Sure, Florence is full of art museums, and that can make visitors think it’s not kid-friendly. But Florence’s mostly pedestrian-free city center, which includes wide squares, interesting lanes, and colorful markets, is actually quite kid-friendly.
Here are some sites in Florence that will appeal to children of all ages, and their parents as well.
01
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Squares of Florence
Direction
Piazza della Signoria, 50122 Florence FI, ItalyGet directions
The beautiful squares of Florence, especially the Piazza della Signoria, are not only great places for an impromptu afternoon ice cream or an evening stroll, but they are also open-air museums, filled with statues and fountains. Take a look at our list of the best squares in Florence to find out which ones your family can enjoy.
02
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Boboli Gardens
Direction
Piazza de ‘Pitti, 1, 50125 Florence FI, ItalyGet directions
Telephone
+39 055 229 8732
Web
Visit the website
The beautiful and manicured gardens that stretch behind the Pitti Palace are an excellent place to spend a sunny afternoon with children. The lawns, grottoes, and fish ponds are just a few of the beautiful attractions vying for your attention.
03
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The galileo museum
Direction
Piazza dei Giudici, 1, 50122 Florence FI, ItalyGet directions
Telephone
+39 055 265311
Web
Visit the website
The former Museo di Storia della Scienza was renovated and renamed in 2010 as the Museo Galileo, giving Florence the opportunity to commemorate its native son Galileo Galilei and his many achievements in the field of science. Science museums in general are a fun place to bring curious children. But the Museo Galileo may have other similar museums – featuring Galileo’s middle finger relic, sure to make kids of all ages laugh and squirm.
04
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The Pig
Direction
Piazza del Mercato Nuovo, 50123 Florence FI, ItalyGet directions
Outside the Mercato Nuovo, a bustling market that sells leather goods, bags and various tourist trinkets, is Il Porcellino, an adorable bronze sculpture and fountain that has become the mascot of this area of the market near the Ponte Vecchio. As well as being a favorite with children, the bronze sucker is also part of Florence’s tourist tradition: a brush of its snout and a coin inserted into the boar’s mouth are said to guarantee a return trip. Additionally, the money raised from this ritual is donated to a local children’s charity.
05
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Historical soccer
Direction
Via Pellicceria, 2, 50123 Florence FI, ItalyGet directions
This event, held every year on June 24, is an interesting opportunity to enjoy football, as it was traditionally played in Florence in medieval times. Four teams of bare-chested men from each of the city’s four districts battle for bragging rights in a dirt-filled Piazza Santa Croce. Play can get quite violent and language can be colorful, so it is not necessarily a matter for young children. But teenagers are bound to love it.
06
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Old carousel
Direction
Piazza della Repubblica, 50123 Florence FI, ItalyGet directions
In Piazza della Repubblica, a beautiful old fashioned carousel is open from 10 am to 8 pm and can stay open later in the summer. The carousel dates back to the early 20th century and has been run by the same family for generations – a ride costs a couple of euros and is fun for the little ones.
07
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Tours familiares en el Palazzo Vecchio
Direction
Piazza della Signoria, 50122 Florence FI, ItalyGet directions
Telephone
+39 055 276 8325
Web
Visit the website
Florence City Hall is the site of a civic museum with excellent exhibits and activities for children. Family tours must be booked in advance, but they are a great way for children and adults to learn about the fascinating history of Florence, with many opportunities for hands-on learning.
08
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Strozzi Palace
Direction
Piazza degli Strozzi, 50123 Florence FI, ItalyGet directions
Telephone
+39 055 264 5155
Web
Visit the website
Historical attractions
4.7
Near Piazza della Repubblica, Palazzo Strozzi is an elegant 16th-century palace that now houses temporary art exhibitions and cultural events. It is one of the most child-friendly museums in the city, with itineraries and activities available for children of different ages.
09
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Eat pizza and ice cream
We almost feel like we should write “Duh!” here. But never underestimate the fun you can have taking the kids out for pizza and followed by ice cream for dessert. Aperitif time, in Florence and throughout Italy, is always kid-friendly, so your kids can have a soda and a snack, useful for those late-afternoon energy crashes, while the adults have a drink. for adults.
Updated by Elizabeth Heath
