The gentle lapping of waves in the early morning. The first warm rays of sun on your face and the unbridled laughter of children who can’t wait to splash into the cool water. Lake Maggiore is a true paradise for anyone who loves the water. But where do families find the perfect blend of thrilling action and relaxing moments during their family holiday?
Those travelling with children often seek the balance between wild slide fun and relaxed sandcastle building. On Lake Maggiore, there’s a perfect spot for every mood. Let’s embark on a journey of discovery together – past colourful adventure pools, well-maintained lidos, and a very special, private retreat right on the lakeshore.
Wild Adventures: Ondaland Water Park
When the children demand pure action, Ondaland Water Park, located in the south of the lake, is an absolute highlight. As Italy’s largest outdoor water park, it offers plenty of space on its generous, well-kept lawns, but it’s exclusively outdoors, making it a pure delight for the warm summer months.
Here, it’s all about the perfect curve and the fastest slide duel. Around 20 water slides await conquest. Brave visitors can hurl themselves down rapid rides like the Dual Loop, Kamikaze, or Super Kamikaze. Those seeking something a little calmer can drift leisurely along the lazy river on large tubes or enjoy the artificial waves in the huge wave pool.
To ensure safety and for adults to know exactly which slides are suitable for their children, the park has devised a clever system: after parents sign a waiver, children receive a special wristband. This ‘Braccialetto’ immediately signals to lifeguards that the kids are allowed on almost all slides – with the exception of the three most extreme thrill rides.
Even the littlest ones are well catered for. Ondaland features a huge children’s water park for non-swimmers, equipped with gentle, small slides and playful water features. When hunger strikes after so much activity, the on-site catering offers classic favourites for a quick bite: pizza, pasta, and juicy burgers ensure energy levels are quickly refuelled. A little insider tip for bargain hunters: those planning their holiday early can often find attractive early-bird offers on the park’s Facebook page, usually released shortly before the season starts or around Christmas.
Lido Bliss on the Swiss Side: Locarno and Brissago
Those exploring the picturesque Swiss side of the lake will discover two beautiful lidos that combine first-class comfort with stunning views. Lido Locarno stands out for its versatility. It offers several heated indoor and outdoor swimming pools, thrilling slides, and relaxing whirlpools. A modern children’s playground ensures that boredom is kept at bay even out of the water. A visit can be wonderfully combined with an excursion into the town, as many beautiful public playgrounds in Locarno harmoniously round off the day for families.
Just a little further south lies the picturesque lido in Brissago. The entire grounds of Lido Brissago are wonderfully green, meticulously maintained, and retain a pleasant natural feel. While parents relax in the shade of old trees, the little ones can safely splash around: on the first level directly below the entrance, a very lovely, new children’s paddling pool awaits eager young explorers.
Action Right on the Promenade: Aqualand Cannobio
In the summer months, a special magnet magically draws families. Right on the lively promenade, the Lungolago Cannobio, Aqualand Cannobio sets up its temporary home. It’s not a classic adventure pool, but rather a seasonal adventure playground both on and beside the lake.
Here, children can test their agility on a floating adventure climbing park directly on the glittering waters of Lake Maggiore, glide down the spectacular water slide, or catapult themselves to dizzying heights in the lakeside trampoline park. It’s the perfect stop for a few hours of high energy before ending the day with an Italian ice cream on the promenade.
The Heart of Your Holiday: The Lakeview Cannobio Private Beach
After all the bustling excursions, you yearn for a place where you can simply unwind. A place where your towel is already waiting and the children can play safely and freely. The Lakeview Cannobio Resort offers precisely this luxury with its exclusive private beach.
Silence. The gentle shimmer of the lake. Freedom. While public beaches are often crowded in summer, guests here enjoy an oasis of calm. Yet, the little ones are never bored. The beach is a natural adventure playground that requires no plastic. Here, children can balance on the slackline, test their strength on the Ninja Line, or challenge each other with lovingly crafted wooden games.
For water sports enthusiasts, both young and old, the resort has a very special highlight: its in-house water sports school offers professional lessons for trendy sports like Wingfoil and the almost silent eFoil. The popular Stand-Up Paddling (SUP) can also be learned here – the courses are ideal for families with children, as age-appropriate boards and clear explanations ensure quick success on the water.
The private shoreline is the perfect starting point to explore the region’s many excursion destinations, while also having the assurance of being able to return to your own tranquil haven at any time. When you cap off an eventful day on the water with a cool drink and watch the children play freely, you’ll know that the perfect family holiday is happening right here.
Questions and answers
Ondaland Water Park is located south of Lake Maggiore and is known as Italy's largest outdoor water park. It offers around 20 water slides, including fast rides like the Dual Loop, as well as a lazy river and a wave pool. There's also a separate children's water park for non-swimmers.
