Where to Stay in the Dolomites with Children: Best Family Hotels & Areas

The perfect base for a family holiday in the mountains

Choosing where to stay in the Dolomites with children is one of the most important decisions you’ll make when planning your trip.

The mountain range is bigger than many people expect, and staying in the wrong spot can mean long drives just to reach the trailhead, lake or playground you had in mind.

The good news is that the Dolomites are exceptionally well set up for families.

Family hotels in the Dolomites tend to come with a long list of extras as standard – think kids’ clubs, family rooms, playgrounds, pools and children’s menus!

We have visited the Dolomites five times and know the different areas well, though without children.

Now with two little ones, we’re hoping to bring them soon, so here you’ll get our research combined with our experience from multiple trips to the Dolomites.

In this guide, we cover the best areas and family-friendly hotels in the Dolomites across different price ranges, whether you’re planning a summer hiking trip or a winter ski holiday with the kids.

The best family-friendly hotels in the Dolomites:

• 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.

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Summer or winter?

Most families visit the Dolomites either in summer for hiking, lakes and outdoor activities, or in winter for skiing and snow adventures.

Both seasons are brilliant for families with children, though they offer very different experiences.

Summer (roughly June to September) is ideal for easy hikes in the Dolomites, lake visits, cable car rides and playground stops.

The mountain passes are open, the cable cars run and the weather is generally at its most stable.

July and August are peak season, so expect more crowds and higher prices – but also the liveliest atmosphere with mountain huts, restaurants and family activity parks all in full swing.

Winter (roughly December to April) brings excellent skiing in the Dolomites with children.

The Dolomiti Superski area covers over 1,200 kilometres of pistes across 12 resorts, with dedicated children’s ski areas, ski schools and toboggan runs at most resorts.

Many family hotels in the Dolomites are set up specifically for ski holidays with ski storage, boot dryers and easy access to lifts.

If you’re visiting outside these two peak windows (in May, late September or October), it’s worth checking carefully which cable cars, activity parks and mountain huts are open, as many close during the shoulder months.

We’ve visited the Dolomites for hiking on five different occasions, and we’d recommend reading our dedicated guide to the best hikes and viewpoints if that’s your focus.

In our comprehensive guide to travelling to the Dolomites with children, you can read more about activities and things to do as a family in the mountains.

For a broader overview of when to visit, our seasonal guide covers both summer and winter in detail.

Where to stay in the Dolomites with children

Finding the right base is key to a successful family holiday in the Dolomites.

Since the area is quite large, staying somewhere with easy access to the places you want to visit will save you a lot of time and energy – especially with young children in tow.

It’s also worth thinking carefully about what kind of trip you want.

If you’d like to visit several different areas, splitting your stay between two bases can work really well and gives you a much broader experience of the mountains.

Below, we cover the different areas and best family hotels in the Dolomites to help you find the right fit for your trip.

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

Map of the best areas to stay in the Dolomites

On the map below, we’ve marked the best areas to stay in the Dolomites with green house icons, so you can see how they’re positioned in relation to the hikes and viewpoints featured in our comprehensive hiking guide.

Val Gardena (Gröden)

Val Gardena is one of the most well-connected and popular valleys in the Dolomites, and for good reason – it’s an excellent base for families in both summer and winter.

The valley is easy to reach from the motorway and gives direct access to some of the Dolomites’ most iconic spots, including Alpe di Siusi (Seiser Alm) and Seceda, both of which are reachable by cable car and ideal for families with children of all ages.

The towns of Ortisei (St. Ulrich), Santa Cristina and Selva di Val Gardena (adlinks) each have their own character, but all offer a good mix of restaurants, shops, playgrounds and family-friendly facilities.

Selva is particularly well-placed for skiing, with direct access to the slopes and lifts.

For easy hikes in the Dolomites, Val Gardena is one of the best starting points – from gentle valley walks in Vallunga to the interactive PanaRaida Adventure Trail near Santa Cristina, there’s plenty to keep children entertained without anyone needing to tackle a serious climb.

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

Family-friendly hotels in Val Gardena

Hotel Albion Mountain Spa Resort (Ortisei)

As a well-established family favourite in the heart of Ortisei, Hotel Albion ticks a lot of boxes for travelling with children.

This 4-star hotel offers spacious family rooms, a large outdoor playground, organised children’s activities and a handy shuttle bus to the centre of town.

There’s also an extra-large playroom with a slide and computer games, giving kids plenty to do whatever the weather.

The spa and wellness facilities mean parents get some time to themselves too, with both an indoor pool and a panoramic heated outdoor pool, as well as hot tubs for relaxing after a day in the mountains.

All in all, it’s a great all-rounder for families who want both comfort and convenience.

See prices and availability at Hotel Albion Mountain Spa Resort (adlink).

Hotel Garni Villa Park (Ortisei)

For families who like a bit more independence, Hotel Garni Villa Park offers spacious family rooms and apartments with kitchenettes – a real bonus when travelling with young children in our opinion.

It’s centrally located within walking distance of lifts and ski school, and includes free entry to the Mar Dolomit water park, which has children’s pools and a slide.

A solid choice if you want flexibility alongside good facilities.

See prices and availability at Hotel Garni Villa Park (adlink).

Biancaneve Family Hotel (Selva)

Biancaneve is one of the most child-focused hotels in Val Gardena, with indoor and outdoor pools, a mini club, play areas and easy access to both the slopes and walking trails.

Activity programmes run throughout the day, and the facilities for families with young children are excellent.

If you’re looking for a hotel that takes the hard work out of keeping children entertained, this is one of the best family hotels in the Dolomites for exactly that.

Families staying with kids love this hotel, and we could easily spend a few days here ourselves.

See prices and availability at Biancaneve Family Hotel (adlink).

Cortina d’Ampezzo (Hayden)

Cortina is the largest and liveliest town in the Dolomites, with a sophisticated atmosphere and a stunning mountain setting that’s hard to beat.

It’s particularly well suited to families with slightly older children, who’ll appreciate the mix of dramatic scenery, easy access to iconic spots like Tre Cime and Lago di Sorapis as well as the buzz of a proper mountain town.

Staying in Cortina tends to be on the pricier side, but we think the location and setting largely justifies it.

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

Family-friendly hotels in Cortina d’Ampezzo

Faloria Mountain Spa Resort

For families with younger children, Faloria Mountain Spa Resort is one of the standout options in Cortina.

This elegant 5-star hotel has indoor and outdoor pools, a full spa and spacious, well-appointed rooms.

A kids’ club, playground and child-friendly menus are all available, and there are even free snacks between 16 and 17:30 (sounds like a lifesaver, right?).

During the winter season, babysitting and ski school can also be arranged – making it a very convenient base for a skiing holiday in the Dolomites with children.

See prices and availability at Faloria Mountain Spa Resort (adlink).

Rosapetra SPA Resort

Rosapetra is an exclusive boutique hotel just outside the centre of Cortina that offers 33 rooms, a spa with sauna, ice bath and pool, and a calm, elegant atmosphere.

It’s best suited to families with older children who are looking for a blend of luxury, tranquillity and easy access to both the town and nature.

A shuttle bus to the centre is included, which makes it easy to combine relaxation at the hotel with exploring Cortina and the surrounding mountains.

See prices and availability at Rosapetra SPA Resort (adlink).

Alta Pusteria (Hochpustertal)

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

The charming, child-friendly towns of Sesto, San Candido and Dobbiaco sit close together and are surrounded by some of the most dramatic scenery in the entire mountain range.

Versciaco and Moos are some other lovely small towns in the valley.

For families, Alta Pusteria is a brilliant base – close to Tre Cime di Lavaredo and Lago di Braies, packed with playgrounds and easy walking routes, and home to some of the best-equipped family hotels in the Dolomites.

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

Family-friendly hotels in Alta Pusteria

Hotel Cavallino Bianco – Weisses Rössl (San Candido)

One of the most well-known family hotels in the Dolomites is the fun-filled Hotel Cavallino Bianco right in the heart of charming San Candido.

It offers an almost overwhelming list of facilities for children: an indoor pool, cinema, bowling alley, kids’ club and several playrooms catering to different age groups.

It’s great for children of all ages – and for parents who appreciate having a bit of grown-up space too.

See prices and availability at Hotel Cavallino Bianco – Weisses Rössl (adlink).

Post Alpina – Family Chalets (Versciaco)

Post Alpina is a charming chalet resort with apartments rather than traditional hotel rooms, but there are still shared swimming pools, a mini club with indoor playrooms and an outdoor playground with swings, a slide and a sandbox.

It’s stylish and in a beautiful mountain setting!

The chalet resort is just a short walk from the Versciaco – Monte Elmo gondola, giving easy access to the 3 Zinnen ski area in winter and a range of hiking trails in summer.

A great choice for families who want the flexibility of an apartment alongside proper hotel-style facilities for children.

See prices and availability at Post Alpina – Family Chalets (adlink).

Rainer Family Resort (Moos)

Situated right on the border with Austria in the northeastern Dolomites, Rainer Family Resort earns its name with an extensive list of child-friendly features: a playground, climbing wall, playroom, indoor water slide and much more.

Family rooms are well thought out, with soundproofed options available for families who value a peaceful night’s sleep.

It’s a solid all-round choice for a Dolomites holiday with kids, particularly for families who want to be close to both Alta Pusteria and the Austrian border area.

See prices and availability at Rainer Family Resort (adlink).

Alta Badia (Hochabtei)

Alta Badia is one of the most scenic areas in the Dolomites, centred around the towns of Corvara, La Villa and San Cassiano.

It’s perhaps best known among skiers for the famous Sella Ronda circuit: a ski route that loops around the Sella massif and connects four valleys, but it’s also a wonderful area for families in summer with easy walks, mountain activity parks and some excellent family-friendly accommodation.

For families visiting the Dolomites with kids, Alta Badia offers a slightly different experience from Val Gardena or Alta Pusteria.

It’s quieter and more scenic with a strong local Ladin culture.

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

Family-friendly hotels in Alta Badia

Movi Family Apart-Hotel (Corvara)

Designed entirely around families, Movi Family Apart-Hotel is one of the most thoughtfully conceived places to stay in the Dolomites with children.

Modern panoramic apartments come with fully equipped kitchens, giving families the flexibility to eat in when needed.

Daily animation and play programmes run for children aged 3-12, and there’s a really cool 150m² indoor kids’ area including a ball pond, crafts corner and construction area.

There’s even babysitting available for the smallest ones.

The hotel’s location in Corvara gives easy access to the Sella Ronda ski circuit in winter, and in summer, there’s a wealth of walking trails and mountain activity parks like the Movimënt leisure & adventure parks, as well as the hotel’s own outdoor playground in the garden.

See prices and availability at Movi Family Apart-Hotel (adlink).

Hotel Störes – Active Wellbeing (San Cassiano)

Located in the peaceful village of San Cassiano in Alta Badia, Hotel Störes is a quiet, family-oriented base with a large garden, playground and climbing wall, right next to the Piz Sorega lift.

This makes it easy to reach the Movimënt Bear Park, a high-alpine play area featuring a “bear den”, zipline, water games and climbing – a true highlight for children visiting the Dolomites.

If you want a calm base with big outdoor adventures just a lift ride away, Hotel Störes looks like a great choice.

See prices and availability at Hotel Störes – Active Wellbeing (adlink).

Family-friendly hotels in the rest of the Dolomites

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

Hotel Emmy (Fiè allo Sciliar)

Under the impressive Sciliar massif, Hotel Emmy offers great mountain views and easy access to the amazing Alpe di Siusi plateau.

Rather than a traditional kids’ club, the hotel encourages shared family experiences with thoughtful indoor and outdoor spaces for all ages.

There’s a playroom with a ball pit, slide, TV and fun games, while older children can enjoy a dedicated gaming room with table football, ping pong, darts and an interactive I-Wall for active play.

Outside, you’ll find a trampoline, slide and swings, as well as a heated kids’ pool to keep little ones entertained.

Spacious family rooms, excellent cuisine and attentive service make it a great choice for families who want a polished stay without sacrificing child-friendly facilities.

See prices and availability at Hotel Emmy (adlink).

Parc Hotel Tyrol (Kastelruth)

In Kastelruth, you’ll find the relaxed, down-to-earth family hotel known as Parc Hotel Tyrol. It’s a practical and welcoming base for exploring the Dolomites with children.

The setting comes with stunning mountain views, while facilities include a trampoline, table tennis, an indoor pool and a playroom, giving kids plenty of ways to stay entertained both inside and out.

On-site dining also makes things easy after a full day of exploring.

The hotel is within easy walking distance of buses and lifts heading up to the always beautiful and very child-friendly Alpe di Siusi.

All of this makes it a great-value option for families who want easy access to the plateau without paying Alpe di Siusi prices.

See prices and availability at Parc Hotel Tyrol (adlink).

Family & Wellness Hotel Fontana (Vigo di Fassa)

Situated in the Fassa Valley with views towards the mountains, Hotel Fontana is one of the most comprehensive family-friendly options in the Dolomites.

The hotel has an impressive 200 m² children’s area designed to spark curiosity and imagination.

It includes a play kitchen, mechanics workshop, small theatre, a multimedia educational desk, a reading corner and a large castle with a ball pit.

Experienced staff run daily activities, making it feel more like a fully fledged kids’ club than a simple play space.

For the youngest guests, there’s also a separate nursery offering free childcare for children up to three years old, complete with sensory games, a soft play area, and dedicated sleeping and eating spaces.

Beyond that, families have access to an indoor pool with a water slide, a climbing wall, a spa and generous daily buffets for all ages – all included in the price, which makes budgeting for the trip much more straightforward.

It’s also conveniently close to both the lifts in Vigo and the beautiful Lago di Carezza.

What’s not to like?

See prices and availability at Family & Wellness Hotel Fontana (adlink).

How to get 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.

If we’re not driving our own car, we usually compare car rental prices on DiscoverCars (adlink), where the prices shown include all mandatory fees, taxes and basic cover, so there are no surprises at pickup.

Public transport

Public transport often 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 best time for a family holiday in the Dolomites depends on what you’re hoping to do.

For hiking, lakes, playgrounds and outdoor activities, the window from June to September is ideal.

The cable cars run, the mountain passes are open and most family activity parks are in full operation.

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, activity parks and mountain huts are closed, which can make it harder to reach some of the most popular spots with children, such as Seceda, Alpe di Siusi and Cinque Torri.

For skiing in the Dolomites with children, the season typically runs from late November to early April, with the most reliable snow from December through March.

Most ski resorts have dedicated children’s areas with lifts and toboggan runs as well as ski schools, and the best family hotels in the Dolomites are well set up for winter stays.

If you’re planning a specific activity or trip, it’s always 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

For a first family visit, we’d suggest planning for at least five to seven days.

This gives you enough time to take things at a relaxed pace, build in playground stops and spontaneous breaks, and still fit in a good mix of lakes, easy hikes and cable car rides without feeling rushed.

If you want to explore more than one area, splitting your stay between two bases works well and helps avoid spending too much time driving.

A few nights in Val Gardena followed by a few nights in Alta Pusteria, for example, gives you access to a wide range of experiences without covering too much ground.

With more than a week, there’s no shortage of things to do – the Dolomites with kids reward longer stays!

If your time is limited, focus on one area and go deep rather than trying to cover the whole mountain range.

You’ll enjoy it more, and so will the children.

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 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 hiking more enjoyable.
• Use sunscreen and bring sun protection. The sun can be intense in the summer, and some playgrounds don’t have much shade.
• Bring food, drinks and snacks on hikes. It makes it easier to enjoy breaks with a view. On many hiking routes and at mountain huts, you’ll also find places to refill your water.
• Remember to bring cash. Some refuges and parking areas don’t accept cards.

Check out all of our best tips for the Dolomites in this comprehensive guide.

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.

Family-friendly activities in the Dolomites

Looking for more inspiration for your Dolomites trip?

Read our guide to the best child-friendly activities and things to do in the Dolomites, where we cover viewpoints and easy hiking trails, valley trails, mountain passes, scenic lakes, playgrounds, as well as tips on safety and security when travelling in the Dolomites with children.

You can also browse our full collection of Dolomites travel guides.

Thank you for reading along

Thank you for reading our guide to where to stay in the Dolomites with children. We hope it’s helped you find the perfect family-friendly base for your trip.

Which area caught your eye for your family holiday in the Dolomites?

If you’ve already visited with kids, we’d love to hear where you stayed and what worked well for your family.

And if you haven’t been yet, feel free to ask us anything in the comments below. We’re happy to help.

More from the Dolomites

We absolutely love the Dolomites. Here are all our guides to the stunning mountains in northeastern Italy, with our best tips for hiking, viewpoints, where to stay, transportation and more.

This article was originally written by Alexander & Victoria on April 12, 2026.