17 Best Things to Do in Milan with Kids on an Italy Family Vacation – 2023
Planning your Italy family vacation and looking for things to do in Milan with kids?
Or are you trying to decide if Milan is a good place to visit with kids?
Milan (Milano) is a bustling metropolis in northern Italy known for its business, finance, and fashion. In fact, it’s one of the fashion capitals of the world!
It’s also the wealthiest city in all of Italy and without a doubt the most sophisticated and stylish.
Even though Milan might not be the first place you think of when traveling to Italy with kids, Milan still has a lot to offer families.
Here are the best things to do in Milan with kids on an Italy family vacation.
Is Milan Worth Visting with Family?
So, you might be wondering, is Milan worth visiting with family?
If you’re a first-timer to Italy, most likely you will visit Rome, Florence, and Venice. There is just so much to see and do in these cities you might not have enough time to explore any other parts of Italy.
Let me help you decide whether Milan is worth a visit if you are on a tight time schedule. If any of the following is true then Milan is definitely worth at least 1 day of your time in Italy.
- You’re flying into or out of Milan for your Italy vacation.
- You’re be visiting one of Italy’s stunning lake regions such as Lake Garda or Lake Como.
- Seeing the famous painting The Last Supper is a definite must on your trip to Italy.
- You or your child is a huge lover of fashion.
17 Best Things to Do in Milan with Kids
Milan is the 2nd most populous city in all of Italy, with Rome being the first. A good portion of these millions of people are families with kids.
With a city being this large there has to be a good amount of things to do to keep families entertained.
Milan offers families a variety of things to do including exploring the Duomo, Galleria Vittorio Emanuele II, kid-friendly museums, shopping, toy stores, parks, and more.
Here are the 17 best things to do in Milan with kids.
1. Visit Piazza del Duomo (Cathedral Square)
If you have time to see only one thing in Milan with kids or without, Piazza del Duomo (Cathedral Square) is the place!
Piazza del Duomo marks the center of Milan and is named after the stunning gothic cathedral located here, Duomo di Milano.
In this busy, lively square, you’ll find lots of people, flocks of pigeons, and street entertainers performing Italian opera songs.
The square is bordered by many famous historical buildings including Galleria Vittorio Emanuele II. Opposite the Duomo in the square is the beautiful statue, Statua di Vittorio Emanuele II. This monument recognizes the first king of Italy, Victor Emmanuel.
2. Explore Duomo di Milano and its Rooftop Terrace
The Duomo in Milan is the most famous attraction in all of Milan and is the centerpiece of the city located in Piazza del Duomo.
The sculptures, paintings, and architecture are just stunning!
This impressive Gothic and Renaissance-style cathedral took around 600 years to complete! Some people might think St Peter’s Basilica is the largest church in Italy, but Duomo di Milano is actually the largest! This is because St Peter’s Basilica is actually not in Italy, it is in Vatican City. Did you know that Vatican City is its own country and is actually the smallest country in the world?
Not only are the exterior and interior of the Duomo stunning, but what makes this cathedral unique is the stunning rooftop and its views.
You have to purchase a ticket to go to the rooftop, but it is absolutely worth it!
The statues, pinnacles, and spires on the rooftop are just breathtaking!
Plus, the views of Milan’s skyline with its mix of historical buildings and modern-day skyscrapers are amazing!
➡️ BOOK Milan Cathedral & Rooftop Ticket
3. Walk, Shop & Eat at Galleria Vittorio Emanuele II
Another must-see in Milan with children or without is Galleria Vittorio Emanuele II.
This major landmark in Milan is Italy’s oldest active shopping gallery and is conveniently located next to the Duomo. You could easily explore Galleria Vittorio Emanuele II before or after the Duomo.
The design of Galleria Vittorio Emanuele II is absolutely incredible and beautiful!
Here you’ll find many shops including high-end designers such as Prada, Chanel, and Louis Vuitton.
There are also many cafes and restaurants located throughout to grab a meal or a coffee.
While in this shopping arcade, be on the lookout for the popular mosaic of a dancing bull. There’s a tradition that if you spin around three times with your heel on a certain part of the bull (the boy part) you will have good luck.
4. Admire The Last Supper Painting
Did you know Leonardo da Vinci’s famous painting The Last Supper is housed in Milan?
This iconic painting is a must-see in Milan and is located in its original place at Santa Maria delle Grazie.
Be sure to book The Last Supper tickets in ADVANCE because tickets sell out quickly! I recommend booking a skip-the-line ticket through Viator.com.
What I love about Viator.com is most of the time you can cancel 24 hours in advance if plans change.
➡️BOOK The Last Supper Tour Tickets
5. Let the Kids Be Kids at MUBA (Children’s Museum)
If you’re looking for a children’s museum in Milan, MUBA is it! MUBA is a fun family activity in Milan for families with kids ages 12 months to 7 years.
Activities are organized at fixed times, so you should reserve your time in advance to make sure you can secure a spot. Check MUBA’s website for times, and activities, and to reserve your spot.
6. Learn & Be Fascinated at National Museum for Science and Technology Leonardo da Vinci
National Museum for Science and Technology Leonardo da Vinci is one of the best museums in Milan for kids.
This museum holds the largest permanent exhibition dedicated to the incredible Leonardo da Vinci. He truly was a genius and the models and exhibits here will without a doubt impress you.
This is a great museum for kids as there are lots of hands-on exhibits. Plus, if your kid loves trains, planes, or submarines they’re going to love it here.
➡️BOOK National Museum for Science and Technology Tickets
7. Relax & Play at one of Milan’s Parks
Milan has several parks with large green spaces for little ones to run around and burn off some energy.
Here are a few great parks in Milan.
Parco Sempione– Sempione Park is a large park in the city center close to Castello Sforzesco (Castle in Milan).
It has beautiful trees, flowers, and ponds. There are jogging and bike pathways. Bikes are conveniently available here to rent.
There’s also a cute playground inside the park near Arco Della Pace called Parco Giochi Castello.
Indro Montanelli Garden-Indro Montanelli Garden is a large historic park located in the Porta Venezia district, northeast of the city center. There’s a playground here great for young kids with slides and climbing structures. They also have a mini-train ride and a carousel.
Giardini Perego– Giardini Perego is a small park with beautiful gardens and a few small wooden play structures for kids to climb on. This would be perfect for toddlers in Milan to run around while Mom and Dad relax. (13-minute walk from Duomo)
8. Castello Sforzesco
Castello Sforezesco (Sforza’s Castle) is a medieval castle worthy of seeing while in Milan with family. This castle is one of the most visited landmarks in Milan.
The grounds and the castle itself are beautiful! You can walk around the grounds for free, but if you want to enter one of the museums there is a small charge.
The architecture and the wide variety of exhibits here at Sforza’s Castle make it worth a stop when in Milan.
9. See the Underwater World at the Civic Aquarium of Milan
Aquariums are always a favorite family activity and this third-oldest aquarium in Europe will surely put a smile on your children’s faces.
Civic Aquarium of Milan is a small aquarium located very close to the Castle inside Sempione Park(Parco Sempione).
The exhibits in this aquarium focus on marine life from all over Italy; from the mountains, lakes, rivers, and the Mediterranean region. Your kids will enjoy seeing all the different fish swimming in the aquariums.
Like other historical buildings in Italy, the facade of the aquarium is beautiful and even has a statue of Neptune, the Roman god of water and the sea.
The aquarium is very affordable at under $5 Euro for tickets. The aquarium combined with a morning or afternoon at Sempione Park would make for the perfect family activity in Milan for families.
10. Browse & Shop at the Toy Store FAO Schwartz
All kids love toy stores. And even teens and adults will love FAO Schwartz in Milan! It’s 3 floors full of whimsical and interactive fun!
This U.S.-based toy store is famous for its New York City location featured in many films, its nutcracker soldiers, and cute teddy bears.
The Milan store is located in Piazza Codusio right next to Starbucks Reserve Roastery. You’ll be greeted by an FAO Schwarz soldier at the door. Upon entering the store you’ll see the iconic FAO Clock Tower, with its animated clock face. You’ll also see all the cute FAO Schwartz teddy bear plushes.
This store offers your children’s favorite brands including Marvel, Barbie, Disney, Harry Potter, Discover, Funko, Bunnies by the Bay, LEGO, Sharper Image, Paw Patrol, Wood’n Play, and lots more!
What’s so fun about FAO Schwarz is the fun interactive activities for kids including Majorette Make Your Own Car where kids can design their own toy cars. Barbie lovers will love Barbie Styled By You, where you can style your own Barbie. You might even catch a Discovery scientist here doing some experiments.
And your kids are going to love the giant FAO Schwartz dance-on piano!
11. Enjoy Everything LEGO at LEGO Store Milan
If you’re in Milan with kids, make a stop by the LEGO store. This 2 story LEGO Store in the heart of Milan is a paradise for LEGO-loving kids and teens in Milan! And even adults!
This particular LEGO store has a model of the Duomo in Milan built out of LEGOS! Kids will love building their own lego-mini-figurine here and browsing the hundreds of LEGO sets.
My kids always love to browse LEGO stores no matter where we are in the world.
12. Watch a Game at San Siro Stadium
Do you have a soccer-loving kid? ⚽️ Then a game or tour at San Siro Stadium would make for a memorable activity while in Italy.
San Siro Stadium is home to 2 teams: A.C. Milan and Inter Milan. It is one of the largest stadiums in Europe and the largest in Italy!
Check the official website for San Siro Stadium for a current match schedule.
13. Stroll Along or Cruise Down the Naviglio Grande
Explore the Naviglio Grande when in Milan with family by strolling alongside this canal.
Enjoy the riverside shops, galleries, and restaurants.
For something a little different, take a cruise down the Navigili and enjoy the Milan scenery and enjoy aperitivo and snacks.
Eating in Milan
14. Grab a Coffee & Pastry at Starbucks Reserve Roastery
Starbucks Reserve Roastery is a must when in Milan.
It’s one of only 6 Starbucks Roasteries in the entire world and the only one in Europe.
This Starbucks Reserve Roastery is stunning from the exterior and the interior. The inside is massive with so many things to look at.
The Starbucks Italian menu has some different menu items than the American menu. Some delicious Italian food and drinks you’ll find here include cornetti (Italian croissant), tiramisu, nitro gelato affogato(gelato served with a shot of espresso) aperitivo drinks (wine & cocktails), and pizza. Yes, there’s even pizza here!!
Because it’s right next door to FAO Schwartz, before or after your shopping trip to FAO Schwartz go to Starbucks Reserve for a coffee and a pastry. Kids will love a cup of hot chocolate with a cookie or dessert.
15. Eat Pizza & Gelato
Italy is known for two of the most kid-friendly foods in the world; pizza and gelato!
It’s not too hard to find either of these while in Milan. Make sure to eat your fair share of both of these while in Milan with the kids.
Day Trips from Milan with Kids
If you’re thinking about basing yourself in Milan, here are some great day trips from Milan with kids.
16. Visit Leolandia Theme Park
Wanting to give your kids a break from all the sightseeing in Italy? Leolandia theme park is a fun theme park for younger kids. It’s located about a 30-minute drive from Milan’s city center.
There are over 40 rides and attractions including kiddie rollercoasters and a Thomas the Train train ride. There’s also a Peppa Pig World, entertaining shows, a farm, an aquarium, and a reptile house.
➡️Book your tickets to Leolandia!
17. Take the Scenic Swiss Alps Bernina Express Rail Tour from Milan
Any train-loving kids in your family? If so, the Swiss Alps Bernina Express Rail Tour from Milan might be the perfect day trip from Milan.
On this scenic mountain rail tour from Milan, you’ll travel all the way to St. Moritz, Switzerland, and back to Milan in time for dinner.
This route even has UNESCO World Heritage status.
This 13-hour journey starts off by leaving Milan early in the morning and traveling by bus to Tirano, Italy. After having some free time exploring the town of Tirano, you’ll board the Bernina Express.
The scenery on this train ride is unreal. You’ll pass through stunning Northern Italy and ride along the shores of Lake Como. You’ll see the gorgeous snow-dusted Swiss Alps and icy glaciers and you’ll cross soaring bridges and go through tunnels.
When arriving in St. Moritz, a popular winter resort destination, you’ll have time to explore and eat. And you can’t leave Switzerland without trying Swiss chocolate.
➡️ BOOK Swiss Alps Bernina Express Rail Tour from Milan
Best Time to Visit Milan with Kids
The best time to visit Milan is the months of April to May or September to October.
The reason this is the best time to travel is due to comfortable weather and not being the crowded peak tourist season.
However, when you have kids sometimes it’s difficult to just travel whenever you want due to school.
If you have school-aged children the best time to visit Milan would be their spring break or as soon as they get out of school for the summer.
July and August’s weather is hot, hot, hot. If you can avoid these months that would be best. These summer months are also peak travel seasons in Europe.
What to Pack for Visiting Milan with Children
- Stroller– Milan is very stroller-friendly unlike other cities in Italy. Make sure to have a stroller if you have a baby or toddler in Milan.
- Summer-Summer can be very, very hot. Dress in lightweight clothing.
- Winter-Winter can get very cold so make sure to bring layers, a coat, a hat, and gloves.
- European travel plug adaptor
- Portable phone charger
Where to Stay in Milan with Kids
The best areas to stay in Milan with kids are in the Centro Storico neighborhood or in the Brera neighborhood.
The Centro Storico neighborhood is the city center where you’ll find Piazza del Duomo, Galleria Vittorio Emanuele II, and more!
The Brera neighborhood is a beautiful, artsy, trendy neighborhood home to many restaurants, boutiques, and art galleries. It’s a fairly close walk to the city center.
Recommended Hotel in Centro Storico: Hotel Spadari Al Duomo
Recommended Hotel/Apartment in Brera: Madeleine apartments in Brera
*My family stayed here while in Milan. The location was great and not too far of a walk to the city center. The apartment was super cute with all the pink details and spacious for our family of 5.
Getting to Milan
Flying
Milan is a very popular city to fly in or out of Italy. There are 2 airports in Milan.
Milan Malpensa International Airport (MXP) is Milan’s largest airport and handles most international flights.
Milan Linate (LIN) is the smaller airport, closest to the city center, and serves mostly flights from within Italy.
Train
Like the rest of Italy, Milan can be easily reached by train. The main train station in Milan is Milano Centrale.
Getting Around Milan with Kids
Milan is an easy city to get around, especially if you’re staying in the Centro Storico neighborhood or in the Brera neighborhood. If you’re staying in these neighborhoods you can walk almost anywhere.
If you need to utilize public transportation, Milan has great public transportation including metro, tram, bus, and taxis.
FAQs
Here, I will answer some of you’re most frequently asked questions regarding visiting Milan with kids.
Is Milan suitable for kids?
Absolutely! Milan offers a variety of things to keep kids and the whole family entertained including kid-friendly sights, kid-friendly museums, kid-friendly shopping, and kid-friendly food.
Where can I take my kids in Milan?
Depending on the age and interest of your child or children, will determine the best places for your family in Milan.
Milan offers kid-friendly museums including MUBA (Children’s Museum) and the National Museum of Science & Technology Leonardo da Vinci. Take your kids and even teens in Milan to the toy stores FAO Schwartz and LEGO store. If your kid is a soccer fan, catch a game or tour at San Siro Stadium.
Is 3 Days Enough for Milan?
Three days is plenty enough time to see all of what most people want to see and do in Milan.
How Many Days Do I Need in Milan with Kids
Two days is the perfect amount of time in Milan for those traveling with kids unless you’re using Milan as a base city for other day trips.
Is Milan or Florence better?
I don’t think either Milan or Florence is better than the other, but they are definitely two very different cities that offer very much different things.
If you’re traveling to Italy for the first time and only have time for one of these cities, then I would definitely without a doubt choose Florence.
Florence, the capital city of the Tuscany region has so much to offer tourists visiting Italy. And Tuscany is just absolutely beautiful! If you’re visiting Italy with kids and teens Florence is a definite must.
Conclusion: Milan with Kids
I hope you have found my post 17 Best Things to Do in Milan with Kids on an Italy Family Vacation – 2023 helpful!
Milan has a great mix of activities for your family from historical sites, kid-friendly museums, parks, an aquarium, excellent shopping, toy stores, pizza, gelato, and more!
Enjoy your time in Italy!
Ciao! 🇮🇹
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FOR MORE GREAT ITALY INFORMATION, READ THE FOLLOWING:
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Florence to Venice Day Trip – Your Guide to an Amazing and Unforgettable Day!