Family Guide to Gardaland: The Ultimate Theme Park Experience on Lake Garda
(This article contains affiliate links which means if you buy something following a link on this page, we'll get a small commission at no extra cost to you. Thanks for supporting our blog!)
Updated 20 February 2025
Located in the stunning region of Lake Garda, Gardaland is one of Italy’s most famous and family-friendly theme parks. With thrilling rides, themed attractions, and a variety of entertainment options, it’s an unforgettable experience for visitors of all ages. If you’re planning a family vacation to Italy, a visit to Gardaland is a must. Here’s everything you need to know for an unforgettable family trip to the park, including accommodation options, tickets, activities, and nearby attractions.
Features and Activities at Gardaland
With over 40 rides and attractions, there’s something for every family member at Gardaland. Here’s a look at some of the top attractions and activities:
Follow us on Instagram for more tips and recommendations.
01
Roller Coasters and Thrill Rides
For adrenaline-seeking family members, Gardaland offers some of the best roller coasters in Europe. Highlights include:
• Raptor: A high-speed roller coaster that’s sure to thrill with its intense twists and turns.
• Blue Tornado: A classic inverted coaster that offers a wild ride through loops and twists.
• Shaman: A unique ride combining virtual reality and a roller coaster, giving you a one-of-a-kind experience.
POPULAR Private Tours on Lake Garda
02
Family-Friendly Rides
If you’re visiting with younger children, Gardaland has plenty of options for all ages:
• Pirates’ Cove: A fun boat ride through pirate-themed adventures that will keep the little ones entertained.
• Jungle Rapids: A family rafting adventure through lush greenery and waterfalls.
• Mammut: A wooden coaster that’s thrilling but not too intense, perfect for young thrill-seekers.
Sirmione TOP RATED boat tours
-
Explore the beauty of Lake Garda on this scenic boat cruise from Sirmione. Take in breathtaking views of the coastline, admire iconic landmarks like Isola Borghese, sip a refreshing glass of prosecco, enjoy delicious snacks, and much more.
03
Water Rides
Cool off with water rides like Fuga da Atlantide (a splash-filled drop ride) or Canoe (a gentle water adventure for all ages).
04
Themed Areas and Shows
Gardaland is divided into themed areas such as Fantasy Kingdom, Pirate Island, and Medieval Kingdom, each offering unique rides, shows, and attractions. Be sure to check the schedule for live performances and character meet-and-greets that are fun for all ages.
Lake Garda day trips
-
From Verona: Sirmione and Lake Garda Day Tour
-
From Milan: Verona, Sirmione and Lake Garda with Boat Cruise
05
SEA LIFE Aquarium
Adjacent to the theme park, the SEA LIFE Aquarium features over 30 display tanks, offering a glimpse into the underwater world. Families can explore the tunnels and watch sharks, rays, and colorful fish swim overhead—an exciting and educational experience for younger children.
Gardaland Ticket Options
Before visiting, be sure to explore the different ticket options to make the most of your time at Gardaland.
​
1. Single Day Tickets
For a single day of fun, you can purchase standard tickets to enjoy all of Gardaland’s attractions. These tickets grant access to the park’s themed areas and rides. Prices for adult tickets are typically around €49 (online price).
​
2. Multi-Day Passes
If you’re planning to visit more than one day, consider the Gardaland Multi-Day Pass. This ticket gives you access to the park for multiple days, so you can explore at a more relaxed pace. It’s perfect for families who want to enjoy everything the park has to offer without feeling rushed.
​
3. Gardaland + SEA LIFE Aquarium Tickets
A great option for families is the combination ticket that includes admission to both Gardaland and the nearby SEA LIFE Aquarium. The aquarium is home to over 5,000 creatures, making it a great addition to your visit and a fun educational experience for the kids.
​
4. Skip-the-Line Tickets
For those who want to avoid long queues, Skip-the-Line Tickets are available, allowing you to bypass the standard waiting times for the park’s most popular rides.
Accommodation Options Near Gardaland
While Gardaland offers an incredible day out, there are several accommodation options nearby to extend your stay and make the most of your visit. Whether you prefer a hotel, resort, or a more adventurous experience, you’ll find a variety of choices within a short distance of the park.
​
1. Gardaland Hotel Resort
For a truly immersive experience, stay at the Gardaland Hotel Resort, which is just a few minutes’ drive from the park. This themed hotel offers rooms decorated in fun, adventure-inspired themes and features an outdoor swimming pool, restaurant, and entertainment facilities. Families can enjoy the park’s proximity, making it easy to visit multiple times during their stay.
​
2. Gardaland Adventure Hotel
Another fantastic option for families is the Gardaland Adventure Hotel, where you’ll find rooms designed to transport you to a world of exploration and adventure. From jungle-themed rooms to Arctic-themed suites, the hotel’s fun atmosphere adds a unique twist to your stay. The hotel also features a heated outdoor pool, a play area for children, and a restaurant with a kids’ menu.
​
3. Camping and Glamping
If your family prefers outdoor experiences, you can camp near Gardaland at Camping Bella Italia, which is just a short drive away. For something more comfortable, you can opt for glamping, where you’ll have the outdoor feel of camping but with added comfort.
​
4. Hotels in Peschiera del Garda
If you’re looking for a wider range of options, Peschiera del Garda is a nearby town with various hotels and B&Bs. The town offers plenty of family-friendly accommodations, often with easy access to both the park and the beautiful lake.
Ready to visit Lake Garda? Plan your trip with these tips.
-
Book your flight: Find the best rates on airline tickets using WayAway. Become WayAway Plus member and get cashback on flights, accommodation, car rentals, tours, and more.
-
Stay Connected: Enjoy a tailored eSim Data Plan that fits your needs, without the hefty roaming charges.
-
Want to travel on your own schedule?: Book your car with DiscoverCars.com. Rated 4.6 out of 5 from 111 000+ reviews. You can't get it wrong ))
Attractions Nearby Gardaland
Parco Natura Viva
Located near Garda, Parco Natura Viva is a wildlife park and safari that offers families the chance to see exotic animals in a natural setting. It’s perfect for animal lovers and provides educational opportunities for children.
BEST Activities to Enjoy with kids on Lake Garda
-
Embark on a family-friendly canyoning adventure in Lake Garda, specially designed for kids aged 6-9. Enjoy jumping, sliding, and splashing through a beautiful canyon, guided by expert instructors, with a chance to take a refreshing swim along the way.
-
Have a blast at one of Lake Garda's exciting theme or water parks, such as Gardaland, Caneva Aquapark, or Movieland Park.
Bardolino and Lazise
These lakeside towns are great for a day trip, offering beautiful promenades, scenic views of Lake Garda, and delicious Italian cuisine. You can also take a boat ride along the lake.
Photo by Isaac Fearnley on Unsplash
.jpg)
Sirmione
Sirmione is a charming town just a short drive from Gardaland. Famous for its beautiful castle, Scaligero Castle, and the ancient Roman ruins of Grotte di Catullo, Sirmione is a must-visit for families if you are in the area. You can also enjoy a relaxing boat ride around the town or take a dip in the thermal waters.
Malcesine
Malcesine is another family-friendly town, located on the eastern shore of Lake Garda. The town is home to the stunning Malcesine Castle, where you can explore the medieval fortifications and enjoy panoramic views of the lake. From here, you can take the cable car up Monte Baldo, which offers hiking trails, playgrounds, and spectacular views, making it a great family adventure.
Photo by Jonny Gios on Unsplash
How to Get to Gardaland
Getting to Gardaland is easy, with the park located just a short drive from several major Italian cities.
• By Car: Gardaland is located just outside the town of Peschiera del Garda, and it’s easily accessible from Verona (about 30 minutes) and Milan (about 1.5 hours). There is ample parking available at the park.
• By Train: The nearest train station is Peschiera del Garda, which is about 4 km from the park. You can take a taxi or bus to get to Gardaland from the station.
• By Air: The nearest airports are Verona Villafranca Airport (VRN) and Milan Malpensa Airport (MXP). From Verona, it’s about a 30-minute drive, while Milan is a 1.5-hour drive from the park.