Lake Como with kids: 12 things to do

12 activities to do with your children on Lake Como

In these weeks on Lake Como, wherever you turn, you can see couples with little travellers in tow. Children of all ages and nationalities full of energy and curiosity, but above all a desire to explore and enjoy this holiday time to the full!

So here is my list with 12 things to do and see if you are on Lake Como with your children.

Hi, I’m Marta! Are you thinking of planning a trip to Lake Como? Check out my “Travel Designer” service.

What to do and visit on Lake Como with kids?

1# Feeling like Tarzan at the Jungle Raider Park

As we all know children love amusement parks!

Gardaland, Acquatica or Swiss Miniatur are the most famous ones in the area around Lake Como. But if you have just a few days and maybe you aren’t travelling by car, just go to the Jungle Raider Park at Bellagio to spend an adrenaline-filled day!

It’s a park built on trees, with paths made of trunks, walkways, Nepalese bridges and lianas. Here laughs are guaranteed!

For costs and booking click HERE.

2# Visit the Castle of Vezio

Easy game is a visit to Vezio Castle.

Of course you know that children are fascinated by castles, but belive me, your day can really become unforgettable if you go there at the time when the falconer shows the birds of prey in flight, illustrating the various characteristics and curiosities of these elegant birds.

The show is truly awesome!

If you have children who are a little older (at least 16 years old) and particularly interested in the subject, there is also the possibility, after registration, of taking part in “Falconry for a day“, a day entirely dedicated to learning about birds of prey!

For shows, it is best to consult their website on a weekly basis.

3# Tour on the Bernina Express

The Bernina Express is a little red train, which leaves in Tirano and slowly climbs up to Saint Moritz, passing by the Ospizio Bernina, a refuge at 2310 metres above sea level.

Ever seen a glacier up close?

On board the carriages of this fantastic train, it won’t be the only wonder you see! Lakes, alpine landscapes, pine forests, rhododendrons in spring, chamois and other mountain animals in summer, alpine pastures and meadows… a real wonderland of wonders!

Try it to believe it!

I was lucky enough to take it once a week, for an entire summer season, and every time was a thrill! I used to accompany groups of English tourists on day trips ‘around Lake Como’ and, among the various trips planned, this was undoubtedly one of the ones that left its mark the most.

HERE you will find the main information on the itinerary and many other details and if you are arriving from Milan you can take advantage of the convenience of a Guided One-Day Tour by coach + Bernina Express.

4# Being a cave explorer

Pretending to be explorers is another favourite pastime for children… so why not take them to the Rescia Caves? They are located in Claino con Osteno, near Porlezza, and are a real underwater world of stalactites, stalagmites, waterfalls and tunnels!

The little ones will certainly enjoy it!

As the route is very short, I recommend it above all to those who, for one reason or another, are already in that area of Lombardy region.

5# Try Leonardo’s Ferry

If, on the other hand, young tourists are more creative than inventors, then an idea for a different day out could be a trip to the Adda Nord Park, where, as well as going for long bike rides or walks in the woods, you can experience the thrill of getting on Leonardo’s ferry: a wooden barge without a motor which, thanks to an ingenious mechanism that exploits the current of the Adda, joins the two villages on opposite sides of the river.

It is said to be the work of Leonardo, but even if it wasn’t, it is still a fine example of genius!

6# Venturing along the Path of Expressions

Now here’s an idea for the more adventurous: the Sentiero delle Espressioni (Path of Expressions).

It is a path along the slopes of Monte Comana (Schignano, Val d’Intelvi), populated by logs depicting goblins, dwarfs and other fantastic creatures, but also characters linked to local history, all made by the expert hands of craftsmen and sculptors.

These amazing wooden figures will accompany you all the way to the top, where you will be even more amazed by the view from the top!

7# A day within the Fortress Walls

Another good idea, if you visit Lake Como with kids, is a visit to the Forte di Fuentes and the Forte Montecchio Nord in Colico.

The former dates back to the 17th century and was built at the behest of the Spanish governor of Milan, only to be used again during the First World War. The second was built between 1912 and 1914, as a defensive system of the Northern Frontier.

And the best thing is that both include visits tailored for children, to immerse them in history in an engaging and interactive way.

Again, to be kept up to date on the initiatives planned, just visit their website or Facebook page.

8# Riding an e-Bike

An activity that is very appealing to older children (you have to be 15 years old or older to take part) is undoubtedly riding an e-bike!

One of my favourite routes is the one that winds through the Val Sanagra (above Menaggio) and the great thing about it is that you can do it in complete safety by taking part in a fun guided tour.

A nice alternative for those who are in the city of Como is the e-Bike itinerary with a digital guide! Find info and prices HERE.

9# Farmers for a day

Another excellent proposal that could really make the whole family happy is a day in an educational farm.

There are many of them on Lake Como and children love them, because in these special places they have the opportunity to experience country life and contact with animals, as well as being able to try out activities that are unusual for them, such as making butter or cheese, milking cows and goats and learning the secrets of the farmer’s work.

In many cases, farms are also equipped with wellness centres or saunas, to the delight of parents.

And, last but not least, they usually offer excellent food and opportunities for beautiful walks in the surrounding area.

Here some adresses:

• La Fiorida (Mantello)
• Agriturismo Le Radici (Blessagno)
• Cascina del Sole (Asso)
• Azienda Agricola Bonpra’ (Vendrogno – Lecco)
• La Cavallina (Guanzate)

You may also like: 7 Stroller friendly walks on Lake Como

10# A day at the museum

Do you like museums and, being on Lake Como in particular, are you curious as to why there is so much talk of silk in these parts?

Very good! All your curiosity will be satisfied by visiting the Civico Museo Setificio Monti in Abbadia Lariana and the Museo Didattico della Seta (Educational Museum of Silk) in Como.

The former is a thread twisting factory converted into a museum. The second is a place created ad hoc to tell the story of Como’s silk industry.

These two sites also offer a wide range of family-friendly activities to make the visit enjoyable for both adults and children.

All the details can be found on their websites.

11# Workshops for children…in the rooms and gardens of ancient villas

Lake Como is, in the common imaginary, a very romantic place and maybe for this reason you will not want to give up visiting at least one of its famous and very romantic villas!

And you do it very well!

Because a lot of workshops and activities tailored for children are often organised within the walls of these ancient residences and in their gardens.

The best thing to do is to consult their websites and choose what inspires you most from the many proposals. In some cases it is possible to book personalised visits.

Otherwise it is sufficient to consult the events already scheduled in their calendar and register a few days in advance.

12# Adventures at the Nature Reserve

Finally, if you are on Lake Como with kids, not far there is another place perfect for a day in the open air: Lago del Piano, a small lake on the road from Menaggio to Lugano.

It is a nature reserve, a magical place if you love nature.

And here a long list of activities can be done: daytime visits, night-time visits, by jeep, mountain bike, archery courses, listening to the roaring of the deer, rowing boat hire and much more.

In this very special place, children, if they are not too young, have a thousand opportunities to have fun and marvel. And their parents too!

It is also beautiful in winter, when the surface freezes over and the lake is transformed into a natural skating rink!

My list ends here for now, but only for now… 😉

Try my Travel Designer Service for your holiday on Lake Como!