Top Things to Do in Milan with Kids – City Break Guide 2026
You might not expect the chic fashion capital of Italy to be one of the best places to visit with children. But there are tons of fun things to do in Milan with kids!
This metropolitan city offers many beautiful churches and kid-friendly interactive museums like MUBA. Stroll through sprawling green spaces like Parco Sempione or along the Naviglio Canal. Eat incredible food from world-class restaurants and don’t miss a famous da Vinci painting. Follow this guide and plan the best family vacation in Milan.
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Our Top Milan Hotel Recommendations for Families
Where is Milan, Italy?
Milan is located in the Lombardy region of Northern Italy. It is around 280 km/174 miles south of the Swiss border by road. The city is the second-largest in Italy by population (Rome is the first) and the biggest in the north. Milan’s proximity to the lakes and industrial ties make it a unique place to visit on an Italian family trip.
Top 10 Things to Do in Milan with Kids
Milan is much more cosmopolitan than other Italian cities. It has fewer famous landmarks than Rome or Florence and a much bigger dining and events scene. However, there are still tons of great things to do in Milan with kids!
Thanks to its size, there are many beautiful parks and child-friendly museums. There are unmissable places to visit like the Duomo and a special Leonardo da Vinci painting. Plus, plenty of fun activities that your kids will love.
The Milan City Card offers discounts or free entry to many top attractions.
1. Milan Duomo
Duomo di Milano–to use its Italian name–is one of the city’s most iconic landmarks. It’s the third-largest cathedral in the world! It was built over an incredible 600 years in the ornate Gothic and Renaissance styles of architecture.
One of the best things about visiting the Duomo with kids is that you can go up on the roof. See the cathedral’s stonework up close and amazing views over the Piazza del Duomo. You can buy combination tickets for both the inside of the church and the roof terrace.
If you’re visiting in peak season, there might be long lines. This skip-the-line Duomo and roof tour for families is ideal for a smooth visit.
2. Parco Sempione
As Milan’s largest public park, the sprawling 116-acre Parco Sempione is a must-visit for families. These public gardens boast miles of walking trails, flower beds, ponds, and impressive structures like the Branca Tower.
It’s also where you’ll find historic buildings and museums, such as:
- Sforza Castle
- Civic Aquarium of Milan
- Triennale di Milano (design museum)
- Arco della Pace
- Arena Gianni Brera (small stadium)
Escape the crowds of the city in this huge open space!
3. Castello Sforzesco
While at Parco Semione, you should definitely check out Castello Sforzesco. This huge fortified structure dates back to the Middle Ages and now it’s a museum for some of Italy’s best treasures.
Younger kids may be content exploring the castle grounds and courtyards. However, take your older kids inside. There are art and history museums displaying works by Michelangelo and da Vinci.
You don’t need to book tickets in advance. Plus, the castle is open from 7:00 AM for over 12 hours daily. Visit whenever you like!
4. Leonardo’s Last Supper
Few paintings are more famous than The Last Supper by Leonardo da Vinci. But it’s not a framed canvas hanging in a gallery–it’s painted on a wall in Basilica di Santa Maria delle Grazie.
Because of the delicate nature of the painting, admission is by pre-booked guided tour only. Ticket prices are reasonable, but they sell out so fast! Luckily, you can find other reputable guided tours.
It’s a great place to take kids because it’s only a one-hour experience. Plus, the artwork is high on a wall so no one can touch it even if little fingers are tempted!
5. Galleria Vittorio Emanuele II
As one of Europe’s Fashion Capitals, Milan is naturally home to the country’s oldest shopping mall. Galleria Vittorio Emanuele II is right off Piazza del Duomo in the heart of Milan.
This beautiful glass-roofed 19th-century is full of fine-dining restaurants and luxury brands. But if you don’t buy anything, it’s one of the top free things to do in the city.
Keep a tight hold of little kids as it can get busy! On the other side of the mall, you’ll walk out onto Piazza della Scala. Here, there are stunning buildings like Teatro alla Scala (opera house) and Palazzo Marino (city hall).
6. Pasta Cooking Class
Taking part in a family cooking class is a great activity to do in Milan with kids! You can all learn a new skill from a local expert and eat your creations at the end.
This two-hour private pasta family cooking class is ideal. Make spaghetti, sauce, and tiramisu, and make a mess on purpose!
7. San Siro Stadium
Do you have any sports-crazy kids? San Siro Stadium is the perfect place to take them. This soccer stadium (or football, as Europeans call it!) is home to the Inter and AC Milan teams. Book tickets to a game if one is playing during your trip.
If not, you can still visit the stadium during the day. Book the official San Siro Stadium guided tour and you’ll also get to check out the museum.
8. Museum of Science and Technology
Its full name is the Leonardo da Vinci Museum of Science and Technology. Rather than displaying da Vinci’s artworks, this science museum showcases his inventive designs and replicas.
Some of the most impressive interactive exhibits are full-sized catamarans, submarines, and steam trains. There is also a Playlab for children aged 3-6 and workshops for older kids so no one misses out. Note that this technology museum is closed on Mondays.
9. Indro Montanelli Garden
If the weather is warm and you’ve already visited Parco Sempione, head to Indro Montanelli Gardens! This 17-acre green space dates back to the 18th century. It’s also home to several top museums, such as:
- Natural History Museum of Milan
- GAM – Modern Art Gallery
- Palazzo Dugnani
- Ulrico Hoepli Planetarium
Plenty of places to seek shelter on a rainy day or fill an afternoon itinerary!
10. MUBA Children’s Museum
Although it’s only open on weekends, the MUBA Children’s Museum is a great spot for young families to visit in Milan.
While the museum’s exhibits cater to all children aged 1-12, they’re known for their special activities. Look at the online schedule to see which workshops are available during your trip.
When is the best time to visit Milan?
It’s essential to plan the time of your visit to Milan just right to avoid trade shows. Milan Fashion Week in February is one, but there is also Milan Design Week, the Superdesign Show, and many others. Global professionals visiting Milan can make the city center crowded and accommodation more expensive.
Here are some ideal times to visit Milan with kids.
Milan in Spring
Average Temperatures: 55°F–81°F (13°C–27°C)
Whether you plan your family trip in spring break or the first week of summer, it’s a good time to visit Milan. The weather is at its peak during this part of the season–warm and dry! But not blistering hot.
Since different countries have different school breaks, not all families can travel at this time of year. Take advantage of the fewer crowds!
Milan in Late August
Average Temperatures: 64°F–84°F (18°C–29°C)
There’s no escaping it: Milan is a warm-weather city. Sure, there are festive things to do over the holidays. But with mild and rainy winters, it’s not the first place on your list to spend Christmas in Europe. If you can’t travel in spring or early summer, travel in late August. The later the better before school starts!
Italians often travel elsewhere in August so the city will be less busy. This means most people out and about will be tourists, but that’s true of most cities in Italy during summer. Plus, the high heat of mid-July will be cooling off.
How to Get to Milan
Milan is such an easy city to reach. This might be something you’ve already realized and that’s why you’re going! Whether you’re flying in or traveling around Europe, there are a ton of options for families.
By plane
Milan’s airports are Malpensa, Linate, and Bergamo. The closest airport to Milan is Linate Airport which is 8 km/5 miles from the city center. However, the biggest and main international airport is Malpensa which is 48 km/30 miles away.
At least six airports in the United States offer direct flights to Milan. They are New York City (JFK and EWR), Atlanta (ATL), Chicago (ORD), Boston (BOS), and Philadelphia (PHL).
By car
Milan is very close to the Swiss border. You could absolutely stop in Milan on a family road trip around the Alps!
Milan is only a 1-hour and 45-minute drive from Turin (140 km/87 miles) and a 3-hour drive from Zermatt, Switzerland (205 km/127 miles).
By public transport
Thanks to Italy’s extensive Trenitalia rail network and Milan’s central station, you’ll have easy access to the city center from anywhere in Italy. Plus several cities in Europe! It can be cheaper, faster, and less stressful than driving.
Milano Centrale is the main train station in Milan. High-speed, intercity trains always require a seat reservation and services often sell out. Book your train tickets here >>>
Buses are also a good idea to travel cheaply between European and Italian cities. Check bus options here>>>
Where to Eat in Milan with Kids
Every city and region in Italy is famous for its unique delicacies. Milan is known for its version of schnitzel called Cotoletta alla Milanese. Another hearty dish is Minestrone alla Milanese, served hot in winter and cold in summer.
Polenta (fancy grits!), saffron risotto, and panettone are also local to Milan. However, you can find restaurants serving all types of international and Italian cuisine in Milan.
Some of Milan’s best child-friendly restaurants are:
Ristorante Risoelatte – This 1960s-themed restaurant complete with a working jukebox is something special. Dine on delicious Milanese meals or crowd-pleasing pasta in this colorful, laid-back eatery with a welcoming atmosphere.
Panzerotti Luini – Need a quick place to grab a takeaway lunch by the Duomo? This takeaway bakery is a local favorite selling a huge variety of savory and sweet pastries.
Pizza AM – Don’t let the bright colors and casual decor fool you! This is a highly-rated, highly-delicious family-friendly restaurant. They serve authentic Napoli-style pizza and complimentary prosecco for parents!
Artico Gelateria Tradizionale – Its surprisingly much more difficult to find quality gelaterias in Milan’s city center. Luckily, this gelato shop serves delicious homemade sweet treats with a rotating menu. Try one in a brioche bun, Sicilian style.
Are you traveling to Milan with older kids? Book a fun Food Tour to taste cuisine from all over the country in a few hours!
2 Days in Milan Itinerary
Visiting Milan for a couple of days will allow you to see all the top sights. I recommend extending the length of your visit to three days if you’d like to take a day trip.
The itineraries below will help you plan your trip to Milan with kids!
Day 1 in Milan
Morning: Start your short stay in Milan by heading to the city center. Explore Milan’s Duomo including the rooftop terrace. Both are so huge, you’ll be there for at least a couple of hours.
Pose for photos outside with some Milan locals (i.e. the Duomo’s pigeons!) or arrange for a professional photo shoot with Flytographer!
Afternoon: Stroll through Galleria Vittorio Emanuele II. Witness Leonardo da Vinci’s Last Supper and spend sunset at Indro Montanelli Garden.
Day 2 in Milan
Morning: Head to Parco Sempione and Castello Sforzesco early. If it’s raining or you have extra time, visit the Museum of Science and Technology before lunch.
Afternoon: Learn how to make pasta in your family cooking class. Catch a game at San Siro Stadium if the local team is playing at home.
3 Days in Milan? Take a Day Trip!
Book a small-group guided tour or DIY a day trip on your third day in Milan with kids. You’re spoiled for choice with lakeside villages and medieval hilltop towns nearby.
Places to Visit Near Milan with Kids
Lombardy is known for its lakes with the most famous being Lake Como. However, Bergamo is a beautifully compact historic city and a great place for little-legged explorers.
Theme parks and water parks are two of the best ways to keep kids entertained on hot days! Or, why not tick off another country on your family vacation?
Here are the best options for family day trips from Milan.
Lake Como Day Trip
It almost feels criminal to take the whole family on a vacation to Milan without visiting Lake Como. It is the third-largest lake in the country (Lake Garda and Maggiore are first and second respectively) but the most famous. Cute villages, lavish villas, and mountains surround this picturesque lake.
How to get there: Hop on a direct train from Milano Centrale or Milano Porta Garibaldi station to Como San Giovanni. Trains depart around every 30 minutes and take approximately 40 minutes. From Como train station, it’s a short walk to the marina. From there, take a ferry to several towns on the lakefront.
Alternatively, book a day tour from Milan.
Things to do: Older and young children alike will love walking through pretty towns like Como, Varenna, and Bellagio. Movie buffs will enjoy sailing out to Villa del Balbianello which has appeared in Star Wars and James Bond films. There are lots of outdoor activities like kayaking tours too.
Bergamo Day Trip
It’s a good idea to plan a day trip to somewhere totally different to where you’re staying. Bergamo is the opposite of Milan!
Its hilltop historic center (known as Città Alta–Upper City) is small, quaint, and mostly pedestrianized. Formerly part of the Austrian Empire, Bergamo has a fascinating blended culture and is a good place to take kids of all ages.
Fun fact: Bergamo’s Venetian Walls are a UNESCO World Heritage Site!
How to get there: Take a direct 50-minute train from Milano Centrale to Bergamo. This service departs around every 60 minutes. It’s an 18-minute walk from the train station to the old town, then there’s a really big hill to walk up! Fortunately, you can opt to ride the funicular instead. Book your train tickets here >>>
Things to do: Ristorante La Marianna in Bergamo is the birthplace of stracciatella gelato. Check out Basilica di Santa Maria Maggiore and eat a casual lunch at Il Fornaio. Families with young children may want to spend the day in the nearby theme park, Leolandia.
Bernina Express Day Tour
If you’ve already traveled far to visit Milan, why not tag another country onto your trip? The Bernina Express is a scenic train ride through the Alps from Tirano, Italy to Chur, Switzerland.
While the entire route takes four hours, you can stop for a couple of hours in St. Moritz instead. It’s a stylish alpine resort town that’s beautiful to visit in summer or winter. While it’s a very child-friendly trip, the long day makes it more suitable for older kids. Don’t forget your passports!
How to get there: Small-group day tours are the best option for this trip! This Bernina Express day tour is the perfect choice.
Things to do: Buy authentic Swiss chocolate from Hauser Confiserie. Witness the views over Lake St. Moritz and ride the 1904 Olympic Bob Sled Run in winter.
Getting Around Milan
Although Milan is pretty big, it’s common for both locals and tourists to walk when possible. Few drive in the city center–you’d need a permit and parking would be a nightmare!
If anyone in your family has limited mobility, use a taxi app to travel long distances. Uber isn’t common so download alternatives like FREENOW, ITTaxi, or appTaxi.
Alternatively, Milan’s metro system is super easy to use. Milano Centrale station is on the green metro line (M2) and the yellow line (M3). The Duomo can be reached on the yellow and red line (M1). There’s also a tram network, and your valid metro tickets are also accepted on any tram line.
A 3-day Milan public transport ticket is currently only €15.50, so it’s a great deal.
