Looking for a destination for a refreshing day out with the kids? In Torino and its province, the possibilities for an excursion where water is the protagonist are many and the difficulty is only one: which one should you choose?
You can stroll through green woods leading to spectacular waterfalls, or relax on the shores of crystal-clear bathing lakes that regenerate body and soul.
For thrill-seekers, swimming pools with slides and tunnels are the realm of fun for boys and girls. And in Piedmont there is also the possibility of swimming alongside hippos and penguins. A unique emotion!
The lakes of the Turin area: stretches of water in the midst of nature
Enchanting places where you can spend a cool day, the bathing and equipped lakes in the province of Torino are many. Among the most suitable for spending a day with the family: the Avigliana Lakes in Val di Susa are ideal for swimming and relaxing surrounded by nature. Lago Grande, appreciated for its cleanliness and safety, was awarded the Five Sails by Legambiente and is the perfect destination for a picnic or a pedalo ride.
Also wonderful are Lake Orfù in Oulx and Lake Sirio in Chiaverano, equipped with services and comforts for visitors, surrounded by enchanting landscapes.
The former, situated at an altitude of 1,060 m, can be reached by car along a dirt road, by bicycle or on foot along the Sentiero dei Franchi. It offers families a bar service, picnic area with barbecue, a beach where sunbeds, deckchairs and pedalos can be hired, a playground and a beach volleyball court.
The second is one of the Five Lakes of the Ivrea Serra and is a real seaside resort, suitable for young people, families and even grandparents! For those seeking comfort, there is a full equipped beach, but there is also the public beach, for sunbathing, picnicking and swimming in clean water. And to end the day on a high note, there is nothing better than a nice tour of the lake in a (rented) canoe!
In the heart of the Gran Paradiso National Park, Lake Ceresole is a crystal-clear, blue artificial lake, navigable only by non-motorised means. The best known walk here is the circular route along the shores of the lake, almost 8 km long. An experience not to be missed: the route can be accessed from various points, but the recommended departure point is from the hydroelectric power station near via Borgata Villa, with parking, toilets and a children's play area.
Another blue gem of the park, Lake Serrù is an artificial lake at an altitude of 2,300 metres. The path that runs alongside it is a fascinating high-altitude walk in an alpine environment of breathtaking beauty. For children there is the opportunity to spot mountain animals: ibexes, chamois, families of cute marmots and eagles flying over the valleys.
Refreshing waterfalls
A walk in the forest leads to wonderful scenery in nature: mountain waterfalls provide excitement and fresh happiness.
In the hamlet of Fucinassa di Almese, in Val Messa, the Goja del Pis (goja means puddle in Piedmontese) is a small lake 30 metres in diameter surrounded by rock walls and fed by a 15-metre waterfall, ideal for a refreshing dip. The water here is crystal clear and is the ideal place to find some relief from the sweltering heat of the city.
In Valchiusella, in the Canavese region, the Ribordone torrent creates the 100-metre-high Cascata di Fondo at Traversella, which offers an impressive spectacle. Not far away, the Guje di Garavot offer bathing pools in unspoilt nature with water depths of up to 9 metres. The Valchiusella is perhaps less well-known and reserved than the neighbouring valleys but boasts an area of incredible beauty.
Lastly, in Val d'Orco, there is one of the most beautiful waterfalls in Piedmont: the Cascata di Noasca, certainly the most romantic and photographed, particularly when seen from behind the thunderous, foaming jet of water. A path, in fact, allows one to pass behind the waterfall, passing under a cavern and thus being able to observe the waterfall from a different and exciting point of view. The path to reach it is short, taking about 15 minutes, after passing through Noasca, a pretty mountain village with stone houses and flowers in the windows. Noasca opens its doors to the enchanting peaks of the Gran Paradiso National Park, an ideal place for a family holiday, where you can go on other adventures on foot or by mountain bike and spot alpine fauna.
The fun is in the water
Summer in the Torino area offers a wide choice of outdoor swimming pools and water parks, perfect for families with children looking for fun and relaxation.
In Pino Torinese, Moby Dick offers an Olympic-size pool, exciting slides, a wellness area and a children's area with a 30-degree heated pool for babies.
Unique in Piedmont, the Atlantis Water Park, with a view of the hills of San Secondo di Pinerolo and Monviso, offers relaxation and fun for adults and children alike and is flanked by the Lost World Theme Park, where around thirty dinosaurs can be admired in a 20,000 square metre forest. You can retrace their evolutionary path in a super engaging educational experience of scientific value, where you can also follow workshops and games.
Those who want to experience the thrill of a swim at high altitude can opt for the Sestriere Municipal Swimming Pool, with its two 25-metre pools, and the possibility of moments of pure wellbeing among bio-saunas and beauty treatments: here you can swim while breathing in mountain air and admiring the skyline of the surrounding mountains.
Finally, the family aquatic experience par excellence is the one proposed by ZOOM Torino, which allows you to swim in its two scenic pools - Bolder Beach and Malawi Beach, alongside African penguins and hippos, after spotting lions, giraffes and monkeys.
Discover all the tips for experiencing Turin and its province with children in the dedicated section.