Travelling with children requires some though and making adjustments. Visiting Milan with kids is definitely a great option! It offers quite a few attractions and activities that could suit your children. Don’t forget that there almost 200,000 kids under the age of 14 living in the city, that are enjoying and being entertained in it throughout the year. As a city that is so rich with culture and art, Milan is definitely accustomed to kids, and beyond the basic touristic attractions you’ll find events and festivities that will always be, at least in part, kids-friendly – with extra care and some Italian chic to it. We’ve gathered here some nice suggestions that can entertain your child and you while staying in Milan
Parks
Spending time at the park is one of the best recreation activities with kids. It is always heart-warming and cheerful; it is never dull and can be combined with a picnic to have a perfectly pleasant European day.
Municipal Parks
The Sempione park (Parco Sempione) and the public park Giardini Pubblici Indro Montanelli (located in front of Porta Venezia, close to the “Palestro” Metro station) are the two main parks of Milan, easily reachable from the city center and anywhere else in the city by public transportation. Both parks are large, filled with trees and wide lawns, a small lake, some benches to sit on, with lots of sunshine and serenity. Sempione park is a bit closer to the city center, next to the Sforzesco fortress with its many museums. Visiting the park can be combined with the classic tour around the city center, the Duomo and its surroundings. Situated in the park is the Branca tower (Torre Branca) – one of the highest observation points in Milan, recommended for a nice view above the city. Opening hours and additional information can be found in this website (in Italian, so make sure to use Google’s translation tool). The park has a nice café, with a shaded terrace
The second park, located next to Porta Venezia, is close to the main shopping area – Corso Buenos Aires, so visiting it can be pleasantly combined with some shopping. The park has a small playground for kids with climbing facilities, and on Sundays you’ll find some fun activities such as bumping cars, an electric carousal etc. In addition, bicycles for kids are available for rent, to make moving around the park a bit easier
Natural Parks
If you feel like spending some time in nature, while staying within the limits of the city, you can visit one of the following parks – which are bit less urban and a bit less crowded, but just as pleasant and beautiful. These parks are suited for a short walk, bicycle ride, or a nice picnic. Though they are reachable by public transportation, they are easier to get to by car
Parco Nord
The first park is called “Parco Nord”, meaning – the north park, since it is located at the northern part of the city. It is the largest park in Milan, extended over 1400 acres. The park has forested areas, walking and running trails, swimming pools and playgrounds for children. There’s a café right next to the entrance by Suzzani Street
The address is Viale Fulvio Testi, heading towards Monza-Lecco. The entrance is about one kilometer after exiting Milan, with signs directing to Bresso-Parco Nord
Parco Nord’s website (in Italian, use Google Translate)
Parco delle Cave
Another smaller park is the Parco delle Cave – the park of caves. The name is a bit misleading, since no caves are found in this park. However, there are several fish pools, wide green open spaces and biking and running trails. Note that there are no cafés or bars around the park
There are several entrances to the park from the following addresses: Via Fratelli Zoia, Via delle Forze Armate and Via Caldera
Idro Scalo Park
Another park, best visited during the summer time, is the Idro Scalo park, located across Milan’s artificial coast. It is somewhat of a large artificial lake, with a beach that has many nice little spots to spend time in, including a sandy beach just like those next to an ocean. There are also a number of swimming pools close to the park, an area with inflatable water floats and more. One of the most recommended pools is “Punta dell’est”. On the eastern side of the park, close to the park’s entrance, you can rent a bicycle (available for kids as well) and go on a biking tour around the park of about 6 kilometers
Additional information about the various attractions can be found (in Italian) on the park’s website
The park is reachable by a private car or using public transportation
Bus lines – 73, 183 (active only during the summer months) or 923
Train lines – S5 or S6. Both lines permit carrying your bicycles onto the train. The train station is located about 1.4 kilometers from the park’s entrance, and bus line 923 can take you from the station to the park
Additional attractions
Sailing in Milan’s Canals
Two artificial canals, dozens of kilometers long, were constructed to connect Milan to the nearby lakes. The history behind these beautiful canals is fascinating, dated all the way to the days of Leonardo da Vinci. Sailing along the larger canal is available using one of a few touring companies. Here is a link to one of them. The nature of these sailing tours changes through the seasons, and during the summer time you can find boat rides combined with an additional activity, such as music or a meal.
Around Christmas Time
During the holiday season a number of ice-skating rinks are opened for visitors in Milan. It is a great option for families with children to spend a few fun hours in. All the skating rinks offer skating and protection equipment. Below are their addresses:
- Piazza Castello, next to the Cairoli Castello Metro station, right in front of the large fountain at the fortress’s entrance.
- A swimming pool called Bagno Misteriosi (‘the mysterious bath houses’) turns into a magical ice skating rink during the winter months. Located at Via Carlo Botta, 18, 20135 Milano.
- At the aforementioned public park Giardi Pubblici Indro Montanelli. During the holiday season there’s also a nice large playground for kids, active during all day and evening hours, even on Sundays.
Museums
Milan is filled with museums, many of which are very welcoming for kids.
Muba
A children’s museum, suited for ages 1 to 12 years. The museum encourages active thinking and creative activity. There are no permanent exhibitions, but rather – all kinds of workshops and activities. Signing up in advance is required.
Address: Via Enrico Besana, 12, 20122 Milano.
All additional information can be found on the museum’s website, in English. In addition, some of the activities are held in English as well.
For info
The Leonardo da Vinci Museum
This is Milan’s science museum. It is located in a beautiful, impressive structure in itself. In addition to both permanent and changing exhibitions, some of which may be of interest to kids, the museum holds workshops and activities suited for children.
Address: Via San Vittore, 21, 20123 Milano MI
Opening hours: Tuesday through Friday 09:30-17:00; Saturdays, Sundays and public holidays 09:30-18:30. Closed on Mondays (with an exception of public holidays).
All the information can be found, in English, on the museum’s website
Natural History Museum
Known as Museo Civico di Storia Naturale, it is one of the largest museums in Italy, containing 23 showrooms presenting over 700 different species. Located in front of Porta Venezia, inside the public park “Giardi Pubblici Indro Montanelli”.
Address: Corso Venezia, 55, 20121, Milano
Opening hours: Tuesday through Sunday 09:00-17:30. Closed on Mondays.
Website (in Italian).
Alfa Romeo Museum
One of the most recommended museums for those passionate about vehicles. It includes an exhibition of the car’s models throughout the years, a showroom for the newest models, a 4D cinema for a “live” racing experience, activities for kids and an in-house café. Located in the suburbs of the city.
Address: Viale Alfa Romeo, 20020 Arese (MI) – Italy
Opening hours: Wednesdays-Mondays, 10:00-18:00. Closed on Tuesdays.
To the website
As you can see – Visiting Milan with kids is possible, and even fun!
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