Your family travel guide for planning a visit to Aosta with kids: reasons to visit, accommodation options, and top activities.
Aosta is a charming, lesser-known mountain town in northwestern Italy, located in the picturesque Val d’Aosta region.
This small city, originally established during ancient Roman times, boasts stunning Roman ruins and delightful streets perfect for exploration.
Aosta is more urban compared to the nearby Mont Blanc destination of Courmayeur, attracting fewer tourists and offering lower prices while still being a captivating place to visit. It serves as an excellent base for exploring the surrounding areas.
On our recent winter trip to Aosta with our children, we used it as a base to enjoy the snow at Pila, Aosta’s ski resort, which features a fantastic snow park for kids. Our experience was immensely enjoyable.
While I have a special fondness for the Dolomites, I must say we truly appreciated the charm of Aosta, admired its Roman ruins, and found Pila to be a convenient option for accessing snowy fun without the need to drive.
In this travel guide, I will share all of our tips for visiting Aosta with kids!
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Why Visit Aosta with Kids
We had a wonderful time in Aosta and recommend a visit if:
- You want to reach the snow from Turin but do not have access to a car.
- You are looking for a snow park for kids, where non-skiers can still enjoy the snow.
- You wish to see Aosta’s beautiful Roman ruins, which are fantastic examples of Roman architecture located outside of Rome.
Aosta was a lovely place for a few days or a great stop on a road trip between Italy and France (this was how we first visited!).
Important Information: Aosta is a small town. If you plan to stay for more than a couple of days, I recommend renting a car from Turin or Milan to explore this beautiful region, as this will offer you more entertainment options. Check car rental options on DiscoverCars.
Top Kid-Friendly Activities in Aosta
The best activities for kids in Aosta vary by season.
In summer, top recommendations include:
Exploring Aosta’s City Center and marveling at the Roman ruins: The archaeological area is compact yet impressive, allowing kids to feel the wonder of history without becoming overwhelmed.
No guided tours are necessary for exploring the ruins: you can purchase tickets on-site and explore at your own pace.
Good to Know! You can download a budget-friendly audio guide to familiarize yourself with the city and its history at your own pace. While it’s not essential, it’s a great way to learn more about Aosta.
Take the cable car to Pila for the Pila Adventure Park, featuring adventure trails and treetop courses designed for kids over 1.3 meters tall. Info: Pila Adventure Park
Enjoy the local playgrounds: There are several small playgrounds in the city equipped with climbing frames, slides, and more.
Hike in the Tsatelet Natural Reserve: This lovely natural setting is easily accessible from the city and includes playgrounds and play areas. Info: Tsatelet Natural Reserve
Go ice skating at the Aosta Palaghiaccio: Aosta Ice Rink
In winter, you can:
Relax in Aosta’s cozy cafes with a slice of cake and a hot chocolate.
Visit the Roman ruins in Aosta’s city center; they’re accessible all year round, even in winter. You don’t need to pre-book; just buy your tickets on-site.
Good to Know! You can download a budget-friendly audio guide to the city to learn at your own pace, which can be handy for familiarizing yourself with the city’s history.
Take the cable car to Pila for snowshoeing, enjoy the baby snow park, or take a skiing lesson.
Pila was the highlight of our winter trip, and reaching the snow from Aosta was surprisingly easy.
The cable car transports you to Pila in just 18 minutes and accommodates 4-5 people per cabin. The lower station is within walking distance from the train station, and there’s a well-stocked shop for renting skis and purchasing essentials, like sunglasses or sunscreen.
Once in Pila, you’ll find numerous casual dining options, the baby snow park, along with ski and snowshoe rentals.
Important Information: Pila can be busy on weekends, so if you want to secure a spot for ski lessons, it’s advisable to make a reservation.
Ice skate at the Palaghiaccio; more details can be found here: Aosta Ice Rink.
Visit Aosta’s Christmas market, Marché Vert Noël, located in the beautiful Piazza Chanoux, which features lovely stalls offering crafts and food. For official information and schedule: Marché Vert Noël.
Family Hotels in Aosta
We stayed at a lovely family hotel in Aosta called Omama. The hotel offers cozy family rooms with colorful and fun decor that appeals to both kids and adults.
Breakfast is abundant and served buffet-style in a spacious dining area where families can gather for a meal together.
Located within walking distance of the Aosta train station, the cable car to Pila, and the city center filled with restaurants, shops, and cafes, the hotel is very convenient.
Family-Friendly Restaurants in Aosta
Kids are welcomed in nearly any restaurant in Aosta, but two especially enjoyable options are:
Il Vicolo – A relaxed, informal restaurant in Aosta’s city center, offering excellent value for money. Our family tried various dishes, and both the pasta and meat options were exceptional. Address: Via Sant’Anselmo 49, 11100 Aosta.
La Bottegaccia – A cozy restaurant with a warm and rustic interior, serving beautifully presented platters of cheese and cured meats, along with wonderful wine recommendations for the adults. Address: Via Sant’Anselmo, 90, 11100 Aosta AO, Italy.
Getting to Aosta without a Car
Aosta is well-connected by train to Milan and Turin, and the station is conveniently located in the city center, making it easy to visit without a car.
During our trip, we spent one night in Aosta and two nights in Turin, which allowed us to explore Aosta town, ski in Pila, and visit the highlights and museums in Turin. It was a delightful weekend getaway off the beaten path!
Aosta with Kids – Pin This!
