Summer Family Escape to the Dolomites: A Scenic Getaway from Milan

If you’re craving a mountain escape with the kids, the Dolomites offer the perfect blend of alpine beauty, outdoor adventure, and warm hospitality. This vacation could easily fill a week or more, but it’s just as rewarding over a long weekend. Feel free to explore the area at your own pace and mix and match activities based on your family’s interests and energy levels. Just a few hours’ drive from Milan, this UNESCO World Heritage Site is ideal for families who love nature and want to unwind in a breathtaking setting. Our recent family trip, with a stay at the delightful Hotel Fameli in Valdaora, proved to be an unforgettable experience full of discovery, fun, and relaxation.

Lake Carezza Photo Wikimedia Commons

Departure from Milan and Stop at Lago di Carezza

If you have a bit of extra time on the way there or on your return to Milan, consider Lago di Carezza (Karersee), a worthwhile detour. While it adds around an hour to your total drive, the serene beauty and family-friendly trails make it more than worth the effort.

Leaving Milan in the morning, we made our way northeast toward South Tyrol. The drive from Milan to Valdaora takes roughly 4 hours in total. Regardless of your route, the scenery is stunning, offering sweeping alpine views and a chance to disconnect from the bustle of the city. En route, we stopped at the stunning Lago di Carezza a small but magical lake famed for its vivid emerald waters and reflections of the Latemar peaks. The easy walking loop around the lake is perfect for kids, with plenty of picnic spots and photo ops.

After a refreshing break, we continued our drive to Valdaora, arriving by late afternoon at Hotel Fameli.

Rooftop Pool at Fameli Hotel

Our Home Base: Hotel Fameli, Valdaora

Tucked away in the picturesque village of Valdaora, Hotel Fameli immediately welcomed us with its cozy alpine aesthetic and heartfelt hospitality. This family-run 4-star superior hotel has thoughtfully designed family suites, complete with separate children’s sleeping areas, bunk beds, and private balconies with mountain views.

After settling in, we explored the wellness area—a true highlight. Parents can relax in the rooftop Sky Spa with saunas and a panoramic pool, while kids enjoy the indoor family pools. The private jacuzzi suite is a dreamy bonus for families seeking extra comfort.

Dinner at the in-house restaurant was a treat: South Tyrolean and Mediterranean dishes made with fresh local ingredients, served in an elegant yet family-friendly setting. Vegetarian and gluten-free options are available, too.

Lago di Braies Photo Courtesy of Fameli Hotel

Lago di Braies & Afternoon Spa Time

We started our day with a hearty breakfast at Hotel Fameli’s buffet—fresh fruits, pastries, eggs cooked to order, and even kid-friendly cereals and hot chocolate. Then we set out for Lago di Braies, a 20-minute drive away. Known as the “Pearl of the Dolomites,” this lake is truly a fairytale come to life. You can rent a wooden rowboat for a serene glide across its turquoise waters, or take the easy 3.5 km hike around the lake’s edge.

Back at Fameli, we took the afternoon to unwind. Our kids played in the dedicated Kids Area while I enjoyed a relaxing massage and some quiet time in the sauna. In the evening, we strolled through the village before heading back for another delicious dinner at the hotel.

Lago di Misurina Photo by Anton Rosca

Lake Misurina & Monte Piana

We had originally planned to hike at Tre Cime di Lavaredo, but discovered that, as of this year, parking at Rifugio Auronzo requires a reservation in advance via auronzo.info. With a limited number of spots available, it’s highly recommended to book ahead if you plan to visit.

Instead, we headed to Lake Misurina — a less touristy but equally stunning alternative. The area offers bike and boat rentals, and a charming picnic spot awaits at the far end of the lake. A funicular nearby brings you up to Col de Varda, and there’s even a quirky knife shop nearby—great for curious boys!

From Misurina, we explored Monte Piana. Accessible only by foot or by reserving a 4×4 shuttle from a local bar, this site provides incredible views of the Tre Cime. Monte Piana is steeped in WWI history—this was once the front line between Austrian and Italian forces. Today, you can see bomb remnants and historical plaques, offering an educational and moving experience.

Mason dello Speck Tito Photo by Easy Milano

Dobbiaco, San Candido & Local Flavors

On our final day, we explored more of the surrounding area, starting with a visit to the Latteria Tre Cime – Mondo Latte in Dobbiaco. This museum and production center teaches visitors about milk pasteurization and cheese-making, with an attached shop and mini-supermarket where we picked up some of the local cheese.

We then wandered Dobbiaco’s charming town center and found a delightful souvenir shop Center Haus full of handmade wooden toys and artisan gifts. Just 7 minutes away by car is San Candido, another must-see village with narrow streets, pastel-colored buildings, and inviting cafes.

Before leaving, we stopped at Wachtler—a cozy souvenir and gourmet shop where we bought local honey and sampled fresh bread and pastries at the café. Right next door is the Dolomythos Museum—a fun stop for kids curious about fossils and gemstones. A short walk away, Botanico Bistro provided a perfect aperitivo.

And for foodies, no visit is complete without swinging by Il Maso dello Speck – Tito, known for its expertly crafted speck and an impressive cheese selection, including lactose-free options.

Family Park at Mount Klausberg

Another fantastic destination for families is the Klausberg Family Park, located in the Ahrntal Valley about 42 km from Hotel Fameli. This mountain adventure park offers a range of activities for kids and parents alike, including a summer toboggan run, petting zoo, water play areas, and a dinosaur-themed trail. It’s an exciting day out, especially for younger children, and can be easily reached by car from Valdaora.

Horseback Riding in Valdaora Photo courtesy of Fameli Hotel

Other Activities to Consider

The Dolomites are packed with family-friendly adventures, and with a few extra days, you could easily tailor your trip further.

• Guided Family Hikes with Hotel Fameli: Every day except Sundays, Hotel Fameli offers guided hiking excursions tailored to different ability levels. It’s a fantastic way to explore the surrounding trails while learning more about the region with a knowledgeable local guide.
• Horseback Riding in Valdaora: Tolderhof Riding Stables, part of Hotel Post, offers both English and Western-style lessons, carriage rides, and scenic guided tours for all levels. Another nearby option is Tharerhof Riding Stable, known for its pony rides and family-friendly atmosphere.
• Messner Mountain Museum: Messner Mountain Museum is a cultural stop for older kids, exploring mountaineering, geology, and history within stunning architecture.
• Fishing Excursions: Local guides can organize fly fishing trips to nearby alpine streams and lakes. For a more relaxed family-friendly option, visit the small fishing pond near Lago di Anterselva where children can fish directly onsite.
• Cooking Classes or Farm Visits: Introduce your kids to South Tyrolean culture through local farm tours or pasta-making workshops.

Family Suite at Fameli Hotel

Why Hotel Fameli Works So Well for Our Family

What stood out during our stay at Hotel Fameli was how thoughtfully everything was arranged with families in mind. The rooms are spacious and well laid out, with separate areas for children, and the staff couldn’t have been more accommodating. 

The wellness area is small but beautifully maintained and offers a peaceful space for adults while still being accessible to children through family-friendly pools. The private jacuzzi in our suite was a lovely bonus for some post-adventure relaxation.

If you’re planning your days around family outings and looking for a base that balances comfort and accessibility to outdoor activities, Fameli makes things easy. They also offer a convenient pack lunch option—perfect for taking on hikes or day trips—and bike rentals, which make it easy to explore the scenic valley trails with the whole family. The location and the small details really made our stay enjoyable—without ever feeling overly polished or commercial.

Whether you’re hiking under the summer sun or exploring nearby villages, Hotel Fameli offers a calm, welcoming space to return to each day.

Hotel Fameli goes beyond simply accommodating children—they celebrate families. An added bonus for parents is the supervised children’s area, which stays open until 10pm and offers guided activities that keep little ones engaged while adults unwind. From the welcoming staff and comfortably furnished rooms to the variety of amenities for all ages, it’s a place where both parents and kids feel pampered.

See an example of 7 day summer itinerary for the Valdaora area.

Discover Top Deals for Families or plan your stay, visit Hotel Fameli’s official website.

Article by Kate Ryan for Easy Milano