Exploring Florence with Kids

With kid-friendly museums and large parks, Florence has wonderful activities for kids that will keep everyone happy. The key to having a good time is to not pack too much in and to take breaks along the way. When spirits get low or the kids start to whine, take a gelato break or something. Florence with kids is supposed to be fun; so, don't be afraid to take necessary steps to keep the whole group in high spirits.

The Uffizi Gallery

Kids enjoy Florence's most famous museum if they don't have to see everything. Stick to a few rooms or a handful of pieces so that the kids don't get worn out and bored. Often, it helps to connect an art piece with a story behind it. See if the children notice any similarities between Botticelli's Birth of Venus and the Medici Venus.

You might also want to show the kids pictures of the art pieces before visiting the museum so that they can recognize pieces when they see them. Florence Guides (FlorenceGuides.com) also has a great tour of the Uffizi which was created keeping kids in mind. It's both informative and accessible to kids. Florence with kids is fun when you keep it simple.

The Duomo and the Baptistery

Children find the sheer size of the Florence cathedral, El Duomo, exciting. The huge building has many nooks and crannies to explore. Have older kids count the stairs up to the dome. (Hint: There are over 400). For kids of all ages, have them brainstorm how workers built the building without modern tools and cranes. As mentioned earlier, Florence with kids is supposed to be easy. Choose only handful of pieces to look at.

Across from the Duomo, you'll find the Baptistery, the oldest building of the complex which is thought to have been built by pagans. The doors were designed by Lorenzo Ghiberti after winning a competition against Brunelleschi who designed the dome of the Duomo. Brunelleschi was so upset after losing that he left for Rome where he studied Roman buildings and came up with the design for the Duomo.

Palazzo Vecchio

Florence with kids can be especially fun because Florence has museums specifically created for children. The Palazzo Vecchio has interactive exhibits that teach about Florence's famous architecture, local scientist such as Galileo and Florence costume. Young children can play in the shadow theatre which has gams and costumes.

Leonardo Da Vinci Museum

The Leonardo Da Vinci Museum makes science accessible to children. They can play with replicas of Leonardo's best inventions, pull systems, ball bearings and bicycles. It's interactive and engaging for the entire family.

Boboli Gardens at Palazzo Pitti

The Boboli Gardens has a lot of open space for kids to play and parents to relax. Take a walk through the gardens or put together a picnic for a low-key afternoon in a gorgeous setting. Connected to the Boboli Gardens, the Palazzo Pitti is one of the most expansive palaces in Europe; yet, it isn't always worth the entry fee. If you kids are older they may enjoy it; but it's probably too much for the young ones.

Florence with kids can be fun for everyone. The key is to keep it simple, take breaks and do what sounds like the most fun. If you happen to miss something; don't sweat it. Florence has been around for over a thousand years and should be around for another thousand.

Learn about other must-see attractions in Florence.