All summer long, you can hop on the cable car to Chopok (2,024 m above sea level) in the Low Tatras. Board at Biela Púť station and let the chair lift and cable car take you smoothly up to the Rotunda beneath Chopok. You can easily take a buggy with you, too! A word of warning – if you’re set on reaching the top of Chopok, you might want to wait until the kids are old enough to handle the climb. Bigger children can comfortably manage the moderate hiking along the ridge of the Low Tatras to the highest peak Ďumbier (2,045.9 m above sea level). Alternatively, take the stone path on the opposite side towards Dereše (2,003.5 m above sea level), from where you can enjoy great views of both Liptov and Horehronie.

On the way, don’t forget to stop off at Priehyba, where, in the summer, you’ll find a rare species of Wallachian sheep on the highest traditional mountainside sheep farm in Slovakia. This is an indigenous breed that has historically been bred here because it is the only sheep that can graze in the difficult mountainous terrain. As with any good sheep farm, you’ll also find a shepherd and a number of dogs on hand to keep watch over the sheep. Priehyba is a great place for children to have fun and playfully explore what life on a mountainside sheep farm was like. They can pick up a Wally the Sheep’s Travel Journal at the information centre or Funibar. If they do the tasks and complete the form they will get a prize. New for summer 2024 is a ball run that will appeal to all ages. Simply purchase a ball from Funibar, place it at the top of the wooden track and watch it complete the obstacle course. You then get to keep the ball as a souvenir. If the kids still haven’t had enough, you can let them loose on attractions such as tubing, bungee trampolines, an electric train and mini cars next to the information centre at Biela Púť.

That’s by no means all the family fun that Demänovská Valley has to offer. For a lovely stroll, don’t miss Vrbické pleso, a serene mountain lake with a surrounding trail. There are benches, a playground, and a spot to feed the ducks. You can also pop by Mikulášská chata, which boasts a fantastic playground and great food. The lake trail is also accessible with a sturdy buggy.

For amazing views in Demänovská Valley, head to Bencúrova veža, a wooden observation tower at Ostredok. Further along the trail, you’ll find a symbolic cemetery dedicated to the victims of mountain accidents in the Low Tatras.

From Biela Púť to Björnson Chalet, explore Lutonský Promenade – an educational trail that delves into the history of tourism and the local ski resort. This is a short, easy walk with engaging stops where kids can learn new and interesting things. The valley is also home to the Demänovka River, the inspiration behind the Story of Water trail. This trail, starting at the valley entrance and following the course of the river, is designed for families. It features several stops and information boards where they can learn interesting facts about water and why it is so important.

The Story of Water trails also guides you to the Demänovská Ice Cave and Demänovská Cave of Liberty. The latter is famed for its stunning stalactite formations, ranking it among Europe’s most beautiful caves. Demänovská Valley itself is renowned for its extensive cave system. Local legend has it that a dragon named Damián once lived here. Visiting the caves is a perfect rainy-day activity or a cool-down option on a hot day. 😉

For active kids, Tarzánia , in Záhradky, is a must-visit. This is a rope park filled with tree-top obstacles. While it’s geared towards older kids, there’s also a special circuit for younger adventurers (under 150 cm).

At the entrance to Demänovská Valley, near Pavčina Lehota, you’ll find Žiarce Fun Park. Hop on a toboggan with the kids for an exhilarating ride on Slovakia’s steepest toboggan run. There are also quad bikes, a giant swing, a kids’ fun zone, and other attractions. A short walk away along the dirt road over the fields, you’ll find another observation tower offering stunning views of Liptov.

On your way into Demänovská Valley, you can’t miss Demänová Resort, a sprawling entertainment and accommodation complex. It’s tailored to families and features activities such as an animation programme during the day, various sports for all ages, a 3D maze, a mini zipline, a climbing wall, and extra big trampolines. The resort also has a bike park with nearly 4.5 km of trails overlooking Liptov (bike rentals are available).

Although Demänovská Valley doesn’t offer official child-friendly cycling routes due to its mountainous terrain, you can explore the beauty of Liptov by bike in the nearby Liptovský Mikuláš area, where bicycle and e-bike rental shops are plentiful.

No family holiday in Liptov is complete without a splash, and Demänovská Valley delivers even on that front. Wellness Euphoria at the Hotel SOREA SNP offers fantastic views of the Biela Púť slope, as does the wellness centre at Strachan Family Jasná Hotel, reachable by car from the Lúčky area. Many larger hotels in the valley offer wellness facilities as part of guests’ stay. Whether you choose a hotel, guesthouse, private accommodation, an apartment, or Bystrina campsite at the valley’s entrance, you’ll find the perfect place to unwind.

With such a fantastic range of activities in Demänovská Valley, your holiday is bound to be memorable. With so much to experience, you’re sure to enjoy the perfect family holiday in the countryside, where boredom is simply not on the agenda!