Hi we are flying into Milan and getting a car and staying for 2weeks. I have three teenager boys. We haven't book accommodation yet and open to go anywhere. Although a few relaxing days on a beach would be nice and maybe a theme park/water park for the boys.
Would anyone have any suggestions of places to stay middle of July
Thanks
The Alfa Romero Auto Museum is only 15 or so miles from Milan. The only thing more interesting to most teenage boys is teenage girls, but I'll not make recommendations about that.
Seriously, get the boys involved in the planning. Perhaps let each one pick out one or two things they are really interested in. That'll make for a much better trip for everyone.
What are your boys into?
Food is always on the mind of teens, a food tour is always a hit.
Are they active, play lots of sports, bicycling around the city or, parks is one way to burn off the excess energy that teens have. Get up on the roof of the Milan Cathedral.
Are they into fashion/street vibes? If there's one thing that'll get rid of the boredom for teens....it's hanging out and being around other teens.
Are they more introverted or, into gadgets, perhaps spending some time at the Museo Della Scienza e Della Tecnologia (National Museum of Science & Technology), not only do they have interesting contemporary exhibits but, a whole area dedicated to the ideas and inventions of Leonardo da Vinci.
You have three boys, one of them is bound to be bored while the others are fired-up about something, you know your kids best, their interests and what they're capable of. . Probably best to get them involved in the planning process, you don't need to get them into every aspect but, you can certainly layout some choices or, give them a list of places to check out and allow them to research it. As for some water/beach time, halfway in-between Milan and Venice is Lake Garda, lots of interesting towns around the lake, a stunning bike path that sits above the lake is instagram worthy (if your boys are into posting) and there's Gardaland. Arguably Italy's best theme park for rollercoasters and themed attractions, sort of Disney but, not really.
Are you staying in one location for 2 weeks or interested in a few locations not-too-far from Milan over the course of two weeks? Milan is not a good place for a car unless you are leaving the city right away.
If a multi-location trip, look at Lake Como or Lago Maggiore for beach time. Perhaps a few nights in a Tuscan hill town like Montalcino, Montepulciano, or Cortona, or any of the dozens. Just be aware that parking can be challenging and watch out for ZTLs.
With 2 weeks there is no need to stay near Milan. It is hot and humid there in July. I suggest you head to Lago di Garda for the lake, adventure activities and theme parks and water parks. This one in particular seems to appeal to teens:
https://www.canevaworld.it/en/caneva-aquapark/slides-caneva-aquapark.html
Further north on Lago di Garda is Malcescine, which offers land- and water sports such as windsurfing, hiking, mountain biking, rock climbing, as well as an old castle, beautiful scenery, and great food.
https://www.visitmalcesine.com/en
The challenge is going to be finding lodging at a beach (lakeside or seaside) location.
I agree with Lola. I would see the Duomo and Last Supper and spend the rest of the time away from Milan. We only had a few days in that area and spent 2 of them at Lake Como; it was beautiful.
We did fit in Gardaland on that trip, though. Our kids were 9 and 12 and we had several international trips that year; it was a great balance to all the art in Rome! It was a hoot to see lands themed after the American Old West and rides that were basically Top Gun/US Navy, although not officially named that of course! Fun and interesting to see the European version of a park.
Besides that, I love the idea of lakes/hiking/lots of eating amazing food in the north. I'm sure you're aware Italy and can hot and crowded in July. (I would normally say VENICE! but I don't hear great things about summer travel there, maybe someone else can comment on that, we went in April) We always watch a lot of YouTube before trips, hopefully your boys can figure out a clearer direction with that.
