Merano sits at 300 metres in a south-facing valley basin and enjoys around 300 sunny days a year. For families that means, above all: even in April, May and October it's warm enough to be outdoors — an advantage over the high valleys, where the season for outdoor activities is significantly shorter. And Merano works in winter too: the Thermal Baths and Christmas Market are open, and the town is walkable in every season.

The Thermal Baths sit right in the middle of town and, alongside the 15 pools, have a separate children's area with shallow water and a slide, plus family rates. The large park with sunbathing lawn is suitable for whole days. The sauna world is in its own wing, reserved for adults — parents can take turns for a genuine break. A short walk away lie the Portici (Lauben) for shopping and eating.

The second fixed point is the Gardens of Trauttmansdorff Castle: 12 hectares with 80 garden landscapes, a dedicated adventure zone for children, and a museum inside the castle itself. If you need more movement, take one of the cable cars to Tirolo (Dorf Tirol) or Avelengo (Hafling); if you want less, wander the Waalwege — almost level paths through orchards. For older children, Bolzano and the Ötzi Museum are a half-day away.