Visiting the Dolomites with Kids: A Complete Family Travel Guide
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Updated 28 March 2025
If you're a nature lover and planning a family vacation in Italy, we can't recommend the Dolomites enough. It's one of those places that truly has everything for outdoor family adventures. It offers breathtaking mountain landscapes, a wide range of hiking trails suitable for all levels, skiing in the winter, and countless opportunities for cycling, wildlife watching, and exploring charming villages. In fact, it's one of the best family destinations in Italy, with a great variety of family-oriented resorts, playgrounds with incredible views, indoor and outdoor swimming pools, mountain roller coasters, and much more. Whether you're looking for an active adventure or a peaceful retreat surrounded by nature, the Dolomites provide the perfect setting for making unforgettable family memories.
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TOP RATED Tours and Activities in the Dolomites
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Feel the thrill of Europe’s longest zipline in the Dolomites. Trust us, this adrenaline-packed adventure is one you’ll never forget!
5 Top Things to Do in the Dolomites with Kids
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Explore the Dolomites' Adventure Parks & Playgrounds
The Dolomites are truly a paradise for nature lovers and outdoor enthusiasts. The region is renowned for its stunning landscapes and endless opportunities for adventure. There are a number of family adventure parks and playgrounds scattered throughout the area, ideal for kids and designed to engage them with fun activities. These parks are often located in some of the most beautiful spots, offering breathtaking views of the surrounding mountains. They are well-equipped with facilities, from picnic areas to toilets, ensuring a comfortable experience for visitors. While some parks require an entry fee, others are completely free to explore, such as the Movement Park at Piz La Ila and its sister park at Piz Sorega in Val Badia. These parks provide the perfect blend of nature, fun, and family-friendly amenities, making them a must-visit for families traveling to the Dolomites.
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Go on a child-friendly hike
The Dolomites offer a wide variety of hiking trails, many of which are ideal for families with children. There are easy, scenic paths perfect for little legs, featuring accessible routes, shorter distances, and incredible views. For example, the Dragon Forest in Val di Fiemme has a 1.4 km thematic loop that gently winds through the woods, highlighting land art installations along the way. Another great option is the WoodyWalk Trail at Plose, Bressanone, which offers a fun and family-friendly experience with interactive exhibits for kids, enjoyable stops, and breathtaking views of the Odle Group for everyone to appreciate.
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Experience the Alpine Coaster
Don’t miss the chance to experience the Alpine Coaster in the Dolomites – believe me, it’s amazing! The ride has you zooming down the mountain, winding through forests, all while taking in the most stunning views. It’s the perfect mix of excitement and nature, making it ideal for anyone looking for a little adventure, no matter your age.
We tried the Alpine Coaster at Plose, Bressanone, which is open in summer and winter! It was really cool and such a fun experience.
Other Alpine Coasters in the Dolomites include the Alpine Coaster "Klausberg-Flitzer" in the Ahrntal Valley and the Alpine Coaster Gardonè (open daily from June 14 to September 14, 2025) in the Fiemme Valley.
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Visit the Ladin Museums
The Ladin Museums, scattered across the Dolomites, offer a wonderful opportunity for children to learn about the unique Ladin culture that is indigenous to this region. These museums feature exhibits on local history, language, and traditions, providing a rich educational experience. It's a fantastic way for kids to engage in hands-on learning while gaining insight into the cultural significance of the Dolomites. Plus, visiting these museums is one of the best activities for kids in the Dolomites on rainy days. Some of the notable museums include the Ladin Museum in Fassa Valley, the Museum of Ladin Culture in San Martino in Badia, and the Museo de Gherdëina in Ortisei.
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Relax in Family-Friendly Swimming Pools with Breathtaking Views of the Dolomites
After a day of hiking and exploring the stunning nature of the Dolomites, unwind in one of the region's incredible swimming pools. You don’t have to make any sacrifices here – these pools offer not only relaxation but also breathtaking views that are hard to find anywhere else. Some of the best pools to visit with kids include Mar Dolomit in Ortisei and Acquarena in Bressanone, where you can enjoy a swim while surrounded by the majestic mountain scenery.
Photo by Raj Rana on Unsplash
Kid-Friendly Hiking Trails in the Dolomites
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Piz La Ila to Piz Sorega
Did you know that you can hike between Piz La Ila, accessible from the village of La Villa in the Alta Badia region, and Piz Sorega, which can be reached from the village of San Cassiano, also in Alta Badia? This scenic trail between the two mountain peaks offers a relatively easy hike that takes about 1 to 1.5 hours, depending on your pace and how many stops you make to enjoy the stunning views. The path is well-marked and suitable for families, with mostly gentle slopes, though there are a few uphill sections that may require some extra effort.
TIP for Families with Small Kids: To make the hike easier, you can rent a mountain stroller at the cable car stations. These strollers are specially designed for rugged terrain and can handle most of the path, but be prepared for a bit of a workout on the uphill sections—you’ll need to do some pushing!
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WoodyWalk, Plose (Bressanone)
Located in Plose, Bressanone, the WoodyWalk is an interactive trail that offers a fun and educational experience for families, accessible both in winter and summer. Along the way, kids can enjoy wooden play areas, slides, and a water play zone, making the hike both exciting and engaging. The trail also offers stunning views of the surrounding Dolomites, with plenty of opportunities to observe nature and wildlife. It’s a perfect family activity, recommended for its easy terrain, interactive features, and the chance to enjoy both outdoor adventure and play in a beautiful mountain setting. Ideal for little ones, this trail ensures a memorable and fun-filled day for all, no matter the season!
11 Must-Know Tips for Visiting the Dolomites with Kids
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Contact Accommodations Directly
Booking through platforms like Booking.com can be expensive. Reach out directly to hotels and B&Bs—they often offer better rates and packages that include meals or additional perks.
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Plan Your Itinerary in the Dolomites Carefully
The Dolomites are vast, and travel times between points of interest can be longer than expected due to winding mountain roads. Plan your routes and itinerary to maximize your time.
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Renting gear, even a mountain stroller, in the Dolomites is easy
If you're not bringing your own equipment, renting gear in the Dolomites is easy and convenient. Whether you need skis, snowboards, hiking poles, mountain bikes, or even a mountain stroller for a family hike with kids, there are plenty of rental shops in towns and at the base of ski resorts. Most shops offer high-quality equipment, so you can travel light and still enjoy all the outdoor activities available. Renting a mountain stroller makes hiking with young children much easier, allowing you to explore the stunning landscapes without the stress of carrying little ones on your back.
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Parking in the Dolomites Can Be Challenging
Popular spots in the Dolomites can have limited parking, especially in peak season. However, some parking areas are available for pre-booking online. Check before your travel. Arrive early or consider using public transportation or shuttles when available.
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​Expect High Prices at Tourist Hotspots
Famous tourist spots can be quite pricey, from meals to parking. Dining at mountain cabins can be particularly pricey. For a more budget-friendly experience, bring plenty of water, along with a picnic or snacks.
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Crowds in High Season
The Dolomites are incredibly popular, and certain spots can get crowded, especially in summer and during holidays. While we often hear that visiting early in the morning helps avoid the crowds, the most peaceful time can actually be in the late afternoon, when many visitors start to leave.
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Renting a Car in the Dolomites is Highly Recommended
While public transport is available, it can be limited, especially for reaching more remote areas. Renting a car gives you the freedom to explore at your own pace and discover hidden gems.
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Don't Undermine the Importance of Hiking Boots, Even for Kids
Even if you're just taking an easy, leisurely stroll with kids, don't underestimate the importance of good hiking boots. The terrain in the Dolomites can be rocky and uneven, so a high-quality pair of boots will not only keep your feet comfortable but also help prevent injuries. This is especially important for kids, as sturdy footwear will offer better support and protection on the trails.
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Don’t rush your visit to the Dolomites
There’s so much to see, but it’s best enjoyed at a leisurely pace. Instead of trying to cover it all in one trip, focus on one area, take a slow and pleasant walk, and let the kids explore the numerous playgrounds along the way. Embrace the beauty of the mountains and make the most of every moment without the pressure to see it all!
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Get Familiar with the Dolomiti Superski Pass for winter and the Dolomiti Supersummer Card for summer
If you're visiting during the winter months and plan to ski or snowboard, the Dolomiti Superski Pass is a great way to access over 1,200 kilometers of slopes across 12 ski areas. It offers great value if you plan to explore multiple resorts, and it gives you access to various ski lifts and amenities throughout the region. Similarly, during the summer months, the Dolomiti Supersummer Card provides unlimited access to cable cars, chairlifts, and public transportation, making it a fantastic way to explore the region’s mountain peaks and scenic hiking trails without worrying about transportation.
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