How to Explore Bolzano in South Tyrol, Italy with Kids

South Tyrol in the Italian Alps, tucked at the top of Italy near the Austrian border, is an off-the-beaten-path destination that seems custom-made for active families. This scenic province is framed by the mountains to the north and beautiful wine country to the south. In between lie charming villages, towering mountain peaks and hundreds of castles. And you can reach it all from the region’s capital, Bolzano. 

Things to do in Bolzano and South Tyrol with Kids 

Funivia Renon Cable Car

Bolzano, or Bozen in German, is a convenient home base for exploring the diverse and family-friendly region of South Tyrol. The Funivia Renon cable car, with departures every few minutes, is right outside of the Parkhotel Holzner and drops passengers off a few blocks from the historic town center. The views of the valleys, mountains, vineyards and earth pyramids make this an exciting ride.  

Bolzano City Center

Bolzano’s compact center has a lot to offer: Window-shop along the covered arcade; stroll through one of the colorful open-air markets; visit the cathedral and its 15th-century frescoes; or grab a gelato and stroll along the river. 

South Tyrol Museum of Archaeology (Ötzi Museum)

A trip to Bolzano isn’t complete without meeting its most famous resident, Otzi the Iceman, at the South Tyrol Museum of Archaeology. At 5,300 years old, this Stone Age man is one of the oldest mummies in the world. The interesting, nicely designed museum focuses on Otzi and the well-preserved items found in his possession.  

During the summer months, the museum offers a family room where complimentary childcare is available. Download the museum app for kids before your visit. 

Messner Mountain Museum 

Explore exhibits about mountain culture, history and art. Throughout the year you will find displays featuring artifacts and multimedia presentations that will not only engage your children but make them excited to learn as well. 

Walther Square (Piazza Walther) 

Let the kids run around the central square while you enjoy the local cafes and people watching. Markets and festivals are hosted throughout the year in the piazza, making it a destination for families with children of all ages.  

Bolzano Christmas Market (Winter) 

During the winter holidays you can visit the festive Christmas market in town with stalls selling crafts, treats and holiday decorations. 

Runkelstein Castle (Castel Roncolo) 

Explore this medieval castle with its well-preserved frescoes. There are plenty of special exhibitions and activities for children, making history fun and interactive. 

Talvera Meadows (Parco Petrarca) 

Enjoy the large green spaces perfect for picnics, playing, and relaxing. The park has playgrounds, a skate park and walking paths along the Talvera River. 

Bolzano’s Natural Science Museum 

Discover exhibits on local geology, paleontology, and zoology. The museum offers hands-on activities and interactive exhibits that are great for children of all ages traveling with their family. 

Lido di Bolzano 

Spend a day at this outdoor swimming pool complex, which includes several pools, as well as a play area for kids. It’s the perfect spot for families to cool off, especially during the hot summer months.  

Monticolo Lakes (Laghetti di Monticolo) 

You don’t want to miss swimming in the clear lakes, picnicking along the shore and walking in the surrounding forests, where you can let your children’s (and grandchildren’s!) imaginations run while.  

Cycle Paths of Bolzano 

Get outside and enjoy the views of Bolzano and the surrounding region by bike. You can easily rent bikes and explore the extensive network of cycle paths around Bolzano. Many of the paths are family-friendly with several scenic route options available.  

Museion – Museum of Modern and Contemporary Art 

Explore contemporary art exhibitions that rotate throughout the year and challenge the definition of what you might think of as art. The museum offers workshops and interactive exhibits, many targeted at school age children.  

Our Favorite Family-Friendly Bolzano Hotel 

Twelve minutes from the Bolzano city center is a family retreat loved by generations: Parkhotel Holzner, located on a plateau high above Bolzano in the charming village of Oberbozen.  

This is the kind of place where families return year after year to relax and play together. The long list of kid-friendly amenities includes indoor and outdoor pools, playrooms and playgrounds, tennis and a stargazing tower with a retractable roof.   

Rooms and suites come in a variety of family-friendly configurations, and the hotel has two onsite restaurants and a wine bar. Even if you don’t stay here, it’s worth a trip up the mountain (about 15 minutes by cable car) to dine on the patio and take in the breathtaking views of the Dolomite Mountains and the valley below.  

Although it would be tempting never to leave the comfort of this resort, adventure awaits right outside the front door. A full 200 km of hiking trails wind around Renon Mountain; keep an eye out for the otherworldly earth pyramids. For winter guests, skiing is close by at Rittner Horn.  

Exploring Beyond Bolzano 

Trauttmansdorff Castle and Gardens 

About 35 minutes by car from Bolzano is the spa resort town of Merano, home of the Trauttmansdorff Castle and Gardens. This award-winning botanical garden is enjoyable for both children and their parents.  

Kids will appreciate the suspended adventure bridge, the multimedia show in a grotto, the hands-on experience stations and the botanical underworld exhibit. There are also a variety of animals living in the gardens, including some exotic specimens in the Glasshouse terrarium. Special events for families are scheduled throughout the summer months. 

Tourism Museum 

Trauttmansdorff Castle, within the gardens, is home to the Tourism Museum, or Touriseum. This small museum covering 200 years of tourism in South Tyrol is a delightful surprise.  

While children may not appreciate all of the information, there are exhibits that are sure to capture their interest. Don’t miss the world’s largest wooden pinball machine on the top floor — you’re going to want to save a good chunk of time to try your hand at mastering this game. 

Terme Merano thermal baths 

After an afternoon of hiking through the gardens, head into Merano to cool off at the Terme Merano thermal baths. This enormous pool complex is sure to be a hit with kids of all ages.  

There are 25 pools to choose from, some indoors and some outdoors, plus a large grassy area for playing. Terme Merano is open 365 days a year, with 15 pools that are open year-round.  

Parents who want to indulge in the spa services can take advantage of the supervised childcare center, free with admission. 

Village of Ortisei 

Less than an hour north of Bolzano are the Dolomite mountains, a UNESCO world heritage site. Stop in the charming village of Ortisei and catch the aerial tram to the Alpe di Siusi, Europe’s largest alpine meadow.  

There are family-friendly hikes, mountain biking trails and carriage rides crisscrossing the meadow. 

San Vigilio di Marebbe 

The small town of San Vigilio di Marebbe in the Dolomite mountains is home to nearby Fanes-Sennes-Braies Nature Park, where families can hike, view wildlife, horseback ride, paraglide and rock climb all while soaking in the alpine surroundings.  

Mountain biking (in summer) and skiing/snowboarding (in winter) are popular sports for kids young and old to enjoy.  

San Vigilio is also part of the Ladin-speaking region, which will give the entire family a glimpse at the unique local traditions, language and cuisine found in the region. 

Relevant Links:

Browse all family-friendly accommodations and things to do in Italy on Ciao Bambino

52 things to know before traveling to Italy with kids

The best of Italy and Germany in one charming region: South Tyrol and the Dolomites with kids

Skiing in the Italian Dolomites with kids

Editor’s Note: Denise experienced South Tyrol as part of a media trip. As always, all opinions are our own on Ciao Bambino.