Hidden among apple trees, vineyards, and even palm trees lies a small paradise for families. Merano with kids feels like a little escape for the soul. A mild climate, Mediterranean flair, welcoming hosts, and plenty of space for playing, discovering, and enjoying the moment.
Whether in spring with blooming orchards, in summer for hiking, in autumn during apple harvest season, or in winter for cozy breaks, Merano is worth visiting with kids in every season. Because we love it so much ourselves, we want to share some of our favorite places around Merano that make both parents and children happy.
Hiking in Merano with Kids
Squirrel Trail on the Marlinger Waalweg
Our favorite family hike follows the Marlinger Waalweg, more precisely the Squirrel Trail, which truly lives up to its name. Along the path you will find lovingly designed activity stations, climbing elements, and small surprises hidden in the forest.
A highlight for many children is the large forest playground with shaded picnic spots. Kids climb, balance, and explore while families enjoy a relaxed break. The trail can be reached directly from the Schwarzschmied, but if you are hiking with younger children you can also drive part of the way closer to the Squirrel Trail.
A Scenic Stop for Lunch: Haidenhof
The perfect way to end a hike along the Marlinger Waalweg is a visit to the Haidenhof. We absolutely love this place. Kids will find a playground, free roaming chickens, a small goat enclosure, and with a bit of luck they can even admire the resident peacock up close. While the children are happily entertained, parents can enjoy the delicious food. Schlutzkrapfen, apricot dumplings, and traditional South Tyrolean snack platters are all wonderful. At Haidenhof you experience authentic South Tyrolean cuisine at its best. A fresh glass of apple juice made from the farm’s own apples or a chilled glass of wine from the associated winery tastes especially good here. From the terrace you enjoy a beautiful view across the valley. Haidenhof is entirely family run, and the warm hospitality can be felt everywhere.
Hiking on the Vigiljoch with Kids
A trip to the Vigiljoch in beautiful Lana is a must during a family holiday around Merano. The cable car takes you from Lana up to 1,486 meters in just a few minutes, and from there you continue comfortably on the historic chairlift. At the top, a relaxed family hike awaits with several wonderful stops along the way. One of the most popular is the Gampl Family Alpine Hut with its large playground and petting zoo. Goats, donkeys, chickens, and rabbits bring plenty of joy to young visitors. From there it is worth taking a short walk to the charming little church of St. Vigilius. Another highlight is the Schwarze Lacke, a small forest pond surrounded by nature. Right next to it you will find the Seespitz Inn, perfect for a relaxed stop while kids play by the water.
A Stroll Through Merano with Kids: Ice Cream, Scooters, and a Hidden Playground
A visit to the center of Merano with kids is definitely worth it. The narrow streets and historic buildings might first catch the attention of adults, but along the Passer Promenade even the youngest visitors will find their place. At the Café Wandelhalle, delicious cakes and great coffee come together with tricycles, scooters, and a small sandbox beneath a large tree.
A children’s table invites little ones to draw while you enjoy a cappuccino in the sun. And if you still feel like walking, follow Sissi’s Path a little further until you reach the hidden playground near the Café Elisabeth.
Great Day Trips Around Merano with Kids
Lana Apple Museum
The Apple Museum in Lana tells the story of apple growing in such a lively way that both kids and adults quickly become fascinated. It beautifully shows the deep connection between South Tyrol’s largest apple growing community and its apples. In historic rooms you learn how apple farmers used to work, how apples first arrived in South Tyrol, and what role they play today. Small hands on stations and interactive elements make the visit engaging and easy to understand. In the basement there is even a small indoor playground with a slide, climbing elements, and craft tables.
Small and Big Moments of Enjoyment at the Winery
Kränzelhof: Garden Labyrinth and Essbar
The Kränzelhof is the perfect place to combine nature, art, and good food with the family. Set against the backdrop of vineyards, the Essbar serves light seasonal dishes such as homemade pasta, bruschetta, and ice cream. Behind it stretches a large garden with a labyrinth, hidden art installations, and quiet corners to linger. Parents can sit on a bench with a glass of wine from the estate’s own winery, take in the art, and watch as the kids run freely through the grounds. A special highlight is Miil, the fine dining restaurant right next to Kränzelhof, which serves creative dishes inspired by regional ingredients.
Animal Fun at Rainguthof: A Petting Zoo with a View
A little hidden but absolutely worth the trip is the Rainguthof in Gfrill near Merano. The winding road up the hill is part of the adventure, because at the top you will find a lovingly designed petting zoo with goats, ponies, rabbits, and more, surrounded by a picture perfect landscape. The animals are friendly, can be petted and fed, and the view across the valley is simply breathtaking. A place where it is easy to lose track of time.
Castle Lebenberg: Living History and Real Knights
Castle Lebenberg, also located along the Marlinger Waalweg, is a true gem that is still inhabited today and can be explored on a guided tour. The moment you enter the courtyard, you can already feel the special atmosphere of this place. Original furniture, historic weapons, the magnificent Knights’ Hall, and beautifully painted frescoes bring the life of past centuries back to life. During our visit we heard fascinating stories about life in the mountains, the knights, and the former residents of the castle.
Our Favorite Places to Stay in and Around Merano with Kids
Apfelhotel: A Special Place with Farm Life and Wellness
Just a few minutes from Merano you will find the family run Apfelhotel. It is a farm that beautifully combines modern comfort with tradition. Everything here is done with great care. The kitchen creates wonderful dishes, the apples from the farm are turned into award winning cider, and if you like you can even help with the harvest.
And then there is the beautiful wellness and spa area with a warm pool that children especially love. This is family time the way we like it most: relaxed, welcoming, and authentic.
Hotel Schwarzschmied in Lana: Where Design Meets Family Comfort
Surrounded by vineyards and orchards, the stylish Hotel Schwarzschmied feels like a peaceful retreat for all generations. With daily complimentary yoga classes for parents, a garden yurt for playing, a large indoor and outdoor pool, and a dedicated children’s menu at dinner, both kids and adults feel perfectly at home here.
Especially convenient is the location. From the hotel you can start directly onto the Marlinger Waalweg, visit the Kränzelhof, or simply take the bus into the center of Merano. Both options are relaxed and equally beautiful.
More Places to Stay in and Around Merano with Kids
Merano with Kids? We Would Go Back Again and Again
As you can see, Merano is full of favorite spots, variety, and a wonderful sense of family ease. Whether you want to go hiking, visit animals, or simply stroll through the town, Merano offers countless places where families can truly feel happy.
You can find even more favorite places in South Tyrol here: The most beautiful family outings in South Tyrol and The Top 10 Alpine Huts with Playgrounds in South Tyrol.
