EN All journey times are approximate and subject to variation.
Milan
Things to do in Milan with kids
Milan may be famous for its football, fashion and food, but there’s a lot more to discover, inspire and entertain in this great city, especially for families. From museums with children’s exhibits and parks with playgrounds to captivating castles and cathedrals, follow this two-day itinerary when travelling with children to make the most of your family holiday in Milan.
Day one
Start the day with a 25-minute stroll or a 20-minute drive to the Duomo di Milano.
T: +39 02 7202 3375 | Piazza del Duomo, 20122 Milan
Duomo di Milano
The striking Duomo di Milano is an extraordinary Gothic cathedral that took centuries to build and currently attracts thousands of visitors each year. Take the kids right up to the top, where a rooftop terrace offers panoramic views of the city. The climb is exciting in itself as visitors walk up spiralling turrets, witnessing incredible architecture along the way.
Next, take a three-minute walk across Piazza del Duomo to World of Leonardo da Vinci in Galleria Vittorio Emanuele II.
T: +39 02 4951 9981 | Piazza della Scala, Galleria Vittorio Emanuele II, 20121 Milan
The World of Leonardo Exhibition, Leonardo3 Museum
Visit The World of Leonardo Exhibition from travelling museum Leonardo3, wholly dedicated to exploring the designs and work of artist and inventor Leonardo da Vinci. Bring the children’s school studies to life in this interactive museum, which reveals da Vinci’s impressive diversity of creations, housing working models of machines he designed, reconstructions of his musical instruments and 3D restorations of his paintings and drawings.
Then, take a 15-minute walk or drive to Sforza Castle.
T: +39 02 8846 3700 | Piazza Castello, 20121 Milan
Sforza Castle (Castello Sforzesco)
Instantly recognisable by its vibrant red brick exterior, Sforza Castle is a 15th century fortress built on the site of even older fortifications. While its exterior is impressive in itself, inside are several fascinating museums for all the family. A whole range of artefacts and artworks are on display, including Michelangelo’s final work, an unfinished marble sculpture of Christ and the Virgin Mary entitled ‘Pietà Rondanini’.
Leave the castle and explore the grounds surrounding it.
20154 Milan
Parco Sempione
A 19th century English garden next to Sforza Castle, the huge Parco Sempione is one of the most popular green spaces in the city. The perfect place for a leisurely stroll or a delicious Milanese picnic, the park features manicured lawns and a picturesque lake. Another highlight is the Civic Aquarium of Milan, the third-oldest aquarium in Europe, which is home to hundreds of different species of sea life.
The next destination can be reached with a 20-minute walk or a five-minute drive.
T: +39 02 485 551 | Via S. Vittore 21, 20123 Milan
Museum of Science and Technology
The largest dedicated science and technology museum in Italy, this institution offers family-friendly attractions such as a ‘science for young people’ zone and interactive exhibits like the real Toti submarine, which is open to children to explore. The museum also houses an expansive collection of Leonardo di Vinco inventions, as well as other exhibitions dedicated to jewellery, science, transport and space.
To return to the hotel, it’s a 20-minute drive from the Museum of Science and Technology.
Day two
Begin the day with a trip to Planetario di Milano, located a five-minute drive or a 15-minute walk from the hotel.
T: +39 02 8846 3340 | Corso Venezia 57, 20121 Milan
Planetario di Milano
An essential visit for budding astronomers, Planetario di Milano is an institute dedicated to science and astronomy. The planetarium is the largest in the country, and offers a full programme of themed activities, talks, and shows for the whole family. The guided observations at the weekends are particularly educational as they help visitors identify the main constellations and discover basic astronomical phenomena.
Next, take a seven-minute walk to GROM.
T: +39 02 2052 0104 | Corso Buenos Aires 13, 20124 Milan
Grom
Italy is known for its gelato, and nowhere does it quite like Milan. While there are hundreds of ice cream parlours to choose from, Grom is one of the best in the city. Known for its traditional methods and high-quality raw, natural ingredients, Grom offers a wide range of gourmet gelatos in traditional and contemporary flavours.
The next destination is a 25-minute drive from Grom.
T: +39 02 4042 432 | Piazzale Angelo Moratti, 20151 Milan
San Siro Stadium
San Siro Stadium is an essential stop for football fans or budding players. The stadium, which is home to Milan’s famous teams, Inter and AC Milan, offers tours of its grounds, including special areas such as locker rooms where many of the world’s greatest players have prepared before matches.
Drive for 25 minutes back into the city centre to Indro Montanelli Public Gardens.
Bastione di Porta Venezia, 20121 Milan
Indro Montanelli Public Gardens
This large and beautiful 18th century park was the city’s first public garden, and is the perfect spot for the whole family to enjoy. Majestic trees, fountains and ponds dot the vast lawns, making for a tranquil space for picnicking and relaxing while the kids have a run around. The park also features three different playgrounds and the Butterfly Oasis, a tropical garden home to 50 species of the elegant insects.
The hotel is a few minutes’ walk along Piazza della Repubblica from the western edge of the park.
Explore
Heading out to explore? Download our itineraries for all the ideas you need to make the most of your visit to the capital.