Although Milan is a major fashion and business capital with bustling city life, parents with children of varying ages will have no problem finding things to do outside of school. Many child-friendly activities in the city can be equally entertaining for parents too.

Milan has many drawcards, including Leonardo da Vinci’s famous The Last Supper painting in the Santa Maria delle Grazie convent, and the Duomo di Milano, a 600-year-old Gothic cathedral. Beyond these two must-visit attractions, families are well catered for in Milan with plenty of indoor and outdoor activities to keep youngsters entertained. From scenic parks to historic landmarks and educational museums, here are just a few of the highlights.

Entertainment for kids in Milan

The gardens and waterfalls of Giardini Pubblici Indro Montanelli offer an array of natural pleasures, and the garden’s Natural History Museum has colourful exhibits that showcase animals from all over the world – it’s especially fun for little ones. 

In Milan's historic centre, expats will find Sempione Park. It's one of the city’s biggest green spaces, and people of all ages walk along its paths, picnic under its shady trees and visit its numerous monuments. 

On the edge of Sempione Park, the Civic Aquarium of Milan is housed in a beautiful building that dates back to 1905. The aquarium holds more than 100 species of marine and freshwater fish. It’s quite compact but provides an interesting indoor destination to keep kids entertained for an hour or two. Also aiming to provide an educational experience is the Leonardo da Vinci Museum of Science and Technology. Housed in a 16th-century monastery, the museum aims to teach children about science through a variety of interactive exhibits.

Nicknamed ‘the Milan Sea’, Idroscalo is a water park and sports venue that's almost always bustling with activity. The artificial lake was built in 1930 as a landing area for seaplanes, but today it hosts various water activities, such as canoeing, skiing and swimming. Close by is Europark Idroscalo, an amusement park that promises fun for the whole family.

Otherwise, Il Nano Gigante is a large indoor play centre with jumping castles, climbing frames and other activities for very young children. It also functions as a day-care centre and function venue for kids’ parties. 

Parent networks in Milan

Moms and Tots Milano is an English-speaking playgroup that meets in the centre of Milan. Weekly meetings are great for mothers who want to socialise with other English speakers while their children play together.