Family holidays in the Julian Alps - things to do with the kids

The region boasts some of the most magnificent scenery you will ever encounter. Besides all the great activities on offer, families of all ages can enjoy the serenity and natural beauty of the area - imagine the most perfect landscape paintings coming to life before your eyes. To younger kids, it might feel like they have actually landed in the pages of a story book. (Tell them that anyway!)

In the Julian Alps, one of the most popular and obvious things to do here is to take advantage of the land around you. Walking and cycling have huge appeal in the area and although there are some challenging routes, there’s also gentler ones for families who are not that experienced. For older kids and teens, getting on a bike and letting off some steam is a great way to soak in the fresh air and appreciate the magical surroundings. Why not follow the Radovljica family route through quiet country roads. This circular route takes you past the Dolenc Farm in Vrbnje and along the forest trails to Begunje.

If the kids want to stop here, you can pack in some extra fun by visiting the Elan Alpine Ski Museum. This brilliant attraction offers an insight into the history of alpine skiing with fun, interactive exhibits along the way. A great way to spend an hour or two - especially if the weather isn’t so good.

Once you get back on the road - yes, you need to cycle back - there’s a real sweet treat adventure awaits in the town of Radovljica. Stopping off here will definitely win Mum and Dad some brownie points. There’s loads to keep the kids entertained here. You can visit the Museum of Apiculture and let them learn about beekeeping traditions and the important role bees play in the ecosystem - they’re never too young to start learning about our precious planet.

Or, you can join a tour of the Gingerbread Museum and see how it's made. And, if you want to keep the mood really sweet, treat them to some world-famous confectionery at Radolca Chocolate. The shop offers tasting sessions and the chance to see real chocolatiers at work.  You can entice them back on their bikes with some mouth-watering chocolate and the cycle back will help burn those calories!

If something more active is on the cards, especially if you have older children or teenagers in tow, why not get the family together and head to Planica Nordic Centre for a game of disc golf? It’s  similar to traditional golf except it involves throwing a frisbee instead of putting small balls. Or, let them have a go on the zipline if they fancy an adrenaline rush. 

For enjoying some great views and perhaps taking those all important selfies, take a ride in the chairlift and see Planica from the top of the hill.

There’s plenty to keep everyone occupied and it’s a great day out.

Or, if you fancy a bit of teamwork and intrigue, take the family to the Escape Museum in Rateče. This is a great attraction where teams will be challenged with game content, puzzles and clues based on the town’s history in an attempt to unlock the secrets of Kajzenk House. All good fun.

Got any budding young artists or photographers in the family? There’s endless choices for capturing the natural beauty of Slovenia either in a photo or painting on a canvas. Grab the colouring pens, crayons or paints and head off to one of the many beauty spots and let them create some art - and precious memories! 

If giving your children an appreciation of nature, this is the place to introduce them to it.

Sometimes the simplest of pursuits in a heavenly setting is all they need to remind them there was a life before iPhones and technology!

A chilled out day on the water is a good idea too. Families can often have super busy lives so what better way to slow down and relax than a nice boat trip. Book a guided panoramic boat tour of Lake Bohinj and enjoy the story of the lake and the history of the area.

For younger children, a must-do attraction is the Zlatorog Fairy Trail . This is a fun yet educational route which is around 2 km long. For just 2 euros, visitors can buy a booklet filled with puzzles and fairytales, a map and spaces to collect stamps along the way. It’s really rather enchanting!

To round it all off, you can always let them make a splash at the Aquapark Bohinj - a fantastic wellness centre for all the family. The facility is connected to Bohinj ECO hotel and linked by an underground corridor. In it you can have fun in the swimming pools, toboggan slides and a climbing wall.

Holidays in the Julian Alps don't promise the fast paced exhilaration of some destinations and it’s not going to appeal to anyone looking for theme park style rollercoasters and a string of fast food outlets. What it will offer is a destination that will make the kids appreciate the natural wonders of the planet, show them how to be more mindful of looking after it, and allow you all to enjoy each other’s company in a beautiful place. This is a trip you’ll treasure forever and still be talking about it in years to come when they’re all grown up. Don’t take out word for it; come and experience the homely magic for yourself.

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