traveling with kids – Expat Mom Journal

Finally, it’s time to pack up the crew and set sail—well, more like buckle up the kids, load the snacks, and hit the road! 🚗✨ For the past two years we’ve been dreaming about returning to South Tyrol, and this summer the Dolomites are calling us back.

Last time, we only had a taste of what the region has to offer: emerald-green meadows, turquoise mountain lakes, and adventure parks where kids can play for hours. We left with happy memories but also the feeling that we’d only just scratched the surface.

This time, we’re not going alone. Between us and our friends, we’ve got 5 kids, 6 grown-ups, and an entire car full of snacks and strollers—ready to trade daily routines for mountain trails, playground forests, and alpine adventures. It’s going to be messy, loud, and unforgettable… in the very best way.

🛣️ Road Trip Planning with Kids (6, 3, and 1-Year-Olds)

Normally, the drive from Ticino to Sillian takes about 5.5–6 hours. With kids, though, we plan at least one stop along the way. This time, we’ll pause at Riva del Garda for a picnic and a play break—giving our youngest travelers some much-needed time outside the car.

On road trips, we always pack our picnic basket with whatever the fridge and pantry can spare. Eating on the go helps us keep nap schedules intact and saves time compared to wrangling everyone out at a restaurant.

For entertainment, we rotate between CoffeeBreak Italian podcasts, car games like “I Spy” or “Word Chain,” and plenty of storybooks for the little ones between naps and snack times.

🧳 Packing with Kids: Our Family Checklist

When traveling with a 6-, 3-, and 1-year-old, packing can feel like moving house. Over the years we’ve learned that a little planning goes a long way—especially when you’re heading into the mountains where weather and needs can change quickly.

✨ Two Days Before Departure

Clothes: lots of layers (valley vs. mountain temperatures can differ hugely).
Shoes: slippers, trekking sandals, sturdy hiking shoes, and wellies for rainy days.
Comfort items: soft toys, blankets, or bedtime must-haves.
Kid input: we let the kids choose a few toys, books, or games for the trip—it gets them excited and involved.

✨ One Day Before Departure

Electronics & gear: phones, cameras, drone, action cam, night lights, and all chargers.
Bug protection: plug-in mosquito diffuser or spray.
First aid: a full medical kit for the car + a small trail kit.
Sun protection: hats, sunglasses.
Documents: wallets, passports, and any medical papers.

✨ Day of Departure

Snacks & drinks: a packed picnic basket for easy, on-the-go meals.
Entertainment: podcasts, simple car games, books.
Quick-access bag: wipes, spare clothes, small toys, and comfort items within reach.

🗺️ The Route: From Ticino to Sillian

Leaving Ticino means waving goodbye to lakes and palm trees and slowly climbing into alpine scenery. The kids love spotting changes along the way – high mountain peaks, cows grazing in meadows, and tunnels that seem to go on forever.

Family Tip: Plan longer stretches of driving during nap times and keep shorter ones for awake periods. This helps everyone’s mood (parents included!).

🏡 Destination: Arriving in Sillian

Sillian is a small, cozy village that feels made for families. It’s quieter than the big Dolomite resorts but still close to everything. Accommodation options range from family-run hotels to farm stays and holiday apartments with kitchens—perfect for cooking quick meals when kids get hungry outside restaurant hours.

The best part? Sillian is a central base for hikes, cable cars, and family adventures while offering plenty of playgrounds for downtime.

🏔️ Family-Friendly Activities in & Around Sillian

Croda Rossa (Rotwand)

Giant cable car rides that kids love.
Wide-open meadows.
Brand-new Family trail chasing the lost spirits of the mountains.
Buggy-friendly trails, easy for the whole family.

Monte Elmo (Helm)

Barefoot adventure trails with child-friendly themes.
Panoramic views without long hikes.
Petting zoo playground near the mountain station.
Panoramic bar terrace for a well-deserved Aperol Spritz or Mountain Ginger.

Baranci (Haunold)

A summer toboggan run and an adventure park.
Toddler-friendly trails and safe play areas.
Wooden ball track and tubbing.
Parents can relax while kids cool down in the Giant’s footsteps pools.

Assling Wildlife Park

The ultimate forest wildlife park on the mountain.
Grandpa’s model train collection.
Playground with water play, slides, swings, and climbing.
On the mountain with pram-accessible walking paths.
Funbob side by side with the park.

Galitzenklamm

A dramatic gorge with waterfalls and wooden walkways.
Kid-friendly paths (but better with carriers than strollers).
Adventure climbing park nearby for older children.

👨‍👩‍👧‍👦 Tips for Families Traveling this Route

Dress for all seasons: mountain weather changes fast—layers are your friend.
Snacks = sanity: hungry kids = grumpy kids. Always overpack snacks.
Balance big days and rest days: mix cable car + hike days with simple playground afternoons.
Bring the right gear: a sturdy stroller or carrier makes life easier.
Keep small distractions handy: sticker books, cards, or a tiny toy can save a wait at a mountain hut.
Embrace the unexpected: some of the best memories come from unplanned moments, like watching cows or splashing in streams.

✨ Closing Thoughts & Inspiration

As parents, we sometimes wonder if big trips like this are “worth it” with little ones. The packing lists are endless, naps don’t always line up, and someone always needs a snack just as the trail gets steep. But the Dolomites reminded us that adventure doesn’t have to wait until the kids are older.

Here, mountains meet playgrounds, hikes, and family memories are made in the small, unexpected moments—giggles in a gorge, a picnic by the roadside, or ice cream after a cable car ride.

We came for the scenery, but we’ll leave with something even better: a reminder that family travel is less about ticking off sights and more about collecting little moments of joy. And those tired, happy smiles at the end of each day? That’s the real treasure of traveling with kids. 💛

There’s nothing quite like the feeling of early spring sunshine warming both your soul and your body. I absolutely love this sensation! I often wish there were a word or expression that could capture the intensity of this experience. It’s so full of hope for the warmer and longer days that lie ahead in the coming weeks and months..

Here in Ticino, the sunshine plays on our senses every day… almost every day! This mood-lifting phenomenon is exactly what I needed after 3 months of no-sunshine in the valley of Centovalli.

Carnevale in Ticino

Last month, we “scared” the winter away at Bandi Gianee by dragging tins along the ground and making loud noises throughout the town. February and March in Ticino are dedicated to Carnevale. Even the typical “ski holiday” is referred to as Vacanza di Carnevale, which translates to “holiday of carnival.” People greet each other with “Buon Carnevale” when they depart. Are you going away for Carnevale? This question is mainly to find out if you have any plans, particularly for skiing, during this specific week.

Tiny Trips

Ascona

Ascona is my current favourite place to visit. I am very lucky to live 10 minutes drive away. I end up visiting this place at least twice a month and each time I discover something new.

Ponte dei Salti – Lavertezzo

This double arch stone bridge is a renowned destination for adrenaline enthusiasts. Built over 400 years ago, it serves as a popular jumping spot for anyone looking to plunge into the turquoise river below. The river is slow-moving yet cold. From the bridge, you can see the Church of Santa Maria degli Angeli in Lavertezzo. If you’re adventurous enough to climb the large, river-worn stones, you can capture a beautiful reflection of the church in the water.

Verzasca Dam

This was my second visit to the majestic dam in Valle Verzasca, and it did not disappoint. This time, the kids were awake, and we took the opportunity to explore the area thoroughly. We walked along the entire path on top of the dam, which leads to the opposite mountain where a hiking trail begins. The rocks had a way of playing tricks on our eyes. As we explored, the kids effortlessly climbed on the rocks, making it look like they had completed a challenging hike. The vastness of the space and the distance we covered suddenly felt much greater compared to our usual daily surroundings.

1000 Hours Outside Challenge

Longer days provide us with more opportunities to enjoy the outdoors. We spent just over 43 hours outside this month, which is 8 hours more than last month. Unfortunately, the flu continues to be prevalent in our neighborhood. From what I’ve read on social media, it seems to be lasting longer than usual this year, often extending beyond a month. This aligns with our experience; between the five of us, we end up passing the illness around. Despite being ill or not, we strive to get outside whenever we can.

We have completed 88 out of 1,000 hours by the end of February, which makes me doubt that we’ll reach our goal. Fortunately, the summer break lasts over two months in Ticino, and I expect to fit in the majority of the hours needed for the year 2025 during that time.

Hello March

“Vacanza di Carnevale” means a week off from kindergarten. We are in the midst of potty training, which begins with three days at home. After that, we can start taking short walks before we attempt a longer trip. Fingers crossed that we figure it out quickly! 🙂

San Giuseppe day is an official public holiday in the Italian part of Switzerland. On this day, all fathers are celebrated, just like in Italy.

Tag: traveling with kids

Family Road Trip from Ticino to the Dolomites (Austria)