The Dolomites, a UNESCO World Heritage Site in northern Italy, are a breathtaking mountain range that offer families the chance to experience adventure, natural beauty, and rich culture in every season.
Whether you’re visiting with little ones or thrill-seeking teenagers, there’s something magical about this part of the world that makes it ideal for a family holiday.
Here are our top tips for planning a trip to the Dolomites with children of all ages.
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When is the best time to visit the Dolomites with kids?
The Dolomites in Italy are a true year-round destination, but the best time to visit depends on what kind of family holiday you’re after.
Summer, from June to September, is ideal for outdoor adventures like hiking, cycling, lake-swimming and cable car rides. The weather is generally warm and sunny, with alpine meadows in full bloom – perfect for nature walks and picnics.
Winter, from December to March, transforms the region into a snowy playground, ideal for skiing, sledging, and snowshoeing. Christmas markets pop up in the local towns, adding to the festive charm.
Spring and autumn are quieter, offering lower prices and fewer crowds, although some lifts and attractions may be closed.
If you have school-age children, the summer holidays are a particularly good time to visit, with plenty of family-friendly activities and festivals.
Where to stay in the Dolomites with a family
Ortisei in Val Gardena is a charming alpine village with playgrounds, family-friendly hotels, and easy access to the Seceda cable car for stunning views.
San Candido, located in the east, is a picturesque town close to the iconic Tre Cime di Lavaredo and has a fun aquatic centre, Acquafun, which younger children will love.
Cortina d’Ampezzo is one of the most famous Dolomites towns, perfect for a mix of family activities, restaurants and shops – great for teens who want a bit of independence.
Alpe di Siusi, also known as Seiser Alm, is Europe’s largest high-altitude alpine meadow and is fantastic for gentle walks, wildlife spotting and e-bike rides.
This area is especially suitable for younger children and those looking for relaxed days in nature.
What to do in the Dolomites with your family
There’s no shortage of activities for families in the Dolomites.
From high-altitude adventures to quiet lakeside afternoons, here are the best things to include in your itinerary. Riding the cable cars is a must. The Dolomites are full of exciting cable cars and gondolas which whisk you up to panoramic viewpoints with ease.
Kids will love the ride, and parents will love not having to climb every mountain on foot. Once at the top, you’ll often find easy walking trails, restaurants with sun terraces, and even alpine play areas. The cable car from Ortisei to Alpe di Siusi and the one from Selva to Dantercepies are both brilliant options.
Walking the family-friendly trails is another highlight. There are hundreds of hiking paths, many suitable for pushchairs or little legs. Look out for themed trails such as the PanaRaida Adventure Trail near Santa Cristina, filled with fun wooden play structures and water features.
One of the most memorable ways to experience the Dolomites as a family is by taking a hut-to-hut tour, known locally as a rifugio hike. These mountain huts are scattered throughout the region and offer cosy overnight stays with hearty meals and spectacular views.
Many Dolomites hiking routes are surprisingly manageable with children, especially older ones and teens who are up for a walking adventure. You can plan a gentle multi-day hike with daily distances tailored to your family’s ability, often walking between 2–5 hours a day. Staying in rifugios adds a real sense of excitement, with each one offering a unique charm – from wood-panelled dormitories to family-friendly dining rooms and even hot chocolate stops.
It’s a wonderful way to disconnect from screens, soak in the scenery, and bond as a family through shared experience and achievement. Luggage transfer services are sometimes available, or you can carry essentials in rucksacks – the simplicity adds to the charm.
Older kids will enjoy the Adventure Trail Col de Flam, which includes zip-lines, a tree-top course, and a long forest slide.
Cycling through the scenic routes is a fantastic way to explore. You can rent bikes or e-bikes and enjoy the gentle cycle paths that wind through the valleys. The Val Pusteria route is particularly good for families – mostly flat, it passes through meadows, woods and villages.
Teens might enjoy a more challenging mountain bike route or a downhill ride. Many hotels offer bike rental and guided tours for all ages.
A visit to Lago di Braies, also known as Lake Braies, is unmissable. This fairy-tale lake is one of the most iconic spots in the Dolomites. You can hire a rowboat, take a gentle loop walk around the shore, or simply sit and enjoy the views. It’s especially lovely early in the morning or late afternoon when it’s quieter.
Trying out a mountain coaster is a huge hit with kids. The Funbob summer toboggan run in San Candido is especially popular. You control your speed as you race down the hillside on a track – great for adventurous children and teenagers alike.
If you’re visiting in winter, there’s even more fun to be had. The Dolomiti Superski area is vast and incredibly family-friendly.
There are ski schools with English-speaking instructors, gentle nursery slopes, and snow play parks for younger children. Teens can try snowboarding, snowshoeing or even ice-climbing with a guide. Many hotels offer kids’ clubs or babysitting, so parents can enjoy some skiing too.
Exploring the alpine towns is a great way to mix culture with your mountain adventures. Pretty towns like Brixen, Bolzano, or Dobbiaco have family-friendly museums, such as the Museum of Archaeology in Bolzano, home to Ötzi the Iceman.
There are also traditional cafés and bustling markets, perfect for a relaxed afternoon.
Tips for visiting the Dolomites with children
- Layering up is essential, as even in summer the weather can change quickly in the mountains.
- Make sure to pack good walking shoes for the whole family – even short trails can be rocky and uneven.
- Bring refillable water bottles – many mountain huts and towns have fresh spring water fountains.
- Check cable car opening times in advance, especially if you’re visiting during the shoulder seasons when some services close for maintenance.
- Consider using a DolomitiMobil Card, as many areas offer these passes to guests which include free travel on local buses and discounts for attractions.
The Dolomites are a dream destination for families who love the outdoors, offering the perfect blend of mountain adventure and Italian hospitality.
Whether you’re exploring high-altitude meadows, paddling in alpine lakes, or racing down ski slopes, every member of the family is sure to find something to remember.
With a bit of planning, a trip to the Dolomites could easily become one of your family’s most treasured holidays.
