Things to do with kids in Milan

Things to do with kids in Milan

1. SeeCentro Storico

   Castello Sforzesco

   "See who's in charge!" The round corner towers of the castle are two fists smacked down on the city plains, while the central square tower stares balefully down towards city centre. Who'd dare challenge the Duke? Yet so confident is he, he's built an extra redoubt within those walls, the military design is already outdated by the 15th century, and that rasping noise is his own family sharpening their knives against him. The Sforza-Visconti dynasty was ousted in the 16th century and the city was ruled by Spain, Habsburg Austria then Napoleon. The castle encloses a large grassed courtyard which is free to enter. Within are several museums, including museums of applied arts, ancient art, historical musical instruments, prehistory, Egyptian art and fine arts.

2. BuyCentro Storico

   La Rinascente

   A big department store in Milan, right in the centre of the city near the Cathedral and Galleria, and very close to the chic Montenapoleone shopping zone. Here you can get houseware, design and appliances, male, female and children's fashion, youthful sports clothes, jewellery, accessories, cosmetics, watches, perfumes, glasses, socks, underwear, lingerie, gifts, table decor, a hair stylist, a restaurant, sushi bar, food market, sandwich, drink and chocolate bar, an enoteca (wine bar) and several other things. Good place to do some shopping of all kinds in a very central location and then stop for a drink, snack or meal at the cafe or restaurant.

   Mon-Thu 09:30-21:00; Fri Sat 09:30-22:00; Sun 10:00-21:00

3. SeeWest

   Leonardo da Vinci Museum of Science and Technology

   Museo Nazionale della Scienza e della Tecnologia

   As the name tells, it is a museum to learn more about science and technology. Hosted in a former monastery, San Vittore al Corpo.

   Tue-Fri 09:30-17:00, Sat & holidays 09:30-18:30·€10, concessions €7.50, disabled and children under 3 free. Guided tours €8 or €10 with reservation

4. DoOuter Milan

   Sunbathing and do aquatic sports at the Idroscalo

   Also known as "sea of Milan", the Idroscalo is an artificial lake in Milan. In this place you can practice many sports such as kayaking, canoeing, dragon boats, rowing, sailing, swimming, horse riding and water skiing. In Idroscalo park there are also bars and nightclubs and it is used for open-air concerts. Free wifi internet connection available. Near idroscalo there is Europark Idroscalo Milano, a family-oriented amusement park, open from March to September and on weekends during the rest of the year.

5. SeeNorth

   Villa Necchi Campiglio

   owned by FAI - Italian National Trust

   Built by Piero Portaluppi from 1932 to 1935 for the industrial Necchi Campiglio family, it also has a beautiful garden.

   Wed-Sun 10:09-18:00·€15. Free entry with the Case Museo (house museums) card. Free entry to the bar/restaurant and garden

6. SeeCentro Storico Not mapped

   Museum of the 20th Century

   Museo del Novecento

   "Del 900" but meaning "since 1900", this modern art museum has a rich selection of works by Modigliani, Picasso, Morandi, Boccioni and more. The upper stairwell gives a good view of the Duomo rooftop.

   Tue Wed Fri Sat Sun 10:00–19:30, Thu 10:00–22:30·Full admission €10, reduced admission €5, children 0–12 years free; first Sunday of the month, and first and third Tuesdays of the month from 2PM are also free

7. Buy Not mapped

   Serravalle Scrivia

   One of the biggest shopping outlets in Europe, containing 180 stores, despite being 1 hours' drive from the city and in the Piedmont region, it is definitely worth a visit if you're a shopping fan. And it has a very pleasant feel because it is more like a mini-town than an actual outlet, with Italian-style piazzas and pretty alleyways, surrounded by rolling hills and a lovely local countryside, and absent of cars. With over 20 million visitors having come ever since its opening in 2000, you can find luxurious designer names, such as Dolce & Gabbana, Etro, Diesel, Roberto Cavalli, Ferragamo, Timberland, Tommy Hilfiger, Prada, Geox, Swatch, Bulgari, Swarovski, and several more (at bargain prices)! Then, if you want to have a meal, you can stop for some fast-foods at Burger King or the Italian Spizzico, have an ice-cream or sip at a drink in a café. Despite the slightly long trip, it makes a truly great day out, and is heaven for any fashionista or passionate shopper! Tour company-operated buses, including one that leaves from near the Castle, will take you there and back (roughly €20 for the round-trip as of early 2008). Reputed to be the first designer outlet in Italy and the biggest in Europe. Over 180 stores stock clothing, footwear and accessories, and it has a parking with 3,000 parking lots, a children's playground, bars and restaurants.

   All days: 10:00-20:00

Listings from the Wikivoyage guide to Milan (CC BY-SA 4.0).