The Dolomites with Children: Family-friendly Tips, Things to Do & Best Hotels

Family holiday in the mountains

The Dolomites are part of the Alps in northeastern Italy, known for their dramatic peaks, green valleys and clear lakes.

We absolutely love the area and have already been five times, though not yet with children. But we definitely will!

It’s a brilliant place for families who are looking for an active holiday in beautiful surroundings.

With plenty to do for kids of all ages, easy walking routes and lots of family-friendly facilities, the Dolomites are a great choice for young and old adventurers alike.

Many areas offer short, flat hiking trails (some even fine for pushchairs), as well as playgrounds and cable cars that make it easy to reach the heights without a big climb.

In this guide to visiting the Dolomites with children, we’ve gathered some of the best child-friendly experiences and practical tips for travelling as a family – whether you’re heading for lakes, playgrounds or easy hikes.

The best family-friendly hotels in the Dolomites:

Adlinks
• Biancaneve Family Hotel (Selva): Child-friendly hotel with indoor and outdoor pools, kids’ club, play areas and easy access to the slopes and walking trails in Val Gardena.
• Hotel Cavallino Bianco – Weisses Rössl (San Candido): Large and fun-filled family hotel right in the heart of charming San Candido, with a pool, cinema, bowling alley, kids’ club and several playrooms. Great for children of all ages – and for parents looking for a bit of grown-up time too.
• Family & Wellness Hotel Fontana (Vigo di Fassa): Relaxed and very child-friendly hotel with a kids’ club, indoor pool (with water slide), spa and good food – all included in the price.
• Faloria Mountain Spa Resort (Cortina d’Ampezzo): Elegant 5-star family hotel with indoor and outdoor pools, a spa and spacious rooms. Perfect for families with younger children, with a kids’ club, playground and child-friendly meals. Babysitting and ski school are available during the winter season.

Search for the best family-friendly hotels in the Dolomites here (adlink).

Before we get started…

How far a five-year-old can walk, what a ten-year-old finds fun, and how comfortable you feel hiking with a baby in a carrier all vary from family to family.

This guide to the Dolomites with children is meant as inspiration.

It’s always worth considering whether the experiences we mention fit your child’s age, interests and energy levels – and, of course, the time of year you’re planning to travel.

Family-friendly activities in the Dolomites

The Dolomites are full of nature experiences that the whole family can enjoy.

Many lakes and valleys are just a short walk away, and plenty of cable cars make it easy to reach the heights and take in the views, and you can often park close by.

Whether your children are walking on their own or coming along in a baby carrier, there are lots of ways to enjoy nature together.

In this guide to the Dolomites with children, we’ve gathered some child-friendly places we’ve visited and can genuinely recommend – along with a few extra spots that are easy to reach.

Viewpoints and easy hiking trails

Several viewpoints in the Dolomites are reachable via easy walking routes, and in some places, there’s no need to hike at all, as cable cars take you straight into magnificent scenery and wide-open panoramas.

There are often cafés and mountain huts along the way, so you don’t necessarily have to pack food in advance.

Alpe di Siusi (Seiser Alm)

One of the most child-friendly areas in the Dolomites is Alpe di Siusi (also known as Seiser Alm).

Here, you’ll find flat trails, grazing cows and wildflowers in the summer.

Cable cars make it easy to get up to the plateau – even with little ones.

They run from both Ortisei in Val Gardena and from Siusi allo Sciliar, but you can also stay at a hotel up on the plateau itself.

We spent three days at Paradiso Pure.Living (adlink), which is also a family-friendly hotel.

You can read our full guide to Alpe di Siusi here.

Seceda

Seceda is one of the Dolomites’ most iconic viewpoints and is very easy to visit with children.

The cable car from Ortisei takes you almost to the summit, where a short 10-minute walk leads to the famous viewpoint.

From there, you can simply enjoy the view, or continue along easy paths if you want to explore a bit further.

Read our guide to Seceda here.

Cinque Torri

Cinque Torri (the Five Towers) is a fun and child-friendly excursion in the Dolomites, especially if you take the cable car from Bai de Dones.

The final stretch is by chairlift, so this trip is best suited to older children.

At the top, you’ll find a unique mountain area with large, free-standing rock formations and a relatively short, flat trail weaving between them.

Along the way, you’ll pass reconstructed trenches and military installations from the First World War, making the visit both active and educational.

Cinque Torri offers a great mix of views, history, and free play among the rocks – likely a hit with slightly older kids.

Read our guide to Cinque Torri here.

Tre Cime di Lavaredo (Drei Zinnen)

One of the Dolomites’ most famous spots, Tre Cime di Lavaredo, can be enjoyed with children – whether they’re in a baby carrier or able to walk a little on their own.

The easiest way is to drive up to Rifugio Auronzo via the toll road from Misurina, where you can park right by the start of the route (best to arrive early!).

From there, a wide, fairly flat path leads to the viewpoint at Forcella Lavaredo/Rifugio Lavaredo, which many families use as their turnaround point. The full loop is more challenging, with a significant climb.

Going there and back takes about one and a half to two hours at a leisurely pace, which can be manageable for children used to longer walks.

Along the way, you’ll enjoy fantastic views of the iconic peaks and can stop for breaks at one of the mountain huts.

Read our guide to Tre Cime di Lavaredo here.

Refugio Odle (Geisleralm)

The hike to Cinema delle Odle at Rifugio Odle/Geisleralm is about 4.5 kilometres (~ 2.8 miles) and takes around 1.5 to 2 hours each way from Malga Zannes.

There are several paths, but the easiest route follows the dirt road through the forest along trail 36 and 35, starting from the car park at Malga Zannes.

At the end, you can enjoy some food or a drink with wonderful views of the Odle mountains, while the children play on the nearby playground.

Family-friendly valley trails

Several valleys in the Dolomites are perfect for easy walks and pleasant picnics with children, since the paths tend to be wide and fairly flat.

The surroundings are peaceful, and there’s usually good car access with plenty of parking.

You’ll also find good playgrounds i many of the valleys. Try searching for “parco giochi” (Italian) or “spielplatz” (German) on Google Maps to locate them.

Here are some of the most child-friendly valleys in the Dolomites.

Val Gardena (Gröden)

Val Gardena is one of the most accessible valleys, with towns like Ortisei (St. Ulrich), Santa Cristina and Selva di Val Gardena (adlinks). It’s a popular place to stay for families with children.

Cable cars from here run to Alpe di Siusi and Seceda, but the towns themselves have plenty of playgrounds and child-friendly walks.

For example, the PanaRaida Adventure Trail offers an interactive route with stations along the way – perfect for keeping children entertained.

Vallunga (Langental)

Just outside Selva di Val Gardena, you’ll find Vallunga, which is an excellent excursion destination for families.

The path through the valley is a wide, mostly flat dirt track, surrounded by high cliffs and forest.

You can simply walk as far as you like – there are no cars here.

It’s easy to tailor the route to suit your children’s age and energy levels, and along the way, there are benches and grassy areas perfect for picnics and breaks.

Fassa Valley (Fassatal)

A great area with family-friendly walking routes, nature experiences, cable cars and several mountain huts that are easy to reach.

It’s also home to the Aquapark Vidor water park, with slides, pools and a wellness area.

Val di Funes (Villnößtal)

Val di Funes is a peaceful and scenic valley.

It’s a great starting point for several short and easy routes with amazing views of the Odle massif – and plenty of good picnic spots along the way.

From here, you’ll find several short and less demanding trails, including routes towards Rifugio Odle as well as the child-friendly section of the Adolf Munkel trail.

Mountain passes

The Dolomites are home to many beautiful mountain passes, and they make great outings with children, as you can get high up into the mountains without having to hike all the way.

Most passes offer views in several directions, and in many cases, you can park right at the top.

The only downside is the drive, which often involves a few winding mountain roads…

There are usually options for short walks nearby, or you can simply stop for a break and enjoy the scenery.

Several of the passes have a refuge or café where you can grab an ice cream or something to drink.

For children who aren’t keen on long hikes, visiting a mountain pass can still give that exciting feeling of being “high up in the mountains” without too much effort.

Passo Giau

Passo Giau is a stunning mountain pass in the Dolomites, not far from Cortina d’Ampezzo, and well suited for a family outing.

From the car park at the top, you can head out on short walks along wide, relatively flat paths through open landscapes with beautiful views of the surrounding peaks.

There’s also the Berghotel Passo Giau, where you can stop for lunch or something to drink.

Passo Sella

Between Val Gardena and Val di Fassa lies the mountain pass Passo Sella.

From the pass, you’ll find several short, child-friendly hiking routes with stunning views of the Sella massif and Sassolungo.

The paths here are also wide and flat, and there are several refuges within easy walking distance of the car park.

Passo Gardena

A third mountain pass worth mentioning is Passo Gardena, situated between Val Gardena and Val Badia.

The views are impressive in every direction, and in particular towards the Sella massif and the peaks surrounding Val Gardena.

Passo Gardena isn’t very large, but it offers excellent opportunities for short walks and beautiful nature experiences.

From the car park, you can follow paths that wind through flower-filled meadows and open terrain without being too steep or long.

For example, you can walk up to Jimmi Hütte in about 15 minutes and enjoy the views from there.

Passo Fedaia

At the foot of the Dolomites’ highest peak, Marmolada, lies Passo Fedaia.

It may not be the most dramatic pass around, but the artificial lake, Lago di Fedaia, makes it well worth a visit.

A flat path runs along the lakeshore – perfect for short, leisurely walks with views of both water and mountains.

There are several refuges nearby, with Rifugio Castiglioni Marmolada and Rifugio Dolomia offering some of the best views.

Scenic lakes and easy strolls

No visit to the Dolomites is complete without seeing some of the breathtaking lakes.

Luckily, many are easy to reach, with well-maintained paths along the shore that are perfect for a short, leisurely stroll.

Lago di Braies (Pragser Wildsee)

The iconic mountain lake Lago di Braies has an easy path all the way around, with benches along the route and the option to rent a wooden rowing boat.

The walk is roughly 3.5 kilometres (~ 2.2 miles) and usually takes around 1 to 1.5 hours, but allow extra time if you’re with children.

You can also simply visit the famous viewpoint without doing the full walk.

There’s quite a bit to know before visiting this extremely popular lake, so have a look at our guide to Lago di Braies here.

Lake Carezza (Karersee)

The easy access makes Lago di Carezza another very popular mountain lake in the Dolomites.

You can park right beside it and take a very short walk to the emerald-green lake, framed by conifers and mountains.

It’s easy to enjoy without hiking, though there’s also a 15 to 20-minute circular walk around the lake if you fancy a little stroll.

Read our guide to Lago di Carezza here.

Lake Misurina (Misurinasee)

Lago di Misurina is the largest natural lake in the Cadore area of the Dolomites.

Along its banks, you can follow an easy path while enjoying views of the water, mountains and surrounding trees.

It’s a scenic spot for a short walk or a rest, with several restaurants, ice cream shops and hotels nearby.

There’s also a playground at the northern end.

Lago di Limides

The small mountain lake Lago di Limides is fairly easy to reach for most people.

The path is a little uneven, but the hike is only about 1 kilometre with a 120-metre ascent (about 0.6 miles with a 394-foot climb), taking just over 20 minutes each way for most.

Along the way, you’ll find some small, interesting caves, and by the lake, beautiful mountains are reflected in the clear water.

The water level can drop later in the season, so it’s best to visit in spring or early summer.

At the start of the trail, you can buy food and drinks at Rifugio Col Gallina.

Lago di Dobbiaco (Toblacher See)

Lago di Dobbiaco is a lovely, family-friendly valley lake where you can park close to the water.

A panoramic path circles the lake, covering about 2.5 kilometres (~ 1.55 miles) and remaining mostly flat.

The walk takes around 45 minutes to an hour and is well suited to children, as there’s no significant height difference.

There’s a restaurant right by the lake, Ristorante al Lago, and unlike many other lakes in the Dolomites, swimming is allowed in Lago di Dobbiaco.

Just be prepared for the water to be very cold – even in summer.

Where to swim in the Dolomites

You’re not allowed to swim in all the lakes in the Dolomites.

Several of the most well-known ones, such as Lago di Braies and Lago di Carezza, are protected natural areas where bathing is prohibited to protect the environment and local wildlife.

Swimming here can harm the fragile ecosystem and cause pollution or erosion. If bathing isn’t permitted, you’ll usually see signs by the lake.

Besides the above-mentioned Lago di Dobbiaco, which allows swimming, there are several other lakes where swimming is allowed, as well as water parks that can be fun to visit with children.

See more bathing lakes in South Tyrol or bathing lakes in Trentino.

Lake Fiè (Völser Weiher)

At the foot of the impressive Schlern massif lies Lago di Fiè, which is often mentioned as one of the most beautiful bathing lakes in the Dolomites.

The lake has calm water, a small bathing platform, grassy areas, and the option to rent a rowing boat.

There’s a café near the shore, and parking is within walking distance.

Read more about Lago di Fiè here.

Lago di Landro (Lake Dürrensee)

Lago di Landro is a shallow lake with a maximum depth of 3.5 metres (~ 11.5 feet), located in the Höhlenstein valley between Dobbiaco and Cortina d’Ampezzo.

Because it’s not very deep, the water warms up relatively quickly in summer, which makes it a good option if you’re not keen on plunging into the colder mountain lakes.

The lake is surrounded by impressive mountains and is part of the Tre Cime Nature Park.

Acquarena

The large water park Acquarena is located in Bressanone (Brixen) and is easy to reach if you’re staying in the northwestern part of the Dolomites.

Acquarena has several indoor and outdoor pools, slides, activities for children, sauna areas and a sports pool.

There are also beach volleyball and football pitches, a playground, and a bowling alley with six lanes in the same building.

A great place to spend a whole day with the kids – no matter the weather.

Read more about Acquarena here.

Acquafun Innichen San Candido

In the town of San Candido (Innichen), near Dobbiaco (Toblach), there’s an indoor swimming pool you can visit, for example, if the weather takes a turn for the worse.

Alongside a sports pool and sauna area, you’ll find a long water slide, waterfalls, bubble zones, a baby pool and a lazy river.

Read more about Acquafun here.

Dolaondes

The Dolaondes water park is located in Canazei, Val di Fassa, and offers several pools, a wellness area with sauna and jacuzzi, a children’s zone, and a wild water slide for older kids.

And all this comes with a stunning view of the mountains!

Read more about Dolaondes here.

Lago di Caldaro (Kalterer See)

Lago di Caldaro, just south of Bolzano, is the largest natural bathing lake in South Tyrol – and one of the warmest in the entire Alps.

The water warms up quickly in summer, and the shallow, calm shores make it suitable for families with children.

You’ll find several small beaches, large grassy areas to relax on, and places with shade.

There are good facilities nearby, as well as the option to rent pedal boats and buy ice cream.

The nearby climbing course, Parcoavventura Caldaro, is also worth a visit.

Read more about Lago di Caldaro here.

Lago di Molveno

Also south of Bolzano, on the way to Lake Garda, lies Lago di Molveno – a large, clear bathing lake with green-blue waters at the foot of Cima Tosa.

It offers excellent swimming conditions, grassy areas, playgrounds, and boat rentals.

There are also pools and a water park with slides, which you can read more about here.

While the lake is a bit farther from many of the Dolomites’ classic sights, it’s well worth a visit if you’re in the area.

You might also want to check out Lago di Caldonazzo and Lago di Levico nearby.

Climbing parks and playgrounds

The Dolomites are packed with fun playgrounds and climbing parks for children. Far more than we can list here!

Many refuges and mountain stations offer free play areas with great views and fresh mountain air, while the larger adventure parks and climbing courses usually charge admission.

In some places, there are height restrictions, and children must be accompanied by an adult, for example, on the more challenging courses.

It’s a good idea to check opening hours and safety rules beforehand, as many of these places are only open during the summer months and may close in bad weather.

Regno del Gigante Baranci

Regno del Gigante Baranci (meaning The realm of Gigante Baranci) is a family-friendly mountain area near San Candido that blends play, nature and adventure.

There’s an adventure trail, a dwarf village, small, shallow pools, a climbing course, and a “Funbob” – a kind of summer toboggan run where you can speed down the mountain safely and enjoyably.

Several of the activities have an admission fee, though.

You reach the area via the chairlift from San Candido.

Read more about Regno del Gigante Baranci here.

Cermislandia

Cermislandia Parco Giochi Per Bambini is an entertaining play park for children, set at 1,280 metres (~ 4.200 feet) in the mountains above Cavalese.

It features obstacle courses, a small castle, a shallow bathing lake, a zipline, and a summer toboggan run, along with activities focused on nature and movement – though there is a small fee for children.

Do bear in mind there’s little shade, so a sun hat and sunscreen are advisable.

You can drive up, but parking can be tricky, so the easiest option is to take the cable car from Cavalese.

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Parcoavventura Caldaro (Caldaro Adventure Park)

The Parcoavventura Caldaro climbing park is located near the bathing lake Lago di Caldaro, as mentioned earlier.

It offers 24 different climbing routes with a total of 212 elements suspended between the trees.

The courses vary in both difficulty and height, so children and adults alike can find a suitable challenge.

You move from tree to tree using rope bridges, nets, poles and zip lines.

Read more about Parcoavventura Caldaro here.

PanaRaida Adventure Trail

The PanaRaida Adventure Trail is a family-friendly outdoor activity route at Monte Pana near Santa Cristina in Val Gardena.

The easy (pram-friendly) path is about 1.5 kilometres long (~ 0.93 miles) and winds through forest and meadows, with ten interactive stations where children can climb, balance, swing, and play with natural materials.

Highlights include a large wooden toboggan, a suspension bridge, wooden towers, water play areas and views of the Sassolungo massif.

PanaRaida is free to visit and can be reached by car or by cable car to Monte Pana.

Near the car park, you’ll also find mini golf and the ZipLine Monte Pana.

Adventure Park Colfosco

Adventure Park Colfosco is a climbing park located in the cosy mountain town of Colfosco (Calfosch) in Alta Badia – close to Corvara and easily reached from Val Gardena.

The park has five different routes that vary in difficulty and are designed for both children and adults.

The courses stretch over 600 metres (almost 2,000 feet) and include 71 platforms up to 19 metres high (~ 62 feet), suspended between the trees.

Younger children (aged 3-4) can try a short, low course of 70 metres (~ 230 feet), while older children and adults can challenge themselves on the longer and more demanding routes.

Read more about Adventure Park Colfosco here.

Movimënt Parks in Alta Badia

The Movimënt parks in Alta Badia are a network of mountain activity areas that combine play, exercise and nature experiences for the whole family.

They’re located in the area between La Villa, San Cassiano and Corvara, and are connected by trails and mountain lifts, making it easy to visit several in a day.

The parks offer trampolines, climbing features, slides, water games, mini golf, a “bear den”, obstacle courses and balance challenges like slacklines, among other things.

There are also quiet zones with deckchairs and beautiful views.

Read more about Movimënt – Active Park Piz La Ila and Movimënt – Bear Park Piz Sorega.

Further down in the guide, we recommend Hotel Störes (adlink), which is right next to the lift up to the Möviment Bear Park.

Summerpark La Crusc

Also in Alta Badia, you’ll find SummerPark La Crusc – a fun adventure park high up in the mountains.

There are lots of cool activities for children: they can crawl into a dragon’s cave, hunt for gold, race with marbles, climb large wooden figures and play water games with mills and channels.

From the park, the themed trail “In the footsteps of wild animals” leads into nature.

It’s an easy and child-friendly walk of about 400 metres (~ 1,300 feet), ending at the lovely little mountain lake Lech dla Lè.

Along the way, children can collect stamps in a kind of treasure hunt.

The park is usually open from early July to late September and is free to visit with a lift ticket. You can take the cable car from Badia.

Read more about Summerpark La Crusc here.

Map of family-friendly places

Here’s a map of the family-friendly activities and places in the Dolomites featured in this guide.

There are plenty more out there, but we hope this gives you a quick overview.

Click on the icon in the top left corner to find the places we have written about in the guide.

Getting around the Dolomites with children

By car

Car is by far the most flexible way to get around the Dolomites with children, as many places are far from public transport routes.

The roads can be narrow and winding with lots of hairpin turns, so it’s worth considering motion sickness if that’s an issue.

Whether you’re driving your own car or a rental, Italian law requires a car seat or booster cushion, depending on the child’s age and height.

Parking at popular spots often fills up quickly during the day, so arriving early is usually the easiest solution.

It’s also worth noting that some roads close to private traffic during parts of the high season, so it’s smart to check in advance and plan accordingly.

Public transport

Public transport works well with children in the Dolomites, especially during the high season, with local shuttles running to lakes and hiking trails.

Some hotels offer a Südtirol Mobil Card or a guest card that includes free transport – or you can buy multi-day tickets yourself.

Buses are generally child-friendly but don’t always run very frequently, so it’s useful to check timetables well in advance.

To plan your journey, you can use südtirolmobil (local bus and train service in South Tyrol), Dolomiti Bus (regional routes in the Belluno province and the eastern Dolomites), and Trenitalia (trains across Italy, including to larger cities near the Dolomites such as Bolzano, Trento and Belluno).

Cable cars and chairlifts

It’s easy to reach the heights without hiking thanks to numerous cable cars and chairlifts.

Children up to a certain age (often 6 or 8) usually travel free with an adult.

Opening times vary by season, and most cable cars run from June to September and during the winter months. Daily schedules may also change.

When to visit the Dolomites with children

The Dolomites are a classic seasonal destination, and the time of year plays a big part in shaping your holiday.

The best period for child-friendly activities like hiking, cycling, playgrounds and climbing parks is usually from June to September.

During these months, the cable cars run, the mountain passes are open, and both nature and weather tend to be at their best.

July and August are high season, with more tourists and higher prices, but the villages are lively and almost everything is open – from restaurants to mountain playgrounds and lifts.

Mid-June or September can be ideal if you prefer a quieter atmosphere but still want access to most facilities.

Outside the high season, the weather can be less stable, and snow in the higher areas is not unusual, even in May or as early as October.

Many cable cars and family-friendly attractions close during these months, which can make it harder to reach some of the most popular spots with children, such as Seceda, Alpe di Siusi and Cinque Torri.

In winter (usually November to April), the Dolomites offer excellent skiing and opportunities for snowshoeing.

Several resorts have dedicated children’s areas with lifts and toboggan runs.

If you’re planning a specific activity or trip, it’s wise to check opening times in advance.

Read our guide on when to visit the Dolomites here.

How long to stay in the Dolomites with children

How many days to spend in the Dolomites with children?

Well, there’s no right answer, but we’d generally suggest allowing 5 to 7 days as a good starting point.

There’s plenty to see and do!

This is especially true if you want to take things at the children’s pace, stop at several playgrounds and avoid cramming too many activities into one day.

You can certainly make the most of a shorter trip to the mountains, too – but in that case, we’d really recommend focusing on just one area to avoid spending too much time on transport.

If you have more than a week, there are plenty of activities and attractions to keep the whole family entertained without ever feeling bored.

Where to stay in the Dolomites with children

Many hotels and rifugios (mountain huts) offer family rooms and children’s menus, and children are generally well received in the Dolomites.

Since the area is quite large, it’s often practical to stay somewhere with easy access and short travel times to the places you want to visit.

Search for the best family-friendly hotels in the Dolomites here (adlink).

Val Gardena (Gröden) – Ortisei, Selva and Santa Cristina

Val Gardena is one of our favourite valleys in the Dolomites, and it’s a great choice for families who want to combine nature, hiking and the convenience of restaurants and shops.

It’s easy to reach from the motorway and gives access to several unique mountain areas and scenic mountain passes.

Search for the best family-friendly hotels in Val Gardena here (adlink).

Family-friendly hotels in Val Gardena:

Adlinks
• Hotel Albion Mountain Spa Resort (Ortisei): Very family-friendly hotel with large outdoor playground, children’s activities, spacious family rooms and a shuttle bus to the centre of Ortisei.
• Hotel Garni Villa Park (Ortisei): Spacious family rooms and apartments with kitchenettes, centrally located within walking distance of lifts and ski school. Includes free entry to Mar Dolomit water park, which has a children’s pools and a slide.
• Biancaneve Family Hotel (Selva): Child-friendly hotel with indoor and outdoor pools, mini club, play areas and easy access to the slopes and walking trails. Offers activity programmes and excellent facilities for families with young children.

Cortina d’Ampezzo

Cortina is the largest town within the Dolomites and has a sophisticated, lively atmosphere throughout the year – ideal for families with slightly older children who want to mix hiking, café visits and trips to sights like Tre Cime and Lago di Sorapis.

Though a bit more off the main highways, the town is surrounded by some of the most dramatic scenery the Dolomites have to offer.

Search for the best family-friendly hotels in Cortina d’Ampezzo here (adlink).

Family-friendly hotels in Cortina d’Ampezzo:

Adlinks
• Rosapetra SPA Resort: Exclusive boutique hotel just outside the town, offering 33 rooms, a spa with sauna, ice bath and pool. A great choice for families with older children seeking luxury, tranquillity and easy access to both the town and nature. Shuttle bus to the centre is included.
• Faloria Mountain Spa Resort: Elegant 5-star family hotel with indoor and outdoor pools, a spa and spacious rooms. Perfect for families with younger children, with a kids’ club, playground and child-friendly meals. Babysitting and ski school are available during the winter season.

Alta Pusteria (Hochpustertal) – Sesto, San Candido, Dobbiaco

Alta Pusteria is a long, wide valley in the northern Dolomites with excellent infrastructure and easy access by car and train.

Here, charming and child-friendly towns like Sesto, San Candido and Dobbiaco sit close together, surrounded by stunning natural scenery.

The valley is perfect for families seeking a peaceful stay while remaining close to famous spots like Tre Cime and Lago di Braies – with plenty of easy hikes, playgrounds and family-friendly hotels within reach.

Search for the best family-friendly hotels in Alta Pusteria here (adlink).

Family-friendly hotels in Alta Pusteria:

Adlinks
• Hotel Cavallino Bianco – Weisses Rössl (San Candido): Large and fun-filled family hotel right in the heart of charming San Candido, with a pool, cinema, bowling alley, kids’ club and several playrooms. Great for children of all ages – and for parents looking for a bit of grown-up time too.
• Post Alpina – Family Mountain Chalets (Versciaco): Charming chalet resort with apartments, indoor pool, mini club and playground. Just a short walk from the Versciaco – Monte Elmo gondola, offering easy access to the 3 Zinnen ski area and hiking trails in both summer and winter.
• Rainer Family Resort (Moos): With a playground, climbing wall, indoor water slide and more, the list of child-friendly activities here is extensive. Family rooms are, of course, available – including soundproofed options for extra peace and quiet.

Family-friendly hotels in the rest of the Dolomites

Here’s a small selection of some extra family-friendly hotels across the Dolomites.

Adlinks
• Parc Hotel Tyrol (Kastelruth): Family-friendly and down-to-earth, with a trampoline, table tennis, pool and onsite dining. It’s within walking distance to buses and lifts heading to the always beautiful and very child-friendly Alpe di Siusi.
• Family & Wellness Hotel Fontana (Vigo di Fassa): Relaxed and very child-friendly hotel with a kids’ club, indoor pool (with water slide), spa and good food – all included in the price. There’s also a climbing wall, a children’s area and daily buffets for all ages.
• Hotel Störes – Active Wellbeing (San Cassiano): Quiet and family-oriented, featuring a large garden, playground, and climbing wall. Just steps from the Piz Sorega lift, which provides easy access to the Möviment Bear Park – a high-alpine play area with a bear den, zipline, water games, climbing and other fun activities.

Pushchair or baby carrier?

When travelling with small children in the Dolomites who might need a lift, it’s important to consider what equipment to bring.

In towns and valley areas, a regular pram or pushchair usually works well, as pavements and roads are often in good condition.

For hiking trails and rougher terrain, it’s best to use a sturdy pushchair with large wheels or an all-terrain model that can handle stones, roots, and small changes in ground level.

It’s wise to check the route beforehand, as some paths are suitable for pushchairs, while others quickly become too steep, narrow or uneven.

You can also look for pram-friendly hiking trails in specific areas – for example, the Alpe di Siusi plateau offers several options (here’s an overview of hikes suitable for prams and pushchairs).

For higher elevations or narrow, uneven mountain paths, a baby carrier is usually the most practical choice, especially if you plan to use cable cars or take longer routes.

Safety and security in the Dolomites with children

Whether you’re travelling in the Dolomites with children or not, it’s always wise to be prepared in case something goes wrong.

Altitude sickness

Altitude sickness usually occurs at elevations above 2,500 metres (~ 8,200 feet), where the air has lower oxygen pressure than at sea level.

In some cases, symptoms can appear already at around 2,000 metres (~ 6,560 feet) – especially in children.

If you plan to go higher up, take it slow, allow for plenty of breaks and keep an eye on how the children are feeling along the way.

First aid

Bringing a small first aid kit on hikes with children is a good idea, particularly when a plastered knee or tweezers for a splinter can make all the difference.

Hospitals and pharmacies

You can find hospitals and pharmacies in many towns across the Dolomites, but they may be quite far from the mountain trails and smaller villages.

If you’d like extra peace of mind, look them up in advance so you know where to go if you need medical help.

Many pharmacies are siesta-closed in the middle of the day (typically around 12:30-15:30) and are usually closed on Sundays.

If you need medicine outside opening hours, you can search for “farmacia di turno”, which are open 24 hours a day.

Should something urgent happen, the emergency number throughout Italy is 112.

Travel insurance in the mountains

Before you leave, check your travel insurance to make sure it covers mountain activities for the whole family.

Some policies exclude hiking above a certain altitude or don’t include coverage for skiing or climbing accidents.

Read the terms carefully and consider adding extra coverage if needed.

Also, don’t forget to bring your blue EU health insurance card if you’re from a European country.

We’ve often used SafetyWing for travel insurance. We also like World Nomads and True Traveller (adlinks). All three compared here.

Our best tips for travelling in the Dolomites with children

• Choose your base wisely. Stay somewhere close to cable cars, playgrounds, and day trip options.
• Plan with breathing room. Allow time for spontaneous breaks, playground stops as well as the tempo of the the children instead of cramming in too many activities. Transport can often take longer than expected.
• Manage your expectations. If you come during the summer holidays/peak season, you’ll be sharing the Dolomites with lots of other people.
• Follow the signs. Most trails are well marked with red and white flags (often with route numbers). However, the time estimates can be a bit optimistic.
• Check the opening times for cable cars, themed playgrounds, water parks and climbing parks. Many attractions and mountain huts are only open during specific seasons (most commonly from June to September and again in winter).
• Be prepared for changing weather. Conditions can shift quickly and be very unreliable in the mountains. It often rains in the afternoon, though you never know in the Dolomites, so always check the forecast before setting off.
• Dress in layers and bring extra clothes for the children. The weather at altitude can change quickly, and it often feels colder than expected.
• Wear proper footwear. Hiking shoes or sturdy sneakers with a good grip make the hike more enjoyable.
• Bring food, drinks and snacks on hikes. It makes it easier to enjoy breaks with a view and on many hiking routes, and at mountain huts, you’ll also find places to refill your water.
• Use sunscreen and bring sun protection. The sun can be intense in the summer, and some playgrounds don’t have much shade.
• Remember to bring cash. Some refuges and parking areas don’t accept cards.

Sustainable travel tips

To travel as sustainably as possible, we recommend the following:

• Bring your own drinking water in a refillable bottle.
• Avoid disposable plastics.
• Dispose of waste properly and don’t leave anything behind.
• Take only photos and leave only footprints. Avoid picking flowers or taking anything from nature with you.
• Stick to the marked paths.
• Show consideration towards other visitors.
• Respect the local wildlife.

Thank you for reading along

Thank you for reading our guide to travelling to the Dolomites with children.

We hope it has inspired you to enjoy fun and memorable experiences with your family!

Don’t hesitate to ask us anything in the comments below if you have any questions. We are happy to help.

And if you’ve already explored the Dolomites with children, we’d love to hear your best tips and advice.