The Dolomites
Travel, through a family lens: luxury alpine retreats, unforgettable family adventures, and panoramic beauty at every turn.
This summer, we spent an unforgettable week in the Dolomites with our extended family - ten of us in total, with five kids under ten. Every day felt like a new adventure. We’d take gondolas up to the mountains, followed by hikes through beautiful meadows and alpine playgrounds that the kids couldn’t get enough of. While they played, we enjoyed long, leisurely lunches at charming mountain refugios with incredible views.
Off the trails, we wandered through storybook villages, ate plenty of gelato, and stumbled on one of the best meals of the trip: a cozy, upscale restaurant tucked into a quiet valley beneath the peaks. The food was elegant yet comforting, the setting was magical, and even with kids in tow, we felt completely welcomed.
-Annie, Cofounder
Family Travel Journal
Quick insights before you dive into planning…
Perfect for: Travelers seeking stunning natural beauty, active outdoor adventures, and a blend of cultural charm.
Ages: 2+. The abundance of playgrounds, open spaces, and adventure sports will appeal to families of all ages. Also, Italy is super welcoming to children.
When to Visit: Anytime during summer vacation for hiking. Winter break is also a great time to come for skiing, but not covered in detail in this guide.
Trip Length: At least 5 nights, with 1 day being a travel day, to see the major sights and get a feel for the vast region.
Combine with: Venice, Verona, Slovenia, or any other major airport hub in Europe
Destination Fit
At a glance
The Dolomites are one of Europe’s most family-friendly mountain destinations. Wide meadows, lakes, and gondola rides turn nature into a playground, and gentle trails make hiking accessible for all ages. Italian and Austrian influences show up in everything from castles and cowbells to pasta and strudel. It has a laid-back, welcoming atmosphere that makes traveling with kids feel easy.
To understand the region, it’s easiest to think of the Dolomites as having two distinct sides: eastern and western. The eastern Dolomites are home to the most dramatic scenery - think soaring cliffs, iconic rock towers, and jagged peaks that define its world-famous landscape. This area is anchored by Cortina d’Ampezzo, a stylish, Italian-influenced resort town set to host the 2026 Winter Olympics. In contrast, the western Dolomites offer a quieter, more pastoral experience, with strong Germanic and Ladin influence. Think alpine meadows, traditional villages, and a more relaxed, storybook charm. If choosing one, we’d recommend the western side for families with a day trip or two to see the major sights on the eastern side; splitting time between both could also be an option with enough time.
Our Favorite Things
Traveled, loved, and chosen for you through our family lens.
-
There’s a wide range of accommodation in the Dolomites, from luxury resorts to charming agriturismos run by local farmers, to boutique hotels in towns with easy access to restaurants and activities. A few we liked for our family:
Sonnwies - chic boutique meets luxury resort. Design-oriented travelers will especially love how upscale amenities blend with a warm, local feel. We think it’s ideal for families with younger children (under 8) who aren’t focused on hitting every major hike.
Falkensteiner Lido - maximizing adventure and kid activities, we love this modern, kid-centric luxury resort for its whimsical, playhouse-style rooms and packed schedule of activities. While it lacks easy access to the iconic Dolomite hikes, it pairs well with a second stay somewhere more central.
Oberfallerhof - local farm stay run by locals Sabine and Erich, Oberfallerhof is a working apple farm where guests can enjoy fresh produce from their garden and a true taste of South Tyrolean life - all while having easy access to multiple valleys.
-
Cuisine in the Dolomites tends to lean more toward German and Austrian influences—think knödel, speck, and strudel—rather than classic Italian fare. But the regional blend is distinctive, and there’s excellent food to be found if you know where to look. A few of our favorites that the whole family enjoyed:
Furschermühle (Castelrotto) - the best meal we had in the Dolomites. Run by 2 local guys, it’s upscale food in a chic and rustic cabin looking up to the Dolomites. Tasting menus only, so not for picky eaters, but they were extremely accommodating to our kids.
Jimmi Hut(Selva di Val Gardena) - amazing panoramic views from the terrace and a most memorable lunch at this refugio. The kaiserschmarrn was second only to one.
Gelateria Portogallo(Bolzano) - best fruit gelato of our entire summer in Italy.
-
The Dolomites offer an incredible variety of things to see and do, and how you spend your time will largely depend on where you’re staying and how active you want to be. Below are some of the region’s most popular highlights, many of which are considered must-dos and are completely kid-approved.
Plose (hiking) - hiking, epic playgrounds, and amazing food at Rossalm. This is what the Dolomites with kids are all about.
Tre Cime di Lavaredo (hiking) - the most famous symbol of the Dolomites. Loop hike can take 4-5 hours with refugios along the way, but out and back can make a shorter hike (just start counterclockwise).
Seceda (hiking) - it’s one of the most surreal and photographed views in the Alps (also featured as a macOS background). A bit more touristy than other places on our list and considered by locals to be an “Instagram” spot, but it's indisputably awe-inspiring.
Alpe di Siusi (hiking)- a personal favorite. Easy, laid back, “choose your own adventure” hike; you’ll feel like you’re in the Sound of Music.
Ortisei (town) - charming alpine village in Val Gardena, which serves as a gateway to both Seceda and Alpe di Siusi via cable car.
-
Cities in the region offer a mix of shopping, from charming local boutiques to well-known brand stores, but the standout specialty is beautifully crafted wooden toys, a tradition unique to the area.
There's so much more to explore. Reach out for a comprehensive list of our favorite spots (including more hidden gems we discovered) or book a bespoke full-trip planner.
Tips
Language surprises to anticipate
The local culture and language are predominantly German, despite being in Italy. This can make research tricky, as towns and landmarks often have Italian, German, and English names used interchangeably.
Whether to stay in town
If your time is limited, consider basing yourself in or near a larger town like Ortisei or Cortina d’Ampezzo for convenience. With more flexibility, we recommend choosing a stay that offers a deeper connection to the region’s culture and nature.
How to book an agriturismo
Booking agriturismos can take a bit more effort since many aren’t on major platforms, so you’ll often need to email directly to check availability.
Meal planning
Meals out follow the European tradition: slow, high-quality, and meant to be savored; you won’t find many fast casual spots. That said, if your family prefers to cook or keep things flexible, you’ll find plenty of well-stocked grocery stores and local specialty shops, making it easy to enjoy the region’s flavors on your own.
How to pack for summer
Summer is short in the Dolomites - snow in June or September isn’t uncommon and can limit hiking access. It can also be surprisingly cold, especially on hikes that start at higher elevations. Bring layers, including a light down jacket and/or rain shell.
Avoiding summer crowds
Unlike many parts of Europe, most of the region rarely feels crowded, even during peak summer. With so many beautiful places to visit, it's easy to swap one Instagram-famous spot for another equally stunning experience.
Summer vs. Winter
Winter is also a wonderful time to visit the Dolomites, offering the same relaxed rhythm of mountain exploration and refugio stops, just with skis instead of hiking boots.
Expect to spend
Budget-wise, food and accommodations are comparable to most of Western Europe, but many activities, such as gondola rides and playgrounds, are free for kids, which is a nice perk for families in the Dolomites.
Trusted Family Voices…
-
![Tik Tok Logo]()
Watch on Tik Tok
“..too much hassle- especially with a baby...turns out the Dolomites are for families- especially the kind that finds joy in the simple, the slow, the wild."
-
![Johnson]()
Johnson
From the Dad Perspective:
“High altitude family fun.”
“Breathtaking.”
-
![]()
Watch on Instagram
"The Dolomites are wonderful not only for adults, but also for traveling with children or people who don’t like to go hike!"
-
![]()
Penny, at age 10
From Annie’s daughter’s travel blog:
“Best food: Four-course meal at Furschermule
Fun fact: Even though the Dolomites are in Italy, it was mostly German, like the food and language.
How 2 pronounce: doll-ah-mights (or E doll-ah-meet-E in Italian)”
-
![]()
Watch on Instagram
“Our 5 amazing days with locations in the Dolomites, Italy.”
-
![]()
Watch on Tik Tok
“If you’re planning a summer family trip to the Dolomites, it can feel overwhelming- the area is huge, stunning, and full of things to do.”
This summer, we spent two glorious weeks with friends immersed in the soaring peaks and wildflower-filled valleys of the Dolomites, and it completely swept us away. Each day brought a fresh horizon, with a different hike and new views: green ridges to cross, chilled mountain streams to wade through, and pure crisp spring water fountains to drink from along the way. The dramatic rock formations of the Dolomites rose around us like something out of a dream, and the kids found joy in every alpine playground - often at the doorstep of cozy rifugi, where we’d unwind with cappuccinos, long lunches, and panoramic views.
What made it truly magical was how free the kids felt, exploring from sun-up to sundown, whether on foot, by bike, or flying through the trees on a zip line. They never once asked for a screen. The days felt simple, full, and deeply connected.
We’re already dreaming of returning in winter to ski the very trails we hiked. If you’re craving real adventure, untouched beauty, and space to truly unplug, the Dolomites are it.
-Kristin, Cofounder
Family Travel Journal 2
Ready to make this trip yours?
Our curated destination guides are a great start to make extraordinary trips doable. Upgrade to our Customized Itinerary to turn inspiration into a trip designed just for your family, without the planning hassle, time, or stress.