Planning the perfect Northern Italy family itinerary? Look no further! This two-week Italy family trip is packed with magical cities, awe-inspiring hikes, stunning lakes, thrilling amusement parks, and cozy Alpine villages.
Whether you’re traveling with toddlers, teens, or grandparents, this Italy travel guide will help you experience the very best of Northern Italy — from the Dolomites to Venice.

This was our summer family trip two weeks in June 2023.

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🛬 Landed in Turin: Gateway to Northern Italy

Starting your family trip to Italy in Turin offers a perfect mix of culture, history, and Italian charm without the overwhelming crowds.

We skipped the city and drove straight to the Alps.

Must See

• Piazza Castello — Turin’s grand square perfect for a first espresso or gelato.
• Mole Antonelliana — Take the panoramic elevator for a 360° view of the city.
• Egyptian Museum — The world’s second-largest collection of Egyptian artifacts — super kid-friendly with scavenger hunts.

How to Get There

• Fly into Turin Airport (TRN), easily connected via direct flights from major European cities.

Price

• Taxi to city center: €30–40
• Egyptian Museum: ~€15/adult, kids under 6 free
• Mole Antonelliana elevator: €10/adult

⭐ Pro Tip: Spend one relaxed day here to recover from jet lag before hitting the mountains!

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🏔 Monte Bianco: Touch the Roof of Europe

Next, your Northern Italy itinerary takes you to the base of majestic Mont Blanc (Monte Bianco). With spectacular mountains and perfect weather this was a highlight of the trip. Many activities suited for families also helped this locations to secure high praise from the whole family on our trip.

Skyway Monte Bianco took us up high on Monte Blanco to a glacier with lots of snow an great views. We also enjoyed walking around at the top station where there was a garden and a play area for the kids.

Must See

• Skyway Monte Bianco — This futuristic cable car whisks you up to 3,466 meters!
• Punta Helbronner Terrace — One of the highest viewing platforms in Europe, where kids can even spot Mont Blanc climbers.

How to Get There

• 1.5-hour scenic drive from Turin to Courmayeur.

Price

• Skyway ticket: €55/adult, €30/child
  (Pre-book online for savings!)

🌟 Keyword Tip: Add Mont Blanc day trip to your family’s bucket list!

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🏞 Gran Paradiso National Park: Pure Alpine Beauty

Discover authentic Alpine wilderness in Gran Paradiso National Park, Italy’s oldest national park.

We took an short afternoon hike to two huge waterfalls where we swam to cool of.

Must See

• Rifugio Vittorio Sella Hike — Rewarding views and a chance to spot ibex and marmots.
• Valnontey Valley — Easy family-friendly trails ideal for a picnic.

How to Get There

• 1-hour drive from Courmayeur.

Price

• Entry: Free!
• Guided family hikes: ~€50/person (optional)

🌿 Tip: Bring binoculars — spotting wildlife here is almost guaranteed.

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💦 Lillaz Waterfalls: Refreshing Adventure

Next up: a magical natural stop perfect for a family afternoon — the Cascate di Lillaz.

Must See

• Lillaz Waterfalls — Easily reached via a short, easy hike (AllTrails hike link).
• Cascata di Bielet — For the more adventurous, a second higher waterfall.

How to Get There

• 1-hour drive to Cogne, Aosta Valley.

Price

• Free access!

👟 Tip: Water shoes recommended if kids want to splash near the falls.

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🌲 Mont Blanc Adventure Park: Thrill-Seeking Fun

A must for families looking for outdoor adventure on their Italy travel with kids.

They have quite a few high courses with ziplines, but the real highlight is a very long zipline over a river. Me and my oldest son took it and it was an amazing ride with great views (if you dare to look down).

Must See

• Rope courses for all skill levels
• Giant ziplines over lush forests (Official website)

How to Get There

• Near Courmayeur center, just 10 minutes from Monte Bianco cable car.

Price

• Adventure pass: €20–25 depending on course difficulty

🎢 Tip: Book an early morning slot for fewer crowds.

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🦶 Barefooting Path in Morgex: Back to Nature

Unplug and reconnect with nature at the Barefoot Trail in Morgex.

Many different textures to wake up sheltered feet. It was a short walk that took just an hour but an activity we had never tried before.

Must See

• 600m trail full of woodchips, grass, mud, stones, and water (Tripadvisor link).

How to Get There

• Short 10-minute drive from Courmayeur.

Price

• Free!

🧦 Tip: Bring a towel for muddy feet!

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🌊 Rutor Waterfalls: Hike to Nature’s Power

The Rutor Waterfalls (Cascate del Rutor) are one of Northern Italy’s most powerful waterfalls — perfect for a family half-day hike.

I did this one a morning before the family had woken up. It took a couple of hours and the falls was really impressive.

Must See

• Three levels of thundering falls
• Wooden bridges and scenic lookouts

How to Get There

• Drive 30 minutes to La Thuile.

Price

• Free hike!

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🚠 Cable Car Val Veny

See another side of Mont Blanc via the Val Veny Cable Car.

Must See

• Spectacular glaciers, alpine meadows, and wildflowers.

How to Get There

• Located just south of Courmayeur (Google Maps link).

Price

• Round trip: €25/adult, €15/child

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🌄 Morning Adventures: Val Ferret and Val Veny

Some of the best places to visit in Northern Italy are tucked away in these pristine valleys.

I did a kike in Val Veny one morning and took the car to Val Ferret. I wish I had more time on both but at least I got a taste for these great hiking areas.

Must See

• Val Ferret — Picnic by the rushing Dora di Ferret River.
• Val Veny — Towering glaciers and dramatic mountain walls.

How to Get There

• Easy drives from Courmayeur.

Price

• Small parking fees apply (€5–10).

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🌅 Lake Como: Elegance by the Water

Next, your Italy road trip with family takes you to the legendary shores of Lake Como.
We stayed here 3 nights at a great hotel with a pool and view of Lake Como. There where many activities just a short car ride away. Too many great gardens for us to visit all. We visited two with the family and I visited one alone one morning. It is a pricy part of Italy but it is so worth it for how nice it is. You need a rental car that is not too large as the roads are narrow, and do not miss taking a boat trip.

Must See

• Explore Bellagio’s cobbled streets
• Varenna’s lakeside promenade

How to Get There

• 3-hour drive from Courmayeur to Como.

Price

• Ferry tickets: €5–15
• Parking in Como: €2/hour

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🏛 Villa del Balbianello: A Star-Worthy Villa

Step into a movie set at Villa del Balbianello, famously featured in Star Wars and James Bond.

Must See

• Stunning gardens
• Lavish 18th-century interiors

How to Get There

• Boat taxi from Lenno.

Price

• Villa and garden entry: €20/adult, €10/child

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🌺 Villa Carlotta

Must-See

An iconic villa located on Lake Como, Villa Carlotta is famed for its stunning botanical gardens and impressive art collection. Perfect for a family stroll through lush landscapes, blooming in spring and summer.

How to Get There

Located in Tremezzo, easily accessible by ferry or car from Como.

Price

Entry fees: €12 adults, €6 kids under 18. Family tickets available.

Highlights

• Beautiful terraced gardens
• Historic sculptures and paintings
• Family-friendly walking paths

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🏖 Lake Garda: Family Paradise in Italy

Welcome to Lake Garda, Italy’s largest lake — a dream destination for families looking to combine nature, history, and fun parks!

Crosier and more family friendly than the Luxurious Lake Como, Lake Garda has a lot to offer for families. Swimming near roman ruins and Gardaland, Italys greatest theme parc where two of the activates we did.

Must See

• Malcesine Castle — Medieval fortress with breathtaking lake views.
• Limone sul Garda — Lemon groves and lakeside cafés.
• Peschiera del Garda — Beautiful canals and fortress walls.

How to Get There

• 2-hour drive from Lake Como.

Price

• Ferry rides: €5–10
• Castle entry: ~€6/adult, kids discounted

🌞 Tip: Swim beaches are plentiful — pack swimsuits and water shoes.

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🏰 Sirmione: Fairytale Town on Lake Garda

Sirmione is often called the “Pearl of Garda” — and for good reason!

Must See

• Scaliger Castle — A real medieval castle surrounded by water.
• Sirmione Old Town — Pedestrian-friendly with gelato shops galore.

How to Get There

• Drive or ferry from other Garda towns.

Price

• Castle entry: €6/adult, free for kids under 18 EU citizens.

🍦 Tip: Try Sirmione’s famous giant gelato cones!

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🏛 Roman Ruins of Sirmione: A Step into the Past

Walk through the spectacular Grotte di Catullo — ancient Roman villa ruins with lake views.

Must See

• Archaeological museum
• Walking trails through Roman remains

Price

• Entry ticket: ~€8/adult, free under 18

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🎢 Gardaland: Italy’s Best Amusement Park

Gardaland is Italy’s answer to Disneyland — and a must-visit for kids in Italy!

Must See

• Fantasy Kingdom for little ones
• Raptor and Oblivion roller coasters for thrill-seekers

How to Get There

• 15-minute drive from Sirmione.

Price

• Entry: ~€45/adult, discounts for online booking

🎠 Tip: Download the Gardaland app for real-time wait times.

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🏔 Bolzano: Gateway to the Dolomites

Bolzano is where Alpine charm meets Italian style — a perfect stop on your Dolomites itinerary with family.

We stayed at a small place way up in the mountains. Google maps did not have a road to it so getting there was a bit of a challenge but when we arrived it way so worth it. This is way up in South Tyrol with many hiking areas and beautiful lakes in short driving distance.

Must See

• Ötzi the Iceman Museum — Meet the 5,300-year-old mummy!
• Walther Square — Elegant cafés and playgrounds.

How to Get There

• 1.5-hour drive from Lake Garda.

Price

• Museum ticket: ~€12/adult, €5/child

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🏞 Lake Carezza: Rainbow Reflections

Lake Carezza is straight out of a fairytale — a must-see on any Northern Italy family road trip.

Must See

• Emerald water reflections of Latemar mountain
• Easy circular trail (~20 min) — stroller friendly!

How to Get There

• 45-minute drive from Bolzano.

Price

• Parking: ~€2/hour

📸 Tip: Visit early morning for mirror-like reflections.

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🌊 Lago di Braies: The Instagram-Famous Lake

You’ve seen it all over Instagram — now experience Lago di Braies (Pragser Wildsee) in real life!

One of many stops one afternoon on a day driving through South Tyrol. It is just a short walk from the parking lot and it is really beautiful with the iconic Rowboats. It is no surprise that it is really popular and my drone was not the only one in the sky when we visited. It did not get crowded though and I can truly recommend it.

Must See

• Rowboat rentals
• Lakeside family trail (~1-hour loop)

How to Get There

• 1.5-hour drive from Bolzano.

Price

• Parking: ~€6/day
• Rowboat rental: ~€25/hour

🚣‍♂️ Tip: Rowboats sell out by 10 a.m. in summer — go early!

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🥾 Tre Cime di Lavaredo: Iconic Dolomite Hike

Ready for a bucket-list family hike in the Dolomites?
Tre Cime di Lavaredo (Three Peaks) offers jaw-dropping views and relatively easy trails for older kids.

It is a highlight on any trip and was supposed to be one on ours. But as many highlights around the world they are getting increasingly crowded. When we arrived to the main hike that everyone takes at 8 in the morning all parking lots where already full and cars parked along the roads lined the road for many kilometers. I do not now if we could have walked many kilometers along the road and if we would have been allowed in to walk in line with everyone else. But we could not do it with our family. We took another walk in the area with the family and where all alone.

Another morning I got up at 5 and took a longer hike uphill that was closer to where we stayed. I hiked as quickly as I could, running most of the part back to get back to the family before 10. It was very beautiful and worth the early morning and long hike. But my recommendations is to not go there in July or August and to be at the parking lot no later than 7 in the morning.

Must See

• 10 km loop trail with epic views
• Rifugios (mountain huts) serving pasta and strudel!

How to Get There

• Drive to Rifugio Auronzo (toll road €30/car).

Price

• Toll road: €30 per vehicle

🥾 Tip: Bring layers — it’s chilly even in summer!

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🎢 Fun Bob Alpine Coaster

Need a break from hiking? Hit the Fun Bob rodelbahn in Auronzo di Cadore — an epic downhill coaster on rails!

It is amazing when you find activities like this. Where you are in nature and experience something that everyone in the family enjoys. Without any crowds or waiting times. Our kids where 11 and 8 and they could both drive themselves and had so much fun doing it. It was like going on a roller coaster where you decide how quick you will drive. At times it felt like I went so fast I would crash, but I guess it is safe.

(Tripadvisor link)

Must See

• 3-minute thrilling descent
• Kids 3+ can ride with parents!

How to Get There

• 20-minute drive from Tre Cime parking.

Price

• Single ride: ~€5

🎢 Tip: Go twice — you’ll want to!

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🏖 Caorle: Italy’s Secret Beach Town

Swap mountains for seaside charm at Caorle, a colorful fishing village turned family beach resort.

Must See

• Old Town’s colorful houses
• Sandy family-friendly beaches

How to Get There

• 2-hour drive from the Dolomites.

Price

• Beach chairs: ~€20/day rental

🏖 Tip: Stay overnight to enjoy Caorle’s peaceful evening vibe.

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🎭 Verona: City of Love and Roman History

No family vacation to Northern Italy would be complete without visiting Verona.

Must See

• Juliet’s Balcony — Kids love the legends.
• Arena di Verona — Roman amphitheater still hosting concerts today.

How to Get There

• 1.5-hour drive from Caorle.

Price

• Arena entry: ~€10/adult, kids free under 7

📚 Tip: Read a kid-friendly version of Romeo and Juliet before visiting!

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🧬 MUSE Science Museum: Learning Made Fun

Trento’s award-winning MUSE Science Museum is one of Italy’s best museums for kids!

Must See

• Dinosaur skeletons
• Interactive science exhibits

How to Get There

• 1-hour drive from Verona.

Price

• Entry: ~€11/adult, €6/child

🧪 Tip: Book tickets ahead during summer weekends.

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🏖 Caribe Bay Water Park: Splash Time!

Need a day of pure fun?
Caribe Bay, near Venice, is Italy’s best water park — Caribbean-themed!

Must See

• Giant wave pool
• Water slides and kids’ areas

How to Get There

• 1-hour drive from Venice.

Price

• Entry: ~€35/adult, €30/child

👙 Tip: Bring water shoes for hot pavement!

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🛶 Venice: Grand Finale of Your Family Trip

End your Northern Italy family itinerary with magical Venice.

Must See

• St. Mark’s Square and Basilica
• Gondola Ride (yes, even with kids!)
• Doge’s Palace secret passageways tour

How to Get There

• Ferry, water taxi, or walk if staying nearby.

Price

• Vaporetto boat pass: ~€20/day
• Gondola ride: ~€80–120

🎭 Tip: Explore quieter islands like Burano for colorful houses and no crowds.

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🎉 Final Thoughts: Your Ultimate Northern Italy Family Adventure Awaits!

From the highest mountains to the bluest lakes, from medieval castles to thrilling amusement parks, this two-week Northern Italy family itinerary offers a perfect mix of adventure, relaxation, culture, and fun.
It’s one of the best family road trips in Italy — and an experience you’ll cherish forever.