Visiting Lake Garda with Kids: Top Things to Do, Family-Friendly Towns, and the Best Time to Visit
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Updated 20 November 2025
Lake Garda is one of Italy’s most popular destinations for families, offering a wide variety of activities and stunning natural beauty. With its crystal-clear waters, charming towns, and family-friendly attractions, it's the perfect destination for a family getaway. Whether you're exploring lakeside villages or enjoying outdoor adventures, Lake Garda has something for everyone. Here’s a complete guide to visiting Lake Garda with kids, including the best towns to visit, things to do, and the ideal time to travel.
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Family Events around Lake Garda This Christmas 2025
Christmas Village in Riva del Garda 2025
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Riva del Garda really comes alive during the holidays with festive family events. In addition to the Di Gusto in Gusto Christmas Village, you can visit Santa’s House inside the ancient Rocca (castle) for creative elf workshops, storytelling, and special encounters with Santa. It runs on specific dates in 2025 (e.g. 29–30 Nov, 6–8 Dec, 13–14 Dec, 20–21 Dec, and 27–31 Dec) with two daily sessions: 09:00–12:30 and 14:00–17:30.
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Meanwhile, the Grinch’s House is tucked into the Bastion of Riva, open 5–8 Dec, 12–14 Dec, and daily from 19 December to 6 January, from 10:00 to 19:00. It’s free for kids, and you can reach it via the scenic panorama lift or a walk up.
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This makes both Santa’s House and the Grinch’s House some of the top things to do in Riva del Garda with kids this Christmas, and perfect stops when travelling to Lake Garda with kids.
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Christmas Market in RANGO 2025
15 November 2025 - 31 December 2025
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Just a 35-minute drive from Riva del Garda, the Christmas market in Rango, one of Italy’s most beautiful villages, is a must-visit for families travelling to Trentino with kids. The village transforms into a magical wonderland, offering handcrafted items, wooden toys, and local rural delicacies. Its charming, timeless streets make it one of the top things to do with kids this Christmas, and well worth a visit if you’re in the area during the festive season.
Christmas in Malcesine 2025
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Malcesine’s festive program offers plenty for families travelling to Lake Garda with kids. In Piazza Statuto, enjoy the ice skating rink, Bruco Mela ride, food and craft stalls, and live performances during the Christmas Market on 6–8 December, 13–14 December, and 20 December 2025 – 6 January 2026.
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The Scaligero Castle becomes the Children’s Castle with workshops for kids aged 5–10 on 7–8 Dec, 20–21 Dec, 27–28 Dec, and 3–4 Jan, from 14:00–17:00, while the Municipal Hall hosts a playroom for children 0–5, open 10:30–12:30 and 15:00–18:00.
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With live shows, tastings, and the grand New Year’s Eve concert and fireworks, this is one of the top things to do in Malcesine with kids this Christmas.
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Christmas in Lazise 2025
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If you’re travelling to Lake Garda with kids, the Lazise Christmas Market is one of the largest and most beautiful family events around Lake Garda. Taking place in Piazza Vittorio Emanuele and Lungolago Marconi, the market runs on:
22–23 & 29–30 November 2025 (10:00–19:00)
6–7–8, 13–14, 20–21–24 December 2025
Daily from 26 December 2025 to 6 January 2026
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Families can enjoy charming wooden stalls, concerts, tastings, kids’ activities, and visits from Santa Claus. A highlight for children is the large ice skating rink at Prà del Principe Park. Don’t miss two beloved events: the Babbo Lake Run with hundreds of running Santas, and the traditional Cuccagna della Befana on the waters of the Old Port—fun for all ages and a true festive spectacle.
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Christmas in Sirmione 2025 – A Magical Family Experience on Lake Garda
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Visiting Lake Garda with kids during the holidays isn’t complete without a stop in Sirmione, which transforms into a glowing winter wonderland. The town sparkles with festive lights, including the spectacular “Castle of Lights” illuminating the Scaligero Castle. Families can enjoy the traditional Christmas market in Colombare, live performances, and a fun ice skating rink in Piazza Mercato.
Event Dates 2025–2026:
Ice Skating Rink (Piazza Mercato): 6 December – 11 January (daily 14:30–19:00)
Santa Lucia Celebrations (12 December):
– 17:30 Piazza Carducci • 18:00 Colombare (Church of San Francesco) • 18:30 Lugana (Church of Santa Maria)
Living Nativity Scene: 6 January
A perfect festive stop for families exploring top winter things to do around Lake Garda with kids.
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5 Top Things to Do around Lake Garda with Kids
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Explore the Lakeside Beaches
Lake Garda is known for its pebble beaches and crystal-clear waters, perfect for a family day out. While the beaches might not have the soft sand of coastal towns, the water is warm and inviting, especially during summer. Children will love splashing around, swimming, and playing by the shore. Some of the best beaches for families include Pisenze and La Romantica beaches and the Island of San Biagio (or the "Rabbits Island") in Manerba del Garda.
POPULAR Private Tours on Lake Garda
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Take a Boat Tour of Lake Garda
One of the best ways to explore Lake Garda is by boat. Families can hop on a scenic boat cruise and enjoy panoramic views of the lakeside towns, lush hills, and stunning landscapes. There are also private boat rentals available, making it a fun and relaxing activity for families. You can take a boat trip to explore the surrounding towns like Sirmione, Malcesine, Limone sul Garda, and Riva del Garda, or simply enjoy the tranquil beauty of the lake.
Sirmione TOP RATED boat tours
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Explore the beauty of Lake Garda on this scenic boat cruise from Sirmione. Take in breathtaking views of the coastline, admire iconic landmarks like Isola Borghese, sip a refreshing glass of prosecco, enjoy delicious snacks, and much more.
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Visit Gardaland Theme Park
For families with young kids, a trip to Gardaland, Italy's most famous theme park, is a must. Located in Peschiera del Garda, this park offers a mix of thrilling rides, water attractions, and live shows. Whether your kids are adrenaline junkies or prefer calmer attractions, Gardaland has something for everyone. It’s one of the most family-friendly places to visit on Lake Garda and is perfect for a full day of fun.
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Explore Parco Natura Viva (Nature Park)
Another great family activity is a visit to Parco Natura Viva near Bussolengo. This nature park is home to a wide variety of animals and is divided into two sections: a safari park and a zoo. Kids will enjoy seeing giraffes, lions, tigers, and many more animals, making it an educational and fun experience. There are also playgrounds and picnic areas where families can relax after exploring the park.
Lake Garda day trips
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From Verona: Sirmione and Lake Garda Day Tour
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From Milan: Verona, Sirmione and Lake Garda with Boat Cruise
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Visit the Castles of Lake Garda
Lake Garda is dotted with fascinating medieval castles that make for exciting family visits. Scaliger Castle in Sirmione is one of the most famous, offering a great opportunity for kids to explore the towers and fortifications while enjoying beautiful views of the lake. Other castles, like Castelvecchio in Verona and Malcesine Castle, provide fun, interactive experiences for children while learning about the region’s history.
Photo by Patrick Pahlke on Unsplash
Best Family-Friendly Towns to Visit on Lake Garda
Riva del Garda
Located at the northern tip of Lake Garda, Riva del Garda is a charming town with picturesque lakeside promenades, beaches, and a range of outdoor activities. It’s perfect for families who enjoy hiking, biking, or water sports. The nearby Monte Baldo offers cable car rides with breathtaking views, making it a great day trip for the whole family.
BEST Activities to Enjoy with kids on Lake Garda
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Embark on a family-friendly canyoning adventure in Lake Garda, specially designed for kids aged 6-9. Enjoy jumping, sliding, and splashing through a beautiful canyon, guided by expert instructors, with a chance to take a refreshing swim along the way.
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Have a blast at one of Lake Garda's exciting theme or water parks, such as Gardaland, Caneva Aquapark, or Movieland Park.
Limone sul Garda
Limone sul Garda is a quaint village known for its stunning lakeside location and lemon groves. It’s perfect for families looking for a quieter, more relaxed atmosphere. Walk through the narrow streets, explore the lemon groves, or enjoy a leisurely boat ride on the lake. There’s also a lovely playground by the lake, making it an ideal spot for families with younger children.
Photo by herve saramito on Unsplash
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Sirmione
While Sirmione has its undeniable charm, it simply cannot be compared to the northern part of the lake. Riva del Garda, Limone sul Garda, and Malcesine are the true jewels of Lake Garda. These towns offer stunning natural beauty, unique attractions, and a more tranquil atmosphere. If you’re planning a trip to Lake Garda, be sure to explore these northern gems as well.
Malcesine
Malcesine is another family-friendly town, located on the eastern shore of Lake Garda. The town is home to the stunning Malcesine Castle, where you can explore the medieval fortifications and enjoy panoramic views of the lake. From here, you can take the cable car up Monte Baldo, which offers hiking trails, playgrounds, and spectacular views, making it a great family adventure.
Photo by Jonny Gios on Unsplash
Best Time to Visit Lake Garda with Kids
While you can visit Lake Garda year-round, the best time to visit is without a doubt summer. The weather during summer is warm and sunny, with average temperatures ranging from 25°C to 30°C (77°F to 86°F), making it ideal for outdoor activities like swimming, boat rides, and hiking. The lake’s water is comfortably warm, and although the beaches are pebbly, the crystal-clear water will make you feel like you're at the sea. Summer also brings plenty of family-friendly festivals, events, and activities that are perfect for kids.
If you prefer to avoid the crowds, spring and autumn are great options, with milder temperatures and fewer tourists. However, to truly enjoy the lake's stunning views, boat trips, and beaches, summer is definitely the best time to go.
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