Riva del Garda with a 4 yr old

[sickoftoystory]

Booked to go to riva del Garda in Italy end of July but everything I've read makes no mention of children. Has anyone been and can tell me if there's much to do with a four year Old? Does the lake have a beach area? Are there parks? Any advice gratefully received. Thanks

Oh, all of Lake Garda is stunning, you'll have a wonderful time. There is a pebble beach next to the lake, with a grassy park behind it. I think there might be a climbing frame but maybe too old for your DS. It's a lovely walk from the town centre to the beach across little bridges and walkways, and ducks live in the streams. Just be careful of cyclists! If your DS can swim, they float a slide out into the lake, great fun. At night there used to be a children's clown in the town centre, which my DC loved. It's really easy to hop on a ferry and visit done other little towns and of course there's gelato. Hope this helps!

Thank you, it does help. Sounds lovely!

Sorry, and where would you recommend visiting on the ferry?

Lots to do for kids! Park in the middle of town, little train bus thing that runs round town, animal exhibitions (can't think what it's called - little museum with snakes etc), little play park at beach, trampolines.... And lots of ice cream cafes :)

I would get ferry to Malcesine and get the funiculaire up to the top of Monte Baldo. Park and cafe at top, beautiful walk, you can see hang gliders jumping off top of mountain, beautiful views, animals to look at (alpacas, rabbits, donkeys).

Love lake Garda - you'll have a great time!

Oh yes, the little train thing! I had forgot about that! This was my favourite place for ice cream: www.cristallogelateria.com/static/chisiamo.html but there are so many places

The ferry goes to Malcesine, Limone and Torbole. Limone is very cobbly and windy, so maybe not best for your LO! Torbole is very good for watersports and there's a little house that is supposed to be Snow White's house. I think you can go down to the south of the lake on the ferry but it takes ages so you won't really get much time there. We went with Thomson and they offered a lake tour on a coach which was fabulous- took you down to Garda itself, then over to Sirmione for lunch and an optional boat tour, then the ferry over to Gardone (I think, maybe somewhere else) and then back to Riva. I'd highly recommend that if you want to see a bit of the rest of the lake.

We took DD1 to Limone on Lake Garda when she was nearly four. She loved it. We hired a car and did trips around the lake and went across the lake on the ferry to the different resorts.

We'd been before we had kids and enjoyed it then too!

Is Riva the place at the top of the lake? A nice little town if I remember correctly?

It is, mintymellons, underneath the mountains. Stunning.

Oh wow sounds brilliant. Can't wait thank you x

I am so jealous. We went to Lake Garda last August. It was utterly beautiful. I second a trip to Malcesine. There is also a lovely castle to explore there. We didn't get on the cable car as DD doesn't like heights, but I bet that is a wonderful thing to do.

What hotel are you staying in?

Sorry posted too soon! Last time we stayed at Hotel Garda - staff were amazing with my then 3&1/2 yo DS. Lovely ice cream place across the road, little path down to beach, pleasant 20 min walk into town centre :)

Hotel villa nicolli I think it's called. Said its about 10 mins walk from centrr