Garda Trentino has always been an ideal destination for children and families: the endless choice of outdoor activities, sport, opportunities for relaxation, food and wine, fun and entertainment and facilities which target children and families ensure they can discover and enjoy all the wonders of the area in total safety. In Garda Trentino kids can play freely, learn new sports, are the focus of exclusive events and always at the centre of custom-made holidays. Beaches, woods, trails, and the mild climate all combine to turn the area into a marvellous playground with all the beauty and freedom of the natural surroundings of Garda Trentino.

Be active and have fun together is one of the guiding principles of Garda Trentino, an area in total harmony with the wide range of sports which make Outdoor Park Garda Trentino a unique place for open air activities. Whether its bike or trekking, climbing or water sport there is always more than one package specially designed for children, even the very youngest, and their families. 

Slow cycle: bike trips for families

Bicycle lovers are spoilt for choice when it comes to itineraries with the “Kid’s Tour”, the “San Martino Family Tour” or the “Lago Bagattoli Trail Family Tour” (download Gps tracks from www.gardatrentino.it/familybike). And don't forget the spectacular cycle paths Mori-Riva del Garda or Torbole sul Garda-Sarche or the Pomerio in Arco, illuminated at night and suitable for baby buggies. Look online for detailed information on all the family-friendly services and the full selection of itineraries.

Trekking and ferratas: scenery, nature, local culture

The same applies for trekking with a selection of itineraries among the endless trails in Garda Trentino selected according to category: there are the trails of the Great War and ones of historical and cultural interest, nature trails and ones of geological interest. And then there are the top 5 hiking tours to discover the area with all the family: “The secrets of the river”, which is part of the series Hidden treasures, or “Castel Penede” and “Strada Santa Lucia”, as well as the walk “Lake Tenno-Canale” (tested by the family blog BabyTrekking so also suitable for very small children and buggies). 

For trekking that is a little more challenging but still suited to all the family, Garda Trentino offers another unforgettable experience: ferratas. The one best suited to and most popular with kids is the “Rio Sallagoni” in Drena: about 2.5 km of a spectacular trail up to 373 metres high with breathtaking views which you can finish in complete safety (with safety gear) in just over two hours. And to hike in the mountains without any safety concerns you can always hire a qualified alpine guide.

Climbing, vertical magic for kids too

From the age of 5-6, lovers of the vertical dimension can try the magic of climbing on crags, most of which have bolted routes or at least a section designed for children. Muro dell’Asino, Massi di Prabi, Massi di Gaggiolo, Segrom, are easy to access and subject to regular maintenance. But there is more: Family San Martino, a crag expressly designed for kids and families can be reached on foot from Arco, and has lots of routes which are called after characters made famous in the Harry Potter and Ice Age movies and a magnificent viewing point at the top. And climbing enthusiasts can also go and explore the recently opened crags Doss Pelà crag in Drena and the Family Traole in Nago.

Parco le Busatte, adventure on your doorstep

You can go the whole way with adventure activities and try zip wires, lianas, hanging bridges, and balance challenges at Busatte Adventure, the adventure park in Busatte between Torbole and Nago. Open all year round, fun and thrills are guaranteed with over 50 aerial routes between 2 and 15 metres off the ground. It is an experience you just can't miss, in total safety with harnesses, helmets, carabiners and pulleys and the guarantee of qualified staff always standing by. 

Water, wind and the challenge of water sports

Another fascinating world is that of water sports, with spectacular and educational activities like sailing, windsurf, diving or daredevil canyoning. In Garda Trentino we know that even man pups can quickly become “lake wolves”. This is thanks to the natural environment which is ideal for these sports all year round, thanks to the prestigious clubs in Riva del Garda, Torbole and Arco which guarantee activities and competitions for the youngest age groups, the numerous schools which organise courses suited to kids and teens, with equipment, materials and programmes specially designed for them and tuition from qualified instructors. And then there are the beaches in Riva del Garda, Lido di Arco, Torbole sul Garda and Lake Tenno (where lifeguard supervision can be arranged on requst). All have shower and toilet facilities, deck chair and sunbed hire, and lots of fun to be had by all the family with lifeguards on the ground and on the water in the summer season. 

Baby little home, a stop-off point for our youngest visitors

A litte nest, where a mother can change and breast-feed her baby, heat a bottle in a sheltered, safe spot, comfortable and secure. What we have come up with is the chalets baby little home, special wooden structures, and a quiet sheltered place for parents who need to see to their children when they are far from home.

These have been installed in Riva del Garda on the beach spiaggia dei Sabbioni  and in the public park Giardini di Porta Orientale, fitted with an armchair for breast-feeding, a counter for changing nappies, a play table, bottle warmer, kettle, bin for disposing of nappies, disinfection dispenser and disposable sheets.

Open from 10 am to 8 pm from May to October.

Unforgettable New Year with the House of Father Christmas

But the party in Garda Trentino lasts 12 months a year with other extremely successful events between the old year and the new. The focus is always kids and teens, with countless special events and a magical atmosphere. The streets and squares in Riva del Garda turn into a setting straight out of a fairytale and there is music, entertainment and performances all around House of Father Christmas. In the Rocca, the enchanted Fortress on the shores of the lake, the main attraction in the Christmas calendar in Garda Trentino, you can enjoy unforgettable moments in the Storytelling Room, try on costumes in the Wardrobe, meet Father Christmas and his helpers in person in the Throne Room, and have a friendly chat and a something to eat in Natalina's kitchen.

And connected with the House of Father Christmas there is another event which has become a classic during this period, Elf Academy. Children can take part in courses and get a diploma as “qualified elf” once they have completed the many activities on the programme. This is an exclusive opportunity reserved for the younger guests who are staying in selected accommodation.

And be sure not to miss a visit to Arco Christmas Market, with little houses overflowing with presents lining the streets in the historic centre and the Christmas Market of the Medieval Village of Canale di Tenno, counted among the Most Beautiful Villages of Italy. Here the market stalls are set up in the cellars and under the vaults and there is a vast selection of gift item, crafts and typical local produce.

The end of the year is also celebrated with two fabulous firework displays. The first is in Arco during the festivities for the 8th December, against the magnificent backdrop of the Castle. The second on New Year's Eve is in Riva del Garda for the traditional Magical Midnight on the lake: 35 minutes of fireworks which will leave you literally open-mouthed, an unforgettable display of lights and colours.