Best Family Hikes in the Dolomites

The beautiful and snow-capped Dolomites are a subsection of the European Alps, located in northeastern Italy. These mountains are a UNESCO World Heritage site, and the scenery around them is stunning.

In addition to the majestic limestone mountains and alpine sites, there are also interesting historical and cultural influences in the Dolomites. This was a key battleground during World War I, and the region is still scarred by this conflict. The Dolomites also serve as a border between Italy and Austria, and the area is heavily influenced by both languages and cultures.

Given its Alpine climate, the Dolomites are a great destination for outdoor activities, including hiking. On a trip here you will certainly spend time in the beautiful outdoor scenery, which usually includes a wide variety of flowers and livestock.

The Dolomites are very kid-friendly, and all hikes in this article can be completed by families with kids of all ages. In addition, several of these routes are also possible with strollers! For more information about travel strollers, see my post with reviews.

Enjoy these travel tips for enjoying the Dolomites with kids.

Best Places to Visit in the Dolomites with Kids

I don’t think there’s a bad place to stay in the Dolomites with the kids. Personally, I enjoy Cortina a lot as it gives me the best of both world: access to nature and the amenities of the town.

Val Gardena is also a great option as it gives you access to many easy hikes. The same applies to Val di Fassa. I wrote more about where to stay in the Dolomites here.

Logistics about Dolomites with Kids

All of these hikes are best done between late spring and early fall, as snowfall will make many paths inaccessible. However, if you travel to the Dolomites in the winter there is still plenty to do (there are many ski resorts in this region).

For hiking, avoid the height of the summer if you want to steer clear of crowds! None of the hikes below require equipment, but you should pack layers of clothing, water, snacks, and a map/guide book (such as this one). Plan your hikes ahead of time in order to stay safe and have the best experience.

You will see that many areas in the Dolomites use German, French, or both. You will also find English speakers. Don’t be confused if many places have two or three names, this is usually just the same name translated into several languages.

One keyword that you will encounter a lot is “rifugio” which means “refuge” and refers to mountain huts that often double as bathrooms, restaurants, hotels, and shops.

The Dolomite region has decent public transportation, particularly buses. However, you may want to rent a car for easy access and the ability to travel between different towns and villages. In addition, buses are more frequent in the height of summer and less frequent during the off-season.

You will also need to rely on cable cars and funiculars to get up the mountains. The transportation service website provides additional information as well as public transportation routes.

The hikes listed below are roughly in order from easier and shorter to longer and more challenging. However, all of these routes can be hiked with children! Stroller hikes are indicated.

The whole family will be sure to enjoy your adventures in the Dolomites!

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1. Badia (Pedraces)/Sompunt Lake

The Badia (Pedraces)/Sompunt Lake hiking route is one of the shortest on this list, and should only take about a half hour. This option is located near Alta Badia, a Dolomite ski resort. This is a beautiful valley area that offers some of the best food in the Dolomites (with three Michelin star restaurants!).

Sompunt Lake (or Lago Sompunt) is a quiet lake that comes alive in winter, when it freezes up and becomes an ice skating rink. In the warmer months, it’s fairly unpopulated.

Start your journey at the Badia Municipal Offices and follow Pedraces Road to Runcac Road. You’ll pass several farms and reach Sompunt Lake, where you will need to reverse your route to make it back to your car/transport. Don’t miss the Paraciora-Sompunt Deer Park, which also includes other animals and a playground for children.

Budget Friendly Hotels To Stay Near Alta Badia:
Dolomites Wellness Hotel Savoy • Garni La Ciasota • Alpine Hotel Ciasa Lara

2. Giro delle Malghe

This trail is also known as the “Tour of the Alpine Huts” and is a great easy option for young children and parents with strollers! Highlights of this route include meadows and mountain goats. The Giro delle Malghe takes less than an hour and is almost entirely flat. You will see several picturesque mountain huts along the way (hence the name!).

Start your walk at Passo Staulanza heading towards Val di Zoldo. The road takes you to either Malga Fontanafredda or Malga Vescova, both farm shops/restaurants. Both options have grazing animals (primarily goats and sheep) and sell food. You will need to reverse your walk in order to get back to your starting point (and transportation). There are also options to extend this hike (but without a stroller).

Cheap Places To Stay Near Passo Staulanza and Val di Zoldo:
Rifugio Palafavera • Hotel B&B Lorenzini Ski • Hotel Alpenrose

3. Lago di Santa Caterina (also known as Auronzo Lake) Loop

This hike takes you around a beautiful lake in the Dolomites, that’s almost always included in