The 9 Best Things to Do in Florence with Kids

Table of Contents:

• Why Florence is the Perfect Family Destination
• What to Know Before You Go to Florence
• Practical Tips for Families:
• Best Things to Do in Florence with Kids
  • Climb the Campanile di Giotto for Stunning Views
  • Explore the Boboli Gardens
  • Take a Fun Ride on the Piazza della Repubblica Carousel
  • Visit the Museum of Illusions
  • Discover Florence’s Rich History at the Uffizi Gallery
  • Sample Gelato at Venchi
  • Explore the Historic Piazza della Signoria
  • Visit the Leonardo da Vinci Museum
  • Cycle Through the Scenic Tuscan Countryside
• Florence Activities Comparison Table for Different Age Groups
• What better place to create unforgettable family memories than Florence?
• FAQs

Why Florence is the Perfect Family Destination

Florence is often associated with art lovers and history buffs, but it’s also a city that families will find enchanting and fun. First-time visitors in Florence enjoy the mix of outdoor spaces, engaging museums, and iconic landmarks. Florence offers plenty for both young kids and teenagers.

What to Know Before You Go to Florence

Practical Tips for Families:

Before you embark on your family adventure, it’s important to know what to expect when travelling to Florence.

1. Lodging in Florence

• Florence offers a range of family-friendly accommodations.
• For easy access to top sights like the Duomo and Piazza della Signoria, stay in the historic centre.
• Choose from family suites or apartments with kitchenettes in many hotels, or consider a vacation rental for more flexibility.

2. Walking in Florence

• Florence is a walkable city, with most attractions located near each other.
• Cobblestone streets may be challenging for strollers, so comfortable shoes are essential for the whole family.

3. Getting Around

• Walking is the best way to explore Florence’s compact centre.
• For longer distances, use public transport (buses or taxis), which are convenient for families.
• If you’re planning a day trip to nearby towns, such as Pisa or Fiesole, the train is ideal.

Best Things to Do in Florence with Kids

There are many places to visit in Florence. Here’s a carefully curated list of the 9 best things to do in Florence with kids, offering a variety of experiences from outdoor adventures to immersive cultural attractions.

1. Climb the Campanile di Giotto for Stunning Views

Start your Florence adventure by climbing the Campanile di Giotto. This iconic bell tower offers stunning panoramic views of Florence’s skyline and the Tuscan countryside. It’s an exciting and educational experience, especially for older children and teens. The climb itself can be a challenge, but the reward at the top is worth it!

Why It’s Great for Families: The view from the top offers an opportunity to teach children about Florence’s architecture and history.

Tip: Try to arrive early to avoid crowds, especially during peak tourist season.

2. Explore the Boboli Gardens

After your climb, head to the Boboli Gardens, an expansive green space perfect for families. The gardens are filled with fountains, hidden grottos, and sculptures, making it a wonderful place for kids to run around and explore. Parents can relax while the kids discover all the treasures of this Renaissance garden.

Why It’s Great for Families: Boboli Gardens is one of the many cool things to do in Florence with kids because of its vast space and beautiful surroundings. The open lawns are ideal for relaxing and playing.

Tip: Pack a picnic to enjoy while you take in the peaceful atmosphere.

3. Take a Fun Ride on the Piazza della Repubblica Carousel

For a bit of fun, make your way to Piazza della Repubblica, where you’ll find an antique carousel that’s perfect for younger kids. This nostalgic ride offers a bit of magic and is one of the best things to do with kids in Florence.

Why It’s Great for Families: The carousel is a hit with younger children, and the vibrant atmosphere of the square adds to the experience. It’s a perfect quick stop to let kids enjoy some fun while the adults pause for a breather.

Tip: The carousel tends to get busier in the late afternoon and early evening, so visit earlier in the day for shorter waits and better photo opportunities.

4. Visit the Museum of Illusions

For something quirky and interactive, visit the Museum of Illusions, one fun things to do in Florence with kids. Here, kids can engage with optical illusions, interactive exhibits, and mind-bending puzzles. It’s a fun and educational experience that also makes for great photos.

Why It’s Great for Families: The museum’s hands-on exhibits are ideal for keeping kids engaged and entertained. It’s one of the best things to do in Florence on a rainy day or for families looking for a break from outdoor activities.

Tip: Book your tickets online in advance – time slots fill up, especially on weekends and rainy days.

5. Discover Florence’s Rich History at the Uffizi Gallery

The Uffizi Gallery is a highly recommended activity to do while visiting Florence with kids. Italy is home to some of the world’s greatest artworks and while the Uffizi Gallery is renowned for its collection of Renaissance masterpieces, the gallery also offers family-friendly tours that bring the art to life for kids.

Why It’s Great for Families: This museum provides an opportunity for children to engage with art more interactively, and it’s an essential stop for families interested in Florence’s rich cultural heritage.

Tip: Opt for a family-oriented guided tour to make the visit more engaging for younger audiences.

6. Sample Gelato at Venchi

No visit to Florence is complete without enjoying gelato, and Venchi is one of the best spots in the city. With its delicious flavours and chocolate fountains, it’s the perfect place to treat your family to something sweet after a day of sightseeing.

Why It’s Great for Families: It’s one of the best gelato spots in Florence, loved by both locals and visitors. The chocolate fountains add a bit of magic, making it a memorable stop for kids.

Tip: Venchi is located right by the Arno River, which makes for a great spot to enjoy your gelato while you watch the boats go by.

7. Explore the Historic Piazza della Signoria

Take a walk through Piazza della Signoria, a historic square surrounded by Florence’s most famous landmarks. Here, families can enjoy the outdoor sculptures and landmarks like the Palazzo Vecchio and Loggia dei Lanzi. The open space is perfect for kids to explore, while adults can appreciate the history and art.

Why It’s Great for Families: The square is an open-air museum with statues that will fascinate children of all ages, making it a great stop for families to immerse themselves in Florence’s art and history.

Tip: The square can get very sunny with little shade, so bring hats and take breaks under the Loggia dei Lanzi. It’s one of the few shaded spots, and kids can rest while you point out the major sculptures without getting overheated

8. Visit the Leonardo da Vinci Museum

The Leonardo da Vinci Museum is a must-see for families with older kids and teens. It offers an engaging look at Leonardo’s inventions and contributions to science and art. It’s one of the best things to do with kids in Florence if your family enjoys hands-on learning and creative exploration. Kids love the interactive exhibits.

Why It’s Great for Families: The museum provides a dynamic experience for teens, with exhibits that span art, engineering, and anatomy.

Tip: The museum has two locations in Florence under similar names. Make sure you’re heading to the Via dei Servi one if you want the hands-on, interactive experience.

9. Cycle Through the Scenic Tuscan Countryside

For an active day, a cycling tour through the Tuscan countryside is a fantastic way to explore beyond the city. The bike ride takes you through charming villages, vineyards, and rolling hills, offering stunning views and a fun family outing.

Why It’s Great for Families: This outdoor activity is perfect for older children and teens who enjoy being active while taking in the beautiful scenery.

Tip: Book a guided tour that’s designed for families to ensure the route is suitable for all ages.

Florence Activities Comparison Table for Different Age Groups

Florence offers a variety of activities for families visiting Florence with kids, ranging from relaxing garden strolls to engaging museum visits. Here’s a quick guide to help you choose the best activities for your little ones and teens in the city.

What better place to create unforgettable family memories than Florence?

Florence is a perfect destination for families, offering a great mix of culture, fun, and delicious food. Whether you’re looking for interactive museums, beautiful gardens, or fun family activities, Florence has something to offer every member of the family.

Start planning your family-friendly trip to Florence with Italy4Real, where we specialise in crafting tailored itineraries that will ensure you make the most of your time in this beautiful city.

FAQs

Is Florence pushchair friendly?

While Florence is a beautiful city to walk around, the cobblestone streets can make it challenging for strollers. That said, areas like Piazza della Signoria and Boboli Gardens are more stroller-friendly, and many public transport options also accommodate strollers.

How many days should I spend in Florence with kids?

We recommend spending at least 3 days to experience the best activities without rushing, but you can enjoy the highlights in just one day if you’re short on time. For a detailed itinerary, check out our 3-day guide to Florence.

What is the best time of year to visit Florence with kids?

The best times to visit Florence with kids are spring (April to June) and early autumn (September to October). The weather is pleasant, and the city is less crowded compared to the summer months, making it ideal for family sightseeing. For more on when to visit Florence, check out our guide on the best time to visit Florence.

What’s the best way to get around Florence with kids?

Walking is the best way to explore Florence, but if you’re travelling with young kids, consider using public transport for longer distances. Buses and taxis are easy to use, and some routes have spaces for strollers. For a more scenic approach, take a family-friendly bike tour around the city or through the Tuscan countryside. You can find more day trip options in our guide to the best day trips from Florence.

What should I pack for a trip to Florence?

For Florence, it’s essential to pack well. Prioritise comfortable walking shoes for exploring the cobblestone streets and light layers to adapt to changing temperatures throughout the day. Sunscreen, sunglasses, and a hat are essential for outdoor activities, especially if you’re visiting iconic sights.

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