Having a child changes everything. Including vacation moments. But that doesn’t mean you have to give up relaxation and the joy of doing something different. There are many options designed to meet this challenge, including choosing trails suitable for kids.
Walks, after all, can be done in nature just as they are in the city, with a bit of planning. Some excursions are specifically designed to cater to the curiosity and interests of families, especially the little ones.
In this article, you’ll find some ideas for routes to take with children that will entertain the whole family.
What a Trail With Kids Should Be Like
Simple but fun, not too tiring yet exciting at the same time. These are the essential features for a walk in nature with little ones.
For this reason, alongside the classic classifications of mountain trails for amateurs and experts, there are also routes dedicated specifically to families. These are stretches of path specially arranged, often featuring small examples of art for children.
In some cases, guided tours are even organized or, why not, maps are given to the little ones, where they can find stories and curiosities about the places they are visiting.
Fairy Tale Walks: The Idea in Trentino
One of the best examples of excursions for children is a series of walks organized in Trentino Alto Adige. There, you can find real adventures in the woods, such as the trail between Preghena and Val di Non, a circular educational path where fantastic characters meet local legends.
Another example is the route in Alpe Cimbra with fairy tale characters in the forest. These are wooden sculptures by local artists that decorate and enrich the trails, a 3-kilometer path where parents can also become true storytellers by reading the tales.
The “Piazzette” Trail in Acireale
In its own unique way, the “piazzette” trail is a one-of-a-kind path because it’s not in the mountains but in the city of Acireale (province of Catania, Sicily). It’s a very special descent to the sea, perfect for little ones because it’s not very steep and offers breathtaking scenery.
Crossing it, you can reach the coast, which in this part of Sicily is rocky, and more generally the beautiful seaside promenade of the Catania province.
Along the way, you’ll find a series of “chiazzette,” from which the trail (called the Chiazzette trail) takes its name. These are small spots to rest and better enjoy the sea view.
Besides the beauty of its unique location and stroller-friendly convenience, one reason this walk is perfect for children is that it’s part of the La Timpa Nature Reserve.
This adds value: teaching little ones the importance of protecting the environmental heritage.
The Enchanting Walk on Vesuvius
When talking about excursions with children, don’t think it’s all fairies and unicorns. In fact, you can have truly evocative and thrilling experiences that are original and unique. One example is the walk on Vesuvius, which adds the thrill of walking on an active volcano to the pleasure of the holiday.
The Gran Cono trail is truly suitable for everyone: children, adults, and seniors. There, you can spend your time looking around, talking, and living one of the most exciting and unique experiences you can have in Campania.
Walks like this are not only extremely educational from a geological and environmental perspective for kids, but they also leave lasting memories.
Monte Venere and Devil’s Well: Attractions for Kids
A unique trek perfect for little ones, the walk along Monte Venere to the Devil’s Well can definitely be called one of the most evocative in Lazio and all of Italy.
In this case, children can be thrilled by doing something truly unique at the end of the nature walk: descending into and exploring a well. For this part of the adventure, however, a guide must accompany you for safety reasons.
Once you reach the well, there’s a small initial climb (very easy) and then the sight of a chaotic jumble of blocks inside the cavity, inviting kids to play.
Again, there’s an important educational aspect: the Devil’s Well cavity, which is natural, was formed by volcanic activity. Kids can discover this “mystery” of the only volcanic formation in all of Lazio.
There’s a Sword in the Rock in Liguria!
Finally, among ideas for trails with kids around Italy, we arrive in Liguria. There, starting from Fontanigorda, you can venture into the so-called Fairy Forest, whose beauty is truly magical.
Once you reach the top of Monte Gifarco, the goal of the trail, you’ll find a sword in the rock.
There are actually several in Italy, but that doesn’t matter: children will surely be thrilled to see this fairy-tale spectacle!
According to legend – which should definitely be explained to the little ones in the group – Saint Galgano planted it there upon returning from the Crusades to mark the end of the war.
Other Places for Trekking With Kids
But these are just some of the many options when it comes to trekking in nature with children. If the vacation you want is different and, above all, focused on nature and the outdoors, then your journey is just beginning.
Below are some areas in Italy where, depending on difficulty and stroller accessibility, you can enjoy family excursions with children:
Trails With Kids in Trentino Alto Adige
- Val Lomasona
- Val di Sole
- Val di Fassa
- Passo Rolle (San Martino di Castrozza)
- Val di Fiemme
- Comano Valle Salus
- Val Gardena
- Valle di Ledro
- Madonna di Campiglio
Excursions in Piedmont and Aosta Valley
- Excursion Among the Walser Villages
- Val Ferret
Where to Go With Kids in Lombardy
- Pian Gembro Nature Reserve
- Selvino Park Adventure
Walks in Veneto
- Sojo Park
- Valley of the Sphinxes
Trekking Between Marche and Abruzzo
- Sibillini Mountains
- Majella Park: Bosco della Difesa di Pescasseroli, La Camosciara
Not Just Trails With Kids: Other Outdoor Activities
Family-friendly trail hikes are certainly very appealing, but sometimes kids throw tantrums and just don’t want to leave the house. However, if you want to spend a pleasant day with the family, there are other even more engaging opportunities for little ones to consider.
Among these are treasure hunts, events held in parks and natural areas where adults and children are invited to explore the territory to find a final treasure.
This is a truly original and fantastic opportunity to let children’s imaginations develop and, why not, to make new friends. These games also have great educational value, which should definitely be considered when choosing this family activity.
How to Organize Your Nature Outing With Kids
Whether you’re mom or dad, a true mountain lover or a newcomer, there’s always an opportunity for you. Trails to take with kids not only allow us to enjoy the benefits of walking in nature but sometimes transport us to a wonderful world of fairy tales and simplicity.
To find the right trail for you, the necessary information to venture out, and the history of the places, it’s often essential to have someone knowledgeable about the routes by your side. For this reason, Meeters relies on specialized guides and organizes nature activities dedicated to children and the whole family every week.
During these walks, you won’t just enjoy the trail and experience but also meet new friends and, why not, end up meeting again the following week!