Lake Como with Children Activities for Kids

For a resort that has a reputation for being for grown ups, Lake Como has a lot to offer for the younger guest too.

Here is a selection of some of the main attractions around the region. If you experience anything that’s not on our list that you think other guests would like to know about, do tell us. We welcome your input.




Play parks
Most villages have a designated children’s play parks, with swings and roundabouts, green space, and lovely views. The best are located in.

In particular the following villages have good places for play that are easily accessible. Menaggio, Mezzegra, Cernobbio, Como, Griante, Cadenabbia, Varenna and Lenno.


Lido Di Lenno - Lenno.
Lido Di Lenno overlooks Villa Balbianello (of Bond fame) and the Bay of Lenno. During the day it’s a great family spot by the lake with sun beds, sandy beaches, and a great lakeside café and snack bar.

At weekends this it transforms into a nightclub with a dance floor and gazebos surrounded by candlelit seating.

Via Comoedia, Lenno, Lake Como.



Lido Di Menaggio – Menaggio
The lido di menaggio has recently re opened after a two-year restoration. Its position right on the lake is second two none, and it features two swimming pools, including one for toddlers, a sandy beach, three restaurants, kids activities, volley ball, and its own brewery. It’s a firm favorite of Bella Como kids, and is reasonably priced. Parking is easy too.

Via Lungo Largo
Menaggio


Crazy golf – Menaggio
Believe it or not you can actually play this daft but amusing crazy golf course next to one of the most stunning promenades on Lake Como. Its just two minutes from the Lido Di Menaggio, and the five minutes from the centre of Menaggio village and its lovely Piazza.

Via Lungo Largo
Menaggio


California Aqua Park.
The Acquapark is located in Chiasso, Switzerland, just across the Swiss border from Como, Italy. This is a fantastic water world will guarantee lots of fun in the large swimming pool equipped with flumes and slides.  Appealing to all ages with a big Jacuzzi pool as well as a beauty salon and a café or two.
If you are after a little down time, then you can always put the youngsters into the Baby crèche open from Monday to Friday, 09:00 to 11:30 with qualified staff offering a range of activities such as drawing, reading and playing giving you a chance to relax in peace!  The California Acquapark is open every day of the year.
Opening times for Water Park and fitness:
Monday to Friday - 08:30 to 22:00
Saturday - 09:00 to 20:00
Sunday - 09:00 20:00
Holidays - 09:00 to 20:00
Opening Times for Oasis Well-being will be accessible from:
Monday to Friday - from 10.00, Saturday, Sunday and holidays - from 9.30


SwissMinatur
An amazing mini Switzerland Park where you can see all the famous sights of Switzerland in one go!  Also featuring amusements, rides and a miniature train that children (and adults) can go on for a tour round the park to see the sights of mini Switzerland.  There is also a restaurant and a gift shop and a nearby play park with a large grass area for play and picnics.  For details of events and to see some pictures go to www.swissminiatur.ch

Address: Melide near Lugano, by the shore of Lake Ceresio.  Melide is north of the bridge spanning lake Lugano. Reach it by car, rail and the bus to and from Lugano.
Opening Times: daily from 15th March to 26th October; 9am-6pm, 26th October to 16th November; 9am-5pm - the last entrance is at 4.30pm.
Cost: Adults approx €10, Children approx €7 or you can buy a family day ticket for €30


The Alprose Chocolate Museum
Its all about chocolate and is for the kids, big ones and small ones!! Watch chocolate from beginning to end.
Where:  Via Rompada 36, 6987 Caslano, Switzerland
Tel: +41 (0) 91 611 8856
Opening times: Mon-Fri 09:00 to 18:00/17:30 and Sat-Sun 09:00 to 17:00/16:30


Archeopark
The park is in Vallecamonica, and is really an open-air museum taking you back to prehistoric times. With workshops supervised by skilled instructors you can participate in prehistoric games and learn pottery, fires lighting, bows and arrow shooting etc.
There are picnic areas if you wish to bring your own feast; otherwise there is a decent restaurant.
From Como it takes approximately 2.5 hours by car and is 168km. 
Address: Boario Terme, Vallecamonica (less than an hour drive from Brescia and Bergamo)
Opening Times: From 1st March to 30th November; daily from Tuesday - Sunday; 9am-5.30pm
Cost: Adults €15, reduced price €13


Castle Vezio Varenna
You can visit the tower and vaults that dates back to medieval times with its ancient fortress surrounded by olive groves and bird of prey breeding centre. There are daily exhibitions and demonstrations taking place every day (depending on weather conditions).
For the grown ups, it’s a lovely walk with stunning views.
Opening Hours: Daily from 10am to 6pm (14th March - 2nd November 2009)
Tel:(+39) 348 824 2504


Parco della Preistoria
A Prehistoric Park inviting children to find out about the dinosaurs and prehistoric earth.  There are full sized models of prehistoric animals throughout the park and an exhibition of fossils and minerals. There even a maze to get lost in! 

This park is part of the larger Parco dell'Adda Sud. Children of all ages absolutely love this place!  There is a train that goes around the park when those little legs get tired out.

Address: via Ponte Vecchio 21, 26027 Rivolta D'adda (CR) nr Bergamo
Opening Hours: 21 February - 15 November, everyday 9am to 6pm
Cost:  Adult €10, child 3-13 years old €8
Tel: (+39) 03 637 8184 for information.


Jungle Raider Park
A crazy and fantastic adventure park in the forest of Civenna (approximately 15km from Bellagio) built in the trees of a conifer forest in Civenna, near the springs of the Lambro River. The park is filled with obstacle courses amongst the trees; from logs to gangways and bridges that connect tree to tree. It is a way to combine fun with physical exercise and fresh air. It is suitable for all levels (younger ones being accompanied by an adult of course)

Cost: See website for jungleraidepark as prices vary depending on the level and how many turns you want to take - can range from €10-€16 for one turn (€10 for easier level and €16 for harder level) Prices go up for 2 turns etc.


Minitalia Fantasy World Amusement Park
This time its Italy in miniature; see the sights of Italy in one go!  There is also the Luna Park with its carousels, mini zoo with cows, donkeys, sheep, parrots and more plus an aquarium, and a reptile house.

There are a good choice of cafes and places to eat and a good picnic area if you prefer to eat alfresco in the parkland.

Address: via Vittorio Veneto 52, Capriate San Gervasio, and Bergamo
Opening Times: 24th March to 9th September: 9am-6pm (August 4th-26th 9:30am-7:30pm as well as ever Saturday and Sunday at this time)
Cost:  Full price €18, Child (between 100cm & 140cm and seniors over 65 years old) €14, children under 100cm in height, free entry.


Castello Di Breno
The castle of Breno is made up of a maze of buildings that were constructed over the centuries giving it the feel of many different ages. Perched on the top of a hill its position and views are really very special. This 'castle' is full of history going back to the time of Federico Barbarossa (1100-1200)
Address: access from Piazza Gen.Ronchi, 25043 Breno
Opening Times: during summer; 10am-midnight - other periods it is opened upon request
Tel: (+39) 0364 22970 for further info or to check opening times.


PlayPlanet
This indoor mega playground will keep your little ones amused for hours with its numerous tunnels, slides and obstacles.  There is also a garden area outside that the kids can play in and get some fresh air whilst you try to get your hearing back!
Address:  Via Maraini 15, 6963 Lugano-Pregassona
Tel: +41 (0) 91 994 6800
Opening times:  19th June to 20th August. (Closed Mondays) - Tuesday to Sunday; 16:30 to 22:30


Cornelle Zoo
With a 100 species among birds, mammals and reptiles there is plenty for animal lovers.  You can see a variety of cuddly cats and scary reptiles ranging from the white tiger to the alligators of the Mississippi River.
There is a decent restaurant on-site and a café too, plus a nice picnic area.
When you get tired of walking, you can take the train around the park.  Other facilities include a gift shop, toilets and a changing area for babies.

Address:  via Cornelle 16, 24030 Valbrembo, Bergamo
Opening Times: April-September; 9am-7pm, October-March; 9am-5pm
Cost: Adults (over the age of 12) €10, Children (aged 3-11 years old) €8


Milano Go Karts
Dromokart is an 800-metre indoor karting circuit featuring lots of twists and turns.  Karting is for everyone ranging from 8 years old upwards. 

Its well organised and has good pre race tutoring, organised races, and lots of opportunities for budding racing drivers to the Italian job on a real Italian race circuit. Wear suitable clothing such as trousers and trainers, helmets and racing jumpsuits supplied on-site.

It takes approximately one hour to reach (55km) by car from Como
Address: via Emilia 10, Buccinasco, Milan
Opening Times:  Hours vary seasonally, see website or further info or telephone.
Tel:  (+39) 02 45 70 36 38