Lake Como with kids is one of the best adventures you can have in Italy – and trust me, I’ve been swimming these waters for centuries, so I know what I’m talking about! Hi, I’m Larry the Comosaurus, the friendly (and slightly misunderstood) monster of Lake Como, and this is my ultimate guide for families who want to explore MY lake together. Splashing guaranteed. Screaming optional.
Why Lake Como is Perfect for Kids (According to a Monster)
Look, I may be a prehistoric lake creature, but even I can see that Lake Como is basically a giant playground. There are ferries that zip between colourful villages, mountains that beg to be hiked, gelato shops on every corner, and – if you’re very lucky – a glimpse of a giant green tail breaking the surface of the water. That last one is just me saying hello, don’t worry. Kids absolutely love it here, and parents do too, once they stop checking their emails and actually look around. The lake is shaped like an upside-down Y, which means there are THREE branches full of surprises to explore. You can check out all the best spots on la mia mappa – I drew it myself, with my claws, so it’s charming if not exactly to scale.
Top Family-Friendly Things to Do at Lake Como
I’ve personally tested most of these activities (the ones that don’t require shoes, anyway). Here’s what I recommend for a truly epic family trip to my lake:
- Hop on a ferry – Kids go wild for the boats. There’s something magical about crossing the lake with the breeze in your hair. Even I wave at the ferries sometimes. They don’t always wave back, but still.
- Swim in the lake – Several villages have lidos and free swimming spots. The water is cold, clear, and delicious. Not that I drink it. Much.
- Take a funicular or cable car – The one from Como to Brunate is a kid favourite. Views from up there? Absolutely monstrous. In the good way.
- Hunt for Larry – My personal favourite activity. Look for ripples, bubbles, or large mysterious shadows. I can’t promise I’ll show up, but I definitely can’t promise I won’t.
- Follow a family itinerary – Not sure where to start? I’ve got you covered with my best things to do at Lake Como – packed with stops that even the fussiest little humans will enjoy.
- Eat ALL the gelato – This is non-negotiable. I have no mouth (well, I do, it’s just very large), but I fully support this activity.
Villages Kids Will Absolutely Love
Not all villages on Lake Como are created equal when you’re travelling with children. Some are steep, cobblestoned, and better suited to mountain goats. Others are basically made for families. Here are my top picks:
- Bellagio – The pearl of the lake! Gelato, ferries, and a waterfront perfect for little legs. Plus it’s where I like to lurk around sunset.
- Varenna – Charming, not too crowded, with a lovely lakeside promenade where kids can run free (within reason – there IS a lake).
- Menaggio – Great beach area, a lido, and good connections by ferry. Solid Larry-spotting territory.
- Como city – The big starting point! Cathedral, walls to climb, a beach, and the funicular. Also home to my favourite underwater cave. Not on most maps, though.
The Legend of Lake Como’s Friendliest Monster
No family trip to Lake Como is complete without hearing my story. I’ve been living in these waters since long before the Roman villas, the silk factories, and the celebrity holiday homes showed up. I’ve seen it ALL. Kids always want to know: is Larry real? Am I dangerous? Can I do tricks? The answers are: probably, absolutely not, and only if there’s gelato involved. You can read all about the Lake Como monster – that’s me! – and find out where the legend came from, what locals say they’ve spotted over the centuries, and how to maximise your chances of a Larry encounter. Spoiler: be near the water at dawn. And bring snacks.
Larry’s Practical Tips for Families
I’ve watched a LOT of families arrive at Lake Como over the years. Some prepared, some… less so. Let me share a few hard-earned pearls of wisdom, free of charge:
- Best time to visit with kids: Late spring (May–June) or early autumn (September). Fewer crowds, lower prices, and I’m in a particularly good mood.
- Pack comfortable shoes: The villages are hilly. Your pushchair will not thank you. Your toddler will not thank you. I tried to warn you.
- Buy a ferry day pass: Kids love unlimited ferry rides. Parents love the value. Everyone wins.
- Bring a light jacket: Even in summer, mornings by the lake are fresh. I run warm (I’m a cold-blooded lake monster, long story), but humans are different.
- Actually look at the lake: I know, revolutionary advice. But the lake is gorgeous, and I worked very hard on it over the millennia.
Ready to plan the ultimate family adventure? Start with my complete Lake Como with kids guide, explore my legend for a bit of magic and mystery, and then dive into the details with all my favourite spots and itineraries. The lake is waiting. I am waiting. Let’s make some memories – preferably ones that involve you spotting at least one suspicious ripple on the water.