Looking for the best things to do in Stresa with children?
Then read this guide from Hartmann Feel at Home, our guesthouse on Lake Maggiore.
Nestled among the woods of Gignese, just minutes from Stresa and with a stunning view over Lake Maggiore, Hartmann Feel at Home is a villa immersed in tranquility, designed to offer a refined, rejuvenating, and deeply human stay. A place where nature embraces architecture, and every detail reflects care and hospitality.
We wish you a pleasant read.
What to Do in Stresa as a Family with Kids
Stresa, overlooking the shores of Lake Maggiore and crowned by Mount Mottarone, is an ideal family destination in every season. This elegant town—known as the “Pearl of Lake Verbano”—offers a mix of nature, culture, and fun tailored to kids. A visit to Stresa with children means scenic lakeside walks, wildlife parks, mountain outings, boat trips to enchanting islands, and magical seasonal events. The following guide includes practical tips on schedules, prices, and insider suggestions to make the most of your family adventure.
Start with the Stresa lakeside promenade, a beautiful pedestrian path along the lake that offers breathtaking views of the Borromean Islands and surrounding mountains. Near the historic Hotel Regina Palace, you’ll find a fully equipped playground right on the lakefront—a favorite for kids. There are swings, slides, a climbing frame, and a grassy area to run freely. The playground is safe, well-maintained, and shaded by palm trees and flowering hedges. Parents can relax on benches while admiring the lake and mountains mirrored in the water. Just in front of the playground, there’s a small pebble beach where, in summer, kids can build sandcastles or splash in the lake, and in the off-season, skip stones or watch swans and ducks. From here, continue along the scenic walkway to Carciano Pier, where ferries depart. The route is flat, stroller-friendly, and perfect for a bike ride or family stroll.
After stretching your legs, it’s time for one of Stresa’s top attractions: the Borromean Islands tour. Directly across from town lie three magical islands that are perfect for children. Ferries run year-round (with more frequent service from spring to autumn) and connect Stresa to Isola Bella, Isola Pescatori, and Isola Madre. Private water taxis are also available and often more exciting for kids who enjoy the thrill of a fast boat.
Isola Bella and Isola Madre are known for their stunning historical palaces and botanical gardens—a true fairy-tale experience with frescoed halls, grottoes, and Italian-style gardens full of peacocks roaming freely. From March 15 to November 2, 2025, both islands are open to visitors. Combo tickets cost around €36 for adults and €21 for kids (ages 6–15); younger children enter for free. Older kids will love the palaces’ thrones, armor, and antique dolls, while younger ones will enjoy running among the statues and flowers and spotting the elegant peacocks. Note: strollers are not allowed inside the palaces, so baby carriers are recommended; in the gardens, strollers are welcome. For lunch with a view, Ristolounge Elvezia on Isola Bella has a family-friendly terrace, high chairs, and kid menus.
Nearby, Isola dei Pescatori (also called Isola Superiore) offers a different vibe: a quaint, year-round fishing village with narrow alleys and charming homes. Kids will love exploring its car-free streets, browsing souvenir stalls, and sampling artisanal gelato. Informal eateries offer family-friendly menus with pasta and fries, perfect for a casual meal. In summer, eat by the water while watching fish swim near the boats. In winter, the island quiets down, but some places remain open on weekends.
At Christmas, Isola dei Pescatori lights up with nativity scenes set among boats and fishing nets. Families can enjoy the special “Islands of Light Cruise”—a 30-minute boat tour of the decorated islands with holiday music and a stop on Isola dei Pescatori to admire handcrafted cribs. Kids are enchanted—especially when they meet Santa’s helpers wandering the alleys on December weekends.
Isola Madre, the third island, is a peaceful botanical paradise. Its large exotic garden with free-roaming peacocks appeals to nature-loving families, though it’s less fantastical for small children. A brief walk and an outdoor picnic make for a lovely visit.
Back on the mainland, don’t miss the Villa Pallavicino Park, just 20 minutes on foot from the town center. This 18-hectare wildlife and botanical park is a delight for kids, with over 50 species of domestic and exotic animals roaming through meadows and woods. Children can pet Tibetan goats and fallow deer in the petting zoo or see llamas, alpacas, zebras, kangaroos, flamingos, colorful parrots, coatis, and a rescued golden eagle. Most paths are stroller-friendly, and the park also features aviaries, deer enclosures, a duck pond, and giant ancient trees.
There’s also a playground with swings and a mushroom-shaped dollhouse, plus a café for snacks or ice cream. Open daily from mid-March to early November, 10:00 a.m.–5:00 p.m. (closing at 6:00 p.m.), tickets cost €16 (adults), €10.50 (ages 6–15), €5 (ages 3–5), and free for under-3s. Combo tickets with the islands are available (e.g., Isola Bella + Isola Madre + Villa Pallavicino for €42). Plan at least half a day to fully enjoy the animals and gardens.
For families who love flowers, the Alpinia Botanical Garden is a hidden gem located 800 meters above sea level in the Alpino area, on the slopes of Mount Mottarone. This alpine garden spans 4 hectares and hosts over 1,000 mountain plant species. From its natural terraces, the views over Lake Maggiore are breathtaking.
Open daily from April to October (weather permitting), 9:30 a.m.–6:00 p.m., it’s accessible by car or (starting summer 2025) by the new Stresa-Alpino-Mottarone cable car. Until then, families can drive up or use the summer shuttle. Once at Alpinia, kids enjoy discovering strange plants along shady paths with educational signs and fluttering butterflies. Near the entrance, there’s a small playground and scenic benches—perfect for a snack break. Don’t miss the panoramic viewpoint overlooking the Borromean Islands—a fantastic family photo spot.
Continue upward to Mottarone peak (1,491 m) for year-round outdoor fun. On clear days, you can see seven lakes and the Alps shimmering in the distance. In winter, the area becomes a family snow park: beginners can ski, sled, or build snowmen. Bring sleds and shovels for snowy playtime. Mountain lodges serve hot chocolate and hearty dishes like polenta.
In summer, Mottarone offers easy trails and picnic meadows. The top attraction is Alpyland, a 1,200-meter alpine roller coaster with panoramic views. Each bobsled holds two people and is speed-controlled. It’s open year-round (typically 10:00–17:00 weekdays, 10:00–18:00 weekends), weather permitting. Prices: ~€6.50 per ride, with discounts and packages for younger kids. Riding Alpyland at sunset with the lake glowing pink is a magical experience.
For rainy days or off-season fun, head to Lago Maggiore Aquadventure Park in nearby Baveno. This water and adventure park features tree-top courses, zip lines, climbing walls, pools with slides, a sandy beach, and sports areas. Great for ages 3 and up, the pools are covered and heated in winter. Open weekends in winter and daily in summer (9:00–20:00), tickets range from €5–10. No booking needed for general access. The park is 10 minutes from Stresa by car or 20 minutes on foot from Baveno train station.
Seasonal events enhance Stresa’s family appeal. During Christmas, the town becomes a festive village with lights, a Christmas tree, and the “Christmas Games Palace”, filled with over 100 traditional and creative games, open on December weekends. Meet Santa Claus aboard the historic steamship “Piemonte,” enjoy storytelling elves, sweets, and photo ops (€17.50, 40 min show). Nearby Ornavasso also hosts Santa in a magical underground grotto—combine both for an unforgettable experience.
In Carnival season, enjoy the Stresa Children’s Parade and the new International Circus Festival of Stresa (next edition: March 7–9, 2025). Artists perform under a big top in Piazza Marconi, with acrobats, clowns, and free events for kids, like face painting and sweets.
Spring is perfect for nature visits. From March, gardens bloom with tulips and camellias. Around Easter, join the “Castle of Surprises” event in a nearby castle with fairy-tale animation, Disney characters, magic school, and shows. Planned for April 5–6 and 12–21, 2025 (~€19 ticket). Look out for Easter egg blessings and treasure hunts in town too.
Summer is peak season. Enjoy Stresa Lido at Carciano, now renovated and open from June to early September (9:30–19:00), with a panoramic pool, kid-friendly beach, and café. Entry: €8–10 adults, reduced for kids. Rent paddle boards, kayaks, or try parasailing (for teens with parents). Evenings feature lakeside markets, street performances, and artisan toy stalls. Don’t miss Gelateria K2 (behind the parish church) and L’Angolo del Gelato in the square for nightly ice cream treats.
The Stresa Festival (July–September) adds a cultural touch, with classical and jazz concerts, sometimes offering Family Concerts or open rehearsals—check the schedule for kid-friendly events. Even without attending, enjoy the musical ambiance during a lakeside picnic.
Late summer brings local village festivals in nearby Levo or Someraro with games, food stalls, and traditional competitions—great for meeting local families. Events like Midsummer Jazz Concert (late August) let kids dance on the grass to live music.
In autumn, enjoy quieter visits, with golden leaves and crisp air. Gardens stay open until late October, showing off fiery maples and chestnut trees. Weekend chestnut roasts in Alpino or Gignese offer free snacks, mulled wine, and outdoor games.
For Halloween, museums and villas offer spooky tours or pumpkin-carving workshops. Try the Foliage Train, a scenic journey from Domodossola to Locarno through color-soaked forests. Stop in Santa Maria Maggiore for the Foliage Festival, with crafts, treats, and nature-themed fun.
In November, when many sites close, explore Museo Meina (15 mins from Stresa), a multimedia family museum in a historic villa, with 4D shows and holiday events. Or visit the Umbrella Museum in Gignese—quirky and fun, with doll umbrellas, carriage parasols, and lake views (open April–Sept, or by request).
Wrap up a rainy day with a hot chocolate in town or a quiet walk near Villa Pallavicino.
Family-Friendly Restaurants in Stresa
- Trattoria La Botte: rustic and informal, offers generous portions of local cuisine with high chairs available.
- Ristorante Pizzeria Mamma Mia: in Piazza Cadorna, kid-favorite for wood-fired pizzas and fun-shaped “Topolino” pizzas.
- La Rampolina: on the hills above Stresa with stunning lake views. Lawn for kids to play while parents enjoy regional dishes. Best at sunset.
- Ristolounge Elvezia (Isola Bella): ideal for lunch during your island visit. Offers high chairs and kid-friendly options.
- Gelaterie & Bars: K2, L’Angolo del Gelato, Pasticceria Bolongaro (for breakfast treats), and Bar La Verbanella (lakefront snack bar with occasional kids’ car rentals).
Don’t miss the weekly market in Piazza Capucci/Carducci every Friday morning: find local cheeses, honey, fruit, toys, and kid-friendly souvenirs.
Where to Stay Near Stresa: Hartmann Feel at Home
Just minutes from Stresa, in the peaceful hills of Gignese, lies a special place where the days slow down and nature becomes your travel companion.
Hartmann Feel at Home is more than just a place to sleep.
Our chakra-inspired rooms are spacious and bright, with natural materials and harmonious colors. Wooden floors, private bathrooms, and garden views create a deep sense of calm.
Well-being is central to the experience: relax in the hot tub surrounded by greenery, gather by the round fireplace, or find stillness in the yoga room.
Each morning begins with a nourishing, varied breakfast made with fresh, high-quality ingredients—including vegetarian, vegan, and gluten-free options.
Hartmann Feel at Home is not just a villa. It’s a sanctuary of harmony and attention, where time stretches out and hospitality becomes a heartfelt gesture. Between lake and sky, rediscover the beauty of simplicity and self-care.
No crowded lobbies or standard rooms here. Hartmann is a welcoming home in nature, where you can take off your shoes, breathe deeply, and feel truly at your pace.
Six Rooms, Six Moods
- Swadhisthana – A spacious suite with two connected areas, perfect for those seeking comfort and privacy, with garden access and private hot tub.
- Manipura – Ground floor double room, simple and cozy, opening onto the garden.
- Anahata – A relaxing space with a loft bed, loved by kids and couples alike.
- Vishuddha – An intimate double with a French bed and soft tones.
- Ajna – A versatile suite with separate spaces, ideal for families.
- Sahasrara – A romantic turret room with lake and mountain views.
Here, time moves differently
No strict schedules or stress—start your day with a natural breakfast, read in the garden, soak in the hot tub, or practice yoga in the always-open room.
Each space invites you to slow down, breathe deeply, and let go.
Close to Stresa, far from the crowds Just 10 minutes from Stresa, the lake, the Borromean Islands, and Mount Mottarone, you can explore everything—and then return here, where silence welcomes you like an embrace.
Hartmann Feel at Home is not a catalog stay. It’s an experience of simplicity, beauty, and authenticity.
We’re waiting for you. Not just to host you, but to make you feel truly in the right place.
Book directly on our website to enjoy an authentic stay on Lake Maggiore.