Visiting Milan with children: 6 places not to miss

The Italian city of Milan, capital of Lombardy, is an ideal destination for families with children. Its rich cultural heritage and many child-friendly activities make this city a place full of discoveries. In this article, the website Bonjour Milan helps you plan your visit to Milan with your children, whatever their age.

1. The Leonardo da Vinci Museum of Science and Technology

For an educational and entertaining experience, discover the National Museum of Science and Technology Leonardo da Vinci with your children. It's a fascinating destination that lets you dive into the world of science and technology.

Children can also marvel at real objects such as the Enrico Toti submarine, or a piece of moon rock 3.7 billion years old.

The museum offers workshops specially designed for young visitors. There, they can learn about the life cycle of modern products, from the extraction of raw materials right through to recycling. It's also possible to explore fields such as chemistry, polymers and synthetic materials.

Website (in Italian and English) - Free for under-3s, €10 for adults, €7.50 for under-25s and over-65s. Booking online is required for guided tours (in Italian).

2. Navigli

Picture yourself strolling along the historic canals, where reflections of the colourful houses dance on the water, creating a magical atmosphere for children and adults alike. The Navigli canals, designed with the ingenuity of Leonardo da Vinci, are a living testament to Milan's history.

For a family adventure, hop on a cruise along the Naviglio Grande, the city's oldest canal. Discover the stories that have shaped this place over the centuries.

Children will be captivated by the locks and dams, technical feats that will spark their curiosity. After the cruise, take a walk through the Vicolo dei Lavandai, a charming little street where women once used to wash their laundry. It's an ideal spot for teaching children about Milan's everyday history.

Website (Italian, Spanish, English) – The fare is around €12 for a 1-hour boat ride and free for children.

3. Milan Cathedral (Duomo)

The heart and soul of Milan, the Duomo is an imposing Gothic cathedral and the third largest in the world. Its construction, which began in the 14th century, today offers a breathtaking architectural spectacle. Children will be amazed by the more than two thousand statues adorning its facade and the spectacular views over the city from its rooftop terraces.

Website – Free for children under 6. Free entry to the cathedral. Combined ticket for the rooftops, the museum and the church of San Gottardo in Corte: between €13.50 and €17.50, and between €8.50 and €10.50 for 6- to 18-year-olds. Booking not compulsory but recommended to avoid queues.

4. The Galleria Vittorio Emanuele II

This historic shopping arcade, which links Piazza del Duomo to Piazza della Scala, is a must-see for families. With its impressive architecture and luxury boutiques, it's a perfect place for a stroll while admiring Milan's splendour.

Visiting it is an unforgettable experience, immersing visitors in architectural elegance and historic luxury. Access to the arcade itself is free, letting everyone admire the magnificent structure. For a more exclusive experience, the Highline Galleria offers a rooftop walk with spectacular views over the city for a fee of 12 euros.

Website (in English)

5. Sforza Castle

For a royal adventure, Sforza Castle is a must-see, with its vast gardens where children can run and play. You might even catch musical and sporting performances taking place there. Children can also explore fascinating underground passages.

The castle offers a window onto Italian history and culture, with works ranging from Antiquity to the Middle Ages and the Renaissance. It's an iconic historic monument that houses several museums and art collections.

Near the castle, you can enjoy Parco Sempione, ideal for a picnic break or for letting children play freely.

Website (in Italian and English) - Free for under-18s. Between €3 and €5 for adults.

6. Leolandia Park

And if adventure calls you outside the city, less than an hour's drive away, Leolandia Park awaits children with its rides and cartoon characters. It's a world of magic and laughter, where family memories are made to last a lifetime.

Website (Italian and English) - €34 for those over 90 cm tall, free for those under 89 cm.

And there's more...

And that's not all. Many other places will delight children too. That's the case for the Natural History Museum and its models, theMilan Planetarium(the largest in Italy), or the Children's Museum (MUBA, for Museo dei Bambini), where young and old alike can have a great time.
If you're staying several days rather than just for a weekend, don't hesitate to go and explore these 3 additional places.

Milan is therefore a wonderful destination for families. It combines culture, history, art and fun to create an unforgettable experience for young and old alike.

Good to know: the tourist season in Milan runs from April through to October. April, September and October are generally the busiest months. It's also a little less hot at that time of year. In September, Fashion Week also takes place in the city.

Article written in collaboration with “Bonjour Milan”.
“Bonjour Milan is a travel blog sharing all the best tips for Milan. It's a great website for finding out which landmarks to visit, which neighbourhood to wander around, or which restaurant to eat at!”

Also read the articles "Visit London with children", "Visit Berlin with children" and "Visit Madrid with children".