Milan's Woodland Creature
Between Fashion Week and Carnevale, the city was alive with revelry, fancy dress and action, keeping us very busy and entertained. People-watching was never so much fun than here in Milan, Italy. While mama and papa went to the fashion shows, Charles and I managed to explore many of Milan’s family hotspots as well as indulge in the masquerade celebrations of Carnevale.
Hotel
Four Seasons Hotel Milano is located smack-dab in the middle of Quadrilatero della Moda (fashion quarter) and continues to be a favorite with the fashion and film crowd. This remodeled 15th-century convent was our home for our four-day whirlwind weekend. The hotel is a catwalk away from both the Duomo Cathedral and Giardini Pubblici, a shaded park that features Milan’s Natural History Museum and Planetarium.
Duomo
Duomo Cathedral
It has taken over 500 years to construct this impressive church, but it only takes a 150-step climb (or 3 minute elevator ride) to the roof to appreciate its statues, 135 spires and the view of the city.
Giardini Pubblici
We thankfully stumbled upon this refuge on our first day in our exhausted, jet-lagged state. A trip to this park can fill an entire afternoon, as there is a wooden structure playground, mini train, the Civico Museo di Storia Naturale and the Planetario Ulrico Hoepli all in one location. Although we are spoiled with New York’s Natural History Museum, Milan’s collection of dinosaurs was a hit for Charles. Built in 1930, the classic Planetarium’s live presentation of stars and planets impressed us both, but we snuck out since the Italian lecture ran a little long.
Castello Sforzesco
Although there are 12 museums within the castle walls, Charles was more impressed with the moat outside. Our afternoon switched gears once we saw the carnival-like fair in the park behind the castle in honor of Carnevale. We ditched our museum-going plans and took advantage of the roller coasters, games, crepes and got caught up in the Milano Carnevale revelry.
Locomotive at the National Museum of Science and Technology
National Museum of Science and Technology Leonardo Da Vinci
Charles was agape by the collection of locomotives, trams, ships, airplanes and the submarine. I was impressed by the vast collection of da Vinci’s inventions.
Play Planet
If it is raining and your child needs to blow off some steam, head to this indoor center with tunnels, balls, slides and obstacle courses. There is snack food and a pottery café if your little one feels inspired to create your own ceramics.
Nano Bleu
Charles found a beautiful stuffed anteater at this nice toystore located next to the Duomo.
Whether your family visits Milan during Carnevale or not, enjoy the city’s museums and take in the sites with a cone of gelato in your hands.
Park behind the Castello Sforzesco
Mmmmm Gelato!
