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Sometimes it even happens here on the southern shores of Lake Garda: the sun decides to take a break and clouds appear behind the mountains. Is the holiday ruined? Absolutely not! The southern area of the lake offers a myriad of exciting activities that will make even the gloomiest days unforgettable for the whole family. So, if you are wondering what to do on Lake Garda when it rains with your children, you are in the right place: let’s discover together the lake experiences that save even the greyest of days.
If the rain persists and you want to go shopping, you’ll be glad to know there are many shopping centres near Peschiera del Garda and Desenzano. One example is Il Leone shopping centre in Lonato, offering a variety of shops and indoor entertainment. Located 10 minutes from Desenzano, it features clothing stores, home goods, and even a children’s play area. Other shopping centres in the area include La Grande Mela in Bussolengo and Adigeo in Verona.
1) Museums and indoor attractions
Children's Museum di Verona
When the weather turns bad and you’re on holiday with children, don’t worry about figuring out what to do on Lake Garda when it rains: you are in one of the areas with the best tourist services in Italy, and the museums are a great example. Let’s start with the Children’s Museum of Verona, a must-see destination for the whole family. Located half an hour from Peschiera del Garda, this interactive museum is designed especially for children, with hands-on activities that encourage learning through play. Children can explore various themed areas, including science, technology, art, and nature, with exhibitions and workshops that invite them to experiment and discover. Every corner of the museum is designed to stimulate curiosity, allowing young explorers to have fun and learn even when it’s raining outside.Parco Natura Viva
Are you an adventurous family? At Parco Natura Viva in Bussolengo, you can admire wonderful animals even in the rain. While it is an open-air park, it is also visitable in bad weather, and many areas are covered, providing shelter during downpours. Children can see parrots, anacondas, tigers, flamingos, and other exotic animals, and participate in educational activities. Most animals remain visible, as they are unaffected by the rain. Visiting Parco Natura Viva on rainy days has its advantages: fewer crowds mean shorter queues and more space to explore.Peschiera del Garda Fishing Museum
When the rain intensifies, the Fishing Museum in Peschiera is a great place to spend a few hours immersed in local history and culture. This museum tells the story of fishing on the lake, offering interactive exhibits that captivate both adults and children alike. Children can learn about fishing techniques used throughout the centuries and admire a collection of historical tools and fascinating old boats. Entry is free, but the museum is open only on weekends.2) Amusement parks on Lake Garda
Gardaland
Even when the weather isn’t great, Gardaland remains a fantastic choice. This famous amusement park, located just a few kilometres from Peschiera del Garda, offers indoor attractions like the 4D Cinema and themed indoor areas that entertain the whole family. There are plenty of indoor attractions ensuring hours of fun even on a rainy day. Just like at Parco Natura Viva, fewer crowds mean shorter waiting times, allowing you to enjoy the best attractions multiple times.Movieland Park
Another option is Movieland Park, just a few steps from Gardaland. This theme park offers indoor shows and games that let children immerse themselves in cinematic adventures without getting wet. Of course, there are also areas for younger children and safe play zones.3) Artistic and creative activities for children
Creative workshops
Among the many things you can do on Lake Garda when it rains, there are also artistic activities and workshops. If you want an experience that stimulates your children’s creativity, look for creative workshops organised in various cultural centres—like the NowMyPlace platform—and municipal spaces in the area. These workshops can include painting, sculpture, and other artistic activities that allow little artists to express their imagination, inspired by the sound of the rain.Cooking classes for children
Some restaurants and cooking schools in the area offer cooking classes for children. For example, Eataly in Verona organises classes where children can unleash their creativity by decorating cookies and creating sweet recipes. Participating in a cooking class can be a fun and delicious way to spend a rainy day. Children can learn how to prepare typical Italian dishes and, of course, taste their creations!4) Shopping and entertainment
If the rain persists and you want to go shopping, you’ll be glad to know there are many shopping centres near Peschiera del Garda and Desenzano. One example is Il Leone shopping centre in Lonato, offering a variety of shops and indoor entertainment. Located 10 minutes from Desenzano, it features clothing stores, home goods, and even a children’s play area. Other shopping centres in the area include La Grande Mela in Bussolengo and Adigeo in Verona.
5) Relaxation and wellness for the whole family