Exploring Lake Iseo with Kids: Top Family-Friendly Activities and Attractions
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Updated 9 September 2025
Event Alert – Festa dei Fiori (Festa di Santa Croce) - Monte Isola (Lake Iseo) 8–14 September 2025
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Streets of Carzano and Novale decorated with 200,000+ handmade paper flowers.
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Evening illuminations create a magical atmosphere.
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Culminates with the Holy Cross procession and fireworks on 14 September.
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Booking is essential:
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Reserve ferry tickets online (Navigazione Lago Iseo).
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Get your free Access Pass (visitmonteisola.it).
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Lake Iseo (Lago d'Iseo) is a hidden gem in the Italian Lake District which stretches across Northern Italy. It is less well known than its famous neighbours Lakes Come, Garda and Maggiore but it offers no less spectacular sceneries and unique landscapes. Plus, it delivers a tranquil (almost tourist free) experience and that alone makes it absolutely stand out for us every time we visit, adding a unique and unforgettable experience. How to discover the best things to do at Lake Iseo? The easiest way to explore the lake is to travel by car. The travel time from Bergamo, home of Milan Bergamo Airport, Orio al Serio Airport (BGY), to the nearest town Sarnico is approximately 25-30 minutes. However, in our opinion, the best part of the lake is the northern region, with Riva di Solto, Lovere, Pisogne, and, of course, Monte Isola being the true jewels of the lake. If you're short on time but still want to experience this beautiful lake, we recommend Iseo town for a quick visit.
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Things to do around Lake Iseo with kids
01
Take a Scenic Boat Trip to Monte Isola: A Must-Do Family Adventure
One of the best family-friendly activities on Lake Iseo is taking a boat ride to Monte Isola — the largest lake island in southern Europe, a true jewel of the lake and a unique destination you won’t find on any other Italian or European lake. Kids will love the short and fun ferry ride, which takes around 5 minutes from Sulzano or 25 minutes from Iseo.
Here’s our family-friendly guide to the best things to do in Monte Isola with kids – from scenic bike rides to lakeside playgrounds and unforgettable views!
SULZANO: There is a playground next to the ticket office with a great view of the island where the kids can have some fun while waiting for the boat.
02
Enjoy Lake Iseo’s Lidos and Pools with Kids
Relaxing at Lake Iseo’s lidos and swimming pools is truly one of the best things to do with kids during the warmer months. While Lake Iseo may not have the same international fame as nearby Garda or Como, that’s exactly what makes it so special for families. The quieter atmosphere, combined with stunning mountains backdrops and a variety of safe, well-equipped swimming spots, creates an ideal setting for a laid-back summer escape. Whether you choose a scenic lakeside lido or a family-friendly pool with play areas and indoor options, Lake Iseo offers the perfect mix of nature and comfort for parents and children alike.
03
Discover the Unique Earth Pyramids of Zone – A Fun Nature Experience for Families and Kids on Lake Iseo, Italy
The Piramidi di Terra di Zone (Earth Pyramids of Zone) is a stunning natural reserve on the shores of Lake Iseo, where families can marvel at unique stone formations that resemble pyramids. These natural sculptures, some reaching up to 30 meters in height, were created by erosion, making them a rare and fascinating sight in the alpine lake region. The reserve offers a family-friendly hiking trail that lasts about an hour, with information points along the way explaining the history and geology of the pyramids. The path is steep and challenging in places, but the effort is well worth it for the breathtaking views of both the pyramids and the lake below.
If you're short on time or don’t feel like completing the full circular trail, you can still enjoy the best of the Piramidi di Terra di Zone by heading straight to the panoramic viewpoint. To get there, park in Via Piramidi in Cislano and take a short and easy walk down Via Granarola to reach the viewpoint. It’s a quick and very accessible route, perfect for families with younger children or those looking for a more relaxed visit, and it still offers incredible views of the pyramids and surrounding landscape.
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OUR TIP: If your kids find the hike a bit tough, help them by finding a wooden stick to give them extra support. Using the stick will help them navigate the terrain, and most children naturally enjoy playing with sticks, which also benefits their motor skills.
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There is a large free parking area nearby, and after the hike, you can relax at the café Il Chiosco Food & Drink Da Fabietto, which has a playground for children. Don’t miss out on their hot chocolate, made from real chocolate (not powder) – a perfect treat!
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OUR TIP: The playground and the delicious hot chocolate can make great rewards for completing the trail.
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BEST Activities to Enjoy with kids on Lake Iseo
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Take this sightseeing cruise on Lake Iseo, sailing around the three islands of Monte Isola, San Paolo and Loreto, with champagne on board (not suitable for children under 6).
04
Visit Archeopark in Boario Terme
Located just 15 minutes by car from Pisogne or 20 minutes from Lovere, Archeopark is a family-friendly open-air museum that offers a fascinating journey through early human history—perfect for a fun and educational day out with kids.
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Visitors can experience ritual walks in the stone labyrinth, cross a lake in the dugout canoe, explore Paleolithic to Iron Age villages, and engage in interactive activities such as archery, lighting a fire or baking bread. There are also many educational workshops, guided tours and other activities to help you learn more about how our ancestors lived.
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We especially enjoyed making the bread from grains over a real fire, a truly hands-on and memorable experience. We started by grinding the grains, then shaping them into bread balls, and finally baking them over the fire. The taste was unusual without salt or any additives, but it was a true, authentic way of doing things—just like our ancestors did it.​
05
Discover Lake Iseo by Bike: Easy and Safe Cycling Route for Families
One of our favourite things to do as a family on Lake Iseo is cycling the beautiful car-free path from Vello to Pisogne. It’s about 8 km one way, totally safe for kids, and has a separate lane for pedestrians. You can rent bikes from Noleggio dalla Giuly, a little shop on Via Provinciale in Vello, just a short walk from Jazz Café. Speaking of which—Jazz Café is the perfect place to grab a coffee or snack before setting off, and it’s also your last chance to use the toilets before the ride (there aren't any facilities along the trail). They have a grassy area with gorgeous lake views, so it’s a great place to relax before or after your cycling adventure. Don’t forget to stop along the way to take in the incredible scenery—this is one ride where the journey really is the destination!
06
Explore Lake Iseo's Easy and Fun Hikes for Families
Have you ever heard of a big bench? The Big Bench Community Project is a project born in 2009, thanks to the American designer Chris Bangle, who decided to build large benches in the Langhe region (Piedmont) to support the local community and tourism... Over the years, the project grew bigger and expanded all over Italy.
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If you want to visit one of the famous Big Benches, we highly recommend Panchina Gigante No. 74 (Another great option is Big Bench No. 53 in Riva di Solto). Perched on top of a hill, this giant bench offers a stunning panoramic view over Lake Iseo. It’s a fun and unique stop the kids will love, and the view is truly worth the short walk to reach it.
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There are a couple of on-street parking spaces near the hiking trail that leads to the Big Bench. If none of them is available, then look for a parking down the hill near the church. It will take longer to climb up though. The hiking trail itself is low attitude and easy even for kids, it is not suitable for prams. No special hiking gear required.
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It did take us around 20 min to reach the viewpoint, but it was a fun experience especially for our 4 y/o daughter.
TIP: There are big stones on the way where kids can rest their legs for a few minutes.
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When you reach the top, you are reworded with stunning views. You can sit on the Panchina Gigante and enjoy these views “as if you were a child again”.
07
Explore Baia del Bogn: A Family-Friendly Walk with Stunning Lake Views
One of the hidden gems of Lake Iseo, Baia del Bogn is perfect for a short and scenic family outing. Start in Riva di Solto, which you can easily reach by car or boat, and head north along the lakeside path toward the bay. The walk is an easy 10-minute stroll, with several resting platforms along the way and a café where you can grab a drink or snack. The route is safe for children and offers breathtaking views of the cliffs plunging into the lake. In summer, you might spot adventurous swimmers diving off the small bridge into the water. For a different perspective, rent a kayak or join a guided kayak tour to explore the dramatic coastline from the lake. Book your tour to Baia del Bogn here.
WHERE TO STAY AROUND LAKE ISEO WITH KIDS
Top rated: Hotel Lovere Resort & Spa 4* check reviews here
Luxury: Cocca Hotel Royal Thai Spa 4* check reviews here
Great value: Ambra Hotel Iseo 3* check reviews here
B&B: B&B Il Centrale check reviews here
Agriturismo: Agriturismo Gesi check reviews here
Camping: Camping Del Sole Village check reviews here
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