Visiting Florence with Kids: What Should We Do?

Florence, the capital city of Tuscany, is a beautiful and cultural hub of Italy. Known for its rich history, stunning art, and picturesque architecture, it's no wonder that Florence is a popular destination for families with kids. Planning a trip with children can feel daunting, but Florence has plenty of activities and attractions that will keep children of all ages entertained.

Visit the Uffizi Gallery

The Uffizi Gallery is home to some of the most beautiful and valuable art in the world. While it may not be the first place you think of when planning a family vacation, the Uffizi has a lot to offer kids. Children will love looking at the paintings and sculptures, and there are interactive exhibits to keep them engaged.

Practical tip: purchase tickets in advance to avoid long lines. With children, go first thing in the morning and budget no more than 90 minutes.

Walk Across the Ponte Vecchio

The Ponte Vecchio is a stunning bridge that spans the Arno River, lined with shops selling jewelry and souvenirs. Taking a walk across the bridge is a great way to get a sense of the city and its history. Kids will love looking at the jewelry displays and watching the street performers who often line the bridge.

A hidden fact worth sharing with your children: the Ponte Vecchio is the only bridge in Florence that survived the bombings of World War II. It was deliberately spared.

Climb to the Top of the Duomo

The Duomo is the iconic cathedral that dominates the Florence skyline. Climbing to the top is a must-do activity for families - the view from the top is breathtaking, and the climb itself is an adventure. The 463 steps are manageable for children aged 6 and up.

Book tickets in advance. Early morning is best before the heat and the queues build up.

Explore the Boboli Gardens

The Boboli Gardens are a beautiful oasis behind the Palazzo Pitti. Full of winding paths, fountains, and hidden grottos, they're perfect for children who need to run around after a morning of sightseeing. There are plenty of spots for a picnic, and younger children will appreciate the open space.

Visit the Leonardo da Vinci Museum

The Leonardo da Vinci Museum is a fun and interactive museum that's perfect for curious kids. It features working scale models of many of da Vinci's famous inventions - flying machines, military contraptions, hydraulic devices - as well as interactive exhibits that teach children about science and engineering. Budget about an hour.

Take a Family Cooking Class

Italian food is famous all over the world, and what better way to experience it than by making it? There are plenty of family-friendly cooking classes in Florence where children can learn to make classic Italian dishes like pizza and pasta. Many classes take place in historic palaces or working farms outside the city.

Make It an Adventure

Florence rewards families who treat it like an adventure rather than a museum circuit. The city is full of coats of arms, secret corridors, hidden dragons carved in stone, and stories waiting to be discovered.

If you're looking for a way to turn the whole visit into an interactive treasure hunt, The Adventures of Elba in Florence follows a young girl named Elba and her dragon Arlo through the real streets of the city. When Arlo disappears, the child reader helps find him by following clues through Florence's historic center - a 2.5-hour route that covers many of the monuments mentioned above.

With a little preparation, Florence will be one of the family trips your children remember for years.