Como with children: the lake, the funicular and green spaces
Children love Como for the simple things: riding the funicular, watching the boats leave, walking by the lake. The centre is small and largely pedestrian, so distances are short. Here are some ideas for family days and practical tips for getting around.
The funicular to Brunate
The Como–Brunate funicular leaves from the lakefront and climbs to Brunate in 7 minutes, with views over the lake and the city. For children, the ride itself is already an adventure. Best chosen on a clear day, when the view opens up.
Times, tickets, child discounts and pushchair access should be checked on the official website. See also Getting around Como.
The lakefront and the park of Villa Olmo
- Lakefront: a flat walk, suitable for pushchairs, past the boat piers and squares overlooking the water.
- Tempio Voltiano: on the lakeshore, the museum dedicated to Alessandro Volta, the inventor of the battery. A short visit, good for sparking older children’s curiosity.
- Parco di Villa Olmo: the historic park on the lake, in front of the neoclassical villa. A green space to stop and let the children run around.
A boat trip
The boat is an easy way to show children the lake: even a short trip to a nearby village is enough. In autumn and winter timetables are reduced and in bad weather services may change: check the seasonal timetables and official notices before setting off. Rules for pushchairs on board and child discounts should be checked on the official channels.
The walled town on foot
Inside the walls the centre is largely pedestrian: it is easy to walk between the Duomo and the squares. The Museo della Seta (Silk Museum), with its looms and machinery, may interest older children.
For meals, our guide «Dove andare a Como» (Where to go in Como) includes osterias in the historic centre and trattorias with lake fish. Ask the restaurants about opening times, high chairs and space for pushchairs.
Practical tips for families
- By car: the historic centre is a ZTL (limited traffic zone). Ask us beforehand how to reach the accommodation. In Italy children travel in a suitable car seat; for children under 4, an anti-abandonment device is also mandatory.
- Switzerland a few kilometres away: for a trip across the border, every member of the family, children included, needs an ID valid for travel abroad.
- Emergencies: 112. For non-urgent medical care: 116117, free in Lombardy.
- More ideas: Como in the rain and A weekend in Como. The Festival della Luce returns with dates that change from one edition to the next: check the official programme for family events.
Looking for a place to stay in Como? You'll find our homes below. Cots, high chairs and other services for children: ask us before booking.
More guides on Como: By boat on Lake Como, Lake Como food in Como and Como in the evening. Some of our homes in Como: L’Arco al Convento; Three-bedroom apartment near Como Cathedral; Sailboat House, on two levels. Or see all properties.