Milan Weekend Activities & Things to Do
Weekend in Milan
This budget-friendly itinerary combines Milan's top family attractions with wonderful free opportunities. We've included engaging children's museums, expansive parks, and leveraged special free entry days to provide a rich and varied weekend. Expect interactive learning, plenty of playtime, and delightful Italian culinary experiences designed for the whole family.
Friday Evening - Castle & City Views
Friday, January 2Castle Courtyard Explore
Begin your weekend exploring the grand courtyards of Sforza Castle.
This historic fortress offers vast open spaces where kids can imagine being knights or princesses. Wander through the impressive grounds and admire the architecture, including the Torre Filarete. It’s a wonderful free activity to stretch legs and immerse in history before dinner.
Perfect for all ages, especially active children who enjoy imaginative play. The courtyards are spacious and stroller-friendly. Public restrooms are available within the castle grounds. Duration: 1.5 - 2 hours. Children under 18 have free access to the castle museums, though we are focusing on the free courtyards for this activity.
Easily accessible by Metro lines M1 (Cairoli or Cadorna stops) or M2 (Lanza or Cadorna FN stops). Numerous tram and bus lines also serve the area. Parking is available nearby in paid garages, but public transport is highly recommended for city travel with family.
Navigli Family Dinner
Enjoy an early, relaxed family dinner in the charming Navigli District.
Known for its picturesque canals and lively atmosphere, it’s a great spot for a stroll before or after your meal. Many restaurants offer kid-friendly menus with classic Italian favorites like pasta and pizza.
Look for restaurants with outdoor seating (weather permitting) or cozy interiors. Many places cater to families, offering high chairs and simple, delicious dishes children love. The early timing is perfect for younger kids' bedtimes. Duration: 1 - 1.5 hours.
Accessible by Metro line M2 (Porta Genova or Romolo stops). Trams also run through the area. Navigli is best explored on foot, and sidewalks are generally stroller-friendly.
Saturday - Interactive Discovery Day
Saturday, January 3MUBA Children's Museum
Dive into a world of creativity and play at MUBA – Museo dei Bambini Milano.
Choose between the 'Connessioni' exhibition (ages 3-8), which explores global connections, or 'La Camera delle Meraviglie' (ages 6-11), a fascinating journey to discover nature. Both offer immersive, hands-on experiences guided by educators.
Activities are organized at fixed times and have limited spots, so online booking in advance is highly recommended. The visit lasts approximately 75 minutes. Suitable for ages 3-12. Facilities include restrooms and stroller access.
Accessible by tram 9 or 19 (stop Viale Campania-Viale Mugello), or bus 66 or 84 (stop Via Cadore-Corso XXII Marzo). Public parking is available in the surrounding area.
Park Picnic Lunch
Enjoy a relaxed picnic lunch in Parco Sempione, Milan's green heart.
Pick up some fresh focaccia, cheese, and fruit from a local bakery or market. The park offers plenty of open space for kids to run around and several kiosks for snacks or coffee.
A budget-friendly and enjoyable lunch option for families. Kids will love the freedom to play in the vast green areas. Look for benches or grassy spots near the playgrounds. Public restrooms are available in the park. Duration: 1 - 1.5 hours.
Located directly behind Sforza Castle. Easily accessible on foot from MUBA (approx. 20-25 min walk) or via public transport to Cairoli (M1) or Lanza (M2) metro stops.
Science Museum Wonders
Explore the Leonardo da Vinci National Museum of Science and Technology.
This museum is a paradise for curious minds, with 50,000 square meters of interactive exhibits. Kids can explore models based on Leonardo's designs, engage in Playlab workshops (ages 3-6), visit the Space and Train sections, and see real boats and planes.
Highly engaging for all ages, with specific activities for younger children (Playlab) and older ones (Submarine Toti tour, requires advance booking and is often in Italian only). Allow 2-3 hours. The museum is wheelchair accessible, and restrooms are available. Open until 5:00 PM on Saturdays.
Accessible by Metro line M2 (Sant'Ambrogio stop) or bus 58, 94. Paid parking is available in the vicinity.
Gelato & Playtime
Cap off your adventure-filled Saturday with a classic Italian gelato treat.
Find a local gelateria near the museum or on your way home. Afterward, if energy allows, a quick visit to a local playground for some free play can help children wind down before an early family dinner at home or a casual trattoria.
A sweet reward for a day of exploration. Many playgrounds are available throughout Milan, offering swings, slides, and climbing structures for different age groups. This provides a gentle transition from stimulating activities to evening relaxation. Duration: 1 hour.
Walking distance from the Science Museum to many nearby cafes and small parks. Public transport easily connects to residential areas.
Sunday - Free Museum & Festive Fun
Sunday, January 4Sforza Castle Museums FREE
Take advantage of free entry on the first Sunday of the month (January 4th!
) to explore the museums inside Sforza Castle. These include the Museum of Ancient Art, Pinacoteca, Museum of Musical Instruments, and more. Kids under 18 always have free entry.
An incredible opportunity to see magnificent collections, including Michelangelo's 'Pietà Rondanini' and Leonardo da Vinci's 'Sala delle Asse.' Focus on sections that might interest children, such as ancient arms and armor, or explore the courtyards again. Restrooms and stroller access available. Duration: 1.5 - 2 hours.
Accessible by Metro lines M1 (Cairoli or Cadorna stops) or M2 (Lanza or Cadorna FN stops). Trams and buses also serve the area. Public parking available nearby.
Civic Aquarium FREE
Continue your free museum day at the Civic Aquarium of Milan, also offering free entry on the first Sunday of the month (January 4th!
). Discover a fascinating journey through Italian freshwater and marine ecosystems with over 100 species. The aquarium is known for its Art Nouveau architecture and engaging exhibits.
A perfect, engaging activity for children to learn about aquatic life. The exhibition itinerary covers the full water cycle, from mountain streams to the sea. The aquarium is compact and easy to navigate with children and strollers. Restrooms available. Duration: 1-1.5 hours.
Located within Parco Sempione, a short walk from Sforza Castle. Easily accessible by Metro M2 (Lanza stop) or various tram and bus lines.
Christmas Village Fun
Conclude your weekend with a visit to the Christmas Village in the Indro Montanelli Public Gardens, which remains open until January 6th, 2026.
Enjoy the festive atmosphere with an ice-skating rink, small markets, merry-go-rounds, and sweet stalls. The park also has playgrounds for free play.
This provides a joyful, relaxed end to the weekend. While park entry and browsing are free, rides, ice-skating, and food/gifts will have associated costs. Plenty of space for kids to run around. Restrooms available. Duration: 1.5 - 2 hours.
Accessible by Metro lines M1 (Palestro or Porta Venezia stops) or M3 (Turati stop), and various trams/buses.
This weekend itinerary for Milan can be customized using our AI travel planner. Chat with our AI assistant to modify activities, adjust timings, add personal preferences, and get recommendations for restaurants, hotels, and transportation.