Milan is what you want it to be. You could spend your whole time in the many excellent art galleries and museums, walking the city and seeing its historic architecture. Or you could come for the pre-Lent carnival or the Christmas fair. Milan has lots of opportunities for families, and it's close enough to Lake Como for a side trip. Fashion is Milan's middle name and you'll have many opportunities to see the new collections in the various fashion weeks. You might simply come to shop and make the most of the designer brands that you'll find at every turn.