Between apple orchards, vineyards and palm trees hides a small paradise for families: Merano with kids feels like a short break for the soul. A mild climate, Mediterranean flair, warm-hearted hosts, and plenty of space in between for playing, marvelling and enjoying life.
Whether it’s spring with the fruit orchards in bloom, summer for hiking, autumn for the apple harvest, or cosy time-outs in winter, Merano is worth a trip with kids in any season. And because we love it so much ourselves, we’re taking you along to our favourite spots around Merano, the ones that make parents and children happy in equal measure.
Discover all our favourite spots in and around Merano with kids on the map
Hiking in Merano with kids
The Squirrel Trail on the Marlinger Waalweg
Our favourite family hike runs along the Marlinger Waalweg, or more precisely along the Squirrel Trail, which lives up to its name in every way. Lovingly designed activity stations, climbing elements and little surprises wait for you all along the path, tucked into the forest.
A highlight for many children: the large forest playground with shaded picnic spots. Here, kids climb, clamber and collect. The trail is directly accessible from Schwarzschmied, but if you’re travelling with younger children, you can also drive part of the way to meet the Squirrel Trail.
A stop with a view: lunch at Haidenhof
The perfect way to round off a hike along the Marlinger Waalwege is a visit to Haidenhof. We love it here! For the children, there’s a playground, free-ranging hens, a small goat enclosure, and with a bit of luck you can admire the peacock up close. While the kids are well looked after, parents can sit back and enjoy the delicious food. Schlutzkrapfen, apricot dumplings, and a hearty snack board are all genuinely tasty! At Haidenhof, you get to know authentic South Tyrolean cuisine at its very best. It all tastes even better with a glass of fresh apple juice made from the farm’s own apples, or a cool glass of wine from the estate’s own vineyard. From up here, you get a wonderful view over the valley. Haidenhof is entirely family-run, and you can feel that warmth in every corner.
Hiking on the Vigiljoch with kids
A trip up to the Vigiljoch above beautiful Lana simply belongs on any family holiday around Merano. The cable car whisks you up from Lana to 1,486 metres in just a few minutes, and from there you continue at a leisurely pace on the historic chairlift. At the top, a relaxed family hike awaits, with several lovely stops along the way. Especially popular is Familienalm Gampl, with a large playground and petting zoo. Goats, donkeys, hens and rabbits here reliably bring a sparkle to children’s eyes. From there, it’s worth a short stroll to the idyllic little church of St. Vigilius. Another highlight is the Schwarze Lacke, a small woodland pond. Right next to it lies the Gasthaus Seespitz, perfect for a relaxed break while the kids play by the water.
A stroll through Merano with kids: ice cream, scooters & a secret playground
A trip into Merano’s town centre with kids is well worth it too, we promise! The lanes and historic buildings are more the kind of thing that catches grown-up eyes, but along the Passer Promenade, even the littlest ones find their place: at Café Wandelhalle, alongside delicious cake and good coffee, there are tricycles, scooters and a small sandpit waiting under a huge tree.
A children’s table invites little ones to draw while you enjoy a cappuccino in the sun. And if that’s not enough, keep strolling along the Sissi Trail to the hidden playground by Café Elisabeth.
Day trips around Merano with kids
Obstbaumuseum (Apple Orchard Museum), Lana
The Obstbaumuseum in Lana tells the story of apple growing in such a vivid way that children and parents alike get drawn right in. It reveals the deep connection South Tyrol’s largest apple-growing community has with its apples. In historic rooms, you learn how apple farmers used to work, how the apple first came to South Tyrol, and what role it plays today. Small hands-on stations and interactive elements make the visit exciting and easy to grasp. Downstairs, there’s even a small indoor playground with a slide, climbing elements and craft tables.
Kränzelhof: garden maze and eatery
Kränzelhof is the perfect place if you want to combine nature, art and good food with the family. Set against a backdrop of vineyards, there’s an eatery serving light, seasonal dishes such as homemade pasta, bruschetta or ice cream. Behind it stretches a huge garden with a maze, hidden art installations, and little oases to linger in. Parents can settle onto a bench with a glass of wine from the estate’s own vineyard, let the art sink in, and watch the kids run free through the grounds. A special extra is Miil, the fine-dining restaurant right at Kränzelhof, serving creative dishes with a strong regional focus.
Animal fun at Rainguthof: petting zoo with a panoramic view
A little tucked away, but absolutely worth the trip: Rainguthof in Gfrill, near Merano. The winding drive up is well worth it, because at the top awaits a lovingly designed petting zoo with goats, ponies, rabbits and more, set in picture-book scenery. The animals are friendly, happy to be petted and fed, and the view across the valley is simply stunning. A place where you completely lose track of time.
Lebenberg Castle: vivid stories and real knights
Lebenberg Castle, also situated right on the Marlinger Waalweg, is a real gem — still lived in today, and open to explore on a guided tour. You can feel the special magic of this place the moment you step into the courtyard. Original furniture, historic weapons, the magnificent Knights’ Hall and beautifully painted frescoes bring the life of those times vividly back to life. We heard some genuinely fascinating stories here about mountain life, the knights, and the castle’s former residents.
Our accommodation tips in and around Merano with kids
Apfelhotel: a heartfelt spot with farm life and wellness
Just a few minutes from Merano lies the family-run Apfelhotel. A family-run farm that blends the modern and the traditional beautifully. Here, hands are still very much on: fine dishes are prepared in the kitchen, the farm’s own apples become award-winning cider, and anyone keen to help out is welcome to join in with the harvest.
And then there’s the beautiful wellness and spa area, with a warm pool the children in particular love. This is family time exactly the way we like it: relaxed, warm-hearted, and genuine.
Hotel Schwarzschmied in Lana – design meets family feeling
Set amid vineyards and orchards, the stylish Hotel Schwarzschmied can genuinely be called a haven of calm for every generation. With free daily yoga classes for mums and dads, a garden yurt for playing, a large indoor and outdoor pool, and a dedicated children’s menu at dinner, guests both big and small get exactly what they came for.
Especially handy: from the hotel, you can head straight out onto the Marlinger Waalweg, visit Kränzelhof, or simply hop on the bus into the centre of Merano. Both options are relaxed, both are lovely.
Merano with kids? On repeat, please!
As you can see, Merano is packed with favourite spots, variety and a wonderfully easy-going family atmosphere. Whether you want to hike, pet some animals, or simply stroll through town at a relaxed pace, every family will find plenty of places in Merano to be genuinely happy.
Find even more favourite spots in South Tyrol here: The loveliest day-trip destinations in South Tyrol with kids and The top 10 mountain huts with playgrounds in South Tyrol.
