The Dolomites are Italy’s mountain playground, and one of the most spectacular places you can visit in Italy with kids. The area is full of kid-friendly hikes, Italy’s best playgrounds, and a variety of delicious foods to satisfy young palates. Plus, your kids can soak up three distinct cultures – Italian, Austrian, and Ladin.
And, another amazing thing about traveling to the Dolomites with kids – the wealth of kid-friendly accommodations! From memorable nights in rifugi (for older kids and teens) to hotels with kids clubs and kids programs to friendly B&Bs and self-service apartments – you’ll surely find the perfect place(s) to stay with your family in the Dolomites.
I’m a mamma of three living here in Italy and I’ve visited the Dolomites every year since 2004 – as a cycling guide, hiking guide, trip planner, on my own, with my husband, and now with my three boys. I’ve spent countless nights in the Dolomites in all types of accommodations – from mountain huts to five-star resorts. It’s one of my favorite places on the planet!
I’m happy to share my favorite places to stay in the Dolomites with kids – and I’ve also added a few places that are on our list of places to stay in on future trips. After the recommendations, I’ll go over some tips for booking your family stay in the Dolomites.
So, let’s find your hotel (or rifugio, or garni, or pension, or B&B…):
Good To Know: I’ve classified the accommodations into:
B&Bs and Apartments
Budget Hotels
Mid-Range Hotels
Luxury Hotels
Mountain Huts (Rifugi)
However, you may notice that at the time you’re looking, a ‘budget’ hotel is expensive and feels like it should be in the ‘mid-range’ hotel section. Rates fluctuate during the year. And some towns are just plain expensive (like Cortina d’Ampezzo).
You may want to read
Accommodation Options in Italy – From Agriturismos to Villas
Where to Stay in Merano with Kids
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Where to Stay in the Dolomites with Kids – Things to Consider
Before we look at the properties, I want to point out a few things you should consider when choosing where you’ll stay in the Dolomites. They’re all family- and trip-specific.
- Not too far into the mountains – Avoid long drives into the mountains to get to your accommodation if you’re only staying for a short time (a couple of days) or if you have kids that are prone to getting car-sick. For example, Corvara in Badia is spectacular, but there are easier options if you’re just visiting for a couple of nights (like Ortisei).
- Self-catering options – With kids, it’s nice to be able to cook a quick pasta in the evening or have breakfast in your pajamas. If you’re like us and like to have this option, book a self-catering apartment.
- Kid-friendly amenities – We are drawn to Dolomites accommodations with outdoor play areas, or at least grassy areas for the kids to run around in, play soccer, etc. Indoor play areas are also lifesavers on rainy days. Many Dolomites hotels offer organized kids activities.
- Staying in a family hotel – There are tons of hotels in the Dolomites that cater to families. Staying in a family hotel is a great way to find buddies for kids and for parents to be in a relaxed environment (at family hotels I don’t worry about shushing my kids at dinner).
Good To Know: Because there are multiple cultures in the Dolomites, you’ll often see the name of a place in two or three languages (Italian, German, Ladin). For example, Rifugio Fanes (Italian) also goes by Fanes Hütte (German) and Üćia de Fanes (Ladin).
Map of Family-Friendly Places to Stay in the Dolomites
Family-Friendly B&Bs and Apartments in the Dolomites
Vikoler Apartments (Fiè allo Sciliar) – We stay here often and love the sweet family that runs it. There are four apartments available – including two that have two bedrooms. They have lovely balconies and the apartments are in a prime spot in Fiè allo Sciliar. Everything is walkable (grocery store, bus stop, both playgrounds). Spotless apartments with kitchen, bathtub and there’s a yard for kids to play in. Read more about Fiè allo Sciliar with Kids.
Nei Y Suredl Nieve Y Sol (Corvara in Badia) – I’ve stayed here with my son and a friend and we loved that it’s close enough to town that you can walk but it also felt removed from the ‘hustle and bustle’ of Corvara. The only thing to know is that it’s up a steep hill (work on your buns of steel if you’re pushing a stroller). Read more about Corvara in Badia with Kids.
Nature Hotel Delta (Colfosco) – Clean, small hotel with spectacular views of Corvara and the surrounding mountains. I’ve stayed here with a baby but it would work with other ages too. You’re close to lifts and kid-friendly hikes like Cascate del Pisciadù. If you want to go into Corvara for dinner, you need to take a car. Read more about Visiting Colfosco.
Apartments Pitschlmann (Fiè allo Sciliar) – Below the village of Fiè, so you’ll want to have a car if you stay here. Views of the valley and a nice kid play area in the lawn. There are also animals. It’s a quiet, relaxing setting. The restaurant is popular with locals and visitors and the food is excellent.
B&B Residence Hubertus (Fiè allo Sciliar) – Another favorite of ours. I first stayed here in 2004(!) and it continues to be a family-run gem. There is a simple, cozy B&B in the main building, but for families, I recommend the apartments next door. They’re ‘mountain modern,’ clean, and set up well for families. Another place in a prime spot in town. My boys love the yard here and the easy access to the pond and little hill where goats roam freely.
Budget Family Hotels in the Dolomites
Hotel Menardi (Cortina d’Ampezzo) – I’ve stayed here and love the vintage Dolomites feel and the kind staff. It’s not in town, but it’s right on the paved path that takes you into the center of Cortina. It’s on the main road, so I wouldn’t stay here with early walkers or young kids. Also, remember that Cortina is expensive, so you won’t feel like you’re getting your money’s worth. Helpful Tip: If you want to stay in town, check rates at Hotel de la Poste. It’s in a prime spot, and the rooms are spacious (but know that there’s nothing kid-focused about the hotel). I’ve stayed here and would come here with kids if the price is right.
Hotel Gartenresidence Zea Curtis (Merano) – I’ve stayed here with kids and there’s a lush garden and nice small pool. There are rooms and apartments, a small parking lot, and it’s in a residential area. It takes 15-20 minutes to walk to the center of Merano (we used a stroller) and it’s close to playgrounds, grocery stores, and the thermal baths. Not a kid-focused place (although it does have a playground!), but we felt welcomed and comfortable here.
Agriturismo Niederhof Lana (Merano) – Niederhof has fantastic views of the valley and plenty of amenities to keep kids happy and busy (trampoline, ping pong, climbing structure, swimming pool, animals, and more). The apartments are simple and spacious and it’s a quick drive to Merano. We loved our stay here and my kids couldn’t get enough of the play area.
If you’re heading to Merano with kids, be sure to read
Merano 2000
Things to Do in Merano with Kids
Hotel Sole Family Hotel (Predazzo) – This simple, family-run and family-focused hotel has family rooms and apartments, and plenty of space for kids to play in the grassy area. There’s a small playground, a kids club, evening kids entertainment, and it’s close to kid-friendly hikes.
Family-Friendly Mid-Range Hotels in the Dolomites
Hotel Emmy (Fiè allo Sciliar) – I’ve stayed here and it’s got lovely views of Fiè (it’s in the upper part of town) and the Sciliar range (but I’d ask for a Sciliar view). Spacious family rooms and kids amenities like a playroom. It’s walkable to the upper playground and you can also walk downhill to the center of Fiè (but it’s a steep hill so not easy for little ones).
Hotel Störes (San Cassiano) – This hotel (in the main photo at the top) in quiet San Cassiano has a large grassy area and playground for kids and it’s really close to the bottom of the Piz Sorega lift that takes you up to our favorite alpine playground – Möviment Bear Park.
Romantik Hotel Turm (Fiè allo Sciliar) – This is one of my all-time favorite hotels in Italy and I’ve been visiting and loving it since 2004. It’s unique (full of art), family-run, has delicious food (the owner is the chef), and the outdoor spaces and spa are memorable. However, I’ve tried bringing my young kids here and always feel like I’m having to shush them. So, I recommend it for older kids (maybe 8-9 and up) and teens who can enjoy the atmosphere and take advantage of the indoor rock gym, cooking lessons, and swimming pool. Prime location in Fiè.
Family Hotel Posta (Santa Cristina in Val Gardena) – I usually stay in nearby Fiè allo Sciliar, but I’ve heard nothing but good things about this family-run and family-focused hotel in the Val Gardena. Clean, spacious family rooms available, plus amenities like a children’s swimming pool and game room. It’s close to a lift that takes you up to Alpe di Siusi but it’s an open two-seater (which I don’t like to take with small kids).
Biancaneve Family Hotel (Selva di Val Gardena) – This place is like a resort that can keep kids and adults happy – with kids club activities for ages 1+ and dedicated play areas. There are also things for adults like the spa. It’s close to lifts and the town is in a nice spot for accessing so many areas like Corvara in Badia, Alpe di Siusi, Seceda, Ortisei, and more. I wouldn’t hesitate to stay here (if the price is right… rates can be very high in the summer). Read more about Alpe di Siusi with Kids.
Das Grafenstein Familienresidence (Merano) – Probably my kids’ all-time favorite hotel, located in the hills above Merano. It’s got an incredible outdoor play area, plenty of organized kids activities, and spectacular views from everywhere on the property (especially the outdoor swimming pool). The apartment we stayed in was spacious, comfortable, and kid (and mamma) approved.
Hotel Rio Stava Family Resort & Spa (Tesero) –Indoor and outdoor play areas, kids club for ages 2+, and guided family walks. Children’s pool and huge playground area onsite.
Activ & Familienhotel Adlernest (Madonna di Senales) – This family hotel would pair perfectly with a visit to nearby Merano. It’s more remote and offers indoor and outdoor play areas and family rooms and apartments, but it doesn’t scream ‘kid hotel.’ It’s beautifully decorated and there are plenty for mamma and papà too, like a gorgeous spa.
Family-Friendly Luxury Hotels in the Dolomites
Cavallino Bianco (Ortisei) – This place, set in the center of Ortisei is all about kids. It’s a luxurious but fun setting, and you definitely won’t hear your kids complaining about boredom. You have easy access to Alpe di Siusi, and the Resciesa and Seceda hikes from here. Read more about Ortisei with Kids.
Quellenhof Luxury Resort Passeier (San Martino in Passiria) – Large, luxury resort with plenty of facilities for kids. Would pair well with a visit to Merano (city, thermal baths).
Falkensteiner Family Resort Lido (Casteldarne) – Easy to reach by public transport, and full of activities and amenities to keep kids happy and entertained – like trampolines and incredible indoor and outdoor play areas. Well-decorated family rooms.
Hotel La Perla (Corvara in Badia) – I haven’t stayed here with my kids, but we have eaten here and although it was fine, I think the hotel is best for older kids or teens. It’s quirky, luxurious, and there are fun extras like a motorcycle collection and a private Ladin Museum. It’s in a great spot in town, walkable to everything, including lifts to take you to fabulous hikes.
Rosa Alpina (San Cassiano) – This luxurious family-run hotel will reopen in the winter of 2024/2025 as part of the Aman brand. In the past, it’s been very kid-friendly, but without tons of kid amenities. Read more about San Cassiano with Kids.
Family-Friendly Rifugi (Mountain Huts) in the Dolomites
Staying in a rifugio with kids can be a fun and memorable experience, as long as you keep a few things in mind:
- If you are traveling with small kids, make sure the rifugio is easy to access – this could be by lift (but keep in mind the lifts close at night) or by car.
- Try to find a rifugio with a playground, animals, or other kid-friendly activities like looking for marmots or stargazing.
- Know that some rifugi only have shared bathrooms, or there are limited private bathrooms. If you want a private bathroom, double-check before you reserve and pay.
Rifugio Scoiattoli (Cinque Torri) – At the top of the lift at the Cinque Torri near Cortina d’Ampezzo, this simple rifugio has private rooms with bunk beds and shared bathrooms. You can eat all meals at the hut, enjoy the views on the large patio, watch the climbers on the Cinque Torri, walk the route of the WW1 Open-Air Museum, look for marmots out in front of the hut, and walk up to higher huts (Rifugio Averau, or for older kids, Rifugio Nuvolau). Read more about Visiting Cinque Torri.
Rifugio Averau (Cinque Torri) – This place has some of my favorite fresh pasta and it also offers excellent views. You can reach it on foot (uphill) from Rifugio Scoiattoli (see above). I’d stay here with my 6 and 9 year old, but not my two year old, because it’s a walk up to it and there’s not a ton to do once you’re there if you’re little. But older kids can play cards, hike, etc. Family rooms available but they get booked out quickly.
Rifugio Piz Sorega (on Pralongia) – Easily reached by cable car from San Cassiano, and it’s next door to one of our favorite alpine playgrounds for kids – Bear Park (fun for all ages, from babies to older kids). There are also kid-friendly hikes to do from here and you can take another lift to another alpine park – fun! If Rifugio Piz Sorega is full, you can also try the nearby Rifugio Las Vegas, which is a short walk away.
Rifugio Fanes (Alpe di Fanes) – This remote rifugio holds so many special memories for me, and I can’t wait to bring my kids here. It’s best for older kids and teens that are strong hikers – because you really do need to hike to get to it. There is a way to reach the hut by a (very bumpy) jeep shuttle, but I wouldn’t recommend it for small kids. There are rooms that sleep up to five and some have private bathrooms. A starry night at Rifugio Fanes will stay with you (and your kids) forever.
Rifuguio Fuciade (Val di Fassa) – This is a nice family option because you can drive to the rifugio and there it has cozy rooms with private bathrooms.
Hotel Piccolo Baita (Molveno) – It’s not technically a rifugio, but you reach it by lift from Molveno, so it has that feel. It has views of Molveno, it’s an excellent mountain sports base, and it’s on the amazing Sciury Trail (my boys loved this!). Read more about Molveno with Kids.
Helpful Tip: If you’re not sure your kids are ready for a rifugio stay, there are plenty of opportunities to visit mountain huts, malghe (alpine huts), or mountain restaurants for lunch. They often have playgrounds or animals, and it’s an easy way to get the feel for a rifugio without committing to spending the night.
For example, we like:
Ristorante Bullaccia on Alpe di Siusi
Rifugio Averau at Cinque Torri
Tuff Alm at the base of the Sciliar
Our Favorite Areas to Stay in the Dolomites with Kids
Fiè allo Sciliar (at the base of the Sciliar Range)
Ortisei – Easy access to Alpe di Siusi, Resciesa (reach by funicular!), and Seceda – all of which offer kid-friendly hikes and activities; try to stay in the lower part of town so you can avoid walking up and down the steep hill above the city center (unless your kids are ok with it); plenty of restaurants and shops in town; it has our favorite playground in a mountain town in the Dolomites; you can bring your kids to the Ladin Museum to learn about local culture; well-connected with public transport; large enough that there are plenty of accommodation options. Read more about Seceda with Kids and the Resciesa Hike with Kids.
Corvara in Badia – Lively village that’s perfect for super sporty families. Corvara makes a great base for cycling (although the best family routes are on the area’s network of cycling paths) and hiking. Families with smaller kids will enjoy the Moviment Parks on Pralongia and the Summer Park LaCrusc above Badia.
Cortina d’Ampezzo – Expensive, but fun people watching and a good base for Cinque Torri and the Tre Cime di Lavaredo; if possible, stay somewhere in the center or along the walking/cycling path. Read my guide to Cortina d’Ampezzo with Kids.
Good To Know: Cortina is expensive (with a capital ‘E’), so make sure you don’t have high expectations – you will not feel like you’ve gotten your money’s worth).
Molveno – The tiny, colorful village on the northern edge of Lake Molveno – one of the most kid-friendly spots in all of Italy.
I hope this helps you decide on the perfect place to stay with your kids in the Dolomites! If you have any questions, send me a message – I love helping others visit the area!
You may also want to read
7-Day Family Itinerary for the Dolomites
Our Favorite Things to Do in the Dolomites
Driving in the Dolomites
Strollers in Italy
Bathrooms in Italy
Diapers in Italy
Italy with Kids Packing List
Italy with a Baby or Toddler Packing List
Italy with a Baby or Toddler
Italy with Teens
