Milan with the Family

If you are on a city break with the family, you’ll want as little stress as possible. Try to rent strollers for getting around, or avail of babysitting services. These can be arranged with the MilanoCard, which you may purchase online (free for children under 10 years). Essentially, it’s a tourist card for visitors to Milan. It covers the costs of public transport (including trains, buses, and the metro), a driver, discounts at many outlets, and entrance to some of the most important sites in the city. Perhaps most important for a family holiday in Milan is that with this card, you can get infant car seats and babysitting services at a reduced price. The babysitting is done by registered, professional staff who are certified in first aid, courtesy of the Italian Red Cross. This will definitely put your mind at ease when leaving your little ones in the hands of others while you enjoy your holiday, teenagers included! The card also lists child-friendly museums for your convenience.

Ideas for where to take the family

Start at the Duomo Milano. If you happen to travel by train, you will see the white façade of the dome glowing in the sunlight as you ascend the steps exiting the station. The 125 neo-gothic spires and 3400 statues are a sight to make even the smallest people gasp in awe! It’s worth standing in line for access to the tower tops. The "Madonnina", protector of Milan, watches over the entire city from her glorious crowning spot at the summit. Children will have fun peering out through the marble spaces, and getting a bird’s-eye view of tiny people, cafés, and the city below. The Castello Sforzesco is a short walk from the dome, and you can enjoy window shopping or picture taking at the water fountains while strolling to the castle. Long ago, the castle was a fortress. It then became the Sforza dynasty home. They were a powerful family during the Renaissance period. There are now seven museums, including Civiche Raccolta d'Arte Antica (the Museum of Ancient Art), where you can see some of Leonardo da Vinci’s frescoes. Also interesting is the Pinacoteca (Picture Gallery) and Museo dei Mobile (Furniture Museum). A tip for the budget of a family holiday in Milan: Once a week, the museum offers free entry.

Milan is definitely the place to learn about science and culture, so visit the Museo Nazionale della Scienza e della Tecnologia (Museum of Science and Technology). Converted from a Siglo XVI monastery, here is a fine display of Leonardo Da Vinci’s original works and plans up close. Over 10.000 pieces are in the collection. His sketches are particularly fascinating. Before leaving, visit the museum shop to pick up science toys, gadgets the children will love learning from, and books to read during the rest of your family holiday in Milan.

Open spaces and fresh air in Milan

Just behind Castello Sforzesco, you’ll find Parco Sempione. This will make for an ideal resting stop after walking through all those museums! Once hunting grounds for the dukes and royalty of the Sforza dynasty, it is said to have been landscaped by Napoleon. Have a stress-free stroll around its ponds and paths. Here, you can also see the mini-colosseum Napoleon built, called the Arena Civica. Today, it is used for sports and music events.
Hungry? Attractions for children can be edible ones! Step into any pizzeria for dozens of different types of delicious pizzas. Gelato comes in all flavors, and you can find ice-cream carts on the sidewalk or in any Gelateria. While strolling, you may come across street performers and musicians. This is the perfect city break with your family to enjoy the lively Italian lifestyle. Let your children dance in the streets, sample lots of Italian food, indulge in some people watching and learn some basic Italian.
A holiday teenagers will value usually includes some shopping, and there is no better city to do this than Europe’s fashion capital, Milan. Here, you have access to many coveted brands and shops. Let your young ones discover this side of the city - even if just window-shopping, they are guaranteed to have a grand time. A family holiday in Milan doesn't have to be costly to be enjoyable.

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Author: Sabrina Renna

Guest Relations at nhow Milano

Ciao! My name is Sabrina and I am Guest Relations Manager at nhow Milano since January 2024. I love my job as gives me the chance to know guests from all over the world who enjoy their stay for business either for leisure. I enjoy creating a sort of engagement and connection with them in order to anticipate their needs or questions given them the best opportunities and some genuine suggestions to have a great stay. The most important task is also creating lovely and special memories in order for the guests to come back soon for new experiences at nhow Milano. I always have good memories of my previous job which was Guest Relations on cruise lines therefore after some years I studied and achieved the boat license, I think good feelings and good memories will always create your life journey and create a path for your next goal.