Winter slowly gives way to the bright colors of the warm season and, as the days grow longer, the urge to leave the city behind and breathe the Dolomites in deeply becomes irresistible. If you’re starting to plan your summer family holiday, you already know that mountains with kids aren’t just about views: it’s about finding the right balance between adventure, safety, and fun. You need to respect the little ones’ pace, build in the right breaks, and channel that unstoppable desire to explore—because when guided well, every stone becomes a treasure.

Val di Fassa is an extraordinary open-air playground for children: nature here isn’t a static backdrop, but a huge interactive park where they can learn to recognize animal tracks, touch rough rock with their hands, and discover the forest’s secrets—from the scent of resin to the whisper of wind through the larches. For parents, though, the real organizational challenge is choosing the right routes: trails that aren’t too steep or exposed, ideally suitable for a trekking stroller, and with convenient “support points” like mountain huts or alpine farms—perfect for a diaper change or a hearty snack.

Staying at Hotel Cristallo in Canazei means easy access to this world—without the logistics stress. Thanks to our strategic location in the heart of town, you can forget about your car in the parking lot for days and set off on routes designed with little hikers in mind.

We’ve selected three unmissable excursions that will turn your holiday into a lasting memory, combining the majestic beauty of our peaks with the peace of mind and services every family looks for.

Ready to fill your backpacks with water, sunscreen, and a big desire to explore?

1. The walk along the Avisio: relaxation and play between Canazei and Campitello

If it’s your first day in the valley and you want to get your bearings—or you’re looking for a gentle activity after a long trip—the walk connecting Canazei to Campitello di Fassa (also known as the “Soreghina”) is the ideal way to start. This cycling-and-walking path is a true family classic and the perfect introduction to the alpine environment without demanding too much effort: it’s almost completely flat, wide, and with an even surface—ideal for trekking strollers and for kids taking their first rides on a bicycle.

Starting right from Hotel Cristallo, you’ll reach the Avisio stream in just a few minutes on foot. The constant, soothing sound of running water will accompany you through a cool, restorative woodland setting—perfect for shade on the hottest summer days. Along the way you’ll find benches for breaks and small open areas where children can safely approach the water to dip their hands or toss a few pebbles: a simple game that never gets old.

The destination? The well-known Ischia Sports Centre in Campitello. Here children will find much more than a slide: a real paradise—an excellent playground, an adventure park to test their courage among suspension bridges and pulleys, and lots of well-kept green space to run freely. Meanwhile, parents can enjoy a coffee or aperitif at the kiosk with a privileged view of the majestic Sassolungo, towering over the valley. You can return along the same route—perhaps at sunset—or easily by public transport, free of charge thanks to the Val di Fassa Guest Card we provide at check-in.

2. Val Contrin: into the realm of alpine farms (with a little help)

For more adventurous families who want to taste the atmosphere of “real” mountain life and move beyond the valley floor, Val Contrin is a must-see—full of charm. Set at the foot of the south face of the Marmolada, this glacial side valley looks like something out of an illustrated storybook: bright green meadows sprinkled with alpine flowers, crystal-clear streams, and the silent crown of Dolomite peaks all around.

The classic route starts from the Ciampac cable car station in Alba di Canazei (just 2 minutes by car or bus from the hotel). However, the first section through the forest has a fairly steep incline that may discourage less experienced walkers. If you have very young children or you want to save energy for playtime higher up, our expert tip is to use the convenient shuttle service that takes you up to Baita Locia Contrin. From there the scenery opens into a gentle, wide, sunny dirt track, easily walked at a relaxed pace in about an hour.

Along the trail, nature feels wonderfully close: it’s easy to spot cows grazing lazily, and if you keep your eyes (and ears!) open, you may hear the sharp whistles of marmots popping up among the rocks. Arriving at Rifugio Contrin (2,016 m) is exciting for everyone—and deeply satisfying. Here you can enjoy a typical lunch that rewards every step: steaming polenta, melted alpine cheese, mushrooms, and sausage, while the kids play safely in the surrounding meadows. It’s the quintessential alpine experience—accessible, with no objective hazards, and perfect for spectacular family photos.

3. Ciampac: high-altitude fun and themed trails

Who says you can’t go high up with kids and feel like you can touch the sky? The Ciampac basin, easily reached via the modern gondola lift from Alba di Canazei, proves that myth completely wrong. The gondola ride itself is a mini adventure that leaves children wide-eyed. In just a few minutes you’ll be whisked up to over 2,000 meters, facing the Sella Group and Piz Boè—with zero physical effort.

This area is a true family paradise, designed to combine learning and fun. Right after you get off the lift, you won’t have to walk far to reach Ciampark, a wooden playground perfectly integrated into the landscape with panoramic views—where swings and slides feel even more special. But the real attraction that will make the day unforgettable is the Marmot Trail: an easy, playful themed loop where children learn fun facts about marmots—how they live, what they eat, how hibernation works—through interactive installations, quizzes, and wooden games.

There are also great options for curious little explorers, like the trail “In the Footsteps of the Chamois”, an educational route that combines walking with discovering local wildlife—teaching respect for the silent inhabitants of the rocks. Up at Ciampac, the crisp, refreshing mountain air builds a serious appetite: the huts are ready to welcome you with warm apple strudel, kaiserschmarrn with lingonberry jam, and rich hot chocolate—perfect for a delicious snack before heading back down.

Family-sized relaxation: back to Hotel Cristallo

After a day spent exploring forests, crossing bridges, and “conquering” peaks, nothing feels better than coming back “home.” At Hotel Cristallo we know that little legs get tired—and parents dream of a peaceful moment to truly switch off. Your return is welcomed with smiles and the comfort of having everything ready for you.

As you relive the day’s adventures and scroll through photos on your phone, treat yourself to a rejuvenating dip in our indoor pool: warm water is the perfect remedy to loosen tired muscles and let children play a bit longer in a safe, supervised environment. And for mom and dad? Our wellness area awaits with the enveloping heat of the sauna and the steam of the Turkish bath for pure relaxation and detox.

The perfect day inevitably ends at the table: in our carefully curated restaurant, authentic Ladin flavors meet children’s tastes thanks to dedicated menus. It’s the ideal time to share emotions, recharge with genuine local products, and get ready for the next adventure Val di Fassa has in store.

Summer in Val di Fassa is short—but incredibly intense: the best weeks, especially mid-July and August, sell out fast.

Don’t wait until the last minute to give your family an experience of true freedom and connection with nature. Contact us now and start dreaming today about your next walks among the most beautiful peaks in the world!