In the mountains with kids in South Tyrol: Nature, adventure and fun all year round
South Tyrol offers the perfect setting for a family holiday. There are countless activities designed for little ones: picture the joy in their eyes when they reach a summit for the very first time, feeling on their skin the thrill of a challenge overcome. Or the shiver of stepping through the gate of an ancient castle, running their fingers along stone walls and dreaming of knights and princesses.
In the mountains, every day is an adventure: educational trails that let you explore local flora and fauna, playgrounds set in nature, and farms where you can pet the animals and discover the secrets of rural life. And then comes winter, with first turns on skis, snow crunching beneath little boots, and laughter echoing in the crisp air.
In South Tyrol, children learn to push their limits while having fun, and parents rediscover the pleasure of an authentic getaway—one that fills the heart with memories. Live the magic of a family adventure!
Happy kids, happy parents
A holiday with children is a moment of deep connection—perfect for strengthening bonds and building new memories together, rediscovering the joy of time spent as a team. From packing the backpack for hikes along mountain trails to choosing the perfect cycle path, every step becomes a chance to share unforgettable moments.
Family activities all year round
Choosing a family holiday in Trentino–South Tyrol means immersing yourself in a region that enchants in every season, offering unique, unforgettable experiences for young and old alike. Each time of year has its own charm and brings activities designed for fun and discovery.
Spring: Nature awakens.
Nature wakes up and the meadows burst into bloom. With days growing longer and temperatures milder, spring is the perfect season for long bike rides and woodland hikes. In a landscape filling with color, discovering nature becomes truly thrilling.
Amid extraordinary blossoms, trails steeped in quiet, and educational farms that teach little ones to respect the mountains and rural life, Trentino–South Tyrol turns at this time of year into a picture-postcard scene.
Summer: A day in the cool
In the warm season, South Tyrol is full of places to escape city heat. Stroll in the shade of pines, follow cool, leafy paths to waterfalls or small lakes—just a few of the ways to spend a refreshing day. Summer is the perfect time to combine relaxation and fun, with experiences for every taste and age. Try the thrill of adventure parks, enjoy a hike with alpacas, or dive into water sports like windsurfing: summer in South Tyrol is calling!
Autumn: Colors of sunset.
Autumn is perfect for vineyard walks and lakeside hikes. Admiring the foliage of a landscape painted in sunset colors is a unique, stirring sight. On misty days that wrap the scenery in mystery, visiting a museum or exploring South Tyrol’s many castles is a magical experience that blends natural beauty with rich history and culture. From traditional festivals showcasing local cuisine to educational activities focused on the surrounding environment, both kids and adults find what they love.
Winter: The magic of snow.
Snow casts its spell over everything, turning the landscape into an enchanted realm. Even in winter, the mountain’s crisp air invites you to enjoy the outdoors. With trails turning white and cosy huts offering sweeping views, every moment is precious. Kids can learn to ski safely in the many family parks, have fun sledging, or build snowmen. And after a day outside? Take a dip in a thermal pool or warm up with a hot chocolate to end on a high note! Even in town, the winter atmosphere transforms the scenery, gifting visitors with unique emotions. Trentino–South Tyrol is famous for its iconic Christmas markets which, with typical products and wonderful scents, offer total immersion in the pure holiday spirit.
Holidays for the whole family
It’s not always easy to reconcile everyone’s holiday ideas, especially when there are different age groups to keep in mind. Whether adults, kids or teens, here are a few tips to meet each person’s needs.
Littlest ones: The youngest family members look for fun, games and lots of action on holiday. Discover countless playgrounds, educational paths through the woods, and museum activities in South Tyrol designed just for kids!
Teens: Teenagers get bored quickly, so they’re always on the hunt for new thrills. Thanks to the region’s adventure parks, numerous cycle paths and ski areas, adrenaline in Trentino–South Tyrol is within easy reach. Via ferratas, trekking, rafting and much more await young people eager to explore!
Adults: For parents too, a holiday in South Tyrol is a unique experience that blends relaxation and fun. Beyond the many activities to enjoy with your children, the region offers cutting-edge wellness services.
After days of outdoor family fun, parents can unwind with pure relaxation at the region’s finest spas, surrounded by breathtaking scenery.
Family-friendly facilities and services
In South Tyrol there are many family-oriented accommodations offering services such as hiking guides, cards that grant free entry to points of interest, indoor play areas to brighten rainy days, and special kids’ menus with balanced, tasty meals.
Family holidays in Trentino–South Tyrol:
All the highlights
Discover all the adventures for a dream family getaway in South Tyrol, and dive into the region’s most extraordinary landscapes!
A summer in the mountains with kids
Hikes with a stroller – Trails with little elevation gain, even surfaces, and refreshment stops nearby. Playgrounds along the way make the outing even more enjoyable.
What to do when it rains – Two perfect options: have fun in the indoor play areas of Family Hotels, or head out well equipped and turn the rain into an adventure.
South Tyrol’s best playgrounds – Wooden castles for knightly games, climbing ropes, slides of every kind, and swings set in nature.
Hikes with animals – Walking in the woods is even more fun with llamas, alpacas or donkeys, turning a trek into a one-of-a-kind experience for kids.
Themed trails for kids – Interactive routes with stations that tell the story of nature, woodland animals and local plants, turning every hike into a discovery.
Educational farms – A deep dive into mountain life among pastures, local products and animals—getting to know rural life up close.
Adventure parks – Perfect for little explorers! From the adventure park in Caldaro to the high-rope courses in Vipiteno, adrenaline is guaranteed with zip lines and suspended routes.
Family time in the mountains in winter
Skiing for the whole family – Family-friendly ski areas offer safe slopes, ski schools and snow parks.
Toboggan runs – Exciting descents for young and old, with equipped tracks and lifts for maximum fun.
Ice skating – Frozen lakes and artificial rinks to glide in a fairy-tale atmosphere.
Pools and wellness centres – Slides, water games and heated pools to relax and have fun all year round.
Family-friendly restaurants – Welcoming venues with kids’ menus, play areas and South Tyrolean specialities to savour in peace.
Kids at the museum in South Tyrol
If you’re looking for an alternative plan for your children’s free time, South Tyrol’s museums and cultural attractions offer engaging, hands-on experiences. Here are some of the best family-friendly museums:
- Museo Uomo nel Tempo, Cortaccia: A fascinating journey through human history and evolution
- Museo Scienze Naturali di Bolzano: Perfect for young explorers curious about Alpine wildlife and geology.
- DoloMythos, San Candido: An adventure into the world of dinosaurs and Dolomite legends.
Playgrounds and adventure
At the foot of towering peaks, on sun-kissed hills or deep in the forest, South Tyrol’s recreational parks feel straight out of a fairy tale. Here kids can run wild among slides, swings, wooden castles and climbing routes, while thrill-seekers find excitement in adventure parks with certified structures and tailored, guided programmes.
Every play area is designed to spark imagination and movement, giving little ones moments of pure fun. Meanwhile, parents can soak up breathtaking views, authentic Alpine atmospheres and, in some cases, wellness areas for complete relaxation. A can’t-miss example? The Kurpark in Villabassa!
In the mountains with kids: Hikes made to measure
South Tyrol offers countless trails—but which ones truly suit little legs? To make the experience unforgettable, the hike should be engaging and full of adventures. Themed and interactive routes are ideal for turning a simple walk into a journey of discovery. Here are a few:
- The Water Trail near Merano, amid streams and water games.
- The trail to the Burkhard Waterfalls, with spectacular views that delight young and old.
Useful tips
Take your time on every hike, because with kids the destination matters less—it's the journey that’s the best part of the adventure. For longer tours, consider using child carriers or strollers with large wheels. Always check that the trail is stroller-friendly before you set off!
Babies and altitude: What to know
In the first months of life, it’s best not to exceed 1,500–2,000 metres when hiking in the mountains with your baby. From ages 2 to 3, you can gradually go up to 2,500 metres, always consulting your paediatrician and considering your child’s needs.
South Tyrol is the perfect destination for family hikes, with safe routes, dreamlike views and plenty of opportunities for little ones to have fun!