Milan with Kids
Recommendations for a Family Vacation
Milan may not be the first city in Italy you choose to visit with the whole family, but if you find yourself in Milan on a family trip, you can enjoy over 20 attractions for kids!
For example, a giant aquarium, a fantastic water park, amusement parks, museums, and beautiful gardens.
Milan for Kids – The Side You Haven’t Seen.
Parks
1) Water Park – Aquatic Park (only in season)
Get ready to unleash energy at the largest water park in Milan. The park features various types of water slides, slalom slides, a special Arctic-themed area, a rainforest where you walk above logs floating in water, “Oasis” water pools among rocks, a huge sandy area where you can build castles and palaces, and many more exciting attractions. This water park is undoubtedly perfect for an unforgettable fun day!
☀️ Outdoor
Operating Hours: The park is open from the end of May until the beginning of September, from 10:00 AM to 7:00 PM. For more details, it’s recommended to check here.
Website: Click here.
Video link: Click here.
Phone number: +39 02 4820 0134
Ticket purchase link: Click here.
Location link: Click here.
2) Amusement Park – EuroPark Idroscalo (seasonal)
An amazing amusement park where the whole family can enjoy a giant Ferris wheel, roller coasters, bumper cars, games of chance, the raging bull, mazes, and many more attractions in an exciting atmosphere that also includes a food fair and souvenir shops..
☀️ Outdoor
Hours of operation: Open on Fridays from 12:30 PM to 8:30 PM, on Saturdays from 12:30 PM to 3:00 PM, and on Sundays from 12:00 PM to 3:00 PM.
Website: click here
Video link: click here
Phone number: 02 39 7020 8149
Location link: click here.
3) The amusement park Leolandia and Mini Italy
Minitalia Leolandia is one of the largest amusement parks in Europe, located near the city of Bergamo in Italy. It is a unique, large, and attractive amusement park full of excitement for the whole family. In the open air under the sky, surrounded by a wonderful and extraordinary natural landscape, this is undoubtedly a perfect destination for family trips to Italy.
☀️ Outdoor
Operating hours: Open on Sundays, Mondays, Fridays, and Saturdays from 10:00 AM to 6:00 PM.
Website: Click here.
Video link: Click here.
Phone number: +39 0169 909 02 39
To purchase tickets: Click here.
Location link: Click here.
4) Artificial Water Lake Lago Idroscalo
Lake Idroscalo is an artificial water reservoir in the eastern part of Milan, known as ‘the sea of Milan,’ where you can paddle in pedal boats and canoes. Since 1930, the lake has been open year-round, but visiting is particularly recommended during the warm summer days. Many Italians also enjoy this place and come from all over the country.
On the northeast side of Lake Idroscalo, you’ll find pizzerias, cafes, pubs, and fish restaurants. This lake features pools for both children and adults, playgrounds, bike paths, a climbing wall, skateboarding ramps, picnic and barbecue areas, soccer and basketball courts, creative workshops for kids, and space for inflatables and trampolines with a minimal fee of 5 euros.
☀️ Outdoor
Link to location: click here.
Link for renting a tour at the lake, through Bar Pino Beach: click here.
Link to video: click here.
5) Castello Sforzesco Fortress and Sempione Park
Castello Sforzesco is a large fortress located in the heart of the city. This site features several museums with artwork and historical artifacts, making it perfect for visiting Milan with kids.
Additionally, the site offers monthly programs dedicated solely to families! Craft workshops, treasure hunts, or guided tours for children ages 4 to 12 every weekend.
Moreover, children aged 10 and up can enjoy guided tours in the castle’s dungeons: an ideal opportunity to satisfy their historical curiosities.
If you prefer not to enter Sforza Castle, you can enjoy the adjacent Sempione Park – the largest urban park in Milan. The whole family can ride bikes together, stroll, have picnics, listen to street performers, buy ice cream, or just wander around. Either way, this place makes for a truly wonderful afternoon.
🌧️ Indoor Sforza Castle
☀️ Outdoor Sempione Park
Opening Hours: Open daily from 7:00 AM to 7:30 PM.
Website: Click here.
Video Link: Click here.
Castle Location Link: Click here.
Sempione Park Link: Click here.
To Purchase Tickets: Click here. or Click here.
6) Explore the vibrant public gardens of Indro
For such a vast metropolitan area, Milan actually has a decent number of parks where children can play, run around, and burn off some energy. One of them is Indro Montanelli Public Gardens! Located near the Natural History Museum and the Planetarium, this park in the inner city features fountains, playgrounds, and plenty of shade for a pleasant atmosphere.
☀️ Outdoor
Operating hours: Open daily from 6:30 AM to 11:30 PM.
Link to video: Click here.
Link to location: Click here.
7) Travel Back in Time at the Prehistoric Park
The Prehistoric Park of Rivolta d’Adda is an amusement park themed around dinosaurs – a truly captivating attraction you can enjoy with kids near Milan! Imagine Jurassic Park (but without DNA experiments and massacres) and you have this prehistoric park. This gem is located just outside the city and takes you back in time. The guides at the park explain everything, from prehistoric dinosaurs to cave dwellers. Additionally, there is a zoological park with miniature horses and a botanical park where you can learn more about plants. For children aged 3-13, the entrance fee is 9 euros, while for all other ages, it is 12 euros.
☀️ Outdoor
Opening hours: Open on Saturdays and Sundays from 9:00 AM to 7:00 PM and on all other days from 9:00 AM to 6:00 PM.
Website: Click here.
Phone number: +39 0363 78184
Location link: Click here.
8) To roam in the gardens of Villa Reale
Gardens of Villa Belgiojoso Bonaparte
This little and special gem in Milan serves as a park exclusively for children in the heart of Milan. Yes, you read that right – children only! You must be a child or accompanied by a child to be allowed entry. For parents, this place represents an urban oasis that is safe and friendly for children, where they can play and have fun. In this park, children can also enjoy the duck pond, play in the playground, or join local kids in a football game!
☀️ Outdoor
Operating hours: Open every day from 9:00 AM to 4:00 PM.
Website: Click here.
Phone number: +39 02 8844 5943
Location link: Click here.
9) Zero Gravity Trampoline Park
Alright, it’s not a monument. Or a museum. Or a park. But it’s one big adrenaline rush! The Zero Gravity trampoline park is truly one of a kind in Italy and serves as a fantastic escape on a rainy or hot day. This activity is a bit pricey, so be prepared! Everyone (yes, even the kids) pays 10 euros per person for the first hour, and then 8 euros for each additional hour. Also, you’ll need to purchase a membership card for an extra 5 euros.
However, your kids won’t wipe the smiles off their faces, and it’s an amazing and energetic experience for the whole family!
🌧️ Indoor
Hours of operation: Open Monday to Friday from 2:00 PM to 11:00 PM, and on Saturday and Sunday from 10:00 AM to 11:00 PM.
Website: Click here.
Video link: Click here.
Phone number: +39 02 2217 9500
Location link: Click here.
Experience
10) Nano Bleu Toy Store
Three floors and over 350 square meters filled with toys of all shapes and sizes. The historic Nano Bleu store is a paradise for every child: inaugurated in 1949 and located just steps from the Duomo. From dolls to board games, Nano Bleu is the perfect place to spoil your kids with gifts… without going overboard, of course.
🌧️ Indoor
Hours of Operation: Open every day, from 10:30 AM to 7:30 PM.
Website: Click here.
Phone Number: +39 0595 7602 39
Location Link: Click here.
11) Ice Skating
The ice skating rink at Piazza Gae Aulenti, located in the heart of the Porta Nuova district of Milan, is one of the most popular rinks in the city.
The rink is just a 15-minute walk from the excellent Sanpi Milano hotel and is surrounded by an interesting variety of restaurants, bars, cafes, bookstores, and exclusive boutiques. The view from the skating rink is quite impressive as it offers a glimpse not only of the Bosco Verticale but also of a skyline filled with other skyscrapers. The rink is suitable for skaters of all levels, and skates can be rented on-site.
☀️ Outdoor
Location link: Click here.
12) Cooking Class for Kids
Why not spend the afternoon while your children explore Italian cuisine and create their own Italian-style meal? Learning to make pizza and pasta with the kids is such a fun family activity in Milan! Plus, it’s incredibly delicious!
There are several options for children’s cooking classes in Milan.
Click here, for more details.
🌧️ Indoor
13) Take a free walking tour around the city
Do you want to see all the sights in the city with a tour guide who can point out all the little things you might not know? Would you like the tour to be child-friendly? And you want it to be free? Well, you and your children are in luck!
Frog Walking Tour offers free tours in the city! The tours are managed by volunteers who have learned to become experts in the city’s alleyways. They do appreciate tips, of course 😊
The tours usually last between two to three hours, so make sure everyone has comfortable shoes, water, and a hat, and prepare for a fun experience for the whole family!
☀️ Outdoor
Website: Click here.
Culture
14) Watch the football match at San Siro Stadium
If you are a true football fan, you must see a football match at the San Siro Stadium, home to Inter and AC Milan! It is undoubtedly one of the largest football stadiums in the world, with a capacity of over 80,000 seats!
Most matches typically take place on Saturdays and Sundays, though sometimes during the week. Please note that some games may start as late as 20:45, which might be too late for some kids. Aim to arrive an hour and a half before kickoff, as it can take time to go through security checks and ticket inspections (bring an ID or driver’s license).
Additionally, the stadium has a museum, with tours running from 10:00 AM to 6:00 PM and depending on match days or other events. English-speaking tours are available upon request.
☀️ Outdoor
Getting there:
To reach San Siro from the Science Museum, take the red M1 line from Conciliazione to Lotto. After that, transfer to a bus at Lotto and take the M5 line to San Siro.
There are two stops for San Siro that are far apart from each other. It is recommended to check your seating location so that you know which stop to get off at.
Video link: Click here.
To purchase tickets: Click here.
Location link: Click here.
15) Ride on the Milan city tram
Not many cities have an old electric tram system that operates this way, evoking a bit of nostalgia while riding the urban tram in Milan. Get a 24-hour ticket at any metro station and ride the tram throughout the city. Not only can your kids enjoy riding a train that goes “choo-choo,” but you can also see the sights without wearing out your feet!
🌧️ Indoor
Website: Click here.
16) Explore the Gallery of Vittorio Emanuele II
Galleria Vittorio Emanuele II is an outdoor shopping center known primarily for its luxury stores; however, this place can also be a lot of fun for kids! It is the oldest active mall in Italy, and its history is evident all around.
First, find your way to the middle of the gallery together. Looking down, there are four symbols representing Milan and the three kingdoms of Italy (Turin, Florence, and Rome).
Next, let your children stand on the bull’s genitals and spin around three times; legends say that this act will bring them good luck. Looking up, there are stunning frescoes depicting the main continents that contributed to the area at the time: America, Asia, Europe, and Africa.
As you look around, you’ll find plenty of shops – not all luxury – that will interest your children. Additionally, while you’re there, grab something to eat at one of the many restaurants in the Galleria Vittorio Emanuele II! Furthermore, in this area, you can find especially delicious food markets.
🌧️ Indoor
Location link: Click here.
17) Boat Tour in Milan's Naviglio Grande
The Milan canal system was originally built to facilitate local trade and transportation. The boat tour lasts about an hour, passing important sites in the city, and is conducted in English.
Indeed, the ride is very pleasant and suitable for everyone; of course, if you are in Milan with children, this attraction is considered one of the most popular for them.
There are several places in the city that offer boat tours.
☀️ Outdoor
Link to the location: click here.
18) Muba Theater for Kids in Milan
The MUBA in Milan is a forward-thinking center devoted to cultural initiatives for children. The museum’s exhibitions and activities inspire the creative minds of young people, encouraging them to touch, play, and explore. Exhibitions and workshops are consistently captivating and meticulously designed, varying throughout the year.
🌧️ Indoor
Hours of Operation: Open exclusively on Sundays, from 10:00-11:15, 11:30-12:45,
14:30-15:45, 16:00-17:15.
Website: Click here.
Phone Number: +39 02 4398 02 39
Location link: Click here.
Museums
19) The Aquarium of Milan
One of the top attractions for children when visiting Milan. Here, you will find a massive aquarium with large tanks, home to various species from across the globe; including fish, turtles, crabs, and even sharks. You can watch the animals being fed, listen to informative talks about the aquatic creatures, and enjoy a memorable experience for the whole family..
20) The Planetarium of Milan
The stunning planetarium in Milan, Civico Planetario Ulrico Hoepli, will take you on an amazing journey through the moon and space in a wonderfully engaging way. The planetarium is housed in a magnificent ancient building, where you can take a seat and enjoy an audiovisual show as well as explore exhibitions that depict the planets and more. It is undoubtedly a fascinating and enriching outing for the whole family.
🌧️ Indoor
Hours of Operation: Closed on Mondays; open on all other days from 10:00 AM to 5:30 PM.
Website: Click here.
Phone Number: +39 02 50 88 65 50
Location link: Click here.
21) Leonardo da Vinci Museum of Science and Technology
The Science and Technology Museum in Milan is the ideal place to nurture children’s innate curiosity and inspire them to ponder the wonders of the scientific world. Among exhibitions, activities, and workshops, children can explore chemistry and mathematics, the properties of materials and energy, develop environmental awareness, and more.
Don’t miss the permanent exhibitions, which make knowledge and art accessible in an interactive and child-friendly manner.
🌧️ Indoor
Opening hours: Tuesday to Friday 10:00 AM – 5:00 PM, Saturday and Sunday 9:30 AM – 6:30 PM.
Website: Click here.
Phone number: +39 02 485551
Location link: Click here.
