For everyone, South Tyrol is synonymous with relaxation and nature. Even for those who don’t come from very far away, the idea of spending a couple of nights in the Alpine valleys immediately brings to mind an opportunity to recharge. We, who know this area well and have been exploring it far and wide for many years, couldn’t agree more! Maybe it’s the fresher air, maybe it’s the scenery… Maybe it’s the great food—or, more likely, the whole package… The fact is, treating yourself to 2 or 3 days in South Tyrol with the kids is a real stress-buster! And yes, we really did say “with the kids”!
We don’t mean to deny the need, every now and then, to take some time for yourselves as a couple. However, as you know, we also firmly believe that you can have wonderful family vacations without going crazy. Carving out some quality time to spend all together, away from daily commitments, can only be beneficial for everyone. So here are our tips on how to plan a 3-day trip to South Tyrol with the whole family—perhaps taking advantage of one of the upcoming spring long weekends. 
Playgrounds in South Tyrol
Let’s start by noting that almost all facilities in South Tyrol—from mountain huts to restaurants to city parks—are equipped to accommodate children. So you’ll hardly ever find a place that doesn’t have at least a small area for the little ones to play. That said, we should also mention that there are some playgrounds that are absolutely worth visiting. We’ve listed the most beautiful and distinctive ones in the article Playgrounds in South Tyrol. Pick one to let the kids burn off some energy, perhaps when you arrive or before you head home. They’ll have a blast, and you can soak up some sun or catch your breath!
Visiting a Lake
In addition to the hugely popular Braies, there are other beautiful lakes to visit in South Tyrol. One of them is Lake Resia (read Lake Resia with Kids), with its famous half-submerged bell tower. Or Lake Dobbiaco, with its intense colors. The former is located at the end of the Val Venosta, the latter at the end of the Val Pusteria, at opposite ends of the province. Also in the Val Pusteria is Lake Anterselva, surrounded by forests. Further south, in the Val d’Ega, lies Lake Carezza, known for its color and the legend of the nymph Ondina. All you have to do is choose one and enjoy a couple of hours breathing in nature and strolling in peace. You can find them all in our article: 7 Alternatives to Lake Braies
Take a dip in the pool
South Tyrol also boasts some wonderful swimming pools to suit every need. So even if you don’t choose a hotel with a pool, it’s no big deal: indoor (and outdoor) pools are everywhere. Everywhere you go, you’ll find areas dedicated to families and young children (diaper-changing stations, family changing rooms, etc.). Plus, there’s no shortage of pools to suit every need: from relaxation to safe first experiences in the water to slides for older kids to enjoy. They’re the perfect way to wrap up a day outdoors—and a real lifesaver on rainy days!
Among the most beautiful, we’d like to mention theAcquarena in Bressanone (always open), the Balneum in Vipiteno, and theAcquavventura in Naturno, and the Cron4 in Brunico. Click on “Indoor Pools You Can’t Miss” to discover them all.
3 Days in South Tyrol with Kids: Visiting a Museum
There are also several museums in South Tyrol. In addition to the traditional visitor centers located within the nature parks (Stelvio, Fanes-Senes-Braies, Puez-Odle…), we recommend one of these museums for families with children:
- Mondo Treno in Rablà: Not far from Merano, this museum is a must-see for fans of trains and model trains! It’s the largest digital model railroad layout in Italy. It houses a private collection of 20,000 pieces—one of the largest in Europe! It features 1,000 square meters of exhibition space, 800 meters of track, 70 trains, 400 vehicles, and 12,000 figures. In short, it’s a true paradise for enthusiasts—and a fascinating place for anyone, regardless of their interests. Click here to discover Mondotreno Rablà: miniature railroads
- MMM Ripa in Brunico: Brunico Castle, perched on a hill behind the historic center, is home to one of the museums in the Messner Mountain Museum network. Here, you can take a true journey around the world to discover different peoples and their dwellings. It’s wonderful and truly fascinating. Find all the information by clicking on: MMM Ripa at Brunico Castle
- South Tyrol Museum of Archaeology: Located in the historic center of Bolzano, this museum is one of a kind. It is here that the mummy known as Ötzi is preserved. The remains of this man, who lived 5,000 years ago and were perfectly preserved by ice, were discovered by hikers on the nearby Similaun Glacier. In addition to the body—which is preserved in a controlled environment and visible through viewing windows—the reconstruction based on the objects recovered alongside the body is particularly fascinating. For more details about the museum, read Ötzi, the Man from the Ice
Hike to a mountain pasture or mountain hut
Here, too, it’s hard for us to decide where to recommend you go… a lot depends on your desire and ability to walk. In any case, we’ll stick to very easy options, suitable even for those who aren’t big walkers or who have children in strollers or young kids. Malga Fane , for example, is a small alpine village you can reach by following the Sentiero del Latte(Milk Trail): along the way, you’ll discover secrets and interesting facts about milk and everything related to it. If you’re pushing a stroller, you’ll need to take the road for part of the way instead of the trail. And what about the stunning Val Fiscalina, with its Fondovalle Mountain Hut? It’s an extremely easy walk with truly breathtaking scenery. The Passo delle Erbeis also beautiful for those traveling from Val di Funes to Val Badia. Leave your car at the pass, and in just a few minutes you’ll arrive at the foot of Sass de Putia: majestic and unforgettable. The hike to the Geisleralm (a bit more challenging and not suitable for strollers) in Val di Funes is also truly breathtaking. Here you’ll also find animals roaming freely and a fabulous playground. Moving to another area, the Malga Resia is highly recommended, with views of the lake of the same name and excellent cuisine, or the Tschötsch Alm on the Alpe di Siusi. TheAlpe di Villandrois also easy and scenic. In short, there are truly many options. Choose one based on the distance from where you’re staying and the other places you plan to visit. These hikes can be done in half a day, leaving you time for a playground or a swim at the end of the day.
Where to Stay for 3 Days in South Tyrol with Kids
The choice isn’t easy: there are so many beautiful places to stay, including fantastic family-friendly hotels. Our advice is to choose a farmstay from the Gallo Rosso network: it’s the best way to experience authentic South Tyrolean hospitality firsthand, get to know the locals up close, and learn about their work and the passion that drives them. You’ll also get to taste fresh, authentic products and, more often than not, get to know some friendly animals. To find out more, take a look here: Gallo Rosso: Farm Stays in South Tyrol
Are you ready to set off on this fantastic 3-day trip to South Tyrol with the kids? Were our tips helpful in planning your custom itinerary—the perfect one for your family? Let us know which activities are must-dos during your family vacation! And of course, keep following us to discover new places to add to your wish list!