Entrance of the Gardaland theme park near Castelnuovo del Garda

Lake Garda with kids: Gardaland, Movieland, wildlife park and beaches

Theme parks, a safari park and shallow beaches all sit close together on the south-east shore. Here is how families can plan days at Lake Garda without stress.

Photo: HeavenMI, CC BY-SA 4.0

By Redaktion HotelGardasee.com · Updated

On the south-east shore of Lake Garda everything for families lies close together: Gardaland near Castelnuovo del Garda, Movieland near Lazise, the Parco Natura Viva wildlife park near Bussolengo, and shallow beaches in between. From Lazise or Peschiera the sights are 10 to 30 minutes away.

Our top pick: Gardaland: 1-day ticket with fixed date

Gardaland

Italy’s best-known theme park has rides for all ages, from children’s attractions to roller coasters. The SEA LIFE Aquarium is right next door. Online tickets are usually cheaper than the gate; for prices, season and height rules see Gardaland tickets and tips.

Bestseller

Gardaland: 1-day ticket with fixed date

The most booked Gardaland ticket on GetYourGuide. 4.6/5 from over 3,000 reviews.

Check availability

Gardaland: 2 consecutive days

For families who want to see everything without rushing. 4.6/5 from over 400 reviews.

Check availability

Gardaland SEA LIFE Aquarium

Right next to the park, ideal for rainy days. 4.0/5 from over 1,200 reviews.

Check availability

Why book online

  • Free cancellation on most tickets, usually up to 24 hours before
  • Reserved time slot: no queue at the ticket desk
  • Mobile ticket on your phone
  • Reviews from verified travelers

Movieland and Parco Natura Viva

Movieland near Lazise is a film-themed park with stunt shows and rides, smaller and calmer than Gardaland. Parco Natura Viva is a zoo and safari park: you drive through the enclosures in your own car, then continue on foot to the animals. A visit usually takes half a day to a full day. Opening hours, prices and programme change with the season, so check them with the parks. We found no suitable GetYourGuide offer for either park.

Beaches and water

The shallow shores around Lazise, Bardolino, Peschiera and the bay of Sirmione are the easiest for children because the water deepens slowly. The water is warm enough for swimming from June; when it pays off is covered in our page on the weather at Lake Garda. Many beaches are pebbles or grass, so water shoes are handy.

Daily plan: parks in the morning while it is still cool, the lake in the afternoon. On rainy days there are the aquarium, the wildlife park or a boat trip.

Family hotels

For family rooms, pools and kids’ clubs, see the family hotels at Lake Garda. The best bases are Lazise or Peschiera, close to the parks and the water.

Check hotel prices in LaziseSet the filters for family rooms and swimming pool

Frequently asked questions

Which town at Lake Garda is best for kids?

Lazise, Bardolino and Peschiera on the south-east shore: shallow water, promenades and short distances to Gardaland, Movieland and the wildlife park.

How many days do you need for Gardaland with children?

One day is enough for the main attractions. With small children or in peak season a two-day ticket is worth it so you can take breaks.

What can you do with kids at Lake Garda in the rain?

The SEA LIFE Aquarium next to Gardaland, the Parco Natura Viva wildlife park or a stroll through the old town of Verona.

Some links are affiliate links: if you book through them we earn a small commission at no extra cost to you. It funds the research behind this site.