Alpine Escapes: Why the Alps Should Be Your Next Family Summer Holiday

Let’s face it - when you hear Alps, your mind probably skips straight to snow boots and ski lifts. But those mighty mountains? They’ve got a whole other personality when summer rolls around. Gone are the thermals and goggles, replaced by hiking boots, picnic blankets, and the kind of fresh mountain air that makes even your most screen-addicted teenager look up and go, “Whoa.”

If you're hunting for a family holiday that actually ticks everyone's boxes (yes, even the moody tween’s), the Alps might just surprise you.

Summer in the Alps: Think Big, Green and Glorious

Imagine this: wide open meadows dotted with wildflowers, mirror-like lakes that beg for a quick (chilly) dip, and charming Alpine villages where the pace of life slows right down. The Alps in summer are a mash-up of adventure, nature, and that quaint, back-to-basics feeling we all secretly crave after a year of endless notifications.

From France to Switzerland, Austria to Italy, the region transforms into a giant natural playground. Whether your family is the outdoorsy type or more into scenic strolls and hearty cheese-heavy lunches, there’s something here for everyone.

What to Actually Do (Besides Admire the View)

Let’s get practical. The Alps aren’t just pretty-they’re packed with stuff to do. Here’s a taste:

• Hiking trails galore – From pram-friendly walks to trails that’ll challenge your inner mountain goat, there’s a route for every energy level. Expect waterfalls, pine forests, wooden bridges, and the occasional marmot spotting if you’re lucky.
• Lakeside lounging – Think paddleboarding on Lake Annecy, wild swimming in Lake Geneva, or a lazy picnic next to a sparkling glacier-fed lake. It’s all very wholesome and ridiculously photogenic. Some lakes even have floating pontoons and gentle beaches, perfect for younger kids.
• Mountain biking for all levels – When the snow disappears, the ski slopes morph into bike parks. There are gentle trails for families, lift-accessed downhill runs for the brave, and e-bike rentals for anyone who prefers a boost on the uphill.
• Alpine villages and markets – Cobblestone streets, wooden chalets, and the smell of freshly baked pastries. Most villages host weekly markets where you can pick up local cheeses, meats, jams - and probably a fridge magnet shaped like a cow.
• Adventure parks and outdoor fun – Tree-top rope courses, summer luge runs, zip lines and even paragliding if you’re feeling fearless. It's like a theme park - only way greener, with more goats and better cheese.
• Wildlife and waterfalls – Who needs a zoo when you’ve got ibex, chamois and eagles right outside your window? And Alpine waterfalls aren’t just beautiful - they're a great excuse for a refreshing misty moment mid-hike.
• Food worth the trip alone – One of the unexpected joys of a summer holiday in the Alps? The food. Think gooey raclette, crispy rösti, mountain sausages, and fresh berry tarts that taste like sunshine. Many family-run restaurants serve up traditional dishes with a modern twist, often on terraces with panoramic views. And yes, you absolutely can justify fondue in summer - especially after a day of hiking. Plus, Alpine dairies often welcome visitors, so kids can see how cheese is made (and sample it straight from the source).

The Family Vibe

Here’s the beauty of it: the Alps do family holidays really, really well. The locals are used to catering to kids of all ages, and the range of accommodation-chalet rentals, family-run hotels, eco-camping - is as broad as the mountain range itself. Many resorts also run summer activity programmes and family discounts, which takes the pressure off planning every single hour of the trip.

Also, let's be honest - having a backdrop of towering peaks and rolling green valleys helps keep everyone off their phones (for a bit, at least).

Getting There (And Getting Around)

The Alps are surprisingly well connected, even in summer. Airports like Geneva, Lyon, Zurich and Milan offer great access, and summer transfers are smooth, efficient, and family-friendly.

If you're not keen on the whole car rental stress (or just want someone else to deal with the mountain roads), book a summer transfer through alps2alps.com. They cover loads of routes and do door-to-door service, meaning you can start your holiday the second you land. No arguing over SatNavs required.

Bonus: the journey from airport to resort often doubles as a scenic tour-so sit back, soak it in, and let the Alps do their thing.

One More Thing…

You don’t have to be a hardcore hiker or mountain expert to love summer in the Alps. You just need a bit of curiosity, a decent pair of shoes, and a willingness to swap the usual beach-and-ice-cream routine for something a little wilder.

So next time you’re planning a family escape, maybe skip the crowded coast and look up-way up. The Alps are waiting, and they’re more than just snow.