Just a couple of hours north of major cities like Milan and Venice, Trentino is one of the loveliest regions in one of the loveliest parts of Northern Italy. Winter sees superb skiing and a generous spirit that extends to every member of the family - it’s a superb place to enjoy during the colder months - but how about summer? Could the Dolomites hold the key to a fabulous family holiday?
Why choose the Dolomites this summer?
Italy famously pioneered the slow food movement, and they’ve embraced this approach when it comes to travel too. Days with your little ones go all too fast and holidays can feel like a blur of activity. Taking a break in the Dolomites means taking time to wander amongst wildflower meadows, enjoy alpine scenery and keep a keen eye out for mountain goats.
Adamello-Brenta Nature Park has an especially captivating trail through Val di Fumo and this UNESCO Geopark is brimming with opportunities to nurture your nature lover’s passions. There’s a huge variety of wildlife here including ibex, mouflon and even a handful of brown bears. The park is dedicated to research and education and makes for a fabulous excursion from your mountain home.
Immerse yourself in nature
Our relationship with the natural world takes another meaning in glorious surroundings like these. The mountains command a level of respect and taking time to truly appreciate them is a great way to shrug off the stresses of everyday life. Summer brings a swathe of ways to immerse yourself in the sights, sounds and scent of nature. There are numerous hiking trails designed with families in mind, and Val Randena near Pinzolo is designated as one of Italy’s Distretto Famiglia, with several family hikes starting from the village itself.
Llama trekking in the Dolomites
If your youngsters prefer something a little more interactive, how about seeking out dog trekking - where you can enjoy a hike in the company of huskies , or Llama trekking for a dash of impossible cuteness? Going on a walk takes on a whole new dimension when it’s in the company of a Llama!
Fishing is another big draw and various places do special kids fishing courses which teach the basics of the sport, as well as a healthy respect for the environmental considerations.
Discover treetops and canyoning in the Dolomites
If this sounds a little too tame, there’s lots of ways to harness the wild side of the natural world too. Breg Adventure Park near Trento gives the whole family an opportunity to explore the treetops through a series of ropewalks, bridges and swings, while nearby Storo offers Jungle Canyoning a specially designed course that is suitable for children as well as adults.
Discover the old ways of life
Before tourists there were farms, and these have adapted themselves to become a kind of living museum. These educational farms give you and your family a chance to discover how things were before the tourist industry took off.
You can combine a gentle walk with a visit to see how cheese was made in days gone by, get hands on with some donkey feeding and enjoy a taste of the most delicious mountain produce including Spressa delle Giudicarie which pairs beautifully with Moscato Giallo. Many places sell goods to take home too, so you can recreate that farm fresh vibe in your chalet or apartment for supper.
Discover family events in the Dolomites
There’s no shortage of cool things to do with your kids in the Dolomites and there’s a great sense that families are at the heart of the region. Numerous events happen throughout the summer, including the irresistible Latte in Festa - an celebration of all things ice cream in Madonna di Campiglio. You’ll find lots of local events in the mountain communities, and being here during summer means you have a chance to get to know your local town or village outside the rush of the main ski season.
Festival of Games near Folgaria
Alpe di Cimba near Folgaria is home to the week long Festival of Games. This event allows families to follow the fortunes of Perti and Filflich, two specially created characters. Together you’ll discover the enchantment of the mountains through fairy tales, magic and stories, all while enjoying clear mountain air and natural beauty.
Discover your mountain home
SnowOnly is a dedicated mountain property portal. This means whether you’re looking for a family villa to while away a dreamy summer, or a property that’s perfect for the rental market we can help you. We have access to thousands of properties across the globe which means you can find your mountain home without having to trawl dozens of agents’ sites.
You can tailor your search using our property alert system, and our articles are full of useful info about which resorts work best for families, as well as some of our favourite dual season resorts.
Jan 15, 2024
