Lake Como with Kids: A Magical Italian Escape Between Mountains, Villages & Family Adventures

Lake Como with Kids: Best Things to Do & Family Travel Guide

Lake Como with kids: where Italy feels a little bit unreal

There are places where you arrive and immediately understand why everyone has been talking about them for years.

Lake Como was one of those places for us.

We had seen the pictures before we went. The blue lake, the mountains, the beautiful villas and the little villages scattered along the shoreline. But pictures really don’t prepare you for the first time you actually see Lake Como.

The mountains seem to rise straight out of the water, the villages are stacked against the hillsides and everywhere you look there is another view that makes you want to stop.

After Rome, Venice and Verona, Lake Como felt like a completely different side of Italy.

There was less rushing around. Instead of trying to see five things before dinner, we could take a boat to another village, find somewhere for lunch, have a gelato and simply see where the afternoon took us.

And with kids, that turned out to be exactly what we needed.

Because travelling with children doesn’t always go according to plan. Sometimes they are interested in an ancient Roman ruin for exactly seven minutes. Sometimes the highlight of the day is a swimming spot you hadn’t planned to visit at all.

At Lake Como, that didn’t really matter.

There was always another boat to catch, another village to explore or another gelato shop to discover.

And that is probably one of the reasons we think Lake Como works so well for a family holiday.

Planning a family trip through Italy

Lake Como was part of our wider Italian adventure, and it works particularly well as one of several stops on an Italy road trip.

If you’re planning a similar trip, you could start in Rome and spend a few days exploring the Colosseum, Roman Forum and the other historic sights before heading north.

We loved Rome with the kids because history suddenly became much easier to understand when they could actually walk through the places they had heard about. If you’re planning a family city break there, take a look at our Rome with Kids guide for more ideas.

From there, Venice is an obvious next stop. Getting lost in the narrow streets, crossing little bridges and taking a boat through the canals feels like an adventure in itself. We have also put together our Venice with Kids guide if you’re adding Venice to your family itinerary.

Then there is Verona, which we found much smaller and easier to explore than Rome or Venice. It’s a lovely place to slow down for a day or two, especially with children. Our Verona with Kids guide has more ideas for exploring the city as a family.

And if you have more time, Milan and Florence can easily be added to the route.

We have brought all of our Italian family adventures together in our The Best Italian Road Trips for Families: Beautiful Routes, Hidden Gems & Travel Tips guide, which is a good place to start if you’re still planning your itinerary.

Lake Como can also work perfectly well as a holiday on its own. In fact, if you don’t want to move hotels every few nights, staying around the lake for a week and exploring from one base is a very tempting option.

Getting to Lake Como with kids

There are several ways to get to Lake Como, but we really liked having a car.

Especially with children.

You don’t have to think about whether you have packed everything into one backpack, you can stop whenever someone needs a break and you can explore some of the smaller places around the lake.

And the drive itself is part of the experience.

The roads around Lake Como can be narrow and winding, so you definitely don’t want to rush. But that is also what makes driving here fun. One minute you’re driving along the lake and the next you’re looking down at the water from high above.

If you’re flying into Italy, it’s worth comparing rental car prices before you go. We use DiscoverCars.

In summer, prices can increase quickly and automatic cars are often limited.

Travel tip:
Don’t automatically choose the biggest car. Some of the roads and parking spaces around the lake are surprisingly tight, so a smaller car can actually make life much easier.

For us, having a rental car was especially useful when we wanted to explore beyond the main ferry routes.

And as with every family holiday, we always arrange travel insurance before leaving. It is one of those things you hope you never need, but travelling with children makes the extra peace of mind worthwhile.

Getting around Lake Como with kids

One of the things we quickly realised is that Lake Como looks smaller on a map than it feels when you’re actually there.

The lake is surrounded by villages, and although they may look close together, travelling from one side to another can take time.

That is why the ferries are such a great option when travelling with children.

And honestly, the journey is part of the experience.

Our kids were much more excited about getting on the next ferry than they would ever have been about another car journey.

Exploring Lake Como by boat

If there is one thing you should put on your Lake Como itinerary, make it a boat trip.

Seriously.

The first time you travel across the lake and look back at the villages from the water, you understand why Lake Como has become so famous.

And the kids loved it.

The ferry isn’t just transportation when you’re travelling with children. It becomes part of the day.

You get on the boat, find a place outside, watch the villages disappear behind you and wait to see where you’re going next.

Much more exciting than sitting in the back of a car.

The ferry network connects many of the main villages, making it possible to leave the car behind for a day.

That also means you don’t have to plan every minute. You can visit one village in the morning, have lunch somewhere else and decide later where to go next.

That flexibility was one of our favourite things about Lake Como.

The best places to visit in Lake Como with kids

There are plenty of beautiful villages around Lake Como, but you don’t need to visit every single one.

With children, we found that choosing a few places and leaving enough time to simply enjoy them worked much better.

Bellagio: beautiful, busy and worth seeing

Bellagio is probably the place most people picture when they think of Lake Como.

And yes, it really is that pretty.

The old streets climb up from the lake, colourful buildings line the narrow lanes and there are little shops, cafés and restaurants around almost every corner.

We didn’t try to turn Bellagio into a sightseeing mission.

Instead, we simply wandered around.

With kids, that is often the better approach.

We stopped for gelato, looked into shops, found viewpoints and took far too many pictures of the lake.

Bellagio can get very busy, particularly during the summer months. If you want to experience it without quite so many people around, arrive early in the morning or stay later in the day.

Either way, I wouldn’t leave it off your Lake Como itinerary.

Varenna: the village we loved most

If Bellagio is the famous one, Varenna felt a little more relaxed to us.

It is smaller and has a wonderful waterfront promenade, with colourful houses and views across the lake.

This was the kind of place where we were happy to simply walk around without having a list of things we needed to see.

And that is probably what I liked most about Varenna.

There was no pressure to keep moving.

We could stop for something to eat, sit by the water and watch the boats.

Varenna is also very convenient if you want to explore Lake Como by ferry, so it makes a good base for families who don’t want to use the car every day.

If you’re looking for accommodation here, I would book early, especially for the summer holidays.

Como: more than just an arrival point

The city of Como is often the first place visitors see, particularly if they arrive by train or fly into Milan.

It is worth staying for a while rather than simply passing through.

The old town is easy to explore on foot and the waterfront is lovely for a stroll.

One of the things we particularly enjoyed was taking the funicular up to Brunate.

The ride isn’t very long, which is actually perfect with children, because they get the excitement of going up the mountain without spending half the day travelling.

And once you’re at the top, the views are fantastic.

You can see the lake, the surrounding mountains and Como far below.

It’s one of those relatively simple activities that ends up being one of the things the kids remember.

Things to do in Lake Como with kids

Lake Como might have a reputation as a destination for romantic weekends and luxury hotels, but don’t let that put you off travelling here with children.

There is plenty to keep families busy.

And the best part? Many of the things to do in Lake Como with kids don’t require an elaborate itinerary.

Take a boat across Lake Como

This would be our number one recommendation.

You don’t need an expensive private boat tour to enjoy Lake Como. The regular ferries already give you some spectacular views.

Of course, if you’d like to make it a special occasion, there are also private boat trips and organised tours available.

For families, a boat trip can be a great way to see several parts of the lake without constantly getting in and out of the car.

Visit one of the gardens

The villas around Lake Como are famous for their gardens, and some of them are genuinely spectacular.

Even if your children aren’t particularly interested in gardens, the combination of paths, fountains, flowers and lake views makes these places different from the usual sightseeing stops.

Just don’t plan too many gardens in one trip.

Even in Italy, children have their limits.

Go swimming in Lake Como

In summer, the lake becomes a completely different experience.

After walking through villages in the heat, being able to cool down in the water is exactly what everyone needs.

There are swimming areas and small beaches around the lake, although the setup varies from place to place.

We found that having swimwear and towels with us was always a good idea.

Because naturally, the moment you don’t bring them is the moment the kids find somewhere they desperately want to swim.

Take the funicular to Brunate

The funicular from Como to Brunate is a simple activity but one we would definitely recommend for families.

The journey is short and exciting, and the views from above make it worthwhile.

If you have children who aren’t huge fans of sightseeing, this is also an easy way to add something different to a day in Como.

If you’d like to book activities for your trip, you can do so through Travelicious and get an extra 5% discount.

Where to stay in Lake Como with kids

Where you stay can make quite a difference to your holiday.

Lake Como isn’t small, and while the villages look close together on a map, travelling around the lake can take longer than you might expect.

For us, the best location depends on what kind of family holiday you’re looking for.

Varenna is a great choice if you want a pretty, quieter village and good ferry connections.

Bellagio is ideal if you want the classic Lake Como experience, with restaurants, shops and beautiful streets right outside your accommodation. Just be prepared for more visitors.

Como is practical if you’re arriving by train, flying into Milan or combining Lake Como with other destinations in northern Italy.

Menaggio: our favourite family stay

We stayed at Hotel Du Lac Menaggio, and honestly, it was one of the best choices we made around Lake Como.

The view alone was magnificent. Waking up and looking out over Lake Como, with the mountains surrounding the water, never really got old.

But what made the hotel even better for us was the rooftop infinity pool.

It wasn’t the biggest pool, but that didn’t matter to the kids at all. After a day of exploring villages, walking around in the heat and taking ferries across the lake, going for a swim was an easy choice.

They loved it.

And I have to admit, being able to cool down in the pool while looking out over Lake Como was pretty wonderful for us too.

Another thing we loved about staying here was how easy everything felt. Step outside the hotel and you’re surrounded by some really nice restaurants, so there was no need to get back in the car or plan another outing for dinner.

We actually had one of those evenings that reminded us why you don’t always need perfect weather to have a great holiday.

We had dinner at one of the restaurants overlooking the lake. At first, we were a little disappointed that we hadn’t been lucky enough to get a table outside, so we settled in inside and enjoyed our meal.

Then the sky started getting darker.

And suddenly it started to pour.

Within minutes, we were all looking at each other thinking, thank goodness we are sitting inside!

The shower lasted about forty minutes. The temperature dropped a little, but it was still comfortable, and because we were already sitting inside enjoying dinner, we weren’t bothered at all.

In fact, we decided to make the most of it.

We ordered an extra dessert.

That was a punishment in itself. 🙂

By the time we finished, the rain had passed and we could simply walk back to the hotel dry.

For us, that’s exactly what makes a family-friendly hotel work. It doesn’t have to have everything. Sometimes a great view, a pool where the kids can jump in at the end of the day and good restaurants right outside the door are more than enough.

If you’re looking for somewhere to stay in Lake Como with kids, Hotel Du Lac Menaggio would definitely be high on our list.

For families, I’d also check whether your accommodation has air conditioning and a pool during the summer months. Those two things can make a surprisingly big difference after a day of exploring.

And then there is the food…

Let’s be honest.

One of the reasons we love travelling through Italy is that you never have to look too far for something delicious.

Maybe it’s simply because you’re in Italy, but somehow everything tastes better here. A simple plate of pasta, a pizza, a glass of wine and that view of the lake suddenly feels like the perfect dinner.

Lake Como is no exception.

Food is such a big part of travelling for us that we put together our [The Best Italian Food to Try by Region: A Family Food Journey Through Italy] guide, filled with the dishes we think families shouldn’t miss when travelling around Italy.

With children, we rarely look for the most sophisticated restaurant in town. We much prefer somewhere relaxed where everyone can sit down without worrying about whether the children are being perfectly quiet.

Some of our favourite meals while travelling have been the simplest ones.

A plate of pasta.

A pizza shared at the table.

A glass of wine for the adults.

And a lake view while the sun starts disappearing behind the mountains.

You don’t need a Michelin-starred restaurant to make dinner memorable.

Is Lake Como worth visiting with kids?

For us, absolutely.

We went to Lake Como expecting beautiful scenery, and obviously we got that.

What we didn’t expect was how easy it would be to enjoy it as a family.

There is enough to keep adventurous kids busy, but there is also plenty of space to slow down.

You can spend one day visiting villages and taking ferries, another swimming in the lake and another simply enjoying your hotel or apartment.

And that balance is exactly what makes Lake Como work so well for a family holiday.

The kids get their boats, swimming and gelato.

Parents get the mountains, the lake and those long Italian dinners.

And somewhere in between all of that, you get the moments you didn’t plan for.

The funny conversation on the ferry.

The unexpected swimming stop.

The gelato that somehow ends up all over someone’s clothes.

The view that makes everyone stop talking for a minute.

Those are the things we remember.

Planning your own Lake Como family holiday?

By now, you probably have a growing list of places you’d like to see.

Bellagio.

Varenna.

Como.

Maybe Menaggio too.

And then there are the boat trips, swimming spots, restaurants, gardens and all those little villages that look far too tempting to skip.

The problem is that when you’re travelling with kids, you can’t do everything.

And honestly, you don’t want to.

The best family trips aren’t the ones where you’ve ticked every box. They’re the ones where you’ve left enough space for a long lunch, an unexpected swim or another gelato because everyone is having too much fun to go back to the hotel yet.

Lake Como is relatively easy to visit, but putting all the pieces together can still take quite a bit of planning.

Where should you stay?

Do you need a car?

Which villages are actually worth visiting?

How many days do you need?

And how do you fit everything together without spending your entire holiday driving around the lake?

That’s where I can help.

With I plan your itinerary, you tell me where you want to go, when you’re travelling, who you’re travelling with and what your family enjoys. I’ll help turn all those ideas into a realistic family-friendly itinerary that actually makes sense.

Because you don’t need another spreadsheet full of places to visit.

You need a holiday that works for your family.

And if Lake Como has taught us anything, it’s that sometimes the best moments are the ones you didn’t plan for.

Frequently Asked Questions About Lake Como with Kids

Is Lake Como good for kids?

Absolutely. Lake Como combines sightseeing with activities children tend to enjoy, such as boat trips, swimming, gelato and funicular rides. It also gives families plenty of opportunities to slow down rather than rushing from attraction to attraction.

What are the best things to do in Lake Como with kids?

Some of our favourite family activities include taking the ferry between villages, exploring Bellagio and Varenna, swimming in the lake and taking the funicular from Como to Brunate.

Which part of Lake Como is best for families?

It depends on what you’re looking for. Varenna is a great choice for a quieter atmosphere and ferry connections, Bellagio offers the classic Lake Como experience, Como is practical for transport connections, and Menaggio makes a relaxed base for exploring the central lake.

How many days do you need in Lake Como with kids?

We’d recommend at least three or four days if you want to explore several villages without rushing. A week also works beautifully if you’d rather stay in one place and use Lake Como as your family holiday base.

Can you get around Lake Como without a car?

Yes. The ferry network makes it relatively easy to visit many of the main villages without driving. We loved having a car for flexibility, but you certainly don’t need one for your entire stay.