Weekend Plans for May 1st

Are you up for some exploring but don't really know where to start? Following is a short list of fun activities you can enjoy with your kids. Beware to check the traffic situation before you leave though. The long weekend of May 1st can be tricky.

Monte Tamaro - From Rivera, which is easily accessible by car and public transport, a convenient cableway whisks you up to Alpe Foppa at 1,530 metres above sea-level. With its big restaurant, and the Church of S. Maria degli Angeli (designed by architect Mario Botta), Alpe Foppa is also the starting point for walks with panoramic views as well as being home to an innovative play park for kids, a Alpine- Coaster bobs, Flying Fox and a new track for Downhill fans.
http://www.montetamaro.ch

The Lugano Lido - The Lugano Lido offers the visitor numerous opportunities: a wonderful fine sandy beach on the shores of Lake Ceresio, heated Olympic swimming pool, a medium size swimming pool, a diving pool with trampolines up to 10 m high, a pool suitable for children with water games, a beach volley court and a five-a-side football pitch. Make sure you don't miss the traditional ice cream treat on May 1st.
http://www.lugano-tourism.ch/en

The Olive Tree Trail - Park the car on Via Cortivo in Castagnola and just follow the green olive signs to reach the Sentiero dell’Olivo. As much an historic path as olive trail, the Sentiero dell’Olivo at times meanders underneath houses, through a private terrace, and along cobbled lanes. You’ll pass San Rocco, a 17th century church with a ornate baroque interior topped with a late-medieval style belfry. You can take a pram and kids bikes most of the way and then lock them up with a bike lock when you get to the stairs as you near Gandria. Make sure to plan time for a scenic lunch along the lakeside.
http://www.myswitzerland.com/en

Cannobio Sunday market (in Italy, 50mins from Lugano) - The largest market in this area is the Sunday morning market on the Promenade in Cannobio, east of Stresa and only a few kilometres from the border with Switzerland. One side of the market has the usual assortment of leather goods, jewellery, and linens. The other side is a tremendous food market, featuring local vendors of meats, wines, cheeses, sweets, and so much more. Many offer free samples of their food.
http://www.ticino.ch/en

Pombia Safari Zoo (in Italy, 1hr15mins away) - is a Safari park, zoo and amusement park in Pombia, Piedmont, northern Italy, created by Angelo Lombardi in 1976 extending over an area of 400.000 square metres. You can take a trip around by train or with your own car. An ideal outing for families with children.
http://www.safaripark.it

Enjoy and let me know how it went!