I've wanted to go to Milan forever. It just seems so glamorous, though I am not that fashion forward. After having children, it just didn't seem like the typical family-friendly destination. I was wrong. There are gelatarias, patisscerias, playgrounds all over. Almost every block has a playground. The funny part is that there were more adults relaxing and soaking up the sun than there were children! Also a free aquarium, that's small but a nice break. It's located next to the huge park Piazza Sempione! If you're there long term, there are also indoor swimming pools all over the place.
My children loved Milan. I think they loved it mostly for the incredible weather! It was in the lower 60s (Fahrenheit) while were there. A big contrast to the 30s and 40s in the town we live in Germany. The people were extremely friendly and curious. My children can be a bit eccentric (like their parents) and they got a lot of odd looks from the locals. My husband and I were cracking up lol.
One annoying aspect of Milan that I experienced in Paris back in 2010 not in 2013 is all the peddlers. It was ridiculous. I had my big azz camera so I basically had "I am a tourist" boldly written on my forehead.
We checked out the Duomo church, Piazza della Scala, Sforza Castle and other landmarks. Like most places we've been, we have little children, there were no partaking in the famous operas or museums. But my husband and I said we will definitely be back....some time in the lifetime!
Of course we ate quite well. The restaurants' prices were a bit on the high end, but we didn't have one bad meal. The prices stung initially, but later we had no regrets!