10 unique & fun things to do in Milan with kids

From royal castles to tasty gelato, you’ll discover plenty of family-friendly activities in Milan. Marvel at the centuries-old canals and architecture, enjoy incredible Italian food, visit captivating museums, and explore the city by tram. There are plenty of great things to do with Milan with kids, so we have put together a few ideas to make sure your vacation is spectacular for every member of the family.

1. Explore Milan on a walking tour

If they're old enough, take your kids on a Milan city walking tour. You’ll discover Milan's top landmarks like the Palazzo Marino and Duomo of Milan. Walking tours are a great way to orient yourself in the city. There are a number of other tours that involve less walking, so you can decide what works best for you and your family.

Recommended for:

Older children who are interested in the history and culture of Milan over the centuries.

Address and opening hours:

P.za del Duomo, 36, 20121 Milano MI, Italy. Open Monday-Sunday, 9:30 AM-2:00 PM.

2. Visit the Leonardo da Vinci Science and Technology Museum

Visit the Leonardo da Vinci Science and Technology Museum to enjoy fascinating exhibits on inventions, transport, space exploration, and more. It is the largest science and technology museum in Italy The interactive sections, like the submarine and aviation displays, are especially engaging for kids.

Recommended for:

Children ages 3 and up will get the most out of the museum.

Address and opening hours:

Via San Vittore, 21, 20123 Milano MI, Italy. Closed on Mondays. Open 9:30 AM - 5 PM Tuesday - Friday, and 9:30 AM - 6:30 AM Saturday & Sunday.

3. Hop on a tram ride around the city

Hop on one of Milan’s historic trams for a fun and scenic ride through the city. Kids will enjoy the vintage feel of the tram and the chance to see iconic sights from a unique perspective. Take tram number 1 past iconic Milan landmarks like the La Scala Opera House, Sforza Castle, the Arch of Peace, the Fashion District, etc.

Recommended for:

Kids of all ages will enjoy the tram.

Address and opening hours:

via Manzoni, at the corner with piazza della Scala.

4. Visit the iconic Duomo di Milano (Milan Cathedral)

No visit to Milan is complete without a stop at its famous Duomo. Kids will be amazed by the grandeur of this enormous cathedral. Climb to the rooftop terraces for a spectacular view of the city and get a close-up look at the cathedral’s spires and gargoyles.

Recommended for:

Kids ages 5 and up will get the most out of the Duomo.

Address and opening hours:

P.za del Duomo, 20122 Milano MI, Italy. Open dailt 9 AM - 7 PM.

5. See the Last Supper by Leonardo da Vinci

A visit to one of the world's most iconic works of art should be high on your list of things to do in Milan. The Last Supper is one of the most important works by the Italian Renaissance artist Leonardo da Vinci, and is center of many films, books, and conspiracy theories. It is housed in the Basilica di Santa Maria delle Grazie.

Recommended for:

Kids aged 11 and up will enjoy seeing this iconic work of art.

Address and opening hours:

Piazza di Santa Maria delle Grazie, 20123 Milano MI, Italy. Open Tuesday-Sunday, from 2:00 PM.

6. Take the Bernina Red Train to St. Moritz

For the perfect day trip take the Bernina Red Train from Milan to St. Moritz in Switzerland. This train ride is a fun activity for kids that will take you through the incredible alpine landscapes of the Swiss Alps. You will travel on the highest railways across the Alps, climbing to glistening glaciers up to 2256 meters above sea level.

Recommended for:

Kids of all ages.

Address and opening hours:

20124 Milan, Metropolitan City of Milan, Italy. Open Monday-Sunday, from 7:35 AM.

7. Family day out at MUBA (Children’s Museum of Milan)

When you need something to do with kids on a rainy day, why not head to the MUBA (Children's Museum of Milan)? This hands-on museum is designed specifically for kids, offering interactive exhibits, workshops, and creative play opportunities that encourage curiosity and learning.

Recommended for:

Kids of all ages.

Address and opening hours:

Via Enrico Besana, 12, 20122 Milano MI, Italy. Open Saturdays & Sundays 10 AM - 5:30 PM. Closed during the week.

8. Picnic or play in Parco Sempione

Parco Sempione is a large city park in Milan's historic center, and is a vast green space perfect for family relaxation. There’s a playground, plenty of space for running around, and even the chance to rent a pedal boat on the small lake. Head to Branca Tower for amazing views over the park and city.

Recommended for:

Kids of all ages.

Address and opening hours:

20121 Milan, Metropolitan City of Milan, Italy. Open 24/7.

9. Explore the impressive Sforza Castle

This historic fortress features beautiful courtyards and museums. Kids will love the Armory Museum and the Pietà Rondanini by Michelangelo. Sforza Castle is also located right next to Parco Sempione for a full day of activities.

Recommended for:

Kids aged 3 and up will enjoy the historic fortress.

Address and opening hours:

Piazza Castello, 20121 Milano MI, Italy. Open daily 7 AM - 7:30 PM.

10. Discover the best Italian food in Milan

Milan is known for its incredible food, featuring iconic staples like pasta, pizza, and gelato. Take the family to the Viale Papiniano Market, the largest and most popular street market in Milan, to pick up deliciously fresh produce. Great restaurants abound in Milan, and for an even more hands-on experience you and your kids can take part on a traditional Italian cooking class.

Recommended for:

Kids of all ages.

Address and opening hours:

Piazza Sant'Agostino, 1, 20123 Milano MI, Italy. Viale Papiniano Market is held twice a week: Tuesday 8 AM - 3 PM & Saturday 8 AM - 6 PM.

FAQs

What are some of the top family-friendly attractions in Milan?

Milan is packed with family-friendly activities, including Parco Sempione and the MUBA (Children’s Museum of Milan). Older children will love exploring the city’s most iconic landmarks, such as Milan Cathedral and marveling at the original 15th century mural of the Last Supper.

What are the best museums for kids in Milan?

There are many great museums in Milan, and most have galleries and exhibitions geared towards kids. Head to MOBA on the weekends for interactive exhibitions for children of all ages, or the Leonardo da Vinci Science and Technology Museum. The WOW Spazio Fumetto (Comic Book Museum) is also popular.

What are some fun outdoor activities for kids in Milan?

City bike tours, walking tours, and a day out in Parco Sempione are fun outdoor activities for kids in Milan. Alternatively, take a day trip to St. Moritz in the Swiss Alps or the nearby Leolandia, a theme park tailored for younger kids, featuring Peppa Pig World, miniature Italy, and kid-friendly rides.

What are some unique experiences to have in Milan with kids?

If you're looking for unique experiences as a family, try a traditional Italian cooking class or canal boat tour in Navigli District.

What are some fun day trips from Milan that are suitable for families with kids?

There are a lot of day trips you can do from Milan, due to its prime location in the heart of Lombardy in northern Italy. Verona, Lake Como, and Lake Garda are all easy day trips from Milan. You can also reach Switzerland and the Dolomites comfortably from the city, but it’s recommended to take more than one day as there’s much to explore.