Bring a stroller with you as you have to walk sometimes in between the parking (or bus stop) and the main point in the towns. I recommend visiting (if you have time) Desenzano del Garda Sirmione (wonderful castle) Lazise Malcesine (and the mount)
@Ilaria thanks so much this is all very helpful! I think we will hire a car as it'll be easier to get around like you said! I'm using Garda as a base, I was thinking to go to Gardaland but wasn't sure if it's too old for a 4 year old?
Gardaland is really cool both for adults and kids :) . There is also movieland that apparently is really nice ...but I've never been in that one
If you want to visit also little towns around Garda (which I recommend as there are some beautiful villages with amazing food and scenery) I would definitely recommend hiring a car. Buses are quite sporadic in between town to town and you may have to wait a long time or get limited time in a place because of that. The only downside of the car is that it may be difficult to find a parking spot as the lake Garda area is quite popular in summer in between tourists and also locals. It is a really picturesque area , the food is lovely (and the ice cream) and also there are usually activities during the summer time if you visit the website of the town you are visiting I'm sure you'll find information. I can also help if you are looking for something in particular. There are also two or three amusement parks quite close to each other in the area. Sorry for the long answer..I'm originally from Italy and I like to help 😅🙂