Alps Road Trip with Kids: Exploring The Dolomites

If you’re dreaming of a family adventure in the Alps but feeling intimidated by the logistics, you’re in the right place. Today, Lizzy Astrella, a US mom of two currently living in southern Italy, is taking you along for a road trip of a lifetime. In this post, she’ll share what they learned about planning a Dolomites trip with kids, tips for family-friendly adventures, and why this region is one of the best places in Europe to introduce children to hiking, camping, and exploring the outdoors.

Moving Abroad to Southern Italy

My family (husband, two daughters, and a dog) and I moved from the United States to southern Italy one year ago (wow, just realized as I am writing this that it’s been exactly one year to the day). We moved because my husband will be working here for the next couple of years. But, we also came for everything that comes along with moving your young family to Europe: adventure, travel, and learning about other cultures and ways of life.

Before our big move, none of us had ever even visited Europe! Needless to say, our first few weeks were, honestly, rough. Living in a hotel far from the tourist parts of town, navigating jet lag, overwhelmed children, culture shock, and a language barrier, we spent our first few weeks just surviving. We had to find an apartment and arrange for our things to be delivered, buy a car, register our dog, and just generally try to settle down in our new and very different world.

Planning a European Family Road Trip to the Dolomites

After a couple of months of settling in, my husband had time off, and we were finally ready to go beyond weekend day trips. As the trip planner of the family, I knew exactly where I wanted to go: the Dolomites in northern Italy.

The Dolomites are part of the Italian Alps and are famous for their dramatic pale-colored peaks, alpine lakes, charming mountain villages, and world-class hiking. For a family that loves camping, hiking, and simply being outdoors, it was the perfect first destination.

Why the Dolomites?

I’m not a big fan of cities, didn’t really dream of wandering the streets of Rome or Florence. But the Dolomites (the mountains in the northeastern part of the Italian Alps, famous for their pale-colored dolomite rock, dramatic vistas, alpine lakes and world-class hiking), have long captured my imagination. Plus, my family loves camping and hiking and just exploring the outdoors in general, and this felt like the right fit for our first European adventure. So, I set about planning a last-minute trip to the Dolomites and the Alps.

Planning a Trip to the Dolomites

Now, most people will spend a year (or more) planning their dream trip to Europe. The Dolomites are extremely popular, and planning a trip there with a month’s notice was, ambitious, to say the least. This was also our first time traveling in Europe, and traveling internationally with kids. The learning curve was tremendous.

Since that first trip, we’ve returned to the Dolomites and Alps several times, each adventure teaching us something new. This guide isn’t written from the perspective of a seasoned European travel expert — but from a mom figuring it out as she goes. Inside, you’ll find:

Tips for planning a Dolomites trip with kids
Family-friendly activities and hikes in the Alps
Practical advice on driving, lodging, and eating out with kids
Lessons learned from traveling Europe with kids (mistakes included!)

If I can plan family trips in the Dolomites as a first-timer, you can too.

Some Things to Consider When Planning a Trip to the Alps

Planning a trip to the Alps is a bit different than planning a typical family vacation. First, the Alps aren’t just one destination, they stretch across eight countries (France, Switzerland, Liechtenstein, Monaco, Italy, Austria, Germany, and Slovenia), and each region has its own culture, language, and landscape. That means your trip can look completely different depending on where you go.

A few things to think about:

Season matters. Summer means hiking, alpine lakes, and wildflowers; winter means skiing, sledding, and snow sports. Spring and fall can be quieter (and less expensive), but some cable cars and huts may be closed.
Distance can be deceiving. A town that looks “right next door” on a map may take 3–4 hours to reach, thanks to winding mountain roads or multiple train connections. Build in buffer time for travel days.
Weather is unpredictable. Even in summer, pack layers. We experienced warm sunny hikes one day and chilly rain the next (in August)!
Language barriers. While English is widely spoken in tourist hubs, smaller villages may only speak the local language. Having Google Translate downloaded for offline use saved us multiple times.

Where to Go and What to See

When we first started researching, I quickly realized you could spend a lifetime exploring the Alps and still not see it all. For families, here are some highlights worth considering:

The Dolomites (Italy): Jaw-dropping peaks, turquoise lakes (like Lago di Braies and Lago di Carezza), and endless family-friendly hikes. It’s also full of rifugios (mountain huts) where kids can refuel on pasta or hot chocolate mid-hike.
Switzerland: Famous for postcard-perfect villages like Zermatt and Grindelwald, plus incredible train rides (the Glacier Express is unforgettable). Expensive, yes — but spectacular.
Austria: Family-friendly ski towns that double as hiking paradises in summer. Innsbruck is a great base with a mix of city culture and easy access to mountain trails.
Germany (Bavarian Alps): Think castles (Neuschwanstein!), alpine lakes, and storybook villages. A little more budget-friendly compared to Switzerland.

My tip: Don’t try to do it all in one trip. Pick one region as your home base and spend a few days really exploring. It’s tempting to country-hop, but traveling with kids is so much smoother when you aren’t constantly packing up and moving.

How to Get Around

One of the biggest decisions you’ll make is whether to rent a car or rely on public transportation.

Car rental pros: Ultimate flexibility, especially with kids. You can stop at random villages, carry extra snacks/gear, and avoid long waits for buses or trains.
Car rental cons: Driving mountain passes can be intimidating (hello, hairpin turns!), and parking in small alpine towns can be expensive or limited.
Public transportation pros: Incredibly reliable in Europe. Trains, buses, and cable cars are well-connected, especially in Switzerland and Austria. Plus, kids often ride discounted or free.
Public transportation cons: Lugging bags, strollers, or tired kids between connections can be tough. And timetables mean less spontaneity.

What worked for us: Renting a car in Italy gave us freedom to explore multiple Dolomite valleys, but in Switzerland we leaned on trains and gondolas, which felt easier and more efficient.

Book Early

Here’s the hard truth: the Alps are no hidden gem. The Dolomites, in particular, have exploded in popularity thanks to Instagram-famous spots like Seceda and Tre Cime. Even campsites book out months in advance.

Tips:

Consider shoulder season. June and September can be magical — fewer crowds, lower prices, and still great weather.
Start early. If you’re traveling in July or August, book lodging at least 6–9 months ahead.
Be flexible. If the exact hotel or campground you want isn’t available, look in smaller villages nearby. We stayed in a lesser-known town 20 minutes from the “hot spots,” and it was quieter, cheaper, and just as beautiful.

Traveling with Kids

I’ll admit — planning a trip like this with kids felt overwhelming at first. But once we were there, I realized the Alps are incredibly family-friendly.

Here’s why:

Kid-friendly hikes: There are endless trails that are stroller-friendly or under 3 miles, often leading to a playground, lake, or rifugio with snacks at the end.
Epic playgrounds: Picture zip lines, giant wooden castles, and slides built into the side of a mountain — themed around animals, climbing, or even cowbells. My kids still talk about the one in Val Gardena.
Cable cars & gondolas: These make it possible for families to experience incredible viewpoints without a grueling hike. Plus, most kids think riding them is an adventure in itself.
Food rewards: Pancakes, strudels, hot chocolate, and spaghetti are never far away. We made it a tradition to end each hike with a shared Kaiserschmarrn (a shredded pancake dessert), the ultimate motivator.
Kid programs: Many alpine hotels and campgrounds offer daily activities for kids, from pony rides to crafts. Some even provide childcare, which can give parents a rare moment to relax.

From our experience: Be realistic about what your kids can handle. We found that one “big adventure day” followed by a slower day in the village (playground, swimming, strolling) was the sweet spot.

Alps Regions to Explore with Kids

The Alps are massive, spanning across eight European countries, so choosing where to go can feel overwhelming. Luckily, there are plenty of family-friendly regions filled with breathtaking scenery, accessible hikes, and kid-approved activities. Below, I’ll highlight three regions my family has personally explored and loved. To start, let’s dive into one of the most famous: the Dolomites.

Region 1: The Dolomites

What are the Dolomites?

The Dolomites are located in the northeastern part of the Italian Alps and are a UNESCO World Heritage Site. They’re known for their jagged peaks, pale dolomite rock, alpine meadows, and stunning turquoise lakes that look like they’re straight out of a postcard. This area is world-famous for hiking, skiing, and outdoor adventure, and is surprisingly family-friendly.

Getting to the Dolomites

The most common entry point is Milan, though Venice and Verona are also options if you want to combine your trip with a city stay. From Milan, you can catch a train or bus to Bolzano, the capital of the South Tyrol region and considered the “gateway to the Dolomites.”

That said, if you’re traveling with kids, I highly recommend renting a car. While there are trains and buses, many of the Dolomites’ most beautiful areas are not easily accessible by public transport. A car gives you flexibility for nap schedules, snack breaks, or those “we just need to stop right here because look at that view” moments. Driving in the region is fairly straightforward, though roads can be narrow and winding.

Where to Stay in the Dolomites

The Dolomites cover a vast area, so narrowing down a home base is key. Popular family-friendly towns include:

Bolzano – Great for first-timers, easy access to museums, restaurants, and nearby cable cars.
Ortisei – A charming village in Val Gardena with plenty of lodging options, alpine playgrounds, and quick access to lifts like Seceda and Alpe di Suisi.
Santa Cristina – Smaller than Ortisei but very family-oriented, with unique trails like the PanaRaida adventure hike.

Families can choose from hotels, alpine lodges, vacation rentals, or even campgrounds. Just remember that the most popular areas book up months in advance.

What to Do with Kids in the Val Gardena Region of the Dolomites

1. Ride a cable car

Kids will love the thrill of soaring up the mountain in a gondola, and parents will love skipping the steep climb. From Bolzano, ride to Soprabolzano for sweeping views and the fascinating “earth pyramids.” From Ortisei, hop on cable cars to the Seceda ridgeline (jaw-dropping views) or the flower-filled Alpe di Suisi/Seiser Alm meadow.

2. Go family hiking

Thanks to the cable cars, many high-alpine trails are surprisingly kid-friendly. Scenic loop trails start from both Seceda and Alpe di Suisi’s upper stations. For extra fun, try the PanaRaida adventure trail near Santa Cristina, which features treehouses, rope bridges, and a water playground along the way.

3. Visit a museum

In Bolzano, stop by the South Tyrol Museum of Archaeology to meet Ötzi the Iceman, a 5,300-year-old natural mummy. My kids were absolutely fascinated—it was a cool mix of science, history, and “real life mummy!” that stuck with them long after the trip.

4. Rent a boat at Lago di Braies

Yes, it’s Insta-famous for a reason! This iconic turquoise lake is about an hour’s drive from Ortisei. Families can rent a wooden rowboat or walk the loop trail around the lake. Insider tip: arrive early in the morning or late afternoon to avoid the crowds.

5. Play at a park or playground

The Alps are home to some of the most creative playgrounds we’ve ever seen. Favorites include Talvera Park in Bolzano and Val d’Anna Park in Ortisei. For a high-altitude experience, let the kids run wild at the alpine playgrounds at Seceda and Alpe di Suisi. If you’re in Ortisei, don’t miss the Uhrerhof Rosarium, Europe’s highest rose garden, which feels like a fairytale backdrop for kids and parents alike.

Region 2: The Bavarian Alps

What are the Bavarian Alps?

The Bavarian Alps stretch along southern Germany’s border with Austria and are famous for their storybook scenery—think fairy-tale castles, alpine lakes, snow-capped peaks, and cozy mountain villages. It’s a region where families can mix outdoor adventure with cultural experiences, making it one of the most magical (and accessible) places in the Alps to explore with kids.

Getting to the Bavarian Alps

A great home base for exploring the region is Garmisch-Partenkirchen, a picturesque town that sits at the foot of Germany’s tallest mountain. The closest international airports are Munich and Innsbruck (Austria). From either airport, you can reach Garmisch by train, bus, or rental car. While public transportation is reliable, renting a car can give families more flexibility to hop between lakes, castles, and mountain trails on their own schedule.

Where to Stay in the Bavarian Alps

Edelweiss Lodge and Resort – If you’re a U.S. military family, this is an incredible option. It’s family-oriented, budget-friendly, and located right in Garmisch.
Hotels, resorts, and vacation rentals – The town and surrounding villages are filled with charming alpine-style accommodations, from cozy guesthouses to family-friendly hotels with pools.
Campgrounds – For adventurous families, camping near Lake Eibsee or in the surrounding countryside is a fun option, especially in summer.

What to Do with Kids in the Bavarian Alps

1. Explore waterfalls and gorges

Take a walk through the Partnach Gorge, a narrow, winding ravine that’s a national monument. The trail follows wooden boardwalks and tunnels alongside rushing waterfalls, rapids, and crystal-clear pools. (Pro tip: bring rain jackets, you will get wet!)

2. Ride a cogwheel train and cable car up Germany’s highest peak

The Zugspitze, Germany’s tallest mountain, rises just south of Garmisch-Partenkirchen. Families can ride the 90-year-old cogwheel train and the Gletscherbahn cable car up to a viewing platform near the summit, where the panoramic views stretch into Austria. On the way down, take the record-breaking Zugspitze cable car, which descends right to the turquoise shores of Lake Eibsee.

3. Tour a real fairy-tale castle

No trip to Bavaria is complete without visiting Neuschwanstein Castle, the inspiration behind Disneyland’s Sleeping Beauty Castle. Kids will love exploring the turrets, courtyards, and sweeping views over the Bavarian countryside. It truly feels like stepping into a storybook.

4. Picnic and play at Lake Eibsee

Located at the base of the Zugspitze, Lake Eibsee is one of the most beautiful alpine lakes in Germany. Families can rent a rowboat or paddleboard, swim in the refreshing waters, or just enjoy a picnic on the beach. The lake has several small islands that make boating extra fun for kids. For a classic Bavarian touch, take the 80-year-old cogwheel train from Garmisch right to the lake’s edge.

5. Visit an alpine playground

Take the cable car up Mount Wank (yes, the name always makes kids laugh) for kid-friendly hiking trails and one of the best alpine playgrounds in the region. With ziplines, climbing structures, and sweeping mountain views, it’s a place where kids can burn energy while parents relax in a mountaintop café.

Region 3: Valais, Switzerland

What is the Valais?

The Valais is a stunning region in southern Switzerland, famous for its soaring alpine peaks, vineyards, mountain villages, and iconic landmarks like the Matterhorn. It’s an outdoor playground year-round—skiing and snowboarding in winter, hiking and biking in summer—and offers plenty of family-friendly adventures mixed with Swiss charm.

Getting to the Valais

You can fly into Zurich, Geneva, or Milan and connect to the Valais by train, bus, or rental car. If you’re flying into Milan, there’s a fun twist: drive to the Swiss border and take the Simplon Pass “car ferry”. It’s actually a drive-on train that carries your car through the Simplon Tunnel, connecting Brig, Switzerland, and Iselle di Trasquera, Italy.

Pro tip: If you drive in Switzerland, you’ll need a vignette (toll sticker). Most rental cars already come with one, but double-check before hitting the road.

Where to stay in the Valais?

Crans-Montana makes a great base for families. This resort town sits high in the mountains and has:

A free shuttle system throughout town, making it easy to get around without a car
World-class ski slopes (now included on the Epic Pass!)
Summer adventure options, from hiking to biking to lakeside fun
Plenty of family lodging—hotels, chalets, and rental homes

What to Do in the Valais?

1. Hike family-friendly trails

Crans-Montana is surrounded by kid-friendly paths. Try the Dwarves’ Trail around Lake Grenon, with interactive storyboards in multiple languages, or ride the cable car up to Cry d’Er and hike the Marmot Path, where kids have a good chance of spotting wild marmots. (Pack binoculars!)

2. Spend a day at the lakes

There are five lakes right in Crans-Montana and even more in the surrounding mountains. Families can enjoy sandy beaches, rent pedal boats, try stand-up paddleboarding, or just walk and bike the trails that connect the lakes. It’s an easy, low-key day outdoors.

3. Learn to mountain bike

Crans-Montana is a biking hub, even for beginners. Families will find a pump track, a balance bike course for little ones, and a family forest trail that’s perfect for practicing mountain biking skills in a safe environment.

4. Go on a treasure hunt

Meet Bibi the Marmot, the official mascot of the resort! Families can pick up a free treasure hunt booklet at the tourist office and set off on a scavenger-style adventure through town, learning about local animals while solving clues.

5. Take a day trip

The Valais is perfectly located for bucket-list day trips. Head to Chamonix, France to see Mont Blanc, or ride the train to Zermatt, Switzerland for unforgettable views of the Matterhorn.ix, France to see Mont Blanc or Zermatt, Switzerland to see the Matterhorn.

Our Alpine Road Trip Itinerary

What started as some last-minute planning turned into a week-long family road trip through the Dolomites, Bavarian Alps, and Switzerland. Since we’re based in Naples now, we decided to drive north with stops in Lake Garda, Innsbruck, Garmisch-Partenkirchen, and St. Moritz. Here’s how our trip unfolded, day by day:

Days 1-4: Dolomites and Lake Garda

We camped at an agriturismo (a working farm that offers accommodations and meals) in Trentino. It wasn’t quite where I’d hoped to stay (everything near Bolzano or Ortisei was already booked), but honestly, I can’t complain. The farm was an apple orchard, and every morning we had fresh apple juice pressed right there.

The number one place I wanted to see was the Seceda ridgeline, so we went there on our first full day. Driving to Ortisei was simple, but arrive early to find parking. We had good luck with the parking garage under the Alpe di Siusi cable car station. From there, we rode the cable car up to Seceda and spent the day hiking along the ridgeline, soaking in the views, and letting the kids play at the alpine playground near the station. We especially loved Baita Sofie Hütte. Great food and drinks, epic mountain views, a meadow full of alpine cows, and space for the kids to run around.

The next day, we rode the Alpe di Siusi cable car again and explored the alpine meadow. Hearing the bells of the grazing cows as we hiked was magical, and my daughter loved the swing and play area at Malga Sanon (while we loved the Kaiserschmarrn and Hugo spritzes).

We had planned to spend two more days exploring the mountains, but lightning storms forced us to change plans. Luckily, Lake Garda is just an hour’s drive from Trentino. We took two day-trips there: one to Riva del Garda, where we strolled through town and played in the stream at the public beach, and another to hike up to Castello di Arco and cool off in the mist of Cascata del Varone waterfall. On a separate day, we drove the scenic lakeshore down to Sirmione, exploring its medieval town and the impressive Castello Scaligero di Sirmione, one of Italy’s best-preserved castles.

Day 5: Innsbruck, Austria

Leaving Italy, we headed into Austria and spent an afternoon in Innsbruck. We rode the Hungerburgbahn cable car from downtown straight up to the Alpenzoo Innsbruck, which has the world’s largest collection of alpine animals. If you have more time, continue the cable car ride up to Nordkette for panoramic views, hiking trails, and mountaintop restaurants.

Day 6: Garmisch-Partenkirchen, Germany

We spent two nights in Garmisch-Partenkirchen, and honestly, we could have stayed longer. (We’ve already gone back since!) If you’re a U.S. military family, the Edelweiss Lodge and Resort is a fantastic option. Otherwise, the area has no shortage of hotels, resorts, and rental homes.

Our full day here was spent riding the 90-year-old cogwheel train and Gletscherbahn cable car up to the top of the Zugspitze, Germany’s highest mountain. The kids were thrilled to play in the snow (in August!) and learn about Germany’s last glaciers. For the return trip, we took the Zugspitze cable car down the mountain, which made for a perfect round-trip experience.

Day 7: St. Moritz, Switzerland

On our way back south to Naples, we took a different route through St. Moritz, Switzerland. After lunch at one of the lakefront restaurants, we strolled the scenic path along Lake Moritz to the Terrasse Panoramique observation deck.

Leaving the city, we drove the winding but breathtaking Maloja Pass, stopping at pullouts to admire the mountain views and fields of bright purple fireweed lining the road.

Final Thoughts on our Alps Road Trip

Our Alps road trip was the perfect introduction to both the region and our new life in Europe. The Alps are epic, beautiful, and full of adventure. If you’re planning a trip, my number one piece of advice is to be flexible (weather in the mountains can change quickly), and sometimes the best memories come from those last-minute detours.

About the Author

Lizzy is a mom to two girls (6 and 3 years old), a sometimes-teacher, and an all-around outdoor enthusiast. She currently lives with her family in Naples, Italy. Her husband is in the U.S. Army, so they move often and all over. Her family spends most of their free time traveling and exploring the new places they find themselves living in. They love hiking and camping in the summer, and skiing and snowshoeing in the winter. After growing up in the Pacific Northwest in a family that prioritized outdoor time, it comes naturally to Lizzy to spend as much time in nature as possible with her own kids. She’s also found that spending time outdoors provides a sort of calm to the chaos of parenthood and the military lifestyle.

Follow Lizzy on Instagram: @elizabethstarexplores