Gardaland Magic: A Toddler's Adventure in Italy's Premier Theme Park

Gardaland, Italy | May 2024

Our family adventure continued from the serene shores of Lake Como to the thrilling world of Gardaland. Our little man couldn't contain his excitement as we drove to Gardaland, our home for the next four nights. Gardaland Resort, with its wide range of attractions, was about to unfold an enchanting chapter in our Italian holiday.

Adding Gardaland to our itinerary was strategic for two reasons: it was conveniently located on our route from Lake Como to Venice, and it promised to captivate our three-year-old, giving him a special four days just for himself amidst the rest of the trip planned for Mumma and Dadda!

Gardaland Park – A Toddler’s Wonderland

From the moment we arrived at Gardaland Hotel, we felt the magic in the air. Themed rooms, friendly staff, and the delightful ambiance set the stage for an unforgettable stay. Ayaansh was immediately drawn to the characters that filled the decor and the promise of adventures just around the corner.

The next two days were dedicated to exploring Gardaland Park, a wonderland for children and adults alike. Ayaansh’s eyes sparkled with excitement as we entered the park, greeted by vibrant colors, cheerful music, and a plethora of rides and attractions.

I am Prezzemolo...Prezzemolo is me...

With his new love for Peppa Pig, The Peppa Pig Land was a huge hit with Ayaansh. He could interact with his favorite characters and enjoy kid-friendly rides. He also loved Prezzemolo Land, a fantasy-themed area perfect for little ones. Watching him laugh and play was pure joy for us. Whether it was the TransGardaland Express, a train ride circling the entire park, the numerous play areas, or simply the energy of the place filled with cries of laughter and squeals of joy, Ayaansh was having the best time of his three-year-old life!

What do you mean I cannot stay here forever?

My best friend George. Dine-saw....grrrr...

This is exactly how I let go the Prezzemolo balloon yesterday. George ended up being tied to my stroller anyway.

Evenings at Gardaland Hotel were equally magical. Themed dinners, interactive shows, and the enchanting surroundings made each night memorable. Ayaansh was particularly fond of the character meet-and-greets, adding an extra layer of delight to our stay.

Is our TV a little too small? JJ from Cocomelon seems...a little big!

One of the million moments when an innocent child is made to believe that they are the one doing something, when they're not. In this case, I'm driving...

Where do I sign up to get inside the fountain with those kids?

Parco Natura Viva – Connecting with Nature

On our third day, we ventured out to Parco Natura Viva, a zoological park and safari park. This was a refreshing change of pace, offering a calm environment and a chance to connect with nature. Ayaansh was fascinated by the variety of animals, from majestic lions to playful monkeys.

This zoo has a lot of flamingos, and yet I'm colouring another one...

We took a leisurely stroll through the park, allowing Ayaansh to marvel at the animals and learn about their habitats. The safari drive-through was a highlight, providing a closer look at some of the larger animals in a natural setting. It was educational and entertaining, a perfect blend for a family outing. I was glad we had a car, which allowed us to maintain our own pace!

Your size does not intimidate me, or does it?

Discovering Verona – A Cultural Excursion

One must have lived under a rock to not have heard about the legend of Romeo and Juliet, one of Shakespeare's many marvels. Given its association with Verona and the fact that we were a 30-minute drive away, there was no way we would have skipped a day trip.

Verona was a cultural feast. A guided walking tour through the old streets opened up secrets from its historic past and their relevance today. Strolling through the charming streets of the old city center, witnessing the brilliance of ancient architecture, this place was more intriguing than we had anticipated.

The hype of Juliet's house and the famous balcony, however, did not live up to expectations. The touristy place, although very popular, was forgettable. Also, we had a little member with us who had absolutely nothing to do with Romeo, Juliet, or a balcony and so he decided to take a well-needed nap instead!

Mumma wanted to see this balcony, out of everything else. Glad I was asleep!

Our Italian adventure was everything we had hoped for and more. From the magical experiences at Gardaland Resort to the natural beauty of Parco Natura Viva and the cultural richness of Verona, each day brought something unique and special.

Our stay at Gardaland was a whirlwind of joy, excitement, and discovery. Ayaansh's laughter and our shared moments of wonder made this leg of our trip truly unforgettable. As we moved on towards the last leg of our trip to fulfil Vrunda's ultimate dream of visiting Venice, we knew that the memories we made here would stay with us forever, with a certain desire to return someday.

From Here and Beyond!