list | | Picnic with play equipment | Piano Zucchi, San Focà | all ages | free | | Rocca di Cefalù | Cefalù | accompanied, reduced for 6-14 | 2.50 € reduced | | Sledging in the snow | Piano Battaglia | all ages, with helmet | depends on the season | ## Parco Avventura Madonie in Petralia Sottana Parco Avventura Madonie is in contrada Gorgonero, in the municipality of Petralia Sottana, along the SP54 that climbs to Piano Battaglia. It sits inside a picnic area with tables, barbecues and toilets, and has a bar serving pasta, sandwiches and ice cream. The tree courses are divided by colour and height: - **baby and Castle in the trees**: for children aged 3 to 8, no harness, about 2 hours; - **light blue and turquoise**: for children between 1.10 and 1.30 metres tall, about an hour and a half; - **orange, yellow, lime and green**: for kids over 1.30 metres; - **purple, blue, cyan, red and black**: for adults, the hardest from age 15 and 1.60 metres tall, maximum weight 120 kg. There are also orienteering, tree climbing, archery and the Powerfan jump. 2026 prices vary between low and high season. High season covers Easter Monday, 25 April, 1 May, 2 June and all of August. | Item | Low season | High season | |---|---|---| | Area entry, adults not resident in the Park | 2 € | 2 € | | Area entry, under 12 | free | free | | Baby courses and Castle (ages 3-8) | 8 € | 10 € | | Children's courses (1.10-1.30 m) | 10 € | 12 € | | Kids' courses (over 1.30 m) | 15 € | 17 € | | Adult courses (over 1.40 m) | 22 € | 24 € | On scheduled opening days you don't book and courses can't be reserved. Booking is needed for days outside the calendar (minimum 6 people), groups and meals. Dogs are allowed on a lead. ## Pollina Adventure at Serra Daino Above the coast at Finale di Pollina, the Serra Daino picnic area is a cork oak wood at about 500 metres, with more than 100 seats, barbecues and toilets. According to the Park authority it is now run as Pollina Adventure, which VisitSicily lists as open from March to December. Inside you find tree courses by age and height, a 12-metre climbing wall with about ten routes, archery, trampolines, a giant bench and a Nordic walking trail. There are also workshops on manna and olives. Entry to the area costs 4 euros for adults and 2 euros for ages 6 to 14; under 6 it is free. Activities have a separate price list and opening hours change with the season: every day in summer, mostly at weekends in the other months. Call first. ## The stars at GAL Hassin in Isnello GAL Hassin is the astronomy centre of the Madonie. The standard visit lasts about two hours and a quarter: planetarium, meteorite museum and, from March to June, the Sun seen through telescopes with filters. The ticket costs 20 euros, 10 euros for ages 6 to 10, and is free under 6. With small children choose the afternoon visit. In summer there are evenings at the telescopes, but they end around 23:45. Times, events and bookings are in the guide to [stargazing in the Madonie](https://www.lemadonie.it/en/things-to-do/stargazing/). ## Picnics and walks in the forestry areas The forestry picnic areas are the easiest way to spend a day in the woods. The owner is the regional Department of Rural and Territorial Development; the Park authority publishes their details. | Area | Municipality | What's there | |---|---|---| | Piano Zucchi | Isnello | Tables, barbecues, play equipment, toilets including accessible ones, 5 drinking water points, parking; in September open only on Saturdays and Sundays | | San Focà | Castelbuono | Meadow of about three hectares, swing, small lake, toilets including accessible ones, 16 fire pits | | Sanguisughe | Polizzi Generosa | Pine and holm oak wood along the SP119, 11 tables, 8 fire pits, 2 water points, accessible | | Portella Ferrone | Petralia Sottana | 25 tables, 24 fire pits, toilets, free entry | From Piano Zucchi you head towards Portella Colla and the Vallone Madonna degli Angeli, where the [Abies nebrodensis](https://www.lemadonie.it/en/trails/vallone-madonna-degli-angeli-and-the-abies-nebrodensis/) grows. Sanguisughe is reached from Polizzi Generosa, but beyond the area the SP119 towards Portella Colla has been closed by a landslide since February 2026: check the [roads](https://www.lemadonie.it/en/roads/). From San Focà you walk towards Piano Pomo and the [wood of giant hollies](https://www.lemadonie.it/en/trails/bosco-di-castelbuono-giant-hollies/). In Petralia Sottana, in the town pine wood, there has also been a **Mountain Botanical Garden** since November 2025: a path with panels on 43 Madonie plants, created with the Palermo Botanical Garden. ## Easy trails for families With children choose short trails, with a visible goal and an easy way back. - **[Rocca di Cefalù](https://www.lemadonie.it/en/trails/the-rocca-di-cefalu-and-the-temple-of-diana/)**: graded T, on steps and paving up to the Temple of Diana. The Comune does not allow unaccompanied minors or shoes with smooth soles. Reduced ticket 2.50 euros for ages 6 to 14. - **Plateaus of Piano Battaglia and Piano Zucchi**: meadows and woodland edges for a short loop without long climbs. - **[Bosco di Castelbuono](https://www.lemadonie.it/en/trails/bosco-di-castelbuono-giant-hollies/)**: graded E, from Piano Sempria towards the giant hollies. Suitable for children who already walk well. For older kids, [Pizzo Carbonara](https://www.lemadonie.it/en/trails/pizzo-carbonara-from-piano-battaglia/) is the first real summit: an E trail, demanding for a child and without water along the way. Everything else is in the guide to [hiking in the Madonie](https://www.lemadonie.it/en/things-to-do/hiking/). ## In winter: snow and sledging When it snows, Piano Battaglia becomes the place for kids. Sledging happens on the plateau, in the areas away from the slopes, and for the youngest there is a magic carpet. Prices, opening and safety rules change every winter: you will find them up to date on the page about [sledging and snow with children](https://www.lemadonie.it/en/snow/sledging-with-kids/), along with the rest of the [snow](https://www.lemadonie.it/en/snow/) section. Before you leave, check the road on the [roads](https://www.lemadonie.it/en/roads/) page and take chains or winter tyres. ## Educational farms In the regional list of accredited educational farms as of 31 December 2025 there are three in the Park's municipalities: in Castelbuono (contrada Bergi), in Collesano (contrada Sant'Anastasia) and in Polizzi Generosa (contrada San Giorgio). Accreditation is for schools, so for a family visit ask first whether they also welcome private groups. At the end of May another chance to see animals and shepherds is the [Festa della transumanza in Geraci Siculo](https://www.lemadonie.it/en/events/festa-della-transumanza-geraci-siculo/). ## Safety: three things to know with children - **Processionary caterpillars**: the Park authority warns not to touch the white nests on pine trees or the caterpillars walking in line. Their hairs cause rashes and conjunctivitis, and are dangerous for dogs too. - **Monumental trees**: don't stop to play at the base of big trees; branches can break off even without wind. During weather alerts the Park authority forbids staying in woods near large trees. - **Water and services**: outside picnic areas and villages you find no fountains or toilets. Bring water, snacks and a change of clothes. ## Related pages - [Petralia Sottana](https://www.lemadonie.it/en/villages/petralia-sottana/) - [Pollina](https://www.lemadonie.it/en/villages/pollina/) - [Isnello](https://www.lemadonie.it/en/villages/isnello/) - [Castelbuono](https://www.lemadonie.it/en/villages/castelbuono/) - [Polizzi Generosa](https://www.lemadonie.it/en/villages/polizzi-generosa/) - [Cefalù](https://www.lemadonie.it/en/villages/cefalu/) - [Collesano](https://www.lemadonie.it/en/villages/collesano/) - [The Rocca di Cefalù and the Temple of Diana](https://www.lemadonie.it/en/trails/the-rocca-di-cefalu-and-the-temple-of-diana/) - [Bosco di Castelbuono: Piano Sempria and giant hollies](https://www.lemadonie.it/en/trails/bosco-di-castelbuono-giant-hollies/) - [Pizzo Carbonara from Piano Battaglia](https://www.lemadonie.it/en/trails/pizzo-carbonara-from-piano-battaglia/) ## Frequently asked questions ### What is the best thing to do in the Madonie with children? It depends on their age. From 3 years old, Parco Avventura Madonie in Petralia Sottana has baby courses without a harness and a castle in the trees. From 6, GAL Hassin in Isnello works well, with its planetarium and meteorites. For a simple day out, a forestry picnic area and a walk in the woods are enough, as at Piano Zucchi or San Focà. ### How much does Parco Avventura Madonie cost? In 2026 entry to the Gorgonero area costs 2 euros for adults who don't live in the Park and is free for under-12s. Activities are paid separately: baby courses cost 8 euros in low season and 10 in high season, courses for children between 1.10 and 1.30 metres tall 10 and 12 euros, and courses for kids over 1.30 metres 15 and 17 euros. ### Where can you have a picnic with children in the Madonie? In the forestry picnic areas. Piano Zucchi, above Isnello, has tables, barbecues, play equipment, toilets and five drinking water points. San Focà, above Castelbuono, has a large meadow, a swing and a small lake. Sanguisughe, near Polizzi Generosa, is also wheelchair accessible. Fires may only be lit in the fire pits and outside fire-risk periods. ### Is there an easy walk for children in the Madonie? The climb up the Rocca di Cefalù is graded T, tourist, on steps and paving, with a reduced ticket of 2.50 euros for ages 6 to 14. In the woods, the plateau paths at Piano Battaglia or Piano Zucchi allow short, flat loops. Avoid EE routes and ridges: with children, the way back is what counts. ### Where can you go sledging in the Madonie? At Piano Battaglia, in the areas of the plateau away from the ski slopes, when there is enough snow. There is also a magic carpet lift for beginners. Wear a helmet for sledging too, and choose slopes without trees or roads at the bottom. Lift status and advice are in the dedicated guide to sledging and children. ### Are there educational farms in the Madonie? In the regional list of accredited educational farms as of 31 December 2025, three are in the Park's municipalities: in Castelbuono in contrada Bergi, in Collesano in contrada Sant'Anastasia and in Polizzi Generosa in contrada San Giorgio. Accreditation covers activities with schools: for a family visit, call first. ## Sources - [Parco Avventura Madonie, tariffe 2026](https://www.parcoavventuramadonie.it/tariffe/) - [Parco Avventura Madonie, domande frequenti](https://www.parcoavventuramadonie.it/faq/) - [Ente Parco delle Madonie, Area attrezzata Serra Daino e Pollina Adventure](https://www.parcodellemadonie.it/serra-daino-pollina/) - [VisitSicily, Tra natura e avventura al Pollina Adventure](https://www.visitsicily.info/en/proposta/tra-natura-e-avventura-al-pollina-adventure/) - [Ente Parco delle Madonie, Area attrezzata Piano Zucchi](https://www.parcodellemadonie.it/piano-zucchi/) - [Ente Parco delle Madonie, Area attrezzata San Focà (Castelbuono)](https://www.parcodellemadonie.it/santa-foca-castelbuono/) - [Ente Parco delle Madonie, Area attrezzata Sanguisughe (Polizzi Generosa)](https://www.parcodellemadonie.it/area-attrezzata-sanguisughe/) - [Ente Parco delle Madonie, Area attrezzata Portella Ferrone](https://www.parcodellemadonie.it/portella-ferrone/) - [Ente Parco delle Madonie, Giardino Botanico Montano di Petralia Sottana (4 novembre 2025)](https://www.parcodellemadonie.it/il-giardino-botanico-montano-allinterno-della-pineta-comunale-di-petralia-sottana-ancora-una-collaborazione-fra-enti/) - [Ente Parco delle Madonie, istruzioni sulla processionaria](https://www.parcodellemadonie.it/istruzioni-per-evitare-spiacevoli-inconvenienti-emergenza-processionaria/) - [Ente Parco delle Madonie, avviso sugli alberi monumentali (12 settembre 2026)](https://www.parcodellemadonie.it/avviso-importante-per-gli-escursionisti-sicurezza-e-rispetto-degli-alberi-monumentali-nel-parco-delle-madonie/) - [GAL Hassin, Biglietto standard ottobre-giugno (tariffe 2026)](https://galhassin.it/prodotto/biglietto-standard-ottobre-giugno-2/) - [Comune di Cefalù, Rocca di Cefalù](https://comune.cefalu.pa.it/vivere-il-comune/luoghi/rocca-di-cefalu/) - [Regione Siciliana, elenco delle aziende e fattorie didattiche accreditate al 31 dicembre 2025 (PDF)](https://www.regione.sicilia.it/system/files/2026-03/elenco_aziende_-_fattorie_accreditate_al_31_12_2025.pdf) - [La Sicilia, frana sulla SP119 vicino a Portella Colla: strada chiusa (6 febbraio 2026)](https://www.lasicilia.it/news/cronaca/3016868/nuova-frana-sulle-madonie-interrotta-una-provinciale-polizzi-generosa-isolata-e-accesso-a-piano-battaglia-a-rischio.html) --- Markdown version of the page https://www.lemadonie.it/en/things-to-do/with-kids/, from Le Madonie (lemadonie.it), an independent guide to the Madonie. Facts with source and date of check.