April, 12 2019 ( Updated January, 26 2023)
Looking
for a fun family holiday on Lake Maggiore? Ascona-Locarno is where it’s at….
This beautiful lake resort on the northern tip of Lake Maggiore promises a wealth of amusement, for all the family.
Out and about
If you’re on holiday with young kids, then the best way to begin exploring this picturesque area is with a fun ride on the Trenino di Ascona! You’ll be able to take in the local scenery and sights from the comfort of this comical miniature train, whilst enjoying a tasty Italian ‘gelato’.
Families who enjoy a game of golf during the holidays will also be spoilt for choice here, with Minigolf Ascona on the doorstep and Le Minigolf and Sake Golf just a short drive away, in nearby Losone.
Wild-at-heart families will adore a day out to the popular falconry centre, Falconeria Locarno. The twice-daily shows are engaging and interactive spectacles; with a fantastic array of birds to admire; from eagles, hawks, owls and vultures to marabus, ibis and storks. Some of the majestic birds in flight may even swoop by just above your heads! There’s also a delightful park here, which offers a welcoming picnic area - perfect for when the lunchtime munchies hit.
Action & Adventure
For thrill-seeking families, there’s plenty of
action and adventure to be had nearby! The tree-top climbing obstacles of Adventure Park Gordola (4.5
miles away) and the adrenaline-fuelled activities at the popular Monte Tamaro Adventure Park (7.4 miles away) all promise
high-energy fun.
Monte Tamaro is also the location for the super-duper Splash e Spa; for water-based amusements to wind up, and luxury spa treatments to wind down.
Explore the local culture
A classic family holiday on Lake Maggiore would be nothing without a spot of sightseeing! One of the best-loved cultural sights in the area is the picturesque 15th century Madonna del Sasso sanctuary in Locarno, which can be reached by taking the funicular railway from town up to Orselina (via the ‘Santuario’ stop) or on foot in 30 minutes, from Locarno.
For families who relish the arts, Ascona-Locarno
boasts an all-weather feast! Visitors can enjoy everything from galleries to a year-round
programme of theatre shows and live music concerts. In particular, the resort
is home to the Ghisla Art collection, the Museo Comunale d’Arte Moderna and the Teatro di Locarno.
When the weather is fine, the nearby Gambarogno Botanical Gardens offer a tempting setting from which to soak up
some botanical bliss. For sure, nothing quite beats the quality family time which comes from enjoying a scenic walk and picnic.
Foodie families keen to sample authentic regional cuisine whilst learning more about Ticino’s best-loved dishes will enjoy the Ticino Experience! Being suitable for children aged 3 years+, even your youngest ones can join in on this unique culinary journey; with tasty Ticino treats to savour along the way.
Fun on the lake
There’s no better way to celebrate a summer on Lake Maggiore than with a day by, or on the lake!
The buzzing local beach and bar-restaurant of Lido Ascona provide timeless moments by the lapping waters of Lake Maggiore, whilst the indoor/outdoor pools, flume, on-site eateries and wellness spa at Lido Locarno promise all-day action for the kids, as well as a spot of tempting indulgence and relaxation for the parents!
Alongside pool play and refreshing lake swims, Ascona-Locarno also offers opportunities to take to the water, with attitude. From wakeboarding, SUP rental, water-ski lessons and motorboat hire to sailing, inflatable tube trips and fun banana rides; there’s something for every big kid and teenager!
With so much to see and do here in Ascona-Locarno,
this spectacular part of Lake Maggiore promises a super year-round holiday base
for fun family frolics.
Buona vacanza!
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