Lake Garda with kids: things to do in Riva del Garda

Breakfast at home, then out to the lake. An afternoon on the beach or a ride above the rooftops in a glass cabin. Over dinner, the important question: what shall we do tomorrow? A family holiday in Riva del Garda can have plenty of variety without a packed itinerary.

Begin at Piazza III Novembre, look up at the Apponale tower and walk along the water towards the Rocca, the fortress surrounded by a moat. Continue along the lakefront towards Sabbioni beach. Stop to watch the boats, take a family photo or choose your first gelato. There is no need to hurry.

Sabbioni has a pebbly shore, grassy areas, shade from trees and a playground. Bring a blanket and alternate between a swim, a game and a quiet moment watching the lake.

Water shoes are handy on the pebbles. Pack drinking water, sun hats and a snack, then leave room in the day for whatever everyone feels like doing.

The panoramic lift to the Bastione is a little adventure in itself. In about three minutes, the glass cabin rises above Riva and the town starts to look like a model: rooftops, harbour, boats and the lake between the mountains.

At the top, look at the old tower and try to spot the places you have already visited. Travelling with a pushchair? One pushchair is allowed per journey. Check the seasonal opening hours before setting off.

Set aside a day for a boat trip. The journey is part of the outing: Riva slips behind you, mountains rise above the water and the houses of the next town gradually come into view.

During the sailing season, you can travel from Riva to places such as Limone sul Garda or Malcesine. Pick one town, wander through its lanes, have lunch by the lake and leave time for ice cream before the return boat. With children, a few unplanned stops often make the best part of the day.

Our apartments are a few minutes’ walk from the pier at Piazza Catena. Have breakfast at home, stroll down to the boat and, when you return, you are soon back in your apartment to change and rest. Check both the outward and return sailings: routes and timetables vary with the season.

For a rainy day, consider MAG, the museum inside the Rocca. Its collections include archaeological finds, old objects and paintings connected with the region’s history.

If your children enjoy unusual objects and asking questions, choose a few exhibits together and imagine how people once lived here. Check the museum’s opening days before your visit.

One main idea a day is plenty to start with: the lakefront and beach today, the Bastione tomorrow, then a museum visit or a boat ride. In between, there is time for lunch, a rest and another visit to your favourite gelateria.

A self-catering apartment gives you room for your own routines. Make the children’s usual breakfast, put a wash on after the beach, or settle them in a separate bedroom while you spend a little longer chatting in the living room. Apart Riva guests have access to a laundry room with a washing machine and tumble dryer.

Mountain View sleeps up to four guests in two separate bedrooms. There is an equipped kitchen and a balcony overlooking the mountains and the Bastione. Buy a few things on your walk through the old town and enjoy a relaxed dinner at your own table.

Romantic Street View has two bedrooms and a double sofa bed in the living room, accommodating up to six guests. Its equipped kitchen and balcony overlooking a lane in the old town make it a comfortable base for spending time together. Both apartments are in Riva del Garda’s historic centre.

We provide Apart Riva guests with a free Trentino Guest Card for the whole family, including the children staying with you. It is valid for the duration of your stay.

The card includes free travel on participating public transport services for journeys starting and ending in Trentino, plus free or discounted admission to participating museums, castles and other attractions. Children use the benefits accompanied by an adult. Find the offers and conditions in the Mio Trentino app; check any boat or lift benefits separately when planning an outing.

After booking, message us about the card and we will help you get it. You can then choose a few places to visit before your holiday even begins.

Choose your dates and enter the number of adults and children to see available Apart Riva apartments and the total price for your stay. If you are unsure which apartment would suit your family, get in touch. We will be happy to help you choose.