Want to know what to do in Stresa with children?
Then read carefully the guide by Hartmann Feel at Home, our guesthouse on Lake Maggiore.
Nestled in the woods of Gignese, just minutes from Stresa and offering a stunning view of Lake Maggiore, Hartmann Feel at Home is a peaceful villa designed to offer a refined, regenerating, and deeply human stay. A place where nature embraces architecture, and every detail speaks of care and hospitality.
Enjoy your reading.
What to Do in Stresa with Children
Stresa, nestled between the calm waters of Lake Maggiore and the scenic slopes of Mount Mottarone, is a dream destination for families with children. Often called the Pearl of Lake Maggiore, this charming town offers a perfect blend of nature, culture, and entertainment tailored to young travelers. Whether you’re planning a weekend getaway or a longer stay, Stresa provides plenty of engaging, educational, and fun-filled activities for all ages.
1. Take a Family Stroll Along the Lakefront
Start your adventure with a relaxing walk along Stresa’s lake promenade. The path is stroller-friendly and lined with benches, gardens, and gelato shops. Children can spot ducks and swans, watch boats come and go, and enjoy a car-free space to run around. In warmer months, pedal boats are also available to rent.
Tip: Stop by the small playground near Piazza Marconi for a quick break.
2. Visit the Borromean Islands by Boat
One of the most exciting and unforgettable experiences you can enjoy with children during your stay in Stresa is a boat ride to the Borromean Islands. Not only is it an adventure on the water—always thrilling for kids of all ages—but it also opens the door to three very different islands, each with its own personality, charm, and child-friendly discoveries.
⛴️ Getting There
From the main dock in Stresa, just steps from the town center, you can choose between public ferries and private boat tours. Both options are family-friendly and allow you to hop from island to island at your own pace. Boats operate frequently from spring through autumn, with special rates available for families and children under a certain age often riding for free or at a reduced price.
Many boats allow strollers on board, and the crossing times are short—ideal for younger children who may not enjoy long journeys.
🏰 Isola Bella – Gardens, Peacocks, and Palaces
Despite its name (“Beautiful Island”), Isola Bella is surprisingly fun for kids—not just adults admiring the baroque palace. The real highlight for children is the multilevel Italian garden, a wonderland of blooming terraces, fountains, and manicured hedges that seem straight out of a fantasy novel.
What really captures young imaginations, though, are the white peacocks that strut freely through the gardens. Their regal appearance and sudden cries often become a favorite memory for little visitors.
Don’t miss the grottos inside the palace: cool, mosaic-covered rooms that feel like hidden caves—perfect for a mini treasure hunt or a moment of shade on a hot day.
🕒 Visit duration: 1.5–2 hours
👶 Best for: School-age children and up, though strollers are allowed in the gardens
🌴 Isola Madre – A Botanical Dreamland with Feathery Friends
If you’re looking for a more relaxed, nature-focused island, Isola Madre is ideal. This is the largest of the Borromean Islands, but also the quietest. The entire island is essentially one giant botanical garden, where kids can roam freely among towering trees, tropical plants, and flowering pathways.
What makes Isola Madre especially appealing to children is the presence of colorful birds—including golden pheasants, parrots, and other exotic species—that roam peacefully throughout the grounds. It’s like being in an open-air zoo, but more serene and natural.
Parents will appreciate the shaded paths, calm atmosphere, and plenty of benches to rest while the kids explore safely.
🕒 Visit duration: 1–1.5 hours
👶 Best for: Toddlers and young children who love nature and animals
🐟 Isola dei Pescatori – A Village Full of Charm (and Gelato)
Also known as Fishermen’s Island, Isola dei Pescatori is the only inhabited island of the three—and it’s a delight for families. With its narrow, winding streets, lakeside promenade, and souvenir shops, this island feels like a step back in time.
Here, you won’t find gardens or palaces, but rather the simple joys of island life: fishing boats bobbing in the harbor, laundry hanging from balconies, and cozy trattorias offering freshly caught lake fish.
It’s the perfect place to stop for a family lunch, enjoy a cone of gelato by the water, and let the kids run around safely while you soak in the atmosphere.
🕒 Visit duration: 1–2 hours
👶 Best for: All ages—easy to explore and stroller-friendly
💡 Practical Tips for Families
- Buy a multi-island pass: It saves money and gives you the freedom to explore all three islands in one day.
- Pack snacks and water, especially for younger children—while there are cafés on the islands, wait times can be long during peak hours.
- Bring sunhats and sunscreen: Many areas, especially on Isola Madre and Bella, are exposed to the sun.
- To avoid crowds, start early in the morning or go on a weekday.
- Ask your accommodation for help booking: At Hartmann Feel at Home, we’re happy to assist with schedules, tickets, and choosing the best time to go.
🧭 A Day Your Children Won’t Forget
A visit to the Borromean Islands isn’t just a sightseeing tour—it’s a full-day lake adventure where kids can discover hidden corners, meet curious animals, and enjoy the thrill of hopping from island to island like explorers. Add in a boat ride, ice cream, and a little imagination, and you’ve got the recipe for a perfect family day on Lake Maggiore.
3. Take the Cable Car to Mount Mottarone
The Stresa–Mottarone cable car is an adventure in itself. The ride offers sweeping views of the lake and the Alps. Once at the top, you’ll find:
- Gentle hiking trails suitable for kids
- Picnic areas with incredible views
- In winter, a small ski area perfect for beginners
- In summer, the Alpyland bobsled, a fun and safe alpine coaster that kids (over a certain height) can enjoy with parents
Note: The cable car is currently under renovation—check the official site for reopening dates or opt for the road up.
Where to Stay Near Stresa: Hartmann Feel at Home
Just a few minutes from Stresa, in the quiet hills of Gignese, there is a special place where the days slow down and nature becomes your companion. It’s called Hartmann Feel at Home, and it’s much more than a place to sleep.
The rooms, inspired by the chakras, are spacious and bright, furnished with natural materials and harmonious colors. Warm wood floors, private bathrooms, and garden views create a deep sense of calm, inviting rest and reconnection.
Well-being is at the heart of the experience: guests can unwind in the hot tub surrounded by greenery, gather in the lounge with its round fireplace, or find stillness in the yoga room—dedicated to meditation, breathing, and presence.
Every morning, breakfast greets you with a rich and thoughtful buffet, prepared with fresh and quality ingredients. Vegetarian, vegan, and gluten-free options are always available.
Hartmann Feel at Home is more than a villa—it’s a place of harmony and presence, where time stretches gently and hospitality becomes a meaningful gesture. Here, between lake and sky, you rediscover the joy of simplicity and the value of self-care.
No crowded lobbies. No standard rooms. Hartmann is a cozy home surrounded by nature, where you can take off your shoes, breathe deeply, and feel completely in sync.
Six Rooms, Six Atmospheres Each room is unique and designed to suit your travel style—whether you’re a couple, a family, or someone simply seeking peace.
- Swadhisthana – A spacious suite with two connected rooms, perfect for space and privacy. Garden access and private hot tub.
- Manipura – Ground-floor double room, simple and cozy, with immediate garden views and a calming feel.
- Anahata – Open, playful room with a lofted bed. Loved by kids, ideal for couples seeking a free-spirited vibe.
- Vishuddha – An intimate double with French bed and soft tones. Quiet, bright, and serene.
- Ajna – Suite with two separate spaces, perfect for families or those needing flexibility.
- Sahasrara – Romantic tower room with lake and mountain views. A spectacular hideaway.
Time flows differently here There are no rigid schedules or rush. Start the day with a natural breakfast, read in the garden, relax in the outdoor hot tub, or stretch in the always-open yoga room.
Every corner invites you to breathe, unwind, and let go of what you don’t need.
Close to Stresa, far from the noise Just 10 minutes from Stresa, the Borromean Islands, and Mount Mottarone. Explore the area and return to the silence that feels like an embrace.
Hartmann Feel at Home isn’t a catalog stay. It’s an experience of simplicity, beauty, and authenticity.
We look forward to welcoming you. Not to host you—but to help you feel truly at home.
Book directly on our website.