Things to Do in Lake Garda for Families

Things to Do in Lake Garda for Families, Discover the Magic:

Nestled against the foothills of the Dolomites in Northern Italy, Lake Garda enchants visitors with its turquoise waters, colorful villages, Mediterranean climate and abundance of family-friendly adventures. Italy’s largest lake offers the quintessential setting for an unforgettable getaway with kids of all ages. From fun parks to boat rides, gelato tasting to mountain hikes, Lake Garda serves up experiences to thrill little ones and parents alike. Discover why this Italian jewel is an idyllic destination for families.

Kid-Approved Attractions

Lake Gardaprovides endless options to entertain and delight children from toddlers to teens. These attractions top the list:

• Gardaland – Italy’s number one theme park promises rides, shows, games and adventures to wow kids of any age. Attractions like the Peppa Pig Land and Gardaland SEA LIFE Aquarium cater to young ones while rollercoasters satisfy older kids’ need for speed and thrills.
• Canevaworld Waterpark – On hot summer days, kids can splash down waterslides, float in wave pools or traverse adventure courses at this exciting waterpark near Lazise. Little ones also love the cartoon characters and kid zones.
• Parco Giardino Sigurta – Wander beautifully manicured gardens full of colorful flowers, exotic trees, ponds and swans at Italy’s renowned botanical park. Kids of all ages appreciate the spacious lawns, enchanting trails and interactive activities.
• Parco Natura Viva – Get up close with hundreds of exotic creatures like giraffes, rhinos, elephants and tigers at this interactive safari park and zoo near Lake Garda. Educational shows and exhibits engage kids in learning about nature.
• Gardaland SEA LIFE Aquarium – Located inside Gardaland amusement park, this aquarium houses thousands of creatures from freshwater and saltwater environments worldwide. Observe sharks, seahorses, piranhas and glowing jellyfish for maritime fun.
• Alps & Dolomites Excursions – Ride cable cars and chairlifts up into the mountains for breathtaking views and hikes through Alpine landscapes. Spot wildflowers, waterfalls and grazing sheep as you explore a fairytale world above the lake.

Kid-Friendly Beaches and Boating

Nothing beats time at the beach or on the water during an Italian escape. Lake Garda beaches offer perfect places for families to play:

• Baia delle Sirene – This expansive beach with playgrounds and pedal boats delights kids in Garda village. The shallow, protected waters make it an ideal choice for young swimmers.
• Spiaggia d’Oro – Children adore the long sandy beach, jungle gym and kayak rentals at Sirmione’s Golden Beach. The nearby aquarium and gelaterias provide added entertainment.
• Pra’ del Principe – Families flock to this pebbly beach near Toscolano-Maderno for its playground, cafe, and gentle slope into shallow waters.
• Sailing, Boat Tours and Ferry Rides – Glide across the lake and take in the panoramic views on a sailing adventure, tourist boat or car ferry connecting towns like Sirmione and Malcesine.

Historic Towns and Villages

In addition to beaches, Lake Garda’s charming villages enthral kids with winding cobblestone lanes, ruins to explore, piazzas to run about, and delicious gelato to sample. Can’t-miss towns include:

• Sirmione – Wander the medieval castle walls, take in sweeping lake views, sample lemon gelato, and spot swans around the moat in this storybook peninsular village.
• Riva del Garda – Stroll the lakeside promenade and climb the stone steps up to Riva’s hilltop fortress for fantastic views that will impress both kids and parents.
• Malcesine – Ride the cable car up Monte Baldo, then explore Malcesine’s castle, quaint port, and winding alleyways full of shops and cafes.
• Limone sul Garda – Learn about the history of lemon growing, let kids play in lakeside parks, then sample lemón-infused dishes and gelato.
• Garda – See the Hruska Botanic Gardens’ exotic plants, relax on pretty promenade’s beaches, and enjoy lakefront dining in this classically charming town.

Family-Friendly Hikes and Bike Rides

Lake Garda provides no shortage of family adventures to please active kids and parents. Outdoor activities abound:

• Guided day hikes in the mountains – Spot wildflowers and roaming goats and sheep on kid-friendly mountain hikes starting from towns like Riva del Garda, Limone sul Garda and Malcesine.
• Cycling through olive groves – Rent bikes suitable for the whole family and pedal along Garda’s scenic bike paths, stopping at farms and vineyards along the way.
• Climbing and boating centers – Learn to rock climb or paddleboard as a family at the many surf clubs and boating centers dotting the lake.
• Ropes courses and tree climbing parks – Trycourses with obstacles, bridges, and zip lines up in the trees at parks inGarda and Tremosine for an adventurous family outing.

Mouthwatering Meals and Gelato

Fuel up for Lake Garda’s nonstop fun and explore Italian cuisine together at family-friendly restaurants and gelaterias. Don’t miss:

• Osteria Antica Pozza in Garda – Handmade pasta like spinach and ricotta ravioli in an authentic trattoria.
• La Rucola restaurantin Sirmione – Lakeside dining with pizza, homemade lasagna, and a kids’ menu.
• Ristorante Alla Tana in Riva del Garda – Meatballs, bolognese, and other local favorites served in a rustic mountain lodge setting.
• La Bottega del Gelato in Limone sul Garda – Gelato shop crafting incredible fresh lemon gelato and fruity Italian ices.
• Pasticceria Veneta in Bardolino – Sweet and savory pastries, tarts, crepes, and the best tiramisu for dessert.

Ideal Family Hotels

Lake Garda offers accommodations sure to please every member of the family:

• Family Comfort Desenzano – Apartments with kitchenettes, pools, playground and organized kids’ activities.
• Hotel du Lac in Garda – Cots, highchairs, children’s pool and playroom, plus babysitting services available.
• Hotel Eden in Limone sul Garda – Apartments with up to three bedrooms, playground, baby equipment and nursery.
• Lefay Resort & Spa – Luxurious five-star resort with family suites, kids’ club, multiple pools and programs for all ages.

Lake Garda delivers la dolce vita ambiance paired with world-class attractions and amenities for families. The lake’s natural beauty, overall safety and walkability, range of activities, playgrounds and beaches give every member of the family the chance to create magical memories together in Italy. Start planning your Lake Garda adventures today!

Water Sports to enjoy at Lake Garda with Family

Splash into Fun: Water Sports Galore at Lake Garda!

Boasting turquoise waters set against craggy cliffs and olive-groved hillsides, Lake Garda entices visitors to jump in for some aquatic action. As Italy’s largest lake, Garda serves up premier conditions for every type of water sport imaginable. From world-class windsurfing to pleasure boating, kiteboarding to kayaking, the opportunities for fun on the water seem endless. This adventure paradise beckons both casual dabblers and serious thrill-seekers alike. Here’s an overview of the amazing array of water sports that make a Lake Garda getaway unforgettable:

Windsurfing

Thanks to consistent winds and extensive shallows, Lake Garda ranks among the top windsurfing destinations globally. Wind levels peak in the morning and late afternoon, when experts carve up the waves at top speeds. The northern towns of Torbole and Riva del Garda are particularly renowned windsurfing spots. Beginner-friendly shallow areas allow newcomers to learn the ropes before venturing into more advanced conditions offshore. Schools like Surf Segnana and BetaImpact provide lessons and rent equipment to get you riding the breeze.

Sailing

Lake Garda’s breezy conditions also create premier sailing waters. Towns like Gargnano, Bogliaco, and Riva del Garda have a long tradition of sailing and boatbuilding. Marinas dotting the shores offer lessons along with crafts like small dinghies, classic wooden sailboats and fast hydrofoils for rent. Family cruising, regattas, and week-long “flotilla” group sailing adventures make the most of Garda’s ideal winds. Major events include the Centomiglia Regatta’s 160km race up the lake each September. Whether you’re learning the ropes or tacking with a crew, Lake Garda serves up sailing for all levels.

Kitesurfing

The latest evolution in boardsports, kitesurfing has exploded on Lake Garda as devotees harness the wind to get big air on their kites. Riders get lifted into the waves as they grip their board and pilot their canopy. Lecco, Torbole and Malcesine are top spots for this action sport. The Garda Kiteboarding School teaches beginners safety and techniques before they attempt to catch the breeze. Kitesurfing on Lake Garda lets adrenaline junkies fly over the water at exhilarating speeds.

Kayaking and Canoeing

Paddling yourself around Lake Garda provides a peaceful perspective from water level. Towns like Riva del Garda, Desenzano, Garda village and Sirmione have kayak rentals for singles and tandems. Gentle areas like the Sirmione peninsula are perfect for beginner paddling. More experienced kayakers can traverse longer distances across open water. Canoe rentals are also available for casual paddling in calm areas protected from motorboats. Guided tours provide instruction and easy exploration. Whichever way you paddle, Lake Garda is a beautiful place to take in the sights at an unhurried pace.

Motorboating

Zip across the waves or cruise scenic shores on a motorboat rental. Many towns along Lake Garda offer boats with outboard motors for hourly to full-day rental. With proper licenses, you can explore highlights like secluded bays and island gardens otherwise unreachable except by water. Consider booking a captained tour on a vintage Riva speedboat for an ultimate Italian aquatic experience. For families and groups, festive party boats are available too. Feel the wind in your hair as Garda’s villages slip by on a sleek motorboat.

Scuba Diving

The exceptionally clear waters make Lake Garda a globally renowned freshwater diving destination. Its unique underwater geology features interesting rock formations, tunnels and cave-like overhangs to explore. Lake Garda diving also uncovers wrecks and relics of ancient villages drowned from rising water levels millennia ago. Dive schools like the Lake Garda Diving Center cater to varied skill levels. The lake’s long history and mysterious depths provide an exciting underwater realm for scuba enthusiasts.

Stand Up Paddleboarding (SUP)

Paddleboarding has quickly caught on across Lake Garda as a fun way to surf the lake while taking in panoramic views. Gentler wave conditions in places like Baia delle Sirene in Garda suit beginners learning proper balancing techniques before venturing farther out. Rental outfits like Surf Club Torbole supply boards and equipment. Paddleboard yoga classes add a twist to “SUP-ing” on the water. Balancing composed yoga poses as the board gently rocks takes your practice to new levels.

Wakeboarding and Waterskiing

Prefer a powered boost over the waves? Skimming Lake Garda’s waters on a wakeboard or waterskis provides high-throttle thrills. The Toscolano Maderno area is renowned for watersports towed by speedboats. Wakeboarders gain air hitting the boat wake, performing aerials and tricks. At spots like H2O Gardawaterslide complexes offer lessons and family-friendly wakeboarding on artificial cable systems. Waterskiing gets you up on two skis zooming across the lake at up to 40mph.

Fishing

Anglers adore Lake Garda for its renowned trout, pike, carp and char fisheries. The lake contains over 20 species of prized sportfish. Towns like Gargnano cater to fishing enthusiasts with equipment rentals and guided excursions. Lake fishing licenses are required and strict regulations govern the size and number kept. Whether casting from shore or trolling mid-lake, a fresh catch is a rewarding bonus to a day on the water.

Rowing and Paddling

Rowing’s longer oars and seated stance sets it apart from kayaking and canoeing. Garda’s rowing clubs offer lessons and excursions where you can experience propelling a slender sculling boat Catullus-style. Stand-up paddleboarders race courses outlined with buoys during PDW nights in towns like Torbole for friendly competition. Simple stand-up paddle craft provide accessible fun for casual paddlers too.

Jet Skiing

Thrill seekers will delight in Lake Garda’s authorized jet ski zones, where riders can launch off waves at high speeds. Fast-paced tours let you take powerful jet skis for a spin across the lake. With a guide leading and proper safety gear, jet skiing provides high-octane excitement between other lake pursuits. Just be ready to get wet on the bumpy ride!

With this breakdown of popular watersports, visitors have full insight into the diverse aquatic adventures Lake Garda affords. World-renowned for its ideal wind and wave conditions, the lake offers exceptional versatility across water activities to entice newcomers and experts alike. Whether you’re up for leisurely paddling, waterslides with the kids, or racing across the lake, embracing Lake Garda’s watery playground promises the vacation of a lifetime. Get ready to make a splash!

Castles and Fortresses to Visit with Family around Lake Garda

Explore Medieval Marvels: Castles & Fortresses of Lake Garda

As Northern Italy’s largest lake, Garda has long held strategic importance reflected by the many imposing castles and fortresses dotting its shores. These spectacular medieval strongholds capture kids’ imaginations and intrigue history buffs of any age with tales of wars and conquests, rulers and tyrants. Touring the castles by boat, car or foot makes for an unforgettable family adventure. Here are some of Lake Garda’s mightiest bastions and the stories behind them:

Scaliger Castle, Sirmione

Sirmione’s iconic Scaliger Castle perched on a peninsula evokes fairytales with its dramatic towers and crenelated walls. Built in the late 1200s by the Della Scala family, it still imposes over Garda’s southern shores. Walk the ramparts for stunning lake panoramas. Kids will delight in the story of a nobleman who rode his horse off the highest tower into the lake to elope with his true love. Museums display archeological finds, and a harborfront drawbridge provides the perfect photo op.

Rocca Scaligera, Sirmione

At the entrance to Sirmione stands this smaller 13th century fortified dock. The robust towers protected Scaliger warships while acting as a customs gate. Climb to the rooftop terrace for lake vistas. Inside, the castle houses the Museo Civico archaeology collections including Roman artifacts and medieval arms. The docksite’s strategic position showcases why Sirmione became such a valued stronghold.

Castle of Malcesine

Dramatically situated on a cliff sheer above Lake Garda, Malcesine Castle affords breathtaking views. Originally built in the 6th century, it evolved into an imposing medieval fortress annexed by Verona’s Della Scala family. Visitors can scale the sturdy walls and bastions for fantastic photo spots and explore the castle’s history from Lombard to Venetian rule. The Goethe Room details the German author’s visit in 1786.

Arco Fortress

Rising above olive groves in the hillside town of Arco, this imposing 1500s Venetian fortress bears hallmarks of military architect Michele Sanmicheli. Massive corner bastions and angled walls allowed crossfire against enemies approaching from lake or land. Walk the fortress grounds and clamber up stairs to the monumental gateway for scenic vistas over Garda. Museums display local history exhibits, weapons and artifacts discovered on site.

La Rocca and Castel San Pietro, Riva del Garda

These neighboring cliffside fortresses safeguarded medieval Riva at strategic points. La Rocca’s ruins contain the Torre Apponale tower boasting panoramic Garda views. Nearby Castel San Pietro was ruled by prince-bishops who turned it into a lavish residential palace in the 1500s. Wandering the castle grounds and towers makes a nice outing along Riva’s lakeshore.

Forte San Nicolò, Riva del Garda

At Lake Garda’s northern tip, this 18th century Habsburg fort occupies a commanding position with amazing views. Austrians built it using the latest military advances in artillery emplacements and angular bastions. Displays recreate barrack life for soldiers stationed here before Italian unification. Kids will enjoy spotting guns peeking from the ramparts. The scenic placement wows visitors today like it guarded the headwaters for centuries.

Castello Scaligero, Malcesine

Not be confused with Sirmione’s castle, the Scaliger Fortress in Malcesine dates to the late 13th century with its recognizable swallowtail battlements. It sits right on the harbor as a reminder of medieval power politics between Verona and Venice. Climb the 30m high tower for stunning lake vistas. The castle houses a natural history museum focused on local geology, flora and fauna. Don’t miss the cell containing Goethe’s writing desk!

Rocca di Garda

Perched midway up sheer cliffs, this photogenic castle complex sprawls across a series of terraces. Starting as medieval fortified dwellings, it was expanded by architect Sanmicheli in the 16th century into an imposing Renaissance palace. While now a private residence, it still impresses sightseers down on the lake. Tours access parts of the grounds and elegant interiors. The vertigo-inducing site conveys its strategic dominance over Lake Garda through the ages.

Castello di Brenzone

Resembling a mini town unto itself, the imposing Castello di Brenzone crowns a wooded hilltop above bustling Porto harbor. The feudal castle origins trace to the 10th century with current fortifications dating from Venetian rule. Walk the formidable walls lined with towers for striking views over Lake Garda’s mountainous scenery. The 15th century Courtyard of Honor and church add architectural interest.

Rocca di Manerba

Also called the “Rock of the Fallen Moon”, this lakeside crag was fortified as early as Roman times due to its tactical position. In the Middle Ages, opposing Italian city-states vied for control of the rocky outcrop with its nearly sheer walls. Visitors today can hike up paths and ladders to breach the castle summit. The rare “double courtyard” layout showcases medieval military design. Enjoy dizzying lake vistas from the decaying ramparts.

Castle of Valeggio sul Mincio

Just off Lake Garda’s shore near Peschiera del Garda, imposing medieval Valeggio Castle overlooks the river Mincio. Origins date to the 800s AD with expansions by Verona’s Scaliger dynasty. Inside, the castle’s museums and grounds bring history to life through furnishings, torture devices and ancient graffiti drawings discovered on site. Costumed tours and events like Valeggio’s Middle Ages feud recreate the castle’s fascinating past.

Whether on boat tours or roadtrips between charming lakeside villages, Lake Garda’s castles steal the scene with their imposing battlements and rich histories. As families explore these medieval marvels, tales of knights, tyrants, wars and conquests come alive. Kids gain insight into epochs when Garda castles held the keys to power. While beautiful from afar, the castles’ secrets and engineering genius impress most up close. When visiting Lake Garda, make time to experience the majesty of these lakeside bastions!

Adventure and Theme Parks for families to visit around Lake Garda:

Soar to New Heights: Adventure Parks Await at Lake Garda!

Beyond its beautiful shores and villages, Lake Garda thrills families with an array of exciting adventure parks. Zip lining through forests, climbing aerial obstacle courses, screaming down waterslides, and stepping into farms and museums – the parks surrounding Garda promise action, education and laughs for all ages. Families find challenges to conquer together and memories to cherish at these top Lake Garda parks:

Canevaworld Aquapark

Make a splash at this large waterpark next to the Lake Garda town of Lazise. Canevaworld features over 30 exciting waterslides and attractions spread across three themed areas. Get your adrenaline pumping on rides like the 60km/hr Kamikaze and multiperson Kraken Racers. Let loose on slides with loops like Black Hole and get drenched under a giant tipping bucket. Little ones have toddler areas and splash pools just for them. Ride a wave pool, drift along a lazy river, and enjoy entertainment at this family-friendly “daycation”.

Movieland Park

Step onto elaborate movie sets recreating scenes at this movie theme park near Lazise. Thrill at stunt shows, special effects displays, and rides based on blockbusters like Ghostbusters, Rambo, and Gladiator. The recently added Gardaland area covers cartoons and kids’ movies. Meet characters, catch live shows, wander through immersive sets, and enjoy rides, games, restaurants and shops inspired by the magic of cinema at this one-of-a-kind park.

Il Vittoriale degli Italiani

Once the palatial estate of Italian poet Gabriele d’Annunzio, this sprawling hillside museum-park overlooking Lake Garda makes for an unforgettable outing. Tour the villa’s decadent rooms filled with artifacts, mementos and the aeronautical prow of a WWI ship. Marvel at the quirky harbor, planes, war museum and even d’Annunzio’s mausoleum. Concerts, events and guided tours illuminate how this controversial figure shaped Italian history and culture. It’s equal parts history, art and nature.

Gardaland Amusement Park

Italy’s most popular theme park promises fun for all ages just south of Lake Garda. Gardaland features over 40 rides and attractions like rollercoasters, dark rides, simulators, shows, games, shops and restaurants. Don’t miss the Gardaland SEA LIFE Aquarium next door. Newer areas include Peppa Pig Land for little ones and Marvel superheroes. Teens love the thrill rides while young children enjoy scaled-down options. With rides, entertainment and immersive theming, Gardaland makes memories to last a lifetime.

Parco Sigurtà

Wander through stunning botanical gardens that are Italy’s second largest park. Located near Verona, Sigurtà Park covers 600 acres boasting countless flower varieties, architectural follies, expansive lawns, and elaborate landscaping. Children delight in feeding swans, exploring the maze, and riding bikes or rowboats around the grounds. Woodland walking trails, ponds and wildlife spotting make this serene green jewel the perfect family nature retreat.

Parco Natura Viva

Get close to nearly 1,000 creatures at this safari park near Verona that houses animals from across the globe. Parco Natura Viva provides open habitat enclosures where families can observe exotic species like elephants, rhinos, tigers, zebras, lemurs, wallabies, and orangutans. Educational shows, feedings and interactive displays help visitors learn about wildlife conservation efforts. An unforgettable chance to connect with nature and amazing creatures.

Acquario di Gardaland

Located at the Gardaland theme park, this aquarium houses thousands of creatures from freshwater and marine habitats worldwide. Kids and parents will be fascinated observing sharks, brightly colored fish, eels, octopuses, piranhas, seahorses and more through huge tanks and displays. Special exhibits feature reptiles and nocturnal creatures. An elevated transparent tunnel puts you in the middle of the underwater action – an immersive aquatic experience!

Garda Adventure Park

Families and adventure seekers flock to this activity park north of Lake Garda in Riva del Garda. Set at the base of towering Mount Rocchetta, it offers myriad ways to challenge yourself. Test your skills on aerial rope courses, suspension bridges, vertical ladders and towering climbing walls overlooking the valley. Guided rock climbing and rappelling excursions head up the cliffs. With via ferrata routes too, this park packs in the high-adrenaline thrills!

Parco Giardino Sigurtà

From April through October, this beautiful botanical park near Valeggio sul Mincio village showcases 80 acres of impeccable gardens. Blooming flowers, winding paths, ponds, and breathtaking architecture unfold before you. Children delight in feeding graceful swans, exploring the labyrinth, or riding bikes and rowboats. With its proximity to Lake Garda and family-friendly features, Sigurtà Park makes for an inspiring natural escape.

A day at any of Lake Garda’s incredible parks satisfies the need for excitement, education, and family bonding. Amazing rides, shows, animals, and nature cater to kids’ thirst for fun and exploration. Parents enjoy quality time together watching their children thrill to new experiences. Lake Garda offers attractions to create special memories amid beautiful Italian landscapes and charming villages. The adventures never stop at Garda’s fantastic parks!

Hiking adventures for families around Lake Garda:

Happy Trails: Hiking Adventures for All at Lake Garda!

Beyond Lake Garda’s glittering waters lie countless hiking opportunities to immerse in the beauty of the surrounding mountains. With trails catering to all abilities, hiking provides outdoor fun and scenery guaranteed to inspire families. From cliffside strolls to Alpine treks, Garda’s routes reward with panoramas, villages, ruins, and nature. Work up an appetite before pasta and gelato! Here are top hikes for families around Italy’s largest lake:

La Rocca Trail, Riva del Garda

This short 1-mile loop packs in epic views of Lake Garda and the mountains rising behind Riva del Garda. The well-graded path winds up to the ruins of medieval La Rocca fortress. Gaze out at the breathtaking vistas of blue waters fringed by colorful villages. Interpretive signs detail Riva’s history and geology including fossils found on site. Perfect for families wanting an easy shoreside hike.

Guil Trail, Tremosine

Hike through a scenic gorge carved over millennia by the Brasa torrent’s rushing waters near Tremosine. The trail runs 2.5 miles along wooden steps, bridges, and tunnels with the chasm walls towering above. Plaques describe the gorge’s unique geology. Kids will love exploring this rocky corridor with waterfalls before the path returns to Alpine meadows and mountain vistas.

Ponale Trail, Riva del Garda

Tracing a disused military route high above Lake Garda’s northern shores, this hike stretches 6 miles between Riva del Garda and Pregasina hamlet. The well-graded path offers tremendous lake panorama along sheer cliffs. Cyclists and families also use it to access beaches and restaurants. Trailside markers recount the history of this hillside alpine road prized by figureheads like Winston Churchill.

San Giovanni Walk, Garda

Starting from the famed Punta San Vigilio lakeside hotel, this loop trail traverses coves, olive and citrus groves, and quaint villages above Garda village. The 4-mile route boasts nonstop lake vistas from the cliffs and includes stops at churches, a heliport, and historic quarries used by ancient Romans. While moderately steep, families can attempt shorter portions like the 1-mile walk to Punta San Vigilio’s scenic cape.

Mount Luppia Loop, Lake Ledro

For Alpine scenery, take the gondola from Riva del Garda up to this 5-mile loop circumnavigating Lake Ledro. It summits panoramic Mount Luppia then descends through forests and traditional hamlets back to the lakefront. Benches mark spots to rest and soak up the views. Interpretive signs describe local history and biomes. Ledro’s emerald waters invite a swim after the family-friendly hike.

Cascata del Varone Trail, Tenno

Marvel at Lake Garda’s highest free-falling waterfall on this short 1-mile loop near Tenno village. Metal stairs and bridges allow observing this thunderous cascade from every angle in its narrow, fern-coated gorge. Clifftop views reveal Lake Garda in the distance. An ideal leg-stretcher hike for families topped off by the impressive waterfall as its highlight.

Monte Baldo Ridge Hike

Reached by cable car from Malcesine, Monte Baldo offers boundless hiking options across alpine meadows bejeweled with wildflowers. Families can walk a 2-mile section of the alpine ridge line along offshoot trails for spectacular views over Lake Garda from 5,774 feet (1,760 meters). More ambitious routes continue farther but all hikers are rewarded with 360° vistas, mountain refuges, and flora and fauna.

Olive Grove Trail, Limone sul Garda

While just .6 miles long, this trail immerses hikers in the olive groves blanketing Limone’s hillsides high above Lake Garda’s western shore. Signs identify olive varieties and describe cultivation techniques that transform the area’s steep slopes into fertile terraces. Watch for grazing goats, birds, and butterflies too. Short, sweet hikes give kids a taste of agriculture’s link to the land.

Anello del Marangon, Gardone Riviera

Ringing the mountain above Gardone, this 5-mile loop circles scenic limestone crags passing through woodlands and olive groves. The shaded trail affords respite on hot days. A short side path leads to a cave used as partisan hideout in WWII before reaching panoramic hilltop views over Garda. With gentle elevation gains, most ages can complete the lovely hike showing nature’s more rugged side.

Lake Garda’s surroundings tempt families to lace up their hiking boots and explore outdoors together. The trails deliver scenery, serenity, and bonding everyone will cherish. Hikes range from short and easy to lengthier adventures that burn energy and forge memories. Legs get exercise while eyes drink in mountain vistas, villages, waterfalls and more. However you #hikeLakeGarda, these happy trails promise fantastic family times surrounded by beauty.

This article is written by me Eugenio, you should you trust because I also have 2 daughters and we already visited 75% of all this locations in 8 years in Italy and we know Things to Do in Lake Garda for Families!

Have a great Holdiays. Enjoy!

FAQs

Q: What are the top family-friendly attractions around Lake Garda?

A: Popular attractions include Gardaland amusement park, Caneva waterpark, Parco Natura Viva zoo, Parco Sigurtà gardens, Il Vittoriale museum estate, and Sirmione’s Scaliger Castle and port.

Q: What activities can kids enjoy at Lake Garda?

A: Great activities for kids include swimming, boating, cycling, hiking, visiting adventure parks, learning watersports, exploring caves, and sampling gelato. There are also events like festivals, markets, and shows.

Q: Are there kid-friendly hotel options?

A: Many hotels offer family rooms, children’s pools/clubs, playgrounds, baby equipment, and organized activities. Good family picks include Camping Village, Du Lac et Du Parc Grand Resort, and Family Park Hotel Cavallino.

Q: What is there to do on a rainy day around Lake Garda?

A: Indoor options for rainy days include the Gardaland SEA LIFE Aquarium, museums, thermal spas, shopping villages, and interactive learning centers like GardaVR Experience and Museum of Olive Oil.

Q: What is the best way to get around with kids?

A: Getting around with kids can be done by rental car, riding ferries between towns, using taxis, taking family bike rides, and walking for shorter distances. Use strollers appropriate for cobblestone streets.