Milan is the epitome of design, elegance and fashion! But beyond the sophistication and glamour, there’s also plenty of fun activities that both you and your children will enjoy!Here are some of our favourite things to do.
1. Eat Gelato
Yes you must! A no-brainer for sugar-loving children. But parents, if you don’t want to partake, then just go to watch the theatrics! You will never see gelato crafted so beautifully, presented so creatively and scooped into cones with this level of pizazz!
Make sure you say YES to the melted chocolate drizzle in the cone (think Cornetto/Drumstick vibe) to keep your ice-cream from dripping… oooh and also the mini cone on top for extra fun/yum! Find the gelato shop/stand with the longest queue. Our favourite was Casa Infante located on Via Torino Milano.
TIP: For pizza lovers: Princi is a MUST for a lunch stop!
2. Visit Castello Sforzesco di Milano
The historic Castello Sforzesco (or Sforza Castle) and adjacent park (Parco Sempione) make for the perfect family outing in Milan. Housing several museums this medieval fortress includes a vault decorated with frescos by Leonardo Da Vinci as well as Michaelangelo’s final work!
N.B. Museums included at Castello Sforzesco di Milano: Pinacoteca (Art Gallery), Museum of Prehistory and Early History, Egyptian Museum, Museum of Ancient Art, Museum of Musical Instruments, Furnishings Museum and the Collections of Applied Arts.
3. Play at Giardini Pubblici Indro Montanelli
The oldest park in Milan and named after the Journalist and Historian Indro Montanelli, this is the place to take your children for a well-earned reward after sightseeing. A huge urban park, centrally located and full of fun including dodgem cars, a pond, a carousel, wide open spaces and most importantly, gelato! The site also hosts regular activations (usually art related) to entertain your little ones, plus the nearby Museum of Natural History and the Planetarium will be a hit too!
4. Visit Duomo di Milano
A photo in front of the Duomo Cathedral is a must-do on anyone’s Milano itinerary. One of Milan’s main tourist attractions, this exquisite cathedral took nearly 6 centuries to build. Soak up the breathtaking beauty while your children enjoy chasing the pigeons across the Piazza del Duomo. If you’re prepared with hand sanitiser, grab some bread and let them land on your arms/hands for some up-close and personal action!
TIP: Climb the narrow spiral staircase (or ride the elevator) to enjoy a spectacular view of Piazza del Duomo and see all the gargoyles up close. Find a space on the terrace and breathe in the magic of Milan!
5. Check out the Galleria Vittorio Emanuele II
Adjacent to the Duomo di Milano, the magnificent Galleria Vittorio Emanuele II is the world’s oldest shopping mall and also contains the only certified 7-star hotel; the Town House Galleria. Get ready for a serious credit card workoutwith every high-fashion boutique you can think of under the one roof!
TIP: While you’re there, check out the Aperol Spritz Bar at Terrazza Aperol for an afternoon aperitif.
6. Take a train to Lake Como
Escape the hustle and bustle of Milan city with a day trip to Lake Como and surrounds. A short 40 minute train ride will take you to Lake Como station where all the charm and allure awaits! Italy’s northern lakes will have you feeling like you’re in Switzerland with their distant snow capped alps and only minutes from the Swiss border. Explore the beautiful cobblestone streets adorned with lush green foliage, hire a boat for the day, go hiking or biking, water skiing, kayaking, visit the playgrounds, trampolines and the list goes on!
TIP: While you’re there, take a ferry or two to a couple of other towns around the lake – our favourite was Bellagio, simply incredible.
7. Drop into the LEGO store
So maybe not on top of the list for mum and dad, but a quick drop in to the LEGO store in Milan city, might just be all the bribery you need to keep those little legs moving when your junior sightseers are looking a little uninspired. They will love the interactive displays, LEGO building stations and the hilarious “LEGO scanner” that determines which LEGO character you are with the touch of your hand.
8. Shop until you drop Via Monte Napoleone (you may need to bribe the children for this one!)
To see stunning architecture fused with high-fashion shopping, head to Via Monte Napoleone (and also nearby Via Senato). Known as Milan’s “Rodeo Drive”, Via Monte Napoleone is dotted with boutiques and (if the budget doesn’t allow it) lots of window shopping!
9. Visit the Museo Della Scienza e Della Tecnologia
Museo Della Scienza e Della Tecnologia is the largest science and technology museum in Italy and is dedicated to the legendary Italian painter and scientist Leonardo da Vinci. Your children (particularly if you have boys) will thoroughly enjoy the “Transport” section with a myriad of aircrafts, trains, submarines and torpedos!
NEED HELP WITH YOUR ITALIAN ITINERARY? We highly recommend contacting the lovely Linda from Ciao Bambino!
Tell us. Have you been to Milan with your children?
Let us know your must-see in the comments below. We’d love to hear from you.
Read more: PAROS, Greece | Taking it one beach at a time
