A Complete Guide to Visiting Milan With Kids

I know what you might be thinking, is the fashion capital of Italy really family-friendly? It turns out that visiting Milan with kids is a fantastic destination for your next vacation!

We took our whole family to the second-largest city in Italy this summer and couldn’t be happier with our decision.

In this post, you can expect a full guide to help you plan the best itinerary for your family!

If you want to have a better experience, try to learn how to say thank you in Italian and other basic expressions.

Reasons Why Milan is Good to Visit with Kids

Before delving into this complete guide to visiting Milan with kids I thought it would be a good idea to list the reasons WHY Milan is a good place to visit with kids.

In my experience having visited Milan solo and now with kids, I find it to be a versatile city.

1- Milan is Educational and Offers Interactive Museums

For example, The Leonardo da Vinci Museum of Science and Technology is a hands-on museum where kids can engage with science and technology. I don’t know about you, but even as an adult that kinda sounds like fun! 

Some museums can be a little dull for kids… But The Natural History Museum in Milan has lots of dinosaurs, minerals, and more making it really interesting for the whole family.

2- Milan is a great place for Parks and Outdoor Activities

Definitely, one of the best things to do in Milan with kids is visit the Parco Sempione! The Sempione Park is a large, open space for kids to run around, with playgrounds and a pond where you can rent paddle boats.

Exploring parks is one of the free things you can do in Milan. Another great park to visit is the Giardini Pubblici (“Public Gardens”). Here you will find ample playgrounds and space for picnics.

3- Milan Has Family-Friendly Attractions

The Civic Aquarium of Milan has a variety of sea life and offers educational programs for kids.

Something super fun for your slightly older kids that has an interest in Astronomy would be to check out Milan’s Planetarium. There are interactive exhibits and educational shows.

4- Milan Offers Kids Interactive Learning

Kid-focussed workshops and activities are often organized at the Royal Palace of Milan and other historical sites.

5- Clean, Safe, and Easy Public Transport

When traveling with kids, getting around the city can be a real headache if not properly functioning.

Milan’s public transportation system is relatively easy to navigate, and the city is stroller-friendly, making it easy for families to explore.

6- Milan Has Great Food For Everyone

Another good reason Milan is great for kids is the food choices. Italian cuisine is generally kid-friendly with options like pasta, pizza, and gelato readily available.

This is especially important for younger children when traveling. Italian street food is among the best in the world and among the healthiest of its kind.

7- Milan Has Fun Animal Encounter Options

The Indro Montanelli Public Gardens houses a small zoo known as “Giardino Zoologico,” where children can see a variety of animals.

8- Italy is One of the Best Places for Cultural Exposure

For kids of all ages, Milan’s rich history and culture offer a great learning experience for kids.

They can appreciate art and history through iconic sites like the Duomo and Castello Sforzesco.

9- Milan Has Family-Friendly Accommodation

 Milan offers a range of family-friendly hotels equipped with amenities like babysitting, cribs, and adjoining rooms.

10- Milan Has Plenty of Seasonal Activities

During the winter season, Northern Italy is a festive destination, featuring everything from Christmas markets in Milan to the holiday festivities of Bologna at Christmas.

Let’s also not forget the things to do in summer like visit kid-friendly festivals. Be sure to check out online all that Milan has to offer for seasonal activities! 

Getting To Milan With Kids

Closest Airports: Flying into the Heart of Milan

We flew into Milan’s Malpensa Airport (MXP) from the United States. This is probably the most convenient airport for international travelers.

Though not the closest airport to the city. By bus, it takes around an hour and some change to arrive in the heart of the city at Milano Centrale.

The bus cost 10 euros per person one way and 15 euros round trip. 

​When traveling with kids, it might really be worth spending the extra money and either hiring a car or scheduling an airport transfer.

If possible fly into Linate Airport (LIN)  The airport is well-connected to central Milan and to the main train station. The journey by public transport is under an hour.

Milan Central Station to City Center

You could easily get to Milan from another nearby city in Italy such as Florence and Verona by train.

Upon arrival at Milano Centrale, you’re just a metro line away from the city center. The metro is a great option for families as ticket prices are reasonable and the trains are spacious enough for luggage and strollers.

The journey to the city center is just a few stops, and before we knew it, we were standing in the midst of the bustling crowds of people at Piazza del Duomo—the heart of Milan.

All The Must-Do Things to Do in Milan with Kids

Must-See Attractions

Duomo di Milano

It’s hard to visit Milan and not be in awe of the largest Gothic cathedral in Italy, but it is fun for kids?

We opted for a guided tour that allowed us to skip the line (highly recommended if you’re with young children).

The highlight? Definitely taking the elevator to the top of the Duomo Cathedral. The panoramic views over Milan are awe-inspiring.

Galleria Vittorio Emanuele II

Located just a minute walk from the Duomo, this iconic shopping gallery is also an architectural marvel. The kids loved the floor mosaics, especially the famous bull mosaic where you’re supposed to place your heel for good luck.

San Siro Stadium

For the AC Milan and Inter Milan fans in the family, San Siro is a must-visit. A tour guide took us behind the scenes, and we even got to sit in the players’ seats. Definitely a memorable experience for the family.

Off-the-Beaten-Path Spots

Giardini Pubblici Indro Montanelli

Away from the crowds, we found solace in this beautiful park. The kids loved the small playgrounds, and it was a perfect place for a family picnic.

It’s one of Milan’s older public parks and feels like an oasis in the middle of the great city.

Lake Como Day Trip

Though not exactly in Milan, but a day trip to Lake Como could be a great way to spend the day with your family.

The serenity of the lake was a refreshing change from the bustling centre of Milan. We enjoyed a boat tour, where the kids were thrilled to see the villas and small towns lining the lake.

Natural History Museum of Milan

This may not be the first place families think of visiting, but the museum was surprisingly kid-friendly.

With exhibits like the Dinosaur Hall, the kids had a blast while learning something new.

Historical and Cultural Sites

Sforzesco Castle

The castle and its museums were a hit with our family. The kids particularly loved the Museo del Novecento, which was filled with interactive exhibits and modern art.

The Sforza Castle itself has rich historical roots, offering a balanced experience that melds fun and education for children.

La Scala

We took a quick tour of the famous opera house. Though the kids were too young to appreciate opera, they were fascinated by the lavish interior and the intricate details.

It also served as a good introduction to the musical history of Milan.

Da Vinci’s Last Supper

Viewing this masterpiece required a bit of pre-planning with tickets, but heard its worth it! Unfortunately weren’t able to get tickets because they are only released every few months.

If you are an art history-loving family this is the perfect place to take your kids to learn about the importance of Da Vinci to Milan and the world.

Tips and Tricks for a Smooth Family Trip In Milan

Consider the Length of Your Visit: The length of your visit will influence how much time you have to explore. If it’s a short stay, stick to central Milan and maybe a day trip.

Prioritize The Skip the Queue Activities: Popular places like the Duomo Cathedral can get very crowded. Booking tickets in advance can save you time.

Stroller-Friendly: Milan is fairly easy to navigate with a stroller, especially in pedestrian areas like Piazza del Duomo.

Find your Child-Friendly Eateries in advance: Milan offers a range of family-friendly restaurants, so finding a place before you arrive is a good idea so that eating is never a hassle.

Money Savings Tips

Book in Advance: For top attractions like Da Vinci’s Last Supper, early booking not only ensures availability but often comes at a discounted rate.

Tourist Cards: Consider getting a Milan Card which offers free public transport and discounts at various attractions and restaurants.

Kid Discounts: Always ask about child discounts as many places offer reduced fees or free entry for kids.

Best Area to Stay in Milan with Kids

Family Friendly Neighborhood in Milan 

Navigli

Why it’s Great for Families

Art Hotel Navigli: This family-friendly star hotel offers spacious rooms and even has an additional sitting area, perfect for families.

Easy Access: Navigli is well connected by public transport, ensuring you can get to Milan’s most popular places without much hassle.

Top Things: From boating on the Navigli canals to exploring local art galleries, there’s something for everyone.

Nearby Attractions

Navigli is close to Milan’s largest planetarium where you can introduce your kids to the wonders of the universe.

Day trips to the Science Museum are a hit with families, offering a perfect blend of learning and fun.

Brera

Why it’s Great for Families

Great Location: Brera is centrally located, making it easy to visit Piazza Duomo and Milan’s Duomo, Italy’s largest cathedral.

Indro Montanelli Garden: A beautiful park that offers respite from the city’s hustle and bustle. It’s a wonderful place to take a break with kids.

Safe and Walkable: Brera’s pedestrian-friendly streets mean you can take leisurely strolls with the family without worrying about traffic.

Nearby Attractions

Just a couple of days in Brera allows you to explore the Pinacoteca di Brera, a treasure trove of art that even has engaging sections for younger audiences.

Porta Nuova

Why it’s Great for Families

Modern Amenities: Being one of Milan’s newer districts, you’ll find modern, family-friendly hotels with amenities like pools and play areas for kids.

Easy Access: Close to metro lines, it’s convenient for families looking to explore Milan.

Fashion Week: If you’re visiting during Milan Fashion Week, Porta Nuova is the place to be for kid-friendly fashion events.

Nearby Attractions

Porta Nuova is close to several amusement parks, including a water park that’s perfect for cooling off in the summer.

With just a day itinerary, you can visit Corso Como, a shopping and dining complex that offers a little bit of everything for families.

Final Thoughts on Visiting Milan with Kids

 

​I’ll admit when I started planning a family vacation I hadn’t originally thought Milan would be a great place for kids. But the more I researched I found that there were so many great things to do in the city. 

​We genuinely had the best time and would recommend to anyone planning to visit Italy with their family to consider Milan!