Your ultimate guide to planning a family trip to Cortina d’Ampezzo with kids: reasons to visit, top family-friendly activities, recommended family hotels, hiking trails, and more.
Cortina d’Ampezzo, often simply called Cortina, is a renowned destination in the Italian Alps and is one of the best places in the Dolomites for families traveling with children.
This well-known winter sports haven and summer hiking gem has been a favorite among visitors for decades. Its popularity has led to exceptional services and amenities, making it one of the most family-friendly and accessible spots in the mountains—both the views and services are absolutely fantastic!
If you’re seeking an upscale mountain town with breathtaking views and all the comforts, Cortina is the perfect choice!
My family has been vacationing in the Dolomites for over 40 years, visiting every summer! My grandmother especially chose Cortina as her summer getaway. So when I say I know this area well, you can trust my insights!
On this page, I share my top recommendations for visiting Cortina with kids during the summer (as we don’t ski, this is the season I’m most familiar with).
I hope you find this information helpful!
Pronunciation Tip: Don’t be intimidated by the apostrophe; the name Cortina is pronounced easily as Cor-tee-nah Dam-peh-tso (or simply Cor-tee-na). Listen here:
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Why Visit Cortina d’Ampezzo with Kids?
Here are several reasons I recommend Cortina for summer family vacations:
Mild Weather: Summer temperatures in Cortina typically range from 15°C to 25°C (59°F to 77°F). It’s a perfect escape from the hotter, busier cities or beaches elsewhere in Italy. When we arrive from the heat of Rome in July, it feels like paradise!
Stunning Scenery: The Dolomites are a UNESCO World Heritage Site, and their beauty is so breathtaking that you’ll find it hard to believe they’re real!
Outdoor Activities: Summer in Cortina is ideal for outdoor adventures. There are family-friendly hikes, scenic cable car rides, cycling opportunities, playgrounds, animal encounters, and picturesque lakes. Whether you seek easy strolls or challenging hikes, Cortina has outdoor activities for all skill levels.
Child-Friendly Amenities: Cortina boasts excellent facilities for families, including numerous playgrounds, family-friendly restaurants, and hotels. There’s even an ice skating rink for rainy days (which can happen in the mountains, even in summer).
Safety and Cleanliness: As an upscale mountain resort, Cortina is known for its cleanliness, safety, and well-maintained environment.
Reasons to Think Twice About Visiting Cortina with Kids
Cortina is a more expensive destination, making it better suited for those with a generous budget.
Also, keep in mind that Cortina is a town, not a small rural village. It’s ideal for those who enjoy a vibrant town atmosphere with walkable city centers, shops, and cafes. If you prefer large open spaces with meadows and animals, you might need to venture beyond the center.
The Best Things to Do in Cortina d’Ampezzo with Kids
Hiking
Cortina is a prominent hiking destination in the summer, and it’s a joy to hike with kids here!
The town is close to many easy trails, so you can choose a new one each day without hassle. Some great family-friendly hikes in the Cortina area include Lago di Ex ferrovia, Malga Ra Stua, Pian de Ra Spines, Lago Pianozes, Rifugio Tondi, Rifugio Dibona, Doca d’Aosta, Scoiattoli, Nuvolau, and more.
These hikes provide fantastic opportunities for kids to connect with nature and encounter animals like squirrels, cows, and goats at many of the lower-altitude huts.
If you’re driving, you can also access the breathtaking areas of the Three Peaks of Lavaredo and Cadini di Misurina easily.
Cable Car Rides
Cortina is equipped with cable cars that take you to high altitudes effortlessly.
You can find information about opening times and seasons here: Cable Car Information.
Play at Cortina’s Playgrounds
Cortina features several playgrounds for children, varying from simple setups in town to well-equipped, expansive areas that utilize the stunning natural landscape.
Notable playgrounds include:
- M’Over Family Park with inflatables, trampolines, a bike area, and plenty of space. Address: Località Verocai 109 – 32043 Cortina d’Ampezzo (BL). Website: M’Over Family Park.
- Dolomiti Playground Paradise located in the Ice Rink Complex. Address: Via A. Bonacossa, 1 – 32043 Cortina d’Ampezzo (BL).
- Playpark Socrepes. Website: Playpark Socrepes.
Minigolf / Crazy Golf
Check out the local crazy golf course: Minigolf Helvetia. Address: Via del Castello, 53 – 32043 Cortina d’Ampezzo.
Cycling
You can rent bikes and e-bikes in Cortina from several shops to explore the area.
While some trails cater to expert mountain bikers, there are also easy routes suitable for kids, especially along the cycling greenway, which accommodates standard and children’s bikes.
Explore Beautiful Lakes
Cortina is surrounded by stunning lakes that are perfect for leisurely walks, fish watching, and enjoying lunch with scenic views. These include Lago Ghedina, Misurina, Dobbiaco, and Lake Braies—all easily accessible by car.
Ice Skating
Cortina features an excellent ice rink, and this has always been a highlight for me—there’s nothing quite like spending a rainy day skating! The rink is conveniently located in town. For more details, visit the official site: Cortina Ice Rink.
Enjoy the Town, Shops, and Cafés
Cortina is a picturesque town with plenty to enjoy, especially in the city center.
We enjoy relaxing in the inviting cafés (hot chocolate for the kids, apfel strudel, Lienzer torte, and a Hugo cocktail for adults), browsing shops filled with fancy clothing and local wooden crafts, and wandering through the charming streets adorned with fairytale-like houses.
Family Hotels for a Comfortable Stay in Cortina d’Ampezzo
Cortina offers a variety of family hotels to choose from. Here are a few recommendations:
Faloria Mountain Spa Resort: A luxurious hotel featuring spacious family rooms, a pool and spa area, several on-site restaurants, and stunning views.
Hotel Mirage: A vibrant, family-friendly hotel boasting traditional Tyrolean architecture, family rooms, a nice outdoor space, a children’s playground, a pool, and dining options.
Barisetti Sport Hotel: A delightful three-star hotel (notably high standard in this area) offering family rooms, apartments, and lovely grounds with a playground and table tennis area.
Hotel Regina: A charming three-star hotel featuring traditional decor, family rooms, and an on-site restaurant in a highly convenient town center location.
Good to know: The hotel restaurants in this area are excellent! This is one of the few places in Italy where I recommend choosing half-board accommodations (breakfast and dinner).
Getting to Cortina and Getting Around
I highly recommend renting a car during your stay in Cortina.
While the town itself is quite walkable, and you can reach it via the Cortina Express bus, having your own vehicle is the best way to access beautiful hiking trails, cable car rides, lakes, and nearby towns.
We often rent a car from Venice or Verona, which has worked well for us.
Where to Buy Baby Food and Essentials in Cortina
Cortina is a fully functional town, so you’ll have no trouble finding supermarkets (like Conad City at Via Barone Franchetti, 1, 32043 Cortina d’Ampezzo – Google Maps) and pharmacies stocked with baby food, diapers, and other essentials.
I hope this essential guide to Cortina d’Ampezzo with kids has helped you plan your trip! Safe travels!
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