A weekend with the kids in Liptov
Winter is magical. White hills and the frozen expanse of the Liptovská Mara reservoir set the scene. Take the kids to Liptov for a weekend and choose accommodation that suits you, whether a hotel, a family guesthouse, an apartment building, a cottage, or a chalet. There is an abundance of choice, and Liptov is packed with attractions.
Boredom is certainly not something to worry about in this region, which is best experienced for yourself.
Liptov brings together excellent ski resorts, from smaller areas suited to beginners to larger resorts that welcome skiers of every level, including the experienced. Children’s zones come as standard, and there are plenty of chances to improve skiing technique with instructors, whether one to one or in small groups, through lessons offered by the many ski schools here. Beyond classic downhill skiing in Jasná or at Malinô Brdo, families can branch out into snow tubing, sledging, or ice skating at numerous rinks. When it is time to slow the pace, some of the region’s best water parks in Liptovský Mikuláš, Bešeňová, and Lúčky offer both fun and relaxation.
The Liptov region is the perfect choice for a winter holiday with the whole family.
A helpful starting point when planning a stay with children is Liptov with Children. Our holiday planner is another practical resource to help you decide where to go in Liptov and is well worth a try.
Here are our five tips for a stay in Liptov. Feel free to combine the programmes and adapt your stay to suit your preferences.
TIP nr. 1 – Jasná’s clarion call – a family weekend in the Demänovská Valley
On the first evening, take the free ski bus into the centre of Liptovský Mikuláš and experience the town at its winter best. The evening light displays create a festive atmosphere, matched by seasonal dining. Children can take part in activities, follow the tracks of St Nicholas, and receive a small gift. Getting back is conveniently easy, again by ski bus.
Depending on where you are staying, use the free ski bus again and devote Saturday to skiing at the Jasná resort. As a Slovak skiing icon, it offers plenty of routes well suited to families. After a day on the slopes, the hotel wellness area or a visit to the Magical Forest light park in Jasná are an ideal way to unwind.
Sunday is all about letting off steam. A visit to the Tatralandia or Bešeňová water park gives children exactly what they need to make this weekend truly memorable.
TIP nr. 2 – In the town of St Nicholas – a family weekend in Liptovský Mikuláš
On the first evening, take the free ski bus and try night skiing in Jasná, which boasts the longest illuminated ski slope in Central Europe outside the Alps. At 4.3 kilometres in length, it includes the Chaletová and Biela Púť slopes.
The second day is all about Tatralandia, from morning onwards. Begin by feeding the animals at ZOOKontakt, then spend the rest of the day having fun and relaxing in the thermal waters. If the children still have energy to spare, head into the town centre. Festive lighting sets the scene, they can search for the tracks of St Nicholas, and great food and a gift await them.
Sunday is a perfect time for creativity. Paintopia offers painting and hands-on creative activities for children in a comfortably warm setting. Another option is to visit indoor play centres such as Fantázia Liptov Park or Babylandu in Liptovská Sielnica.
TIP nr. 3 – Pleasant surprises – a family weekend in the Hrabovská Valley
You will quickly grow fond of this valley. Spend the first day or evening on a walk through the snow-covered landscape, taking in the surrounding nature and frozen waterfalls.
Saturday is set aside for skiing at Skipark Malinô Brdo, a winter resort shaped by wide slopes and a relaxed, family friendly atmosphere. In the evening, choose between nearby wellness facilities or a visit to the water park in Bešeňová. The kids, thoroughly entertained and pleasantly tired, are sure to sleep soundly afterwards.
On the way home, it’s worth discovering a piece of Slovak history at the snow-covered UNESCO-listed village of Vlkolínec or the outdoor Liptov Village Museum in Pribylina, offering an experience that appeals to children even in winter.
TIP nr. 4 – A unique village beneath the Low Tatras – a family stay in Liptovský Ján
Liptovský Ján is a beautiful village with a distinctive atmosphere, defined by historic manor houses and small châteaux. You can stay in standard accommodation, or choose a château or historic manor house instead. The choice is yours.
On the first evening, soak up the atmosphere with a gentle walk and, if you feel like it, try bathing in the local Kada pool under the open sky.
On Saturday, head to Stanišovská Cave. Leave the car at your accommodation and combine a short walk with the discovery of winter underground scenery. Exploring the cave by headlamp adds to the experience, and children love it.
On the way back, stop at the Minislovensko miniature park, which even has a working miniature railway.
Before heading home, make a final stop at the Mincovníčkovo exhibition in Liptovský Ján. Here, children discover the story of a coin, from ore to minting. The nearby church and the exhibition on the local gentry in the neighbouring information and cultural centre also have their own charm.
TIP nr. 5 – Water, water, all around – a family stay in Bešeňová
Choose accommodation to suit you, whether that’s a hotel, a guesthouse, or private lodging right in Bešeňová.
Children love water, so give them plenty of it from the very first evening you arrive, and again the next day. There are simply too many pools and slides to fit into a single visit. You’ll find a wave pool, thermal pools, standard swimming pools, all kinds of slides, and, for those who enjoy warmth and a bit of theatre, original sauna rituals led by top sauna masters.
On Sunday, head out to ski in Jasná or at Skipark Malinô Brdo. Which takes your fancy? Another option is the Gallery of Illusions in Liptovský Mikuláš, where you’ll have great fun and come away with some truly original photos.
Rounding off with a few tips from VisitLiptov
- Don’t forget warm clothing. Winter in Liptov can be really cold, but it’s also very beautiful.
- Mix up your activities. Combine a bit of sport, such as skiing or ice skating, with time in the water, and opt for some creative workshops or a museum visit to keep the days varied.
- Take the age of your children into account. Shorter sledging runs or a visit to ZOOKontakt work better for younger children, while older ones will enjoy proper ski slopes and hiking.