Florence is an amazing place to visit when you are in Italy. Between architecture, art, and food, there is no place quite like it! For those traveling to Florence with kids, you might be a little overwhelmed with how to best spend your time hitting all the best stops in Florence while keeping your children entertained.
We’ve been to Florence with our children, so we have some great ideas to share on things to do in Florence with kids that will be fun for the whole family.
Places to Visit in Florence with Kids
While there are plenty of things to do in Florence, most involve historical sites.
While they are definitely something to check out, try to weave in some things that will keep the kids excited and interested in exploring Florence.
Wondering where else you should take the kids besides the major historical sites? Here are some you should check out:
1. Bartolucci Shop
Even if your kids aren’t familiar with the Disney classic Pinocchio, they will absolutely love visiting Bartolucci Shop in Florence.
Full of fantastic wood carvings, you will literally feel like you are in Geppetto’s Woodshop!
You will find it at Via della Condotta 12/r 50122, Florence, Italy~ just down from Piazza di San Firenzi.
2. The Leonardo Da Vinci Museum
Immerse yourself (and your kids) into the world of Leonardo da Vinci in this totally hands-on museum.
In the Leonardo da Vince Museum, kids can manipulate duplicates of machinery that da Vinci created.
It is a great way for kids to learn the background of this famous Italian while having a fun time doing it!
The Museum is divided into 5 Sections
- MECHANISMS. See codexes, flywheel, worm screw, ball bearer, eccentric cam, etc.
- EARTH. Find the printing machines, the revolving crane, the oil press, the automaton, the rolling mill, the odometer, the theatrical machine, the fantastic animal, etc.
- WATER. Try your hand at the hydraulic saw, the Archimedean screw, the water floats, and the webbed glove.
- AIR, You will see Leonardo’s parachute, the ornithopters, the wing trial, the anemometer, and anemoscope, and the hygrometer.
- FIRE. This is based on weapons like artillery machines that were developed from the codex. Interact with the large armored tank.
You will want to get your tickets in advance so that you can be sure you can visit this unique museum!
Address: Via dei Servi, 66/r Firenze
Opening hours
9:30 -19.00 from March to October
the ticket office closes at 18:15
9:30 -18.00 from November to February
the ticket office closes at 17:15
25 December and First of January, 9.00-15.00
3. Uffizi Gallery
You won’t want to miss seeing the beautiful art in Florence. Uffizi Gallery is a wonderful museum and is very kid-friendly!
There are activities for both kids and teens.
Kids can search for flowers in paintings or fantastic creatures hidden in many masterpieces!
Make sure that you buy your tickets before you go and you can even go ahead and download the activities.
4. The Picci Family Carousel
Located in Piazza della Repubblica, this antique carousel that is family-run is a hidden jewel.
There are only 20 horses on this carousel, but you won’t find yourself waiting too long for a ride!
The Picci Family Carousel is open seasonally from 10-8 November through May. Tickets can be purchased for €10.
5. Taking Cooking Classes in Florence with Kids
Enjoy a cooking class with the whole family, and learn how to make traditional Italian pizza, gelato (Italian ice cream) or cakes & pastries.
These are some great ways for kids to be involved with their parents as they learn how to cook the dishes that represent the heart of Italian cooking.
One of the most popular is this afternoon cooking class which is designed for families with children.
Kids will have fun while learning to prepare pizza and gelato.
Where to Stay in Florence with Kids
Finding the perfect family-friendly hotel in Florence can be a little daunting.
Getting enough space is key!
Here are some places to check out when traveling to Florence as a family.
PopArtment (Check it out)
This colorful set of apartments has everything a family needs: a kitchen with a refrigerator, a stovetop, a microwave, and a dishwasher.
Family can enjoy breakfast at the dining table before heading out for a day in Florence.
Hotel Collodi (Check it out)
Those wanting more space and to be within walking distance of many sites will appreciate being centrally located and also near a train station.
There are both one and two bedrooms with private baths.
Lilium (Check it out)
If you don’t need all the space (I mean, all you will do there is sleep, right?), then Lilium might be the budget-friendly Florence hotel you are looking for.
The location is great and it is close to the train station and has all the perks like air conditioning and internet for a reasonable cost.
Buy This Book Before You Go to Florence with Kids
One thing that you can get your kids prior to your trip to Florence is the Mission Florence book.
- Aragon, Catherine (Author)
- English (Publication Language)
- 58 Pages – 06/01/2017 (Publication Date) – Aragon Books (Publisher)
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Kids can browse through the book ahead of their trip to get an idea of what they will see while there.
And when you do a walking tour of famous attractions in Florence, they can explore with you while hunting for the items in the book.
Traveling to Florence with kids can be a wonderful experience if you plan your time there wisely
You might not get to hit all the spots we’ve included in our list, but even if you can do just one while hitting all the main attractions, it will make the experience more memorable for the kids!
Have you been to Florence with your family? What did your kids enjoy?