Val di Sole offers plenty of activities for families during the warmer months, from spring through fall. Here’s our mini-guide featuring the most beautiful places we’ve visited and written about here on the blog over the years.
Summer in Val di Sole – Lakes
Lago dei Caprioli – Pellizzano
A magical place to visit, preferably off-season, when it isn’t overrun by too many tourists. You can get there either by car or on foot along the Sentiero degli Gnomi, a themed trail featuring wooden sculptures, which you’ll find off the road leading to Malga Bassa, the park’s visitor center (1.5–2 hours). The lake is small and surrounded by a dirt path that takes about twenty minutes to walk, even with a stroller. The surrounding meadows invite you to relax and enjoy the peace and quiet. Read Lake Caprioli and the Gnome Trail
Lake Covel – Pejo
The trail leading to Lake Covel is an easy hike. It takes about an hour and a quarter to reach your destination, passing by Malga Covel (the goat cheese there is excellent, available from June onward—perfect for a picnic!). The little lake is just a few minutes from the mountain hut: it’s small but charming, especially because of the colors of nature reflected in its waters. There’s even a xylophone (look for it among the trees): play it to hear its sweet melody echo through the woods. A short distance away are the Rio Vioz waterfall, which you can admire from a small wooden bridge, and the Sass de la Monega, perfect for all aspiring young climbers.
Lake Malghette – Dimaro
Lake Malghette, nestled in a fairytale landscape, can be reached in an hour and a half on foot along the Shepherds’ Trail, an ancient path once used to lead livestock up to higher elevations. The trail starts at Malga Panciana, next to the top station of the Marilleva 1400 lift: it winds up and down through rhododendrons and features cow-shaped informational signs that explain how life was organized at the mountain pasture. About halfway along the route, you’ll come across the Solander Mountain Hut. Once you reach Lago delle Malghette, at an elevation of 1,890 meters, you can take a stroll, relax, and enjoy the cool air and beautiful view—perhaps while sitting on the terrace overlooking the lake. The rocky outcrops where you can dip your feet in the water are also lovely: the kids will love them.
Lake Pian Palù – Pejo
The Lake Pian Palù was a real surprise: you can reach it with a short walk starting from the Fontanino di Pejo. The trail isn’t suitable for strollers, but you can carry your children in a backpack if they aren’t walking yet. In about 40 minutes, you’ll reach this body of water (artificial but with truly intense colors). You can walk around the lake (we recommend going clockwise): on the first stretch, the trail stays fairly close to the shore, while about halfway through, it moves to a higher elevation and leads to the meadows of Malga Palù. From here, after crossing a couple of small wooden bridges, you’ll climb a bit further along a picturesque trail through the woods, which eventually opens up to a scenic overlook offering the best views of the lake and the mountains. The loop ends as you cross over the dam.
San Leonardo Lakes – Vermiglio
The three small lakes of San Leonardo, in Vermiglio, are surrounded by expansive green spaces. The Presanella mountain is reflected in their waters. The place is perfect for those with small children and a stroller: the walk around the lakes is easy and flat and takes about twenty minutes to complete. But that’s not all: there are also plenty of play areas here, ranging from classic playground equipment to wooden logs carved into dragon sculptures, all the way to a water play area—from which it will be extremely difficult to convince the kids to leave… In short, everything you need for a relaxing and fun-filled day. There’s also a restaurant on site.
Summer in Val di Sole – Alpine Pastures and Farmsteads
Valpiana Alpine Hut – Ossana
A rustic mountain hut nestled in the wild nature of Valpiana. It takes about an hour and a half to reach it by walking along a forest road or trail, accompanied by the gurgling of the stream and passing first through the woods and then across the green pastures. It offers traditional cuisine. We were there recently: read Malga Valpiana in Val di Sole
Frattasecca Alpine Pasture – Pejo
For animal lovers looking for something a little different at Malga Frattasecca will not be disappointed. In addition to goats, pigs, and chickens, donkeys and llamas are also at home here. From mid-June to mid-September, hikes of varying lengths are organized with these animals, the most beautiful of which is the walk to the thundering Cadini Waterfall, accessible via a new footbridge. From up there, you can also admire the valley in all its splendor. Once back at the Malga, take the opportunity to enjoy a delicious lunch while the children spend their time petting and observing the many animals.
Maso Celesta – Vermiglio
Maso Celesta is a charming, family-run agritourism farm with an attached educational farm. It’s located in Velon, a small hamlet of Vermiglio. In addition to organic products and cheeses, you’ll find many animals here: cows, calves, ponies, piglets, donkeys, and bunnies. You can watch the milking process, see how the milk is processed, and—with advance reservation—even make your own cheese! The tastings are also excellent, served in the all-wood restaurant. And there’s a surprise: there’s a glass panel in the floor that lets you watch the cows in the barn and get a glimpse of the milk processing!
Maso Toffe – Monclassico
If you’re looking for a place to relax and unwind, Maso Toffe is the perfect spot for you. Perched high above the village of Monclassico, it’s easily reached by a short walk through apple orchards and berry fields—where you can even pick berries with Leonardo, the young owner. The farmhouse, which has been exceptionally restored, is surrounded by a beautiful garden overlooking the Val di Sole. Here you can chat around the antique table in the stube or while stirring polenta over the fire. Children can get up close and personal with ducks and chickens. The farmhouse is also available for weekly rentals. Read Maso Toffe, a delightful discovery
Summer in Val di Sole: Museums and Castles
MMAPE, Mulino Museo dell’Ape – Croviana
A special place where science and nature come together to offer you a unique experience interacting with these tiny insects and their complex society. The MMape is easily accessible by train and bicycle. There’s also a lovely picnic area nearby. Find all the information at Sweet Discoveries: the MMape in Croviana.
War Museum – Vermiglio
If you want to immerse yourself in the history of the Great War of 1915–1918, Vermiglio offers a very interesting cultural site. The War Museum houses numerous wartime artifacts recovered along the Italian-Austrian southwestern front, in the Adamello-Presanella mountain range.
Forte Strino – Vermiglio
This incredible fort is definitely worth a visit. Dedicated primarily to what is known as the “White War”—that is, the extreme conditions caused by snow in which soldiers found themselves fighting—it also chronicles the changes that the war inevitably brought to rural and urban communities alike, which were suddenly faced with hardships previously unknown to them. It also hosts events and contemporary art exhibitions. From Forte Strino, you can head straight to the other fortifications in the area, such as Forte Mero and Forte Zaccarana. Find more information in Forte Strino and the White War.
Castel Caldes – Caldes
A massive castle at the entrance to the Val di Sole. Its origins date back to the 1200s, when the building was little more than a stable. In fact, the local lords administered their estates from the nearby Rocca di Samoclevo, whose ruins are still visible today. Built on a promontory, the castle overlooks the valley and the Noce River that flows through it. There is a fascinating legend about Olinda, a princess who is said to have been locked away by her father in a small room in the castle to prevent her from loving the court minstrel with whom she had fallen in love. To learn more: Castel Caldes in Val di Sole
Summer in Val di Sole – Parks, Themed Trails, and Activities
The Secret World of Aulasa – Commezzadura
Princess Aulasa held the secret to happiness, which is why she was deeply loved not only by people but also by the spirits of the mountains, forests, and waters. The mission for young and old alike is to collect the codes and numbers that appear on eight art installations (created by artist Francesco “Franz” Avancini), scattered along a 5-km route (also accessible by stroller) and thus help Aulasa rebuild a new world after her escape—a necessary step to save herself from the clutches of her persecutors. The booklet is free and can be picked up at the Commezzadura tourist office, where a final souvenir awaits you once you’ve solved all the riddles. Read Val di Sole, on the trail of Aulasa.
Bontempelli Riding Center – Pellizzano
For those who love horseback riding or want to try it for the first time, this is the place to go in Val di Sole. At Bontempelli, you’ll find a variety of activities, all involving horses, as well as the chance to meet the other farm animals: rides of varying difficulty, short rides in the paddock for younger children, summer camps, and the opportunity to eat and sample homemade products. We’ve been there several times—check it out here: Val di Sole on Horseback: Bontempelli
Flying Park – Malé
For those with a spirit of adventure, a visit to the Flying Park in Malé is a must—it’s one of Italy’s largest adventure parks, with countless high-altitude courses suitable for everyone, from the youngest children to experienced adults. All of this is set amidst the coolness of the woods, offering the chance to spend an entire day playing and relaxing. There are also various play areas for children. Be sure to try the freefall jump—but only if you’re brave enough! Read here to learn more: Flying Park Malé: What a thrill!
Ursus Adventure Rafting – Ossana
A fantastic activity to do with the bravest kids and perfect for those with older children, for whom it’s hard to find something that really excites them. Experience the adrenaline rush together—starting with the water temperature alone—on a rafting trip down the Noce River. There are several options available, all of which are, of course, safe and led by experts who’ll show you a blast like you haven’t had in a long time! At the end of the trip, you’ll be taken back to the starting point by minibus, and you can pick up photos and videos of your adventure! We tried it ourselves: Ursus Adventure: Family Rafting
Marmot Village – Tonale Pass
At Marmot Village , a fantastic themed playground with tons of slides awaits you. From the Tonale Pass, you can reach Malga Valbiolo (2,244 m). You can hike up in about an hour and a half along the forest road or take the Valbiolo chairlift between mid-June and mid-September. Once you reach the summit, you’ll find a variety of play structures, divided mainly into five groups, all within easy reach of the lifts and the restaurant. The slides are undoubtedly the main attraction: beautiful, thrilling, and above all, very long—suitable even for older children. The cutest one? Of course, the one shaped like a marmot! But there’s no shortage of castles and other play structures either, including a water play area… not to mention the view of Mount Presanella.
Summer in Val di Sole—easy walks, biking, and strollers
Derniga Forest – Ossana
There are three trails leading to Bosco Derniga, a small educational center in the heart of the woods above the village of Ossana. Choose the one that’s right for you: on foot, by bike, or with a stroller, following the directions from Raimondo the fox by scanning the QR codes. Once you arrive, you’ll find a sensory trail, a vegetable garden, a large wooden xylophone to play, and two little houses where you can discover the secrets of mushrooms and plants. During the week in the summer, there are always plenty of activities for families and children. For details, read “With the 5 Senses at Bosco Derniga.”
Val di Sole Bike and Pedestrian Trail
It’s one of the most beautiful bike and walking paths in Trentino, and even short stretches of it are well worth exploring. It’s perfect if you’re pushing a stroller. Along the way, you’ll find several of the stops described in this mini-guide. We took our stroller on the stretch from Pellizzano to Mezzana with a stroller (click to read the story). We took another trip, however, on e-bikes (see On the Val di Sole bike path by e-bike). We’ll talk more about the bike path in general in The Val di Sole Bike Path
Regazzini Park – Malé
The perfect place to relax. This park stretches between the Noce Stream and the Flying Park—the perfect spot to spend a day doing nothing! Take a peaceful stroll, spread out a blanket on the grass in the shade of the tall trees, and enjoy plenty of space to play freely. It’s also accessible by stroller. For more information: To Regazzini Park with a stroller
Summer in Val di Sole – High-Altitude Mountain Huts
For those who enjoy walking a bit more, here are the three most scenic hikes in the area:
Denza Mountain Hut
It takes a couple of hours to reach this authentic mountain hut, located at the base of the Presanella Glacier’s moraine, by following the old Austrian mule trail dating back to World War I. Once you arrive, you’ll find stunning, untamed views and no “modern” distractions—just time to rediscover the simple things in life, like milking a goat, for example. All the details at Rifugio Denza in Alta Val di Sole
Larcher Mountain Hut
A beautiful trail that winds through the Stelvio National Park. The starting point is Malga Mare (2,000 meters), where you’ll leave your car (toll road; few parking spaces available during peak season): from here, it’s a good two-hour walk with a 600-meter elevation gain. The mountain hut is located at 2,608 m. This hike is suitable only for children who are used to walking. The effort is well worth the view you’ll enjoy once you reach your destination. Learn more here: To the Larcher Hut on Mount Cevedale
Dorigoni Mountain Hut
It is one of the best-known mountain huts in Trentino. You can reach it by starting from the Colèr parking lot, at the end of the Val di Rabbi. The hike ends at an elevation of 2,430 meters, so it’s a challenging route, but as is always the case with hikes like this, the effort and commitment will be rewarded with excellent food and stunning views. Wild Beauty at Dorigoni
Summer in Val di Sole—Where to Stay
Trentino Wild RV Park – Caldes
For those arriving by RV, one option is the Trentino Wild RV park (click for more info) in Caldes. This park is located next to the Noce River, right next to the bike path.
Agritur Il Tempo delle Mele – Caldes
Are you looking for a place where you’ll be welcomed and pampered just like family? This agriturismo won’t disappoint you. Surrounded by vineyards and greenery, it offers accommodations in spacious, modern, and bright rooms, each with a name inspired by apples. There’s a small, charming wellness center and an outdoor garden where you can meet cats and bunnies. A hearty breakfast features homemade cakes, apple juice made on-site, and much more. The cuisine is based on high-quality, locally sourced ingredients. Enjoy your meal in the indoor dining room or on the panoramic veranda. Read Agriturismo Il Tempo delle Mele
Agritur Solasna – Caldes
The perfect place to stay and eat. It offers apartments and rooms, each with its own unique story. It’s also an educational farm where you can pet lots of animals and participate in fun hands-on activities in nature. To learn more, read here: Agritur Solasna in Val di Sole.
Hotel Almazzago – Almazzago
A convenient hotel for exploring Val di Sole, located in a quiet setting. Spacious rooms and a beautiful garden overlooked by the pool and wellness center. The cuisine is excellent, and the dishes are beautifully presented. Perfect for those looking for half-board and who don’t want to worry about finding a place to go out for dinner. Click here to read more: Hotel Almazzago: Family Relaxation
Also….
- A brief guide to Val di Rabbi, a side valley of Val di Sole: Val di Rabbi: Summer with Kids
- A Mini Guide to the Tonale Pass: Visiting Tonale in the Summer with Kids