San Vigilio di Marebbe is one of those rare mountain villages that feels tailor-made for families. Nestled in the Val Badia valley with UNESCO-listed peaks as a backdrop, this South Tyrolean gem offers endless activities for children of all ages. Here are the 15 best things to do with kids during your Dolomites holiday.
1. Zipline over the Dolomites
The ultimate family adventure. The Adrenaline Adventures zipline features 7 runs and 3 km of flight over forests and valleys, reaching speeds of up to 80 km/h. Children weighing 25 kg or more can participate, always accompanied by a paying adult. Double harness systems and trained staff ensure complete safety.
Kids up to 12 years old enjoy a special rate of EUR 69 (instead of EUR 89). For birthdays, the birthday child flies FREE with at least 2 paying companions. Check all the details on our pricing page.
2. San Vigilio Village Playground
Right in the village centre, the municipal playground offers slides, swings, wooden climbing structures and a sand area for toddlers. Free entry, open all day — perfect for a break between adventures.
3. Easy Walks in Fanes-Senes-Braies Park
The Fanes-Senes-Braies Nature Park has flat trails ideal for pushchairs and small children. The path from Pederue to Fanes hut is a family favourite: about 1 hour of walking with spectacular scenery and chances to spot marmots along the way.
4. Cron4 Swimming Centre in Brunico
Just 25 minutes by car, the Cron4 aquatic centre in Brunico is a children's paradise: water slides, wave pools, a baby area and an outdoor zone with mountain views. Perfect for rainy days or cooling off after a morning hike.
5. Horse Riding
Several stables in the Marebbe valley offer pony rides and guided excursions suitable for children. Patient ponies, experienced guides and green Alpine meadows make this a magical experience for young animal lovers.
Book horse riding a few days in advance, especially in July and August. Morning sessions are best: cooler temperatures and well-rested horses. Ask your hotel for local stable contacts.
6. Mini Golf
The San Vigilio mini golf course is a must for families. 18 holes set among stones, wood and Alpine vegetation. Open from June to September, ideal for late afternoon when the golden light hits the valley.
7. Farm Visits
Take the kids to discover mountain farm life: cows grazing, fresh cheese, hand-churned butter. Many farms in the area offer tastings and let children get close to the animals. Fanes and Medalges are among the most accessible.
8. Gelato and Snacks
San Vigilio has several artisan gelato shops serving ice cream made with fresh mountain milk. Yoghurt and wild berry flavours are local specialities. For a heartier snack, try warm apple strudel at one of the huts along the trails.
9. Children's Theme Trail
A themed nature trail starts from the village centre and winds through the forest with interactive stations: panels on local wildlife, balance games on logs, small suspension bridges and animal-spotting points. About 2 km, walkable in 1 hour with stops.
10. Lake Braies
The most photographed lake in the Dolomites is about 40 minutes by car. Kids love the lakeside walk (about 1 hour, flat path) and the wooden rowing boats. Arrive early in the morning to beat the crowds. Find out more in our guide to the most beautiful lakes near San Vigilio.
11. Family Mountain Biking
San Vigilio offers cycle paths suitable for families along the valley floor. You can rent bikes and e-bikes (children's sizes too) right in the village. The route along the stream to Longega is flat and safe — perfect for young cyclists. Read more in our mountain biking guide.
12. Adventure Park
Near Plan de Corones, the tree-top adventure park offers courses at different heights: from baby routes (1 metre off the ground) to more challenging ones for teens and adults. Harnesses, helmets and briefing included.
13. Renon Railway
A half-day trip: the historic Renon narrow-gauge railway departs from Soprabolzano and crosses Alpine meadows with incredible panoramic views. Kids love it. Reachable in about 1 hour by car from San Vigilio.
14. Natural Science Museum in Bolzano
For rainy days, the Bolzano museum (1 hour by car) has interactive sections on Dolomite geology, Alpine animals and fossils. Children can touch minerals, explore cave reconstructions and discover how the mountains formed.
15. Alpine Meadow Picnic
Sometimes the simplest activity is the best: pack a picnic with local produce (speck, mountain cheese, rye bread, fruit) and find a meadow with a view. Kids can run, play and breathe the purest mountain air.
Practical Tips for Families
Parking
San Vigilio has free parking at the village entrance and paid parking in the centre. In high season (July-August), arrive by 9:30 to find a spot easily.
Pushchair-Friendly Paths
The main valley paths are paved or compacted earth, suitable for pushchairs. The Pederue path and the stream-side trail are the best options for families with babies.
Best Time to Visit
The ideal period for families is mid-June to mid-September. Temperatures are mild (18-25 degrees C), days are long and all activities are running.
View Family PricingPlan Your Family Holiday
San Vigilio di Marebbe has everything you need for the perfect family holiday in the mountains. From the zipline to easy hikes, from artisan gelato to Alpine farms — every day brings a new adventure for your children.
For full planning, check our complete guide to San Vigilio and our guide on how to get here.
Contact Us for InformationRead Also
- Zipline with Kids: Family Adventure — Everything about the zipline for children.
- Fanes-Senes-Braies Hiking Guide — The best trails in the nature park.
- The 5 Most Beautiful Lakes near San Vigilio — Lake trips for the whole family.
