Italy has always held a special place in our travel dreams. We always wanted to explore its history, beauty, and yes, fashion. But when planning a summer holiday as a family of four, I’ll admit, I hesitated to include any serious shopping on our itinerary. With two energetic children and a husband who prefers landscapes to luxury labels, I wasn’t sure a day at an outlet mall would win any votes. That changed when we discovered Serravalle Designer Outlet.
Just an hour’s drive from Milan (or easily accessible by shuttle), Serravalle turned out to be more than a shopping stop; it was a destination. Designed like a charming open-air village in the rolling hills of Monferrato, Piedmont, it gave us room to breathe, wander, and relax. The architecture blends Italian elegance with modern convenience, creating a space that feels far removed from the typical shopping mall.
We had started our trip in Milan, introducing the children, ages 6 and 10, to the city’s highlights: the iconic Duomo, the fascinating Leonardo da Vinci Museum of Science and Technology, and plenty of gelato stops along the way. Having already explored Lake Como on a previous trip, we wanted to add something new to our itinerary before heading towards the seaside in Liguria. A full-day excursion to Serravalle Designer Outlet fit perfectly, especially since we were already looking into options for outlet shopping near Milan.
Traveling in Italy with children doesn’t mean compromising on culture, style, or experience; it just requires thoughtful planning. Places like Serravalle show that family travel can be effortless and rewarding in the right environment.
With more than 230 stores, the variety is exceptional. Spotting Peserico, a brand I’ve loved for years but rarely find in the US, felt like striking gold. The shop assistants were true professionals. One helped me create different looks with just a few beautiful pieces. It was like having a personal stylist, making the experience even more enjoyable.
My husband, not usually one for browsing, headed straight for BOSS for casual wear and then to Zegna for elegant pieces to add to his work wardrobe. Both stores offered excellent service and a refined selection, and even he admitted it was one of the best shopping experiences he’s had in Italy.
Meanwhile, the children made a beeline for Lele’s Acqua Park, an interactive play area featuring water jets, climbing zones, and ample space to burn off energy. Luckily, we had our luggage in the car, and swimsuits were on hand. We felt perfectly comfortable letting them play freely within eyeshot while we relaxed with a Spritz at a nearby café. Serravalle also offers child-minding services, which is a rare and appreciated touch that gave us the peace of mind to enjoy the day without rushing.
The outlet features world-renowned designer names, including Gucci, Prada, Valentino, and Armani, as well as a thoughtful selection of children’s fashion. While Adidas and Nike are well-represented, I was drawn to the Kids Around boutique, where I found beautiful pieces from high-end kids’ labels. Having some nice outfits for special occasions and celebrations is always a good idea. It’s the kind of place where you find something unique that you just don’t come across back home.
The entire outlet is designed with families in mind, from clean restrooms and shaded benches to cafés with kid-friendly menus and rest stops that make it easy to keep everyone happy.
We knew it would be a full-day excursion, and it was worth it. It wasn’t just a shopping trip; it became one of those rare moments where everyone found something they genuinely enjoyed, which, as any parent knows, is no small feat on holiday.
Travel tip: If you’re visiting northern Italy, especially Milan, Turin, or Genoa, be sure to plan and include Serravalle in your travel plans. It’s more than just an outlet; it’s an experience the whole family can enjoy.
