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Get ready for an epic family adventure! If you are thinking about traveling to the Dolomites with children, you have to read this!

Imagine a place where mountains tell stories, the landscapes seem straight out of a fairy tale and every corner is a setting for a family adventure. Yes, we are talking about the Dolomites!

 Ya whether in summer or winter, this place is a paradise for adventurous families. And we have experienced it firsthand!

About us

About what we are going to explain to you here

We are going to tell you everything about our super last route, with golden tips for traveling with children and a list of activities that are a real "must".

 Our last 10-day expedition through Dolomites in a motorhome with children It was last Christmas, it was crazy (the good kind!). We traveled through many valleys and places in the Dolomites such as Zoldo Valley, one of our favorite places in the Dolomites, or the Marmolada, Rocca Piettore where we can see the Dolomites almost from the sky.

Imagine touring the Dolomites in winter, with our 8 and 11 year old children, it was an experience that we will not even dream of forgetting and we are already planning the next one!

 Did you know? We had already gone to the Dolomites in summer, and if that time it was incredible, this time in winter and Christmas it has been amazing!

2 experiences in the Dolomites that will undoubtedly soon lead to a third!

So, hands on the wheel and smiles ready! We are going to embark on a family adventure through the Dolomites with children that you are going to love. Ready? Let's start!

Route through the Dolomites with children: our last experience

This past Christmas we were lucky enough to fulfill a dream. Travel again to Dolomites. This time traveling during 10 days through the Dolomites in one of the most endearing times of the year and one that we like the most. 10 family days in the Dolomites at Christmas, visiting its Christmas markets full of magic and an idyllic landscape on those dates.

Our trip began with almost 14 hours of driving with our motorhome, right after Christmas Day dessert with the family. 

After those hours of driving on mostly French and Italian highways we arrived 24 hours later in Bolzano, the door that would show us the Dolomites at Christmas.

We still did not have the blog on our first experience of the Dolomites in summer, but if you are interested in seeing a route of Dolomites in summer you can see what our friend Miss Ana told us about on our blog here.

10-day route through the Dolomites with children: Summary of our last trip to the Dolomites with children

So, we begin our route in Bolzano and this is the 10-day route through the Dolomites with children that we did and that we suggest if you go in summer or winter:

Day 1: Bolzano, where we recommend this tour

2: Val di Funnes- Vipiteno- Bressanone

3: Val di Gardena- Ortisei- Selva di Val Gardena

4: Marmolada – Sottoguda

5: Val di Zoldo, Pecol

6: Val di Zoldo, Palafavera- Alleghe

7: Val di Zoldo, Forno di Zoldo

8: Val di Fassa- Canazei

9: Val di Fassa – Pozza di Fassa

Day 10: Moena

Accommodations during our route

During our last trip to the Dolomites, we mainly opted to stay in campings, which, interestingly, 90% of them remain open in winter. These are especially suitable for families with children due to services they offer, designed for the little ones, such as children's bathrooms, game rooms, and in some cases, indoor pools with slides.

I would like recommend some campsites which, in addition to offering pitches for motorhomes, caravans or vans, also have bungalows or apartments. Based on our experience, these are the ones we liked the most:

Camping Vidor in Val di Fassa

El top campsites for children in Dolomites no doubt for their play spaces, its mini club and its pools with slides. Although for skiing in winter the slopes are for more expert children.

Camping Civetta in Val di Zoldo

The second campsite in our top Dolomites campsites for its children's playrooms, adapted bathrooms for them and activities that can be done around such as ski, since it is at the foot of the cable car and slopes and they are blue slopes and for all levels of skiing in winter.

Apart from these campsites, I recommend sleeping in apartments offering farms or lodges with kitchens Within the valleys, great options with children that also solve part of the meals.

Here are some that you may like to stay with children in the Dolomites. apartments and farms:

List of apartments and rural tourism in Dolomites to go with children

Our map for traveling to the Dolomites with children

Our choice of places to visit on our route was the result of planning work to maximize our time in the place, starting from the preparation of this map that we made with those places of interest in the Dolomites with children that we might like to visit.

I leave you the map, so that you can also choose other places and have a broad vision of everything that Dodlomites offers in general.

12 tips for traveling to the Dolomites with children in summer or winter

In the suitcase: Take raincoats, Goretex hiking boots and waterproof pants and forget about umbrellas!

The climate of the Dolomites is rain – sun – rain – sun and so on all day changing and unpredictable.

Based on our experience I recommend you wear raincoats The kind that packs into a small package and that you can put in your backpack or fasten around your waist. Without a doubt the best practical option.

And if you go in winter, snow clothing and thermal clothing underneath with fleece lining in middle.

All the goretex hiking boots, were also the protagonists of the first trip we took in summer and we did not need to use replacement shoes thanks to them. And in winter the snow breaks definitely.

Finally, the waterproof pants, which Decathlon sells at a very good price, were also very good for us in summer, especially for days of heavy rain, although the latter, due to the use we gave it, you can do without.

As I do not recommend you carry are the umbrella, The air when it rains makes them useless in the Dolomites, and they also greatly limit your mobility with the children.

Identity documents with children in Dolomites

To move around Italy, both adults and children must carry our valid ID, so check that it is not expired before leaving.

European health card and travel insurance

For health you can carry the European health card and they will treat you in the emergency room of any hospital. Although here, you should know some important things. Public health in Italy may involve co-payments for being Spanish that you must pay. That's why if you have to use the European health card, we know from friends that you are going to have to make a significant co-payment, depending on what you are going for, and that part of that co-payment will not be returned to you by the Spanish health system when you return, and the one that return they will do so after 2 years as we know from experience.

To avoid a bad experience, we and the children took out travel insurance with Iati, the iati family, which for the price of 10 days for the 4 of us was worth having peace of mind and it is not expensive at all. Luckily we didn't have to use it, but on other occasions we did, we know that with a simple call everything is very easy with Iati and we avoid co-payments on large medical visits.

If you plan to hire travel insurance in this link you will get a 5% discount at the end:

Internet on mobile: roaming in Italy

Roaming in Italy is like in France or another country in the European Union.

Thus, You won't have to worry about using your cell phone., it will be like going to France, at most your data will be limited a little depending on which company you have.

Go early to eat at restaurants, they close at 14 p.m.

In the Dolomites, mealtime is sacred and early. Most restaurants They close at 14 p.m., so it is essential to plan your meals according to this schedule, it is normal to arrive at 12:30-13pm to find a table. This will ensure you enjoy the delicious local cuisine without rush or worry.

Free public bus movers

A great and affordable way to explore the Dolomites is by using public buses.

If you stay in certain establishments, you will be able to access the Valley Guest Card that you are, which includes public transportation, which will make it easier for you to move around the area comfortably and without spending more.

Staying at a campsite in the Dolomites with children, but make the reservation first and in advance!

For an authentic experience close to nature, consider staying at a campsite. It is a fun and economical option, ideal for adventurous children.

 In addition, campsites usually offer facilities and activities designed for children, as I told you before you have 2 highly recommended ones designed for families such as:  

Camping Vidor in Val di Fassa o Camping Civetta in Val di Zoldo

 Yes, book well in advance, they fill up very quickly and it is difficult to find a place, especially July, August and Christmas.

Get to know the Ladino culture

The Dolomites are a melting pot of cultures, and not only Italian is spoken, but also German and Ladino. Discover the ladino culture can be an enriching experience for the whole family, immersing you in a unique part of the history and local traditions of the most authentic Dolomites.

Ladin culture in the Dolomites is rich and unique, marked by a mix of Italian, Austrian and local influences. The ladinos, a eastern alpine ethnic group, have their own language, Ladin, a Romance language that reflects its distinctive cultural heritage. It looks a bit like Italian and also Catalan. Here are some highlights of their culture, legends and quirks:

Appearance	Description
Culture	- Ladin language: Official Romance language in some areas that are still taught in college.
	- Gastronomy: Fusion of Italian and Austrian influences. Resulting in unique dishes such as “canederli” (bread balls), “casunziei” (stuffed empanadas) and “crafons” (fried sweets) very typical of the Dolomites.
	- Crafts: Outstanding wood carving.
Legends	- The Kingdom of Phanes: Story of a mythical kingdom, with themes of betrayal, love and war.
	- King Laurino: Story of King Laurino and his magical rose garden, which is said to transform into spectacular pink rock formations at sunset.
	- Mountain Witches: Stories are told of witches in the mountains who perform dances and rituals, especially on full moon nights.
Peculiarities	- Festivals and Celebrations: Ladinos celebrate various unique festivities, including music and dance festivals, and ceremonies that mark the changes of the seasons.
	- Architecture: Alpine style with Italian influences, characterized by steep roofs and colorful murals on the facades of the houses. In Canazei there is a very beautiful, clear example house.

If you go in winter: important special equipment required for driving

If you travel in winter, remember to bring winter tires or chains on the vehicle, since it is mandatory in this region.

This will ensure safety on snow-covered roads and prevent possible mishaps.

Also, remember that if you reach -15 degrees (rare but possible) you should take diesel with antifreeze additive, Since diesel freezes at -15 degrees, don't worry, the gas stations are already prepared there.

La Befana instead of the Three Wise Men

A cultural curiosity: in the Dolomites and throughout Italy, instead of the Three Wise Men, comes the Befana, a good witch who brings gifts to children on January 5 at night.

 A fascinating tradition to experience if you are there during the holidays! Many times the Befana flies down the cable cars!

On the other hand, they also celebrate Santa Claus on December 25 and also San Nicolás like the Germans on December 6, who also leave some coins or gifts for the children.

Visit the Christmas Markets

If you go at Christmas, or rather around November 28 to January 6, you can't miss the Dolomites Christmas markets.

 They're a magical experience, with lights, decorations and local products that will fascinate children and adults alike.

They have a lot of German tradition and are beautiful because the environment of the Dolomites is magical, as it is known that with snow everything is more Christmassy.

Main Dolomites Christmas markets and what we liked the most They were the following: Bolzano, Trento, Moena, Vipiteno, Bressanone, Moena, Ortisei, Selva di Val Gardena and Pecol in the Val di Zoldo.

Skiing in the Dolomites with children cheap

For ski lovers, the Dolomites are an ideal and dream destination. The space of 1200 km of connected ski slopes of the Dolomiti Superski It is insurmountable, and it is the Europe's largest ski area.

There are economic formulas and offers for families, but as you will see they are for 10 days or more.

If you are going to ski less than 10 days, the best thing to reduce costs is not to buy the Dolomiti Superski skipass but the ski pass for the specific domain or ski resort that they even have Half-day or one-up offers In the lifts that are very well priced, each offer and prices depends on the season.

On the other hand, The station that we definitely recommend going skiing in the Dolomites with children is Val di Zoldo. which includes the entire domain by Civetta and it has slopes of all levels that are very cool, long and ideal for children and families. There is also ski school.

Summary of Tips

Council	Description
Meals	Go early to restaurants, they close at 14 p.m.
Bus Routes	Use public buses, take advantage of the Guest Card they give away in accommodations
Accommodation	Consider campsites for a close to nature experience
Culture	Explore and learn about Ladino culture
Winter Precautions	Bring winter tires or chains if you travel in that season
Traditions	Discover the Befana tradition during the festivities
Christmas	Visit the Christmas markets for a unique experience from November 28 to January 6
Activities	Take advantage of offers for family skiing

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In summary, the Dolomites with children It is an experience full of fun, culture and adventure for the whole family. Whether enjoying the snow, the food or the local traditions, the Dolomites promise to be an unforgettable destination for everyone.

Ready for the adventure? See you now with the 19 essential plans in the Dolomites with children to see and do!

What to do and what to see in the Dolomites with children: 19 activities that you should not miss in the Dolomites in summer or winter depending on when you go

Next, I explain the 19 plans to see and do in the Dolomites What we liked the most To enjoy with family y I also leave you un video with the best plans to see and do if you go to the Dolomites in winter with children, although you can also do many of the ideas in the video in summer.

Video of what to do and see in the Dolomites with children in winter

In this video I explain the plans you can do in Dolomites with children in winter. Plans that we have made on our last route this Christmas with our little ones and it is a Christmas route that we highly recommend. Yeah Dolomites is beautiful in summer, I assure you that in winter it is like daydreaming.

1st essential plan: Climb the highest mountain in the Dolomites as a family: the Marmolada by cable car

Imagine the excitement of the little ones take the cable car to the top of Marmolada, the highest point of the Dolomites.

All the views from above are impressive, and I assure you that the children will be talking about it for weeks. It is an experience that you cannot miss!

To go up to the Marmolada you must take the cable car in Malga Ciapela to Punta Rocca, at the top which is the 2nd highest peak of the Marmolada. When you get to the top you have an impressive panoramic terrace. For me, the best views of the entire Dolomites, a beastly sea of ​​mountains around. Right in front you will see Punta Penia, the highest peak of the Marmolada and the Dolomites with 3343 meters of altitude.

In addition, there are exhibitions, a cave chapel, restaurant, ski slope and even a museum of the First World War.

Discover some of the most beautiful towns in Italy and Dolomites

Walking through the villages of the Dolomites is like walking through a storybook.

Every corner is a postcard, and children enjoy exploring these picturesque streets full of history and charm. Don't forget your camera, each photo looks like a work of art!

For us the most beautiful towns in the Dolomites, which are also said to be among the most beautiful in Italy, are: Ortisei, Sottoguda, Moena, Vipiteno, Bressanone, Canazei, Pecol in the Val di Zoldo, Allegue with its lake, Bolzano and Trento.

Walk around some of the most beautiful lakes in the world

The lakes in the Dolomites have a blue color so intense that it seems straight out of a dream. A family walk around these lakes is relaxing and absolutely beautiful. It is a perfect time to connect with nature and with children.

The best lakes: Allegue, Carezza and Braies.

Photograph the church of St Giovanni in Ranui with the beautiful Dolomites mountains behind

Speaking of photography, the church of St Giovanni in Ranui offers a spectacular backdrop with the Dolomite mountains. The children They will have fun being little photographers, and you will take with you an indelible memory of your trip.

Visit the Dolomites Christmas markets

If you travel in winter, you cannot miss the Dolomites Christmas markets. With its festive atmosphere, lights, crafts and local delicacies, children will be delighted. It is a magical experience that captures the essence of Christmas in the Alps.

From November 28, approximately, until January 6 they are open.

The best and the ones we liked the most are the markets of Christmas of Bolzano, Bressanone, Vipiteno, Ortisei, Selva di Val Gardena, Pecol in the Val di Zoldo, Moena and Trento.

Try some adventure activities in the Dolomites with children

For adventurous families, the Dolomites offer activities such as horseback riding, zip lines, hiking and climbing in summer.

In winter activities alpine skiing, cross-country skiing, biathlon, snowshoeing y horseback riding through the snow.

These experiences are exciting and safe, ideal to enjoy with children. Get ready for the adventure!

The ones that our children liked the most without a doubt on our last trip to the Dolomites:  

• The excursion we did with night snowshoes in the Zoldo Valley organized by Turismo Val di Zoldo with dinner in a refuge.
• Skiing in the domain of Owl
• Learn Biathlon in Palafavera

Have the best artisan ice cream in the world in the Val di Zoldo

The artisan ice creams in the Zoldo Valley They are a delight that you cannot miss. The flavors are unique, and children (and not so children!) will really enjoy them.

Conclusion famous all over the world and I assure you that when you try them you will understand them perfectly.

If you go to an Italian ice cream shop in Spain or the world, ask where the owners are from, they will surely tell you that they are Zoldan! 90% chance!

Visit the highest museum in Europe about the Great War

El museum of the Great War, World War 1, is an educational place where children can learn about history in an entertaining way. It is situated in a stunning setting, which makes it even more special.

The museum tells how they lived both Italian and Austrian soldiers at the Marmolada during the 1nd World War, in very difficult circumstances aggravated by the weather of the place.

It is accessed with the same cable car that goes to Marmolada from Malga Ciapela, but you have to stop at the stop before Punta Rocca.

Eat local Dolomite food with the kids

The gastronomy of the Dolomites is rich and varied. From traditional dishes like canederli, giant bread and speck meatball (Italian smoked ham) eaten in soup or with stew, even delicious desserts like strudel, cinnamon apple pie, is a culinary adventure that the whole family will enjoy. Children will definitely love trying new flavors and dishes in Dolomites.

And if you don't already know that macaroni, spaghetti and pizza They will always be available so as not to disappoint.

Relax in the hot waters of Dalaòndes in Canazzei, Val di Fassa

After a day of adventure, what better than relaxing in the hot waters of Dalaòndes in Canazei?

It is a perfect place for the whole family to relax and enjoy the stunning natural surroundings of the Dolomites and it also has a!competitive slide that measures in time how long it takes you to download it!

Discover the Wrought Iron or Carved Wood Crafts of Sottoguda

A visit to Sottoguda offers you the opportunity to admire the exquisite craftsmanship local. Children will be fascinated watching how artisans transform iron and wood into true works of art. It is an excellent way to introduce them to the value of manual work and tradition with stores that are more than a century old.

There are also sculptures, both iron and wood, scattered throughout the beautiful town, one of the most beautiful in Italy and the Dolomites.

Go on a family trek through the Dolomites in summer

If you visit the Dolomites in summer, trekking through the Dolomite mountains is essential. One, two or three wow hehehe

There are routes adapted for families with children, where you can enjoy the local flora and fauna, and perhaps even find traces of wild animals. It is a great adventure and a perfect way to teach children to love and respect nature.

Possible routes that you might like as a family are that of Bread Viel in Pozza di Fassa, With the Serrai de Sottoguda at the foot of the Marmolada or the one that goes to Baita Civetta refuge, where you can eat, which comes from Pecol of Val di Zoldo.

Skiing with children in the Dolomites in winter

Skiing in the Dolomites is an experience that should not be missed on your winter trip. The ski resorts are perfectly equipped for families, and watching the children slide down the slopes is a real source of pride.

And don't worry if you are beginners, there are ski schools that will make the experience safe and fun!

All the stations that we recommend to do as a family are:

• Beginners and not daring: Val di Zoldo, Civetta domain. With many blues and slopes of all levels.
• Experts: Belvedere in Canazzei or the Marmolada in Malga Ciapela. Very pretty red ones.

Visit the iron and nail museum in Forno di Zoldo

For a dose of culture and history, Museum of Iron and Nail in Forno di Zoldo It is an interesting stop.

It is fascinating to discover how the people of this humble valley have shaped local history. A museum that teaches values ​​and in which the volunteers who run it are the protagonists of past history.

Open every day of July to September, but outside of those days only with visits arranged at the Val di Zoldo Tourist Office.

Dine in a mountain hut while taking a trip to see the stars

One of our most magical nights on our last trip to the Dolomites this winter was when we had dinner in a mountain hut. after one walk under the stars, the children were speechless when they saw the illuminated night sky. An experience that united us even more as a family!

The activity is done Zoldo Valley Tourism and it is about 6 km to go and return with little gradient, suitable for all audiences. You can see how to register and the details in our post about what to see in the Val di Zoldo.

Ice skating

The Dolomites in winter are a frozen paradise perfect for ice skating. The kids had so much fun sliding (and falling) that it became one of our activities. Our favorite rink was Forno di Zoldo and Baita Ru in Pecol where you can have dinner and then skate.

Do the Marcialonga on foot, cross-country skiing or by bicycle, 40 km of an easy route through the Val di Fassa

Touring the Marcialonga, whether on foot, cross-country skiing or cycling, will be an adventure of 40 km through the Val di Fassa.

 Although it sounds challenging, it is an easy route and the landscapes are so impressive that it flew by.

Our dream is to come back and do it by bike in the summer!

We did the section that goes from Pozza di Fassa to Moena, perhaps the easiest and we did it on cross-country skis, although people were also walking because there was not much snow.

Try a new sport in the Dolomites with children: climbing for example in summer or biathlon in winter

Encouraging children to try new mountain sports is always exciting. In summer, you can try a course climbing in the Val di Zoldo, and in winter, the biathlon in Palafavera it's great. Seeing his faces of concentration and then pride when he achieved it, is priceless!

Stay in one of the best Dolomites campsites for children and enjoy the outdoors

We opted to stay in campsites, and it was the right decision. The campsites in the Dolomites are perfectly equipped for families. The children enjoyed the outdoors and it offered us a way to be in touch with nature.

These two are the top ones with children:

Camping Vidor in Val di Fassa

The top campsites for children in the Dolomites without a doubt their play spaces, its mini club and its pools with slides. Although for skiing in winter the slopes are for more expert children.

Camping Civetta in Val di Zoldo

The second campsite in our top Dolomites campsites for its children's playrooms, adapted bathrooms for them and activities that can be done around such as ski, since it is at the foot of the cable car and slopes and they are blue slopes and for all levels of skiing in winter.

Summary of proposed plans for the entire year

Activity	Description
Climb the Highest Mountain by Cable Car (Marmolada)	Ascend by cable car to the top of Marmolada, enjoying impressive views.
Explore Picturesque Towns	Tour charming towns, perfect for family walks and photography.
Walk through Alpine Lakes	Enjoy the beauty and tranquility of the lakes of the Dolomites.
Photograph the Church of St Giovanni de Ranui	Capture memorable images with the Dolomite mountains in the background.
Adventure and Sports	Try zip lines, hiking and other outdoor activities for adventurous families.
Try Artisan Ice Cream in Val di Zoldo	Taste delicious artisan ice cream, a favorite for children.
Visit Educational Museums	Learn about local history and culture in interactive museums.
Savor Local Food	Enjoy the gastronomy of the Dolomites, from traditional dishes to desserts.
Relax in Hot Springs	Rest in the Dalaòndes hot springs in Canazzei, ideal for the family.
Dine in a Mountain Refuge and See the Stars	A magical night with dinner in a mountain hut, followed by a walk to observe the stars.
Marcialonga in Val di Fassa	40 km adventure through the Val di Fassa, whether walking, cross-country skiing or cycling.
Try New Sports	Opportunity for children to try sports such as climbing in the summer or biathlon in the winter.
Accommodation in Family Campsites	Stay at campsites suitable for children, enjoying the outdoors and nature.

Traveling to the Dolomites with children is an adventure that combines fun, learning and connection with nature. Every day brings with it new experiences and learnings. From Dolomites camping to Dolomites skiing with children, there are options for all tastes and ages.

If you liked this proposal, improve it and enjoy it with your family! Then I hope you share it with us in comments!

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