A trip to Florence in a family format with children can be a truly magical adventure for young travelers and their parents. There is something to admire and be surprised.
One of the most beautiful cities in the world, embodying the whole essence of Western European history, culture and science, it will be useful and exciting to see a child of any age for both aesthetic, educational and entertainment purposes.
In order to get acquainted with the "cradle of the Renaissance", and that is exactly what Florence is deservedly called, it would be best to think of an action plan in advance.
Museum of inventions of Leonardo da Vinci
A visit to the small but very interesting interactive museum of Leonardo da Vinci (Museo Leonardo da Vinci) will cause enthusiastic feelings in any child. A modern exhibition with informational multimedia displays is housed in a medieval building. Guests are introduced to the models of inventions made on the basis of the drawings of a brilliant scientist.
Young researchers and technicians will appreciate the fact that most of the layouts can be touched, twisted in the hands and carefully studied, assembling and disassembling mechanisms according to the principle of the Lego constructor. Here are copies of various aircraft, construction and military equipment. Children will be surprised to learn that such attributes of modern life as bicycles, scuba gear, diving suits, airplanes and many other things were invented by the great Leonardo several centuries ago.
The museum is located in the city center, at: Via dei Servi, 66 / r, site mostredileonardo.com
The cost of a standard ticket is 7 euros. For children from 7 to 17 years - 6 euros. Toddlers 6 years old and younger are free. Opening hours:
10:00 - 17:00 (from April to October);
10:00 - 18:00 (from November to March).
A second similar museum is located on Via Cavour 21, site museoleonardodavincifirenze.com
Galileo Museum
The Museum of the History of Science (Museo di Storia della Scienza), recently renamed the Museum of Galileo Galileo (Museo Galileo), will inspire adolescents who are fond of technology and natural science. For children who are not particularly interested in natural history, visiting the sights will be a great chance to take a different look at the seemingly boring subjects of the school curriculum and make a lot of new discoveries for themselves.
The exposition is located on two floors of the building of the medieval palace of Castellani, dating back to the XI century. In 18 thematic halls, a most valuable collection of all kinds of ancient inventions, scientific instruments and experimental apparatuses, which influenced the development of physics, chemistry, astronomy, medicine and geography, is collected. Most of the exhibits were preserved thanks to representatives of two great Florentine dynasties: the Medici and the Lorraines. It is also interesting to see things that belonged to Galileo Galilei himself. So, the museum holds a telescope, with the help of which the great scientist discovered the moons of Jupiter.
The attraction is located at: Piazza dei Giudici 1. The doors of the museum are open to visitors daily from 9:30 to 18:00. The cost of a standard ticket is 10 euros. For guests from 6 to 18 years old - 6 euros. Children under 6 years old are free.
Official website of the museum: www.museogalileo.it
Palace of Davanzati
Children of all ages love fascinating tales of fearless knights and beautiful princesses. The best way to instill in a child a love of history is to visit the Palazzo Davanzati, which eloquently testifies to the life and way of life of noble, wealthy Florentine Renaissance families. The majesty and luxury of the interiors of the palace, built in the XIV century, will undoubtedly win the hearts of young guests: in the halls there is massive oak furniture, old carved chests, antique dishes. It is very informative to slowly examine and study bizarre household items, frescoes perfectly preserved, the decor in the bedrooms, bathrooms and children's rooms, feeling the atmosphere of bygone days.
The Palazzo is located at Via Porta Rossa 13. The museum is open for visits daily, on weekdays from 8:15 to 13:50, and on weekends from 13:15 to 18:30. The cost of a standard ticket is 2 euros, the preferential price is 1 euro. Site: www.bargellomusei.beniculturali.it
Palazzo Vecchio
The outwardly laconic and monumental building of the medieval Palazzo Vecchio, the so-called Old Palace, is one of the most recognizable architectural structures in the world. An interesting attraction for family visits will leave vivid memories in both adults and children.
When ordering sightseeing tours, guests are invited to become participants in a fantastic theatrical performance. Museum visitors are invited to go into a secret room to inspect and try on old costumes and masks, and learn all the secrets hidden behind the walls of the palazzo.
Children over 6 years old are allowed, accompanied by adults, to climb the observation tower with a height of more than 90 meters, with a clock that has uninterruptedly counted time since 1667. A breathtaking panorama of the whole city and surroundings opens from above.
The palace is located in the very center, in Senoria Square (Piazza della Signoria). You can also get here through Via dei Gondi. Working hours:
- 9:00 - 19:00 (all days of the week except Thursday) from October to March;
9:00 - 23:00 (all days of the week except Thursday) from April to September;
9:00 - 14:00 (on Thursdays), regardless of the season.
The maximum cost of a ticket, including a visit to the tower, is 17.50 euros. Students receive discounts.
Museum of Zoology and Natural Sciences
Trekking to the Florentine Museum of Zoology and Natural History (Museo di Storia Naturale - La Specola, www.msn.unifi.it) will be an unforgettable and very valuable experience for school children. Here you can find an impressive collection of exhibits of flora and fauna, impressive in its vast scale, in Europe: several thousand species of insects, fish, birds and mammals. A visit to the museum helps to understand how knowledge about the structure of man has developed over the course of history. The wax anatomical collection includes rare models made almost 4 centuries ago. Of particular interest is the paleontological part of the exhibition with dinosaur skeletons found in Italy.
The museum is located at Via Romana 17. Unique exhibits can be seen all days of the week except Mondays. Opening hours:
9:00 - 17:00 Tuesday - Sunday (from September to June);
9:00 - 17:00 Tuesday - Thursday, 9:00 - 13:00 Friday - Sunday (from July to August).
The cost of a standard ticket is 6 euros, children receive a 50% discount. A visit to the hall with wax models is carried out only as part of tour groups, and is paid extra.
Useful articles before going to Florence:
- How to get to Florence from Rome
- How to choose a hotel in Florence
- How to get from Pisa to Florence
- How to get from Milan to Florence
- Where to try a real Florentine steak
Cachine Park
Arriving in Florence with children, you should definitely visit the Parco delle Cascine Park, which stretches along the right bank of the Arno River. This place will especially appeal to people who prefer outdoor activities. Here you can rent rollers or bicycles, and then have a wonderful time enjoying the beauties of nature in picturesque places specially equipped for picnics. Sports enthusiasts will appreciate the free fitness equipment and Le Pavoniere outdoor pool.
Young children will be delighted with a small playground.
In the XVI century, the territory of the present park belonged to the powerful Medici dynasty, and was used as agricultural land and hunting ground. Two centuries later, with the advent of the landscape design fashion, significant changes were made: an amphitheater was built, arbors, flowerbeds were built, fountains were installed, slender tree alleys were broken, rare and even exotic plants were planted, many of which have survived to this day. For a long time the park remained the resting place of the Florentine nobility, and at the beginning of the XIX century it was open to the general public.
Admission is free at any time. Various entertainment and sporting events are constantly held here, and the atmosphere is completely conducive to a truly good family vacation.
Boboli Gardens
The ancient Boboli Gardens (Giardino di Boboli), located on a hillside, is a wonderful place for lovers of long walks with children. As part of the Palazzo Pitti palace complex, they embody the Renaissance landscape art standard. The area, decorated with fancy statues, ponds, fountains and grottoes, is an excellent backdrop for cute family photos.
A leisurely promenade along the path of the Cypress Alley, laid in the first half of the 17th century, will help to relax from the bustle of the city and enjoy the cool shade. In the Boboli Gardens often organize interesting exhibitions, music and theater events. At the top of the hill there is a decorative terrace with a magnificent view of the "blooming" Florence.
Entrance to the park is paid, the cost of an adult ticket is 10 euros, and a child ticket is 6 euros. In the summer months, you can get here daily from 8:15 to 19:00. In the winter and demi-season periods, Boboli Gardens close an hour earlier. Address: Piazza dei Pitti, 1.
Florence Rose Garden
Small in size Garden of Roses (Giardino delle Rose) - a truly paradise for a relaxing time with children. It was designed by architect Giuseppe Poggi in 1865, and after 30 years became available to the general public.
Fantastic roses of various varieties, irises and citrus trees are planted on 1 hectare of land. Since 2011, the territory of the garden, divided into several tiers, began to be decorated with bronze statues of the Belgian sculptor and artist Jean-Michel Folon. Here you can relax with your child and soul and body, lie carefree on the grass, listening to the murmur of streams and breathing in the divine aroma of flowers, and enjoy magnificent views of Florence.
The entrance is free. The Rose Garden is located near Piazzale Michelangelo, Viale Giuseppe Poggi 2. From May until September, you can come here from 8:00 to 20:00.
Republic Square
Republic Square (Piazza della Repubblica) is a very popular tourist attraction in Florence, and this place causes special delight and thrill among children: a bright carousel with colorful horses works all year round. Ticket price is only 1 euro. With the onset of dusk, when the illumination and music turn on, the attraction seems simply magical. Not only kids, but also adults ride with pleasure. Opposite there is a shop where, among other nonsense, you can find masks - a fantastic souvenir that allows you to feel like a participant in a real Venetian carnival. In the evening, life in the square is in full swing: roaming musicians and actors perform, it seems that the fun will never stop like the movement of a carousel. Prices in cafes and restaurants are quite high.
Fountain "Bronze Boar"
Within walking distance from Republic Square, next to a small new market (Mercato Nuovo), is one of the most famous and attractive sights: the Bronze Boar fountain (Fontana del Porcellino), copies of which can be found in different countries of the world.
You should definitely come here with your children. The Danish writer Hans Christian Anderson visited Florence in 1834, and was so imbued with the work of the Italian sculptor Pietro Tacca that he wrote a fairy tale dedicated to the miraculous statue a few years later.
Young travelers enthusiastically listen to the legends with which the statue is shrouded, and with pleasure make a cherished desire, rubbing the already brilliant nose of a wild boar according to the Florentine tradition.
Signature Florentine Dessert "Gelato"
All children love sweets. Arriving in Florence with your family, you should definitely try the delicious local gelato dessert, reminiscent of ice cream to taste. It is prepared immediately before use from fresh cow's milk, cream and sugar. Additional ingredients include berries, fruits, nuts, ginger, or chocolate. Gelato has a very delicate, creamy texture and slowly melts in your mouth. The specialty of the dessert does not imply industrial production, and you can enjoy its unforgettable taste in special cafes - gelateria. Here are the names and addresses of the most popular establishments:
- "Gelateria Santa Trinita" Piazza De 'Frescobaldi 11/12 / r, (Ponte Santa Trinita);
- "Gelateria la Carraia" Piazza Nazario Sauro, 25;
- "Perche no!" Via dei Tavolini, 19R;
- "Gelateria dei Neri" Via dei Neri, 9 / 11R.
Children's Toy Stores
- The best toy store in Florence is called Dreoni Giocattoli and is located on via Cavour 31/33 R
- If children love Disney movies and heroes, I recommend checking out the Disney Store on via Calzaioli 69/71
Excursions for children
For families, I recommend visiting individual tours with guides ITALY FOR ME, which will be interesting to both children and adults:
- Secrets of the Palazzo Vecchio - a favorite excursion of our family travelers.
- Excursion quest Inferno
