If Italy’s Lakes region sounds appealing, yet you seek something a bit less glitzy and more serene, consider a vacation to Ascona. Located just north of the Swiss/Italian border, Ascona allows families to experience lazy days relaxing in the beautiful surroundings without a lot of fuss. The kid-friendly fun includes excursions to see the castles of Bellinzona, swimming in Lake Maggiore, a day cruise to Italy, visiting the various artists’ colonies and dinners full of the best Swiss food. We suggest families book accommodations that mirror the laid-back vibe for which Ascona is known, like a kid-friendly resort with beautiful grounds full of play spaces and pools that children can enjoy for days on end.