Trentino-Alto Adige is an autonomous region of northern Italy bordering Austria and Switzerland, home to the spectacular UNESCO-listed Dolomites. Split into the Italian-speaking province of Trentino and the German-speaking South Tyrol, the region blends alpine grandeur with Mediterranean wine valleys, world-class skiing, and a fascinating dual culture.
Family activities
Engaging experiences for travellers of every age.
Lido di Bolzano
A large city outdoor pool complex with several pools, a children's pool, slides and vast lawns on the edge of Bolzano — the easiest hot-day swimming for families using the city as a base
Price: Around €7–9 adult day ticket; reductions for children
MUSE Science Museum
Renzo Piano's glass science museum with hands-on exhibits on glaciers, biodiversity and dinosaurs, a tropical greenhouse and a discovery area for small children — a brilliant rainy-day or any-day outing
Price: Around €11 adult; accompanied minors often free
Lake Molveno Lakeside Park and Adventure Park
A sandy lake beach beneath the Brenta peaks with a big lakeside park, playground, mini-golf and a tree-top adventure park right behind the shore — a complete family day in one place
Price: Free beach and park; adventure park from around €15
Gardaland
Italy's biggest theme park, an easy day trip from Riva del Garda, with rollercoasters, themed rides and a SEA LIFE aquarium — a guaranteed hit with children and teens
Price: From around €35–45 per person (cheaper online in advance)
Renon Funicular and Earth Pyramids
A cable car and narrow-gauge train lead to the eerie clay 'earth pyramids' capped with balancing boulders, with easy walks and big views — a short, memorable outing from Bolzano
Price: Funicular and train around €12–18 return; often free with guest card
Gardens of Trauttmansdorff Castle
Botanical gardens around a castle with world-landscape themes, ponds, an aviary and a dedicated children's playground and discovery trail in Merano's mild climate
Price: Around €15–18 adult; reductions and family tickets
Acquarena Bressanone
A large indoor and outdoor water world with pools, slides and a sauna area — a reliable wet-weather or any-day option for families in the Isarco Valley
Price: From around €11–14 adult day ticket
Alpe di Siusi Cable Car and Meadow Walks
A cable car lifts families onto Europe's largest alpine meadow for stroller-friendly trails, themed playgrounds and hut stops beneath the Sassolungo and Sciliar peaks
Price: Cable car around €23–28 adult return; family tickets available
Family-friendly hotels
Accommodation designed with families in mind.
Cavallino Bianco Family Spa Grand Hotel
Family Hotel Posta
Family Resort Rainer
Caldonazzo Lake Campsites and Villages
Alpenresort Belvedere Wellness & Beauty
Dining with kids
Eating out as a family.
Italians and South Tyroleans welcome children warmly — youngsters are made a fuss of in trattorias, malghe huts and Gasthöfe alike
High chairs (seggiolone) are common in most restaurants — just ask when you arrive
Pizza, pasta and simple dishes like spaghetti al pomodoro are on almost every menu, while children often enjoy canederli dumplings
Mountain huts (rifugi/malghe) are very child-friendly and a fun lunch stop on a cable-car or walking day
Apple strudel, Kaiserschmarrn and gelato are reliable, widely available treats
Farm stays and family hotels usually offer generous half-board menus with child-friendly options
Half-portions (mezza porzione) for children are often available on request, especially for pasta
Family travel tips
Practical advice for stress-free family trips.
Build downtime into every day — over-scheduled kids melt down faster than tired adults.
Carry snacks, water, and a small first-aid kit at all times.
Many attractions offer discounted family tickets — ask at the ticket window.