Stunning mountains, endless expanses of flower-filled meadows, animals, and plenty of activities and hikes to enjoy as a family—even at high altitudes. A place of unique beauty, where you’ll find great food and a warm welcome. And thanks to the special attention they give to children, a summer in Val Badia with the kids will be a huge success!
If you’re planning a few days’ vacation in this area, here’s our summer mini-guide to help you make sure you don’t miss out on the most beautiful places that best suit your needs.
Ready to go?
Putia Mountain Huts – Passo delle Erbe
A simple hike suitable for everyone that will take you to the foot of Sass De Putia, where you can explore the beautiful playground and see the Scottish cows at Munt de Fornella. But that’s not all: no matter where you choose to stop, you’ll find excellent food, a Tyrolean atmosphere, and—above all—the joy of spending a day in good company. The first part is stroller-friendly, while without a stroller you can even make it all the way to Utia de Goma, admiring the Plan de Corones in the distance. We’ll tell you all about it in At the Sass de Putia Mountain Huts.
Monte Muro Mountain Hut – Passo delle Erbe
Also in the area, but starting from the Pé de Borz parking lot, is the hike up Monte Muro—a very scenic route that’s also suitable for hiking strollers. From the mountain hut, you can enjoy a beautiful view of the entire eastern slope of Val Badia, as well as a unique vantage point overlooking Sass de Putia. The refuge has both indoor and outdoor seating and a nice playground with a slide and a wooden playhouse. The desserts are delicious. You can continue on to the summit to expand your view to include the Alpe di Luson. Full details in Monte Muro: amazing views.
Roda de Putia – Passo delle Erbe
Without a doubt, the undisputed queen of all the hikes in the Passo delle Erbe area is the Roda de Putia is a fairly challenging and long hike (a full 15 kilometers), which circles around Sass de Putia, offering a succession of thrills and diverse landscapes. From the rugged trails softened by the pink of the rhododendrons, to the view of the Odle, to the gully of rocks and gravel at the Forcella di Putia, all the way to the vast meadows dotted with picturesque barns, through the forest, and back, finally, to the Passo delle Erbe for a well-deserved refreshing break. In Roda de Putia: a splendid hike you’ll find our story with all the details.
Munt da Rina Alpine Hut – Rina
A beautiful hike starting from Antermoia. You’ll pass the new barn in Alfarei and continue for about an hour and a half toward Munt da Rina. There are some lovely spots along the way up. The mountain hut is also very popular with mountain bikers and sits in the middle of a clearing surrounded by larch trees (it’s especially beautiful in the fall, when the trees change color and turn golden). Fun fact: don’t be surprised if you see dachshunds everywhere—the dachshund is the mascot of this place. There’s also a nice playground for those visiting Val Badia with children who aren’t quite so little anymore. If you’d like to learn more, read Munt da Rina: Fall Colors
SMACH – Val dl’Ert – San Martino in Badia
If you’re a fan of contemporary art, you can’t miss SMACH, a true open-air museum that celebrates the sometimes fragile, yet at the same time intense, bond between humans and nature. The installations are created by local and international artists and will captivate visitors of all ages with their shapes, colors, and meanings—some obvious, others less so. Don’t miss the invisible house, the door to nowhere, the big cinema, and the interactive musical installations. We’re located near Mus.La, the Ladin museum Ciastel de Tor, in San Martino in Badia. For more information, visit SMACH Val dl’Ert: Valley of Art.
MUS LA Museum Ladin – San Martino in Badia
Here is a museum that encapsulates the history of a people: the Ladins. You’ll be welcomed into a modern lobby before continuing your tour through the evocative halls of the Ciastel de Tor, an ancient medieval manor. Here, you’ll trace the key stages in the development of the villages of Val Badia and the culture of the people who have lived there over time. With fascinating facts, anecdotes, reconstructions, and artistic artifacts, a visit here is like a painting that reveals new details with every step. We’ll tell you all about it here: MUS LA: Museum of Ladin Culture
Val di Morins – Longiarù
A beautiful trail that winds through the villages of Seres and Miscì, near Longiarù. Along the Seres stream lies this series of eight historic water mills, once used for grinding grain and now restored. You can wrap up the tour by visiting the museum housed inside an old farmhouse. This trail is not suitable for strollers. We visited in winter, but it’s even more beautiful in summer. Val di Morins in winter: our story.
Utia Ciampcios – Longiarù
A relatively easy hike that starts in Longiarù and takes about two hours to reach the charming Utia Ciampcios, which offers a stunning view of the rocky cliffs. A light lunch here is an experience not to be missed, and then it’s time for a nap or to relax on the lounge chairs while the kids run and play in the meadows. There’s a large animal pen with chickens, sheep, and piglets that will keep the little ones entertained. You can head back along the forest road or take (if you don’t have a stroller) the detour through the woods. If you’re visiting Val Badia with kids, don’t miss this little spot! We went there for you: Utia Ciampcios: A Hidden Paradise.
Sompunt Deer Park – La Valle
Seven hectares of meadows and woods are home to about thirty deer and fallow deer. If you visit at the right time of year, you’ll also be able to see the little fawns, with their sweet big eyes and white spots on their fur. You can explore the park on your own year-round, thanks in part to the info points and informational signs. You can also download or pick up the Deer Quiz at the neighboring Paraciora mountain hut. Lukas, the owner, offers free guided tours every Tuesday morning at 10 a.m. from July through early October. Near the lodge, there are also other farm animals and a playground. More information Badia: At the Deer Park
Prati dell’Armentara – Pederoa
An easy walk that can also turn into a wonderful day spent without haste or worries. Start from the Furnacia parking lot and head uphill toward La Crusc. When you reach the fork in the trail, turn right, beginning the short but quite challenging climb toward André’s Ranch. As is often the case in South Tyrol, there’s a small petting zoo here with cows, rabbits, and cute little goats. In the shade of the trees, there’s also a small playground. The food is excellent with a spectacular view of the Putia, while the Sasso della Croce rises behind the mountain hut. The flower-filled meadows are stunning. Read our story here: Armentara: Between Meadows and the Sky.
Pisciadù Falls – Colfosco
This is a completely flat walk that leads from the Sodlisia ski lifts to the spectacular Pisciadù waterfalls in Colfosco (Alta Badia). It’s particularly well-suited for those with small children and a stroller, but also for anyone looking for something really simple. There’s also a picnic area near the waterfalls. We went there ourselves—take a look Val Badia: Pisciadù Waterfalls.
Piz de Plaies – San Vigilio di Marebbe
Take the Piz de Plaies gondola from San Vigilio di Marebbe to reach an elevation of 1,650 meters. Up here, there are several walking trails to choose from—all easy and relatively short—perfect for a vacation in Val Badia with children. Of course, you can combine them if you want to walk longer distances. Air trampolines, a mini zoo with horses and bunnies, a mountain bike skill park, a log maze, pulley systems, hammocks, a wooden replica of a snowcat… and even the largest zip line in Europe. Fun is guaranteed for the whole family. Here’s our experience Piz de Plaies: family fun.
Owl Park – San Vigilio di Marebbe
Have you ever seen a bird of prey up close? Do you know the differences between the various birds? Mario is a true expert and the founder of Owl Park. He’ll introduce you to his friends, and you’ll learn a lot about the lives of these fascinating and mysterious creatures. Visiting Val Badia with children also means Owl Park San Vigilio: not just owls.
Ciamaor Beach – San Vigilio di Marebbe
A beach in Val Badia? Absolutely! This beautiful area, nestled along the bends ofthe San Vigilio stream—recently renovated and redeveloped—offers plenty of green space, with relaxation areas, picnic spots, a couple of small“ponds”(one of which features a wooden pirate ship ), and playhouses with toys for children. All of this is just a short distance from the center of San Vigilio, reachable by a pleasant walk or bike ride. For those who simply can’t do without their car, there’s also a large parking lot. Ciamaor Beach in San Vigilio: the story of our visit there.
Fanes and Lavarella Mountain Huts – Pederù
Two mountain huts in one go! This hike is one of the most classic routes and starts at the Pederù Hut, which is accessible by car only after paying a toll. In a couple of hours of walking, you’ll reach the two mountain huts, passing through the unspoiled landscapes of the Fanes-Senes-Braies Nature Park. You’ll discover that there’s even a “Marmot Parliament”—or have you already heard of it? Our story From Pederù to Fanes and Lavarella
La Crusc – Badia
Sasso di Santa Croce (La Crusc, in Ladin) is easily accessible via the LaCrusc lifts. The LaCrusc1 chairlift takes you to a children’s paradise: right next to the lift’s arrival station, you’ll find a mini-zoo, the LaCrusc SummerPark (featuring a ball pit, a wooden snowcat, a stream, and various play areas—mostly water-based), the Wildlife Trail with its two treasure hunts and other games, including a giant inflatable castle. Then, take the LaCrusc2 gondola up to an elevation of 2,000, where several trails begin right at the foot of the Sasso di Santa Croce’s cliffs. The most beautiful walk? The one that takes you to the snow cave—an incredible place! Read: La Crusc: SummerPark and More.
Movimënt Parks
For those visiting Alta Val Badia with children, here are three high-altitude theme parks that are easily accessible via the ski lifts. These areas offer free admission and are open to the public during the ski lift operating season. The three parks are connected by easy walking trails that take no more than an hour to complete. To learn more, click on our article: Movimënt: Fun at High Altitudes for Families
Val Badia with kids… in winter
Have you been to Val Badia with your kids in the summer and now can’t wait to go back in the winter? Here are a few ideas for you:
- Horse-drawn a horse-drawn sleigh ride in San Vigilio di Marebbe;
- A leisurely walk with a view of Putia from the Costaces Lookout: and then down the slope on a sled!
- Snow-covered meadows in Goma: a walk surrounded by silence with an unforgettable view
Finally, if you’d like to purchase our beautiful print guides, HERE is the link.