The south-eastern shore of Lake Garda packs Gardaland, Movieland, two water parks and an EAZA-member zoo within a few kilometres, with lakeside towns, castles and a mountain cable car close by. Alternate a big park day with a slower lake day (a castle, a beach, a gelato in Lazise or Sirmione) so younger children are not doing back-to-back full park days.
Parent tip: Most parks here are seasonal and their calendars change through the year; check each official calendar for your exact dates before fixing the itinerary.
Italy's biggest theme park, with rollercoasters for older children and teens alongside a Peppa Pig Land and gentler rides for little ones. Plan a full day and use the park map to cluster rides by area.
An indoor aquarium next to Gardaland with an underwater tunnel, child-height viewing domes and themed zones running from Lake Garda's own fish to the open ocean. A good rainy-day or hot-afternoon option.
A LEGO-themed water park inside the Gardaland Resort, with splash areas and slides pitched at younger children plus a LEGO Miniland. Best on a hot summer day.
A film-themed park with stunt shows performed by people, rides and movie sets; smaller and less intense than Gardaland. Combines well with Caneva Aquapark next door.
A Caribbean-themed water park with raft and mat slides for older children and lazy pool areas for relaxing. A summer-only full or half day.
A large zoo with two parts: a drive-through safari in your own car and a walking zoo through oak woodland. Allow most of a day if you do both.
A two-stage cable car from Malcesine to 1,760 m on Monte Baldo; the upper section uses rotating cabins with a full 360° view. At the top there are easy walks and wide lake views.
A moated medieval castle at the entrance to Sirmione's old town, with towers and walls that children can climb for lake views. Pairs with a gelato and a walk to the Grotte di Catullo.
Ruins of a huge Roman villa on the tip of the Sirmione peninsula, set among olive trees above the water. Best for school-age children who like ruins; little shade at midday.
A vast landscaped garden with a hedge maze, lawns and ponds that families can explore on foot, by bike, by golf cart or on a little panoramic train. There is also a children's treasure-hunt app.