In this podcast episode, Jeanie Colclough from Riveting Trips welcomes Laura Sanvito of Lake Como For You to discuss traveling with kids in the Lake Como region. We explore itineraries and activities suitable for children from newborns to adults, challenging the notion that the area is primarily a romantic destination. 

Topics covered include baby-friendly walks, boat tours, evening promenades, hotel accommodations with pools, adventure parks, kayaking, hiking, and funicular rides. We also discuss multi-generational travel, cooking classes featuring local dishes, and seasonal travel tips for visiting Lake Como.

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Traveling with newborns can be daunting, but Laura assures us that it’s doable and rewarding. When in Lake Como with a very small child, consider staying in hotels in Tremezzo or Como. These areas offer beautiful, flat waterfront walks, making it easy to navigate with a stroller. Enjoying a boat tour is another fun option; most water taxis have partially closed areas to protect your little ones from elements like wind and water. Just remember to keep the trips shorter, around two to three hours, to ensure a pleasant experience for everyone.

the beautiful promenades in towns like Lecco, which offers a scenic and invigorating place for daily walks and runs. Laura recommends Lecco’s promenade for its less crowded, yet equally stunning, atmosphere compared to more tourist-centric areas.

As your kids grow older and more energetic, the activities in Lake Como can become a bit more adventurous. The region offers kayaking, funicular rides, and numerous panoramic hikes that are suitable for families. For instance, taking a funicular ride up to Brunate can provide both spectacular views and an exciting experience for the family.

Adventure parks near Bellagio feature ziplining and tree-climbing activities, making them a hit with both kids and adults. Laura and I joked about the perfect day being a glass of wine followed by some ziplining—why not enjoy the best of both worlds?

Lake Como is also an excellent destination for multi-generational trips. Families with a mix of older and younger members can enjoy different activities tailored to everyone’s interests. For example, while younger, more active family members can go on early morning hikes, older ones can relax by the lake or join in for a scenic boat ride later in the day. Laura emphasizes that the mild climate allows for hiking year-round, especially if you stay near the lake where the temperatures are more moderate.

The best time to visit Lake Como ranges from April to December. While the weather can be unpredictable in November and December, the charm of festive markets and decorations makes it a delightful time to visit. Just be aware that the lake area is quite seasonal, with many attractions and hotels closing from January to mid-March.

Don’t miss out on culturally enriching activities such as visiting the Villa del Balbianello, known for its cinematic history with movies like “Star Wars: Attack of the Clones” and James Bond films. The guides can adjust their tours to make them engaging for kids by incorporating tales from these movies.

For a more hands-on experience, consider visiting Orrido di Bellano, a stunning creek walk in Bellano that offers 20 minutes of easy trail complete with waterfalls. It’s a delightful way to experience nature without needing a strenuous hike.

No trip to Italy is complete without indulging in local cuisine. Lake Como offers fantastic cooking classes that focus on regional dishes. While pasta and tiramisu classes are popular, Laura suggests opting for a local menu featuring lake fish, risotto, and cheeses unique to the region. These classes are not only an excellent way to immerse your family in Italian culture but also an opportunity to bond over delicious food.

For a farm-to-table experience, take a trip to the Valtellina Valley, renowned for its red wines. This excursion often begins with a fun and educational visit to a local farm where kids can milk goats and make cheese. The day can be rounded off with a wine tasting and an exquisite meal,

allowing both adults and kids to appreciate the culinary riches of the region.

As Laura pointed out, each season offers its unique charms in Lake Como. Visiting during pre-Christmas time can be especially magical with the festive markets and decorations adding to the allure. Often, hotels extend their season, staying open until the end of the year to accommodate the holiday crowds. However, from January to mid-March, many establishments close, and water taxis are limited, making it less ideal to visit.

For multigenerational trips, Laura suggests combining activities that cater to different energy levels. Active family members might enjoy an early morning hike followed by a relaxing sailing trip with a glass of wine. Customized tours that include elements like wine and cheese lovers’ tours, visits to local producers, and scenic boat trips allow for a tailored experience for everyone in the family.

Lake Como proves to be a versatile destination, accommodating the interests and needs of families with children of all ages. From gentle walks with a stroller and peaceful boat rides for the youngest travelers to adventure parks and ziplining for the more adventurous, there’s something for everyone. Cooking classes, wine and cheese tours, and scenic hikes further enrich the experience, making it a destination you’ll want to revisit as your children grow.