Milan doesn’t scream “family-friendly” at first glance, but trust me, it gets it. It’s classy, it’s cool, and it has layers. We found that sweet spot of avoiding the ultra-touristy chaos while still checking off a few iconic moments, and it totally worked for us.
We landed into Milan airport and headed straight to our hotel, The Westin Palace Milan. This was booked and paid for with Capital One Venture card points.
If you’re new to points, read Cards I Use to Maximize My Travel Points!
We sweet talked the kind front desk and our room was ready on arrival and we were upgraded! Call it luck or call it the perks of Marriott BonVoy. We stayed in the Diplomatic Suite, which was a game-changer for our big family. Spacious, gorgeous, and even had a steam sauna in the bathroom. I took full advantage after a long day of walking. I highly recommend it if you’re traveling with a crew and need both comfort and space to decompress.
Things to do in Milan with Kids
1. Leonardo da Vinci Museum of Science and Technology
Think “field trip,” but actually fun. This place is huge… like, “I hope you wore good shoes” huge. The kids can climb on old trains, peek inside airplanes, and tinker with hands-on exhibits inspired by Leonardo’s genius inventions.
2. Galleria Vittorio Emanuele II
Normally, a shopping mall would not make my travel highlight list, but La Galleria Vittorio Emanuele II is an experience. It’s more like a cathedral of luxury, complete with mosaics, domed glass ceilings, and the spinning bull ritual.
3. San Siro Stadium Tour
If your kids are soccer fans, touring the home of AC Milan and Inter Milan is like stepping into sports heaven. The locker rooms, trophy rooms, and walking onto the pitch are big moments.
4. Duomo di Milano
Walk from the Galleria to Milan’s most famous cathedral. The sheer scale and intricate details will wow everyone. Take the elevator to the rooftop terraces so they can run between spires and point out gargoyles. It’s like a Gothic playground in the sky. TIP: Mornings are less crowded, and rooftop tickets are worth every penny for the view and the breeze.
5. See The Last Supper
My family isn’t really into the old museum things at this stage, but you can’t make a list of Milan without it! It’s art, it’s old, and you only get 15 minutes to see it, but sometimes it ends up being a highlight. The sheer size of Leonardo da Vinci’s masterpiece will blow them away. Pro tip: tickets sell out months in advance, so book early (and bring snacks.)
6. Vintage Tram Ride + Gelato
Hop on Line 1 for a scenic loop around Milan. Payment is made super easy with a tap of your phone. Pair this adventure with gelato from Gelateria Paganelli, and you’ve just turned public transport into a highlight.
Where to Eat
When in Italy, it’s necessary to start every day with a cappuccino and croissants. Aroma Napoletana offers croissants you will dream about forever. Buttery, flaky, and somehow just the right amount of sweet. No shame in grabbing seconds here!
Dinner at La Gioia came highly recommended by a local. It is elegant without being stuffy, delicious without being fussy. Pasta that made me emotional. The staff was sweet with the kids, and we left full and happy.
