Family-Friendly Things to Do in Florence

Family-friendly activities in Florence are a delightful mix of hands-on museums, scenic gardens, and pizza-making adventures that keep kids and adults entertained. I’ve navigated those cobbled streets with my own family, dodging gelato spills and tantrums, and I’m here to share the best ways to make Florence a hit with your crew. This Renaissance gem is compact, walkable, and bursting with fun for all ages. Ready to make some unforgettable memories?

Why Florence Is a Family Win

Ever wondered if a city steeped in Michelangelo and Medici can thrill a 7-year-old? Spoiler: it absolutely can. Florence is compact, walkable, and bursting with activities that spark curiosity in kids and grown-ups alike. From interactive museums to pizza-making classes, there’s something for every age. Plus, those piazzas? Perfect for letting kids burn off energy while you sip an espresso. Let’s dive into the best family-friendly things to do.

Top Family-Friendly Activities in Florence

Here’s how to keep the whole crew happy, from toddlers to teens.

1. Explore the Leonardo da Vinci Museum

Who doesn’t love a genius who sketched helicopters in the 1500s? The Leonardo da Vinci Museum is a hands-on haven where kids can touch, tinker, and test replicas of Leonardo’s inventions.

• Why kids love it: They can crank levers, pull pulleys, and see Leonardo’s ideas come to life.
• Why parents love it: It’s educational but feels like playtime.
• Pro tip: Book tickets online to skip the line—because waiting with restless kids is nobody’s idea of fun.

I watched my nephew spend 20 minutes obsessed with a wooden flying machine. Worth every euro.

2. Climb the Duomo (or Just Admire It)

The Duomo, with its massive dome, is Florence’s crown jewel. For older kids, climbing the 463 steps to the top is an adventure. For younger ones, the piazza outside is a great spot to marvel and munch on gelato.

• For climbers: The view from the top is jaw-dropping, and kids love the “we made it!” bragging rights.
• For little ones: Snap photos by the Baptistery’s golden doors and let them chase pigeons (safely, of course).
• Pro tip: Book climb tickets in advance, and wear comfy shoes—those steps are no joke.

3. Get Creative at a Pizza-Making Class

What’s more fun than eating pizza? Making it! Florence offers family-friendly cooking classes where kids can roll dough, slather sauce, and pile on toppings.

• Why it’s a hit: Kids feel like mini chefs, and you get to eat the results.
• Where to go: Look for classes at local restaurants or schools like Florence Cooking School.
• Pro tip: Check for classes with English-speaking instructors if your Italian is rusty.

My daughter still talks about the “best pizza ever” she made. Spoiler: it was mostly cheese.

4. Wander the Boboli Gardens

Need a break from museums? The Boboli Gardens are a sprawling outdoor wonderland behind the Pitti Palace. Think fountains, statues, and plenty of space for kids to run wild.

• Highlights: The grottoes and hidden paths feel like a treasure hunt.
• Parent perk: Shady spots for a picnic or a quick breather.
• Pro tip: Bring snacks and sunscreen—there’s not much shade in some areas.

5. Discover Science at the Galileo Museum

The Galileo Museum is a gem for curious minds. It’s packed with telescopes, globes, and quirky scientific instruments that fascinate kids and adults.

• Kid appeal: Interactive displays let them experiment with gravity and optics.
• Parent appeal: You’ll geek out over Galileo’s actual telescopes.
• Pro tip: Guided tours in English make the exhibits even more engaging.

My son spent an hour staring at a spinning globe. Who knew science could be so mesmerizing?

Tips for a Smooth Family Adventure

Traveling with kids is an art form. Here’s how to keep the Florence trip meltdown-free:

• Time it right: Visit museums early to avoid crowds and cranky kids.
• Pack snacks: Gelato is great, but a stash of crackers saves the day.
• Take breaks: Use piazzas like Piazza della Signoria for a quick rest or impromptu game.
• Involve the kids: Let them pick one activity per day—it gives them something to look forward to.
• Stroller alert: Cobblestones and stairs aren’t stroller-friendly, so consider a lightweight carrier for toddlers.

What If Plans Go Sideways?

Kids are unpredictable—mine once decided a fountain was a splash pad. If things derail, don’t sweat it. Head to a gelateria (try Gelateria La Carraia for creamy perfection) or let the kids doodle in a piazza. Florence’s charm is that even “off-plan” moments feel magical.

Wrap-Up: Florence Is for Families

Florence isn’t just for art buffs—it’s a city where families can laugh, learn, and make memories. Whether you’re crafting pizzas, chasing views from the Duomo, or exploring Leonardo’s gadgets, there’s no shortage of family-friendly fun. So, pack your patience, grab some gelato, and dive into Florence with the kids. What’s first on your family’s Florence adventure list? A museum? A garden romp? Whatever you choose, you’re in for a treat.