What to do with kids on the Romagna Riviera (even when it rains)

A holiday on the Romagna Riviera with kids almost always means beach, ice cream and swimming until sunset. But then comes that morning of low grey clouds, rain drumming on the closed beach umbrella, and the inevitable question: now what do we do? The good news is that you don't have to spend the day in front of the hotel TV.

Between Rimini, Riccione, Cervia, Cesenatico and the inland villages, there are plenty of creative workshops designed for families: pottery, painting and hands-on activities where grown-ups and children get their hands dirty together. They're the perfect plan B for rainy days, but also a wonderful idea no matter the weather. Here's what to do with kids on the Romagna Riviera, even when the sun decides to take a break.

Why a craft workshop is the ideal plan B for families

A creative workshop solves the two big problems of a rainy day in one go: it keeps the kids dry and keeps them busy with something real to do with their hands. No screens, no boredom: just clay, colours and the satisfaction of going home with something you made yourself.

• It's indoors: rain, wind or sticky heat won't ruin your plans.
• It lasts just the right amount of time: usually one or two hours, well within a child's attention span.
• It's fun for the whole family: not an activity "to entertain the little ones" while the adults watch, but something you genuinely do together.
• You take home a keepsake: a ceramic plate, a painted picture, a small object that becomes an authentic souvenir of your holiday.

Pottery: hands in the clay for young and old

If there's one activity that brings the whole family together, it's pottery. Shaping clay is an ancient, almost hypnotic gesture, perfect for children too, who love to knead, squeeze and give shape to something of their own. In a pottery workshop the little ones can make a small plate, a cup or a tiny animal, while mum and dad try their hand at something more ambitious.

On the Romagna Riviera and in the inland villages there's no shortage of artisans who open their workshop to families too. It's a slow, hands-on, relaxing experience: the perfect opposite of a frantic day at the beach, and a memory that lasts well beyond the holiday.

Painting and creative workshops made for kids

It's not just clay. Among the family-friendly experiences on the Riviera you'll also find painting, decorating, illustration and many other hands-on activities where colours take centre stage. They're ideal for children who love to draw, and for the shyer ones too, who let go without even noticing once there's a blank sheet and a brush in front of them.

• Painting on canvas or ceramics, to take home a truly personal piece.
• Object decorating, where everyone adds their own touch.
• Illustration and drawing workshops guided step by step.
• Activities with natural and recycled materials, to spark the imagination.

The beauty of these creative workshops is that you need neither talent nor experience: the artisan guides every step and a good result is always guaranteed. Children feel capable and proud, and adults rediscover the pleasure of making something with their hands without thinking about anything else.

How to tell if a workshop is suitable for children

Not all workshops are the same: some require fine motor skills or adult-level concentration, while others are designed specifically for families. On Handsome, workshops that are suitable for children say so clearly, often with a recommended age range (for example "from 6 to 12 years"), so you know in advance whether the activity is right for your kids.

• Check for the "suitable for children" label and the recommended minimum age.
• Look at the duration: for the youngest, an hour or so works best.
• Read what's included: materials, an apron, any reduced price for children.
• Check where it takes place: a workshop or an indoor space is your rain-proof guarantee.