Lake Como With Kids: A Practical Family Guide to the Most Beautiful Lake in Italy
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Updated 20 May 2026
Lake Como is one of the most beautiful and family-friendly places in Italy, offering a perfect combination of scenic landscapes, charming villages, and exciting activities for all ages. Whether you're looking to relax by the water or explore the surrounding mountains, Lake Como provides a memorable experience for families traveling with kids. Here's why Lake Como is so popular among families, top things to do at Lake Como with kids, and helpful tips on how to get there.
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Family Events around Lake Como this Summer 2026
Sagra di San Giovanni & Fireworks – Isola Comacina, Isola Comacina & Tremezzina
27–28 June 2026
A historic local festival featuring a solemn procession, traditional music, and one of the most spectacular fireworks displays over Lake Como. The event honors the heritage of Isola Comacina and attracts thousands of visitors each year.
Family-Friendly Activities Around Lake Como
1- Boat Tours on Lake Como
One of the most exciting activities for families visiting Lake Como is taking a boat tour. Kids will love the experience of cruising across the clear blue waters, with the chance to spot beautiful villas, lush hills, and scenic views along the shoreline. You can choose from public ferries, private boat rentals, or guided tours, depending on your preferences.
POPULAR Private Tours on Lake Como
2 - Visit the Historic Villas of Lake Como
One of the absolute must-do experiences on Lake Como is visiting one or more of its historic lakeside villas. These elegant estates combine art, history, and beautifully landscaped gardens, making them a perfect activity for families who want a slower-paced cultural experience.
The most famous villas include Villa Carlotta, Villa del Balbianello, Villa Melzi d'Eril, and Villa Monastero — all beautiful in their own way, each offering a slightly different atmosphere and setting.
Which villa (or villas) to visit really depends on your itinerary, where you are staying around the lake, and how many days you have available.
Photo by Debora Molteni on Unsplash
3 - Visit the Orrido di Nesso or Orrido di Bellano
Both the Orrido di Nesso and Orrido di Bellano are stunning natural wonders located near the lake. The Orrido di Nesso is a hidden gem—a waterfall flowing through a narrow gorge, which can be reached via a family-friendly hike. Orrido di Bellano is another dramatic waterfall that cuts through the rocky landscape, offering kids a thrilling experience. These awe-inspiring spots are perfect for nature-loving families seeking adventure.
4 - Relax at Lake Como’s Lidos
Lake Como offers a variety of lidos, perfect for families to relax and enjoy some time by the water. There is no shortage of these lakeside beaches where families can unwind and kids can splash around. If you prefer the local beach, Lierna Beach or Onnolulu Beach are the most perfect spots. The calm waters make it ideal for swimming, and the peaceful surroundings offer a wonderful place to relax after a day of exploring.
5 - Take a Scenic Hike to Piani dei Resinelli
For families who enjoy outdoor activities, a hike to Piani dei Resinelli is a must. This scenic mountain plateau offers breathtaking views of the surrounding mountains and Lake Como. The hiking trails are family-friendly, and kids will love the opportunity to explore nature while taking in panoramic views of the area. It's a great way to introduce your children to hiking and outdoor adventure.
6 - Explore the Most Scenic Family-Friendly Villages Around Lake Como
Lake Como is dotted with charming and picturesque villages that are perfect for exploring with kids. Take a stroll through the colorful streets of Varenna, known for its romantic lakeside promenade and beautiful views. Visit Bellagio, the "Pearl of Lake Como," where cobbled streets, gardens, and local markets offer a quaint family experience. The town of Lecco offers a lively atmosphere and is great for a day of shopping and dining. Como, the main town, is rich in history and boasts a beautiful cathedral, while Menaggio provides a charming lakeside retreat with plenty of activities for families. Don't forget to visit Bellano, a lesser-known gem of Lake Como offering a peaceful atmosphere and beautiful lake views. These villages are perfect for leisurely walks, local cafes, and the chance to soak in the stunning lakeside scenery.
7 - Visit the Castles of Lake Como
Lake Como is home to some fascinating castles, perfect for families to explore. One of the most iconic is Castello di Vezio in Varenna. Perched high above the town, this medieval castle offers panoramic views of the lake and has a fascinating history. Exploring the castle grounds and learning about the area’s past is both educational and exciting for young visitors. Discover the beautiful panorama, garden, tower, and underground dungeons of Castello di Vezio with this pre-bought entry ticket.
Other things to do around Lake Como worth considering
Beyond the most well-known villas and lakeside towns, Lake Como offers a variety of experiences that are especially rewarding for families looking to explore at a slower pace and discover less crowded spots.
These can easily be added to your itinerary depending on how many days you are staying in the area, and are particularly well suited to children and teenagers who enjoy a bit more activity alongside the classic sightseeing.
How to Get to Lake Como with Kids
Getting to Lake Como is relatively easy, with several transportation options available depending on where you're coming from.
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By Train: One of the easiest and most efficient ways to reach Lake Como is by train from Milan. Both Como and Varenna are very well connected by direct regional trains from Milan, with journey times of approximately 40 minutes to Como and around 1 hour to Varenna. The best arrival point really depends on your itinerary around the lake. Como is ideal if you plan to explore the southwestern branch of the lake or spend time in the town itself. However, bear in mind that ferry journeys departing from Como are significantly longer due to the size and shape of the lake. If your main goal is to visit the most famous central lake towns such as Bellagio, Menaggio, and Varenna, taking the train directly to Varenna is often the most practical option. You arrive straight into the heart of Lake Como, within walking distance of the ferry terminal and the historic town centre. Once at the lake, ferries, local buses, and funiculars make it relatively easy to move between towns without needing a car.
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By Car: If you prefer to have more flexibility, renting a car is another great option. The drive from Milan to Lake Como takes approximately 1.5 hours. Driving allows you to explore the area at your own pace, but keep in mind that parking in popular towns can be limited, especially during the peak tourist season.
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By Boat: Travelling by boat is one of the most scenic and enjoyable ways to explore Lake Como, especially if you are already staying in one of the lakeside towns. Regular ferry services connect destinations such as Bellagio, Varenna, Como, Menaggio, and Tremezzo, allowing families to enjoy the lake views while avoiding narrow and often congested roads. However, it is important to plan ahead during the summer months. It is not the first year that visitors have reported queues for ferries lasting up to two hours, particularly on popular central lake routes and during weekends. If you need to return to another part of the lake in the evening, avoid leaving your departure until the last possible boat, as some routes operate reduced or limited evening services. Always check the official ferry timetables in advance, as schedules vary significantly depending on the season and route.
Lake Como TOP RATED day trips
FAQ: Visiting Lake Como with Kids
Is Lake Como a good destination for families with kids?
Yes! Lake Como is ideal for families, offering stunning scenery, gentle lakeside walks, and activities that children love, such as boat tours, exploring historic villas, and visiting lush gardens. Its relaxed pace makes it perfect for a family-friendly holiday.
Which activities are best for kids in Lake Como?
Families can enjoy boat trips across the lake, visits to historic villas with gardens like Villa Carlotta or Villa del Balbianello, lakeside promenades, playgrounds, and even easy hiking trails suitable for children. Many towns also have family-friendly cafes and gelaterias.
Is Lake Como easily accessible for families traveling from Milan or Switzerland?
Absolutely. Lake Como is very close to Milan and near the Swiss border, making it easy to reach by train, bus, or car. Milan’s international airports also make it convenient for families flying in from abroad.
How do families get around Lake Como with kids?
Lake Como has an excellent transportation network. Ferries, buses, and trains connect most towns along the lake, allowing families to explore multiple villages without long drives. Many ferries are family-friendly and accommodate strollers.
Which Lake Como towns are best for families with children?
Towns like Como, Bellagio, and Varenna are popular with families due to their flat lakeside promenades, parks, gardens, and easy access to ferries. These towns are manageable with kids and offer a mix of sightseeing and relaxing activities.
What is the best base for exploring Lake Como with kids?
The best base depends on several factors: how long you plan to stay, where you are coming from, whether you’re driving, and which parts of the lake you want to explore. For convenience: Como and Varenna are excellent bases, as both have direct train connections to Milan. If driving and seeking views: Hilltop locations offer incredible scenery, but roads are narrow and winding. If you’re not a confident driver, it’s better to stick to main lakeside towns. Ferry considerations: Check ferry schedules in advance, as some towns have fewer daily departures, which can affect your travel plans.
Is Lake Como safe to swim in with kids?
Absolutely! Lake Como can be a safe and fun place for swimming with children, but you need to carefully choose where you go. Read our full guide on where to swim with kids in Lake Como, where we share the best spots, safety recommendations, and areas to avoid.