13 Things to do in Milan With Kids (That Parents will love too)

Whether you are in Milan for a stopover or for longer there are plenty of things to do in Milan and around, and the city is well worth a visit if you are travelling through Italy’s north. Below we have rounded up a great list of fun activities for families and things to do in Milan with kids.

Things to do in Milan

Known as the world’s fashion capital Milan is often overlooked when planning a family trip to Italy. You are probably asking yourself is Milan worth visiting? especially with children.

Well sure Milan is most famous for its fashion but there are other things to see and do in Milan that have nothing to do with runways. It is home to some of the most famous art in the world and has many other attractions worth visiting.

Milan is also an easy city to visit if you only have a short time. It’s strategic location means that you need to pass through Milan to get to other destinations. So why not visit on the way through?

How to get to Milan, Italy

Milan has 2 airports – Milan Malpensa International Airport, and Milan Bergamo.

There are numerous flights to Italy departing from many major cities around Italy and from around the world.

The best way to travel through Italy from major cities like Rome, Forence or Naples, is via train. Italy has an extensive network of fast-speed inter-city trains and regional services that connect larger cities as well as smaller towns.

You can take the Frecciarossa, Italy’s high speed train which connects Milan with other major Italian cities like Turin, Florence, Rome, and Naples. There are heavily discounted fairs for kids up to 14 years old.

Best time to visit Milan with Kids

The best time to visit Milan is during the spring (March-May) and autumn (September-November) months which is out of the peak tourism time. This is true for most of the country

The temperatures in Milan are pleasant, and the prices are considerably lower.

July and August are summer months, and temperatures in Milan can be extremely hot and uncomfortable. Also August is when many Italians take their holidays so you may find that some attractions or restaurants and shops are not open during this time.

If you like the cooler months and don’t mind snow, then the best time to visit Milan is in winter (December-February)

Before booking your tickets to Milan you should always check if any significant local holidays fall between your travel dates. During Fashion Week in Milan for example the prices for accommodation can be significantly higher and the city will be much busier.

Things to do in Milan with Kids

Milan is home some amazing architecture, various museums, and plenty of delicious cuisine. This Italian city in the country’s far north has many great activities you can do as a family.

Below you can find a list of must see attractions in Milan, as well as a list of specific things you can do in Milan with kids.

1. Visit the Duomo

One of the most popular things to do in Milan with kids or without is to visit the famous Duomo. You can’t visit Milan without seeing it and it will no doubt be one of the highlights.

It is the third largest church in the world, the second largest in Europe, and the largest in Italy. It is an incredible structure and you can go inside as well.

If you want it is also possible climb to the top and see some incredible views of the city.

There are stairs to climb to the top, but if you are visiting Milan with kids, you may want to take the elevator to the top depending on their ages. Older kids will be ok but little legs may get tired.

There are also a few stairs once you get to the top as there are different levels, but these should be ok for kids.

The whole experience is a once in a life time kind of thing. You can see all of the spires and gargoyles, and take in the stunning architecture.

The great thing about visiting the Duomo with kids, is that under six years old are free. Make sure to get there early to ensure you get tickets.

For more information, visit the official website here.

2. Twirl on the Bulll

Inside the Galleria Vittorio Emanuele II is a mosaic of a bull on the floor. If you look closely, there is a hole where the bull’s nether regions are supposed to be.

Legend says that if you spin around three times with your heel in the hole, you will be blessed with good luck. Although we can’t guarantee that this will work, this is certainly a fun activity to do in Milan with kids.

This outdoor shopping mall is one of Italy’s oldest active shopping malls. It was built between 1865 and 1877. It is also home to many luxury shops, restaurants, bars, and even a hotel. Great place to visit in Milan if you love shopping.

3. Visit MuBa

The Museo dei Bambini Milano, also known as the Children’s Museum, is the perfect place for your child to play and have fun.

The museum organizes workshops and educational activities to stimulate children’s creativity and imagination. The location is also quite stunning as it is located inside a deconsecrated church.

The museum is only open to organized visits during fixed hours and with limited spots. You can reserve a spot on their website here. The museum is also only for children up to 12 years of age.

4. Walk in Da Vinci’s Footsteps

Everyone probably knows that Milan is where you can find Leonardo da Vinci’s Last Supper Mural, but did you also know that Da Vinci lived in Milan for over 17 years.

One thing that families can do is visit the Leonardo Da Vinci National Museum of Science and Technology. According to the website, the museum has permanent exhibitions “complemented by interactive laboratories that use informal education to involve and interest every type of audience.”

The Museum’s interactive laboratories are a great way to get children excited about science and technology in a fun and creative way.

5. Visit Castello Sforzesco & It’s Park

Milan has plenty of parks and playgrounds if you are looking for an urban oasis.

One of the more famous parks is the Parco Sempione, located right behind the Castello Sforzesco. The castle was built in the 15th century and is a medieval fortification.

Leonardo Da Vinci worked here at the end of the 15th century, and his work can still be found inside. The Castello is also home to various museums, like the Museum of Decorative Arts and The Museum of Ancient Art, and houses one of the city’s most extensive art collections, including Michelangelo’s Peità Rondanini.

Once you exit the Castello, it is just a short walk to the largest park in Milan. The Parco Sempione, built between 1890 and 1893, imitates a typical English garden and is the perfect spot to relax after a hectic day of sightseeing.
Also, walk over to the Arco Della Pace or the Arch of Peace.

6. Enjoy an aperitivo

Take the time to experience an aperitivo hour in Milan. Although you can partake in this tradition in any Italian city, aperitivo was invented here during the 1920s. Coincidentally, Milan is also the birthplace of Campari, a bitter spirit.

Aperitivo is similar to happy hour, with one main difference, food. Many restaurants and bars in Milan will offer free snacks along with your aperitivo drink. The idea is to open up your appetite and prepare your stomach for dinner.

Adults should try out a Negroni which was invented in Milan, while the kids can enjoy the various plates of snacks served along with it.

7. Try some Milanese Cuisine

Milan also has many traditional dishes, some of which are famous across Italy. While you are visiting Milan, make sure to try Risotto alla Milanese, Cotoletta alla Milanese, Panettone and Cassoeula.

8. Visit Leolandia

With over 40 different attractions, Leolandia is one of the most popular parks in Italy and is fun for all ages. The park is located just outside Milan and is easily accessible by car, train, and bus. There are also shuttle buses from Milan.

Inside, children can explore the many rides and attractions, meet with the park’s colorful cartoon characters or even enjoy a show or two. Leolandia also has a farm, aquarium, reptile house, and an attraction called Minitalia, home to realistic miniature Italian monuments.

If you are hungry, the park has many restaurants, bars, and even a hotel if you’d like to stick around for a day or two.

9. Check out the Civit Aquarium

Who doesn’t love exploring the underwater world? The Aquario Civico di Milano was opened in 1906 and is the third oldest aquarium in Europe.

The Aquarium is home to over 100 species of sea creatures found in Italian lakes, coastal waters, and rivers.

10. Say Hello to the Dinosaurs

Situated on the outskirts of Milan is the Parco Della Preistoria, also known as the Prehistoric Park. Take a journey back in time as you admire reconstructions of some of the largest dinosaurs and other prehistoric species that have ever roamed the Earth.

Along with dinosaurs and figures of prehistoric people, the park is also home to a mini-zoo with various mammals, including deers, goats, and mini horses.

11. Jump around at the Zero-Gravity Park

Feel like bouncing around a little bit? If you want to do something a little different in Milan and let the kids burn off some energy after sightseeing, head over to Zero-Gravity trampoline park.

This indoor space has many activities for children of all ages, including trampolines, a dodgeball court, foam pits, and even a ninja warrior area.

Activities are priced per hour, so this park is an excellent option for a short evening activity if everyone is tired of sightseeing.

12. Explore Pombia Safari Park

Lions, and tigers, and bears, oh my! If you are willing to travel a little farther outside Milan or if you have more time to explore the region, then make sure to take a trip to the Pombia Safari Park.

Located an hour’s drive from Milan, this park is home to 110 species of animals and extends over 400,000 square meters. Visitors can drive through the safari area in their car or pay a fee to go on a small train.

There are also different shows, like the bird show, a reptile house, and an aquarium. The park also has a few restaurants where you can enjoy a nice meal before returning to Milan.

13. Go on a Bus Tour

If you only have a short time in Milan, or if you are visiting Milan with young kids, try the hop-on-hop-off bus tour instead of walking around the city all day. This is an excellent option if you are visiting Milan with kids and don’t have much time to explore the city.

These open-air double-decker buses stop off at all the major sites within the city and allow you to jump off at any point. Each bus also includes earphones for some added information about the city’s main sights.