Lake Como with Kids
Family travel guide for parents planning with children
Top Family Activities
The best things to do with kids in Lake Como.
Como-Brunate Funicular
The 7-minute ride climbs past terraced gardens and chestnut woods until the entire Y-shaped lake spreads beneath you. Kids flatten their noses against the glass while adults juggle cameras for the perfect shot of red roofs and cobalt water.
Villa Carlotta Gardens
Camellia-lined paths twist into terraces where children sprint between 200-year-old trees while parents sip in the lake view. The bamboo grove rustles like applause, and the looser woodland zones let kids vanish into proper exploration.
Lido di Lenno
A rare sandy beach for Lake Como, with a gentle slope that suits wobbly swimmers. The floating platform turns into a teen clubhouse, while younger architects dig castles from the fine dark sand that stays cool even at noon.
Navigazione Ferry Hop
Turn the lake into your hopscotch board. The big boats carry indoor seats for rainy spells and outdoor benches good for spotting ducks and the odd windsurfer skimming past.
Funicolare Como-Brunate Playground
At the funicular summit, a well-stocked playground perches beside the café. Kids swing while staring 500 metres down at the lake—a sight that knots adult stomachs but thrills children.
Tempio Voltiano Museum
A grey-day rescue where children crank handles to spark electricity and eye Alessandro Volta's original batteries. The hands-on displays work, and staff shrug when buttons get hammered.
Best Areas for Families
Where to base yourselves for the smoothest family trip.
The old town's pedestrian core lets kids roam without dodging traffic. Main squares hide fountain splash zones, and gelaterias pop up every few metres like edible breadcrumbs.
Highlights: Flat walking for strollers, 3 playgrounds within 10 minutes, pharmacy and supermarket on Via Milano
A 10-minute bus from Como drops you into a real lakeside village. The promenade rolls stroller-smooth all the way to Villa Erba, and the Saturday market turns into a scavenger hunt for local honey and toy stalls.
Highlights: Beach club with shallow entry, playground on the lakefront, frequent buses back to Como
Small enough for kids to learn the map, big enough to avoid boredom. The lakefront path links Villa Carlotta to several gelaterias, and the ferry dock makes Bellagio an easy hop for tired legs.
Highlights: Traffic-free lakefront, playground behind the church, pharmacy stocks international baby brands
The flat northern tip builds a proper resort mood. A long promenade offers bike hire, mini-golf, and a public pool complex, so you can park yourselves for days without running dry on activities.
Highlights: Bike path to Lake Lugano, multiple playgrounds, sandy beach at Loveno
Family Dining
Where and how to eat with children.
Lake Como eateries expect families and rarely flinch at noisy chatter. High chairs appear fast, and kitchens will halve adult plates without drama. The trick is timing—lunch runs 12-2:30pm sharp, then ovens stay cold until 7pm dinner.
Dining Tips for Families
- Order 'mezza porzione' (half portion) for kids - most kitchens will accommodate even if not on menu
- Look for 'pizzeria' signs - these invariably have outdoor seating and quicker service
- Download the 'Conad' supermarket app - the large store on Via Innocenzo has a surprisingly good hot food counter for picnic supplies
Pizzeria Balognett in Como fires paper-thin pizzas that land before kids fidget. Outdoor tables face the marina, and crayons appear if you ask.
Gelateria Lariana on Como waterfront experiments with pine nut flavours kids still devour, alongside safe stracciatella. The owner keeps a step stool for shorter customers.
Trattoria del Glicine in Tremezzo spreads a garden terrace where children weave between tables without earning glares. The risotto is creamy enough for fussy eaters.
Tips by Age Group
Tailored advice for every stage of childhood.
Lake Como suits toddlers if you stay on the flat strips. Como town has the gear, but cobblestones will rattle your stroller. Ferries carry changing tables and room to roam during crossings.
Challenges: Those steep hills will test any stroller's brakes. High chairs do exist in restaurants, but there are never enough—turn up right when doors open. Italian lunch at 13:30 and dinner at 20:00 collide head-on with toddler nap windows.
- Stay near Piazza Cavour - flat and has the best playground
- Pack inflatable swim ring - the public beaches rarely have toddler equipment
Lake Como is having its golden moment for families. Children old enough to walk can tackle the lanes, gape at castles, and still shriek for gelato. The ferry timetables morph into treasure maps, and crumbling castle walls turn into ready-made jungle gyms.
Learning: The Volta Museum sparks electricity into small hands through interactive displays. Villa Carlotta labels its palms and camellias with bite-size trivia. Medieval castle stones become open-air history books.
- Buy the kids ferry maps - they love tracking progress
- Download Italian words app - locals appreciate attempts
Teens flip for Lake Como's endless Instagram frames and the taste of solo travel. Ferries give them licence to island-hop within safe boundaries, while George Clooney's villa adds Hollywood gossip to the view. Kayaks and mountain trails serve up real muscle burn.
Independence: Daylight ferry crossings are safe enough for teens to ride alone. Lakefront paths stay lit and busy after dusk. Agree on a ferry dock rendezvous before each departure.
- Get them a ferry day pass - unlimited travel feels like freedom
- WiFi works on most boats - they'll stay connected
Practical Logistics
The nuts and bolts of family travel.
Como town centre is walkable, but hills kick in the moment you leave. Strollers glide along the lakefront promenades; everywhere else, strap on a baby carrier. Ferries link every major village and welcome strollers. Buses run often but pack tight—expect to fold. Taxis are everywhere, yet the meter bites on longer rides.
San Paolo Hospital on Via Dante runs 24-hour emergency services. Pharmacies flash green crosses—Farmacia Comunale in Como centro carries international diaper brands and formula. Most supermarkets stock Pampers and Huggies beside Italian labels.
Book apartments, not hotels—you'll need the stove for 6pm dinner prep while restaurants stay shuttered. Hunt for spots near a playground since Italian kids stay outside until 9pm. Ground floor or elevator access matters on these slopes.
- Baby carrier for steep village streets
- Sun hats - the lake reflection is intense
- Swim shoes for rocky beaches
- Light sweater for evening boat rides
- Portable snacks for 7pm hunger before dinner
Family Safety
Keeping your family safe and healthy.
- ! Lake water stays cold year-round - even strong swimmers get cramps quickly
- ! The ferries have railings but watch toddlers on outdoor decks during docking
- ! Italian drivers assume pedestrians will leap aside—keep small fingers in yours even when the crossing light is green.
- ! Sun reflects off water and light buildings - higher SPF needed than you'd think
- ! Some shingle shelves vanish without warning—wade in first and check depth before children swim off.
- ! Evening mosquitoes by the lake can be aggressive - repellent essential at dusk