Florence for kids: what to see and visit in the city

Florence is a city rich in history, culture and art, making it a perfect destination for families with children who want a stimulating, interactive visit.

One of the most interesting things to do in Florence is to explore the many museums that offer a wealth of knowledge and interest for visitors of all ages.

Here are just some of the museums in Florence that are suitable for children and that offer a different experience to the typical tourist visit:

- The Galileo Museum is an excellent option for families with children aged over 5. Children can discover the history of science and technology through interactive exhibits and experiments. Every Sunday morning the museum hosts initiatives for families and the website provides an updated program of the activities and the related costs.

- Palazzo Strozzi is a cultural center in Florence that hosts numerous shows and events throughout the year. You and your children can take part in guided tours and art workshops. The activities vary depending on the show and so it is worth checking the website for the latest events.

- Palazzo Medici Riccardi is a magnificent palazzo in the heart of Florence that once belonged to the Medici family, one of the most influential families of the Italian Renaissance. Every weekend the palazzo organizes activities for children aged 8-12, where they can learn about the lives of the Medici family, their art collection and their impact on the history of Florence.

- The Egyptian Museum in Florence is a fascinating museum that is part of the National Archaeological Museum of Florence. The museum houses thousands of ancient Egyptian artifacts including mummies, sarcophagi and statues. Children can learn about the daily life, the religion and the culture of one of the most advanced civilizations in history.

- The Leonardo da Vinci Museum is an unmissable attraction for families with children. The museum is dedicated to the life and works of the Renaissance genius and features life-sized models of his inventions based on his original drawings. Children can touch and interact with the machines, learning about the science and engineering behind them.

- The Museo dei Bambini (Children’s Museum) was designed specifically for children and organizes guided tours, multi-media workshops, games and stories told by minstrels. Children can learn about the history and culture of Florence in a fun, engaging way, making it a perfect activity for families.

- The Casa Museo Dante (Dante’s House Museum) is dedicated to the life and works of the famous poet, Dante Alighieri. Here, you can explore the world of Dante’s Divine Comedy and learn about the poet’s life and times. The museum offers educational workshops and games based on the characters of Virgil and Beatrice, making it an excellent choice for students and educators.

- The Natural History Museum in Florence is an unmissable stop for those who love dinosaurs. Here you will be amazed by a collection of fossils and exhibits that illustrate the evolution of life on Earth. The museum is the ideal place to learn about the natural world and the history of our planet, and is, then, the perfect stop for families and school groups.

- The HZero is the miniature train museum, a 280-square-meter model railroad, built over forty years of work, consisting of 121 traffic lights, 1,000 lampposts, 147 switches, 359 sections and nearly 1 kilometer of track. A beautiful place to spend a couple of hours of fun and curiosity.

In addition to the museums, there are many initiatives that involve children.

These initiatives aim to promote education, creativity and fun for children and families. One of these initiatives is that of the Municipal Libraries of Florence, that offer educational activities for families and children including workshops, theater and puppet shows, treasure hunts among the book shelves and much more.

If, however, you are thinking about a simple stroll through the streets of Florence with your children, we have some ideas for a wonderful day with the family.

If you are not tired of walking, we suggest climbing the 463 steps that take you to the top of the Brunelleschi Dome. At the top you will be rewarded with an absolutely breathtaking view of the city. You can purchase tickets to visit the dome online from the official website of the Opera Santa Maria del Fiore.

If you are looking for a more interactive way to explore the city, why not consider the Family Tour. Available from the Palazzo Vecchio and the Istituto degli Innocenti, your family can rent an explorer kit for free and take a self-guided tour of the city. You can also download the free Family Tour app to discover interactive digital itineraries.

For a more active adventure with your children, we recommend taking a bicycle tour of the historic center. There are many bike rental shops in Florence and you can explore the city at your own pace, enjoying the fresh air and the physical exercise.

 Finally, don’t miss the opportunity to see Florence from a different perspective by taking a boat tour along the Arno river. You can admire the famous bridges and the city’s architecture from a unique point of view.

For those who are passionate about astronomy, the Planetarium of the Science and Technology Foundation is the perfect place for families with children. It offers a unique opportunity to explore the marvels of the cosmos and to learn about the science behind them. In addition to the Planetarium, you can also explore the Gabinetto di Fisica (Physics Hall), which houses a vast collection of materials and equipment, the Gabinetto di Storia Naturale (Natural History Hall), which contains many minerals, rocks, zoological specimens, fossils, herbaria, naturalistic models and much more.

Several guided tours can be booked on weekends by calling ahead on (+39) 055 2341157. In addition, every Sunday, special visits and workshops are organized for families, suitable for both children and adults. These activities provide an educational and fun experience that is sure to capture everyone’s interest.

So get ready to embark on a journey into the universe and to admire the beauty of the stars and planets like never before.

If you want a day outside, Florence has children’s play areas in many of its parks and gardens.

• The Parco delle Cascine, with free entry, has a play area and skates can be rented.
• The Boboli Gardens, the historic garden of the Palazzo Pitti, has statues, labyrinths, grottoes and botanical rarities. Entrance is free for children aged under 18.
• The Giardino dell’Orticoltura has a play area for children.
• The Giardino di villa Strozzi, with entrance from various streets, has a play area.

For classic playgrounds, you can visit:

• The carousel in piazza della Repubblica;
• The playground in piazza Massimo d’Azeglio;
• The Villa Strozzi Gardens in Oltrarno;
• The playground on the Lungarno Santa Rosa.

For a trip out of town with children, we recommend a visit to the Il Gigante Adventure Park in Vaglia, a few kilometers from Florence. The surrounding countryside and small villages offer lots of leisure opportunities for the whole family.

Florence offers a wide choice of activities and initiatives for families and children, offering opportunities to learn, play and have fun together.

Choose to stay with your family in our comfortable rooms at unbeatable prices thanks to special online offers.

You can book through our official website, selecting the dates and the desired room.

Take advantage of the offers at the FH55 Grand Hotel Mediterraneo and the FH55 Hotel Calzaiuoli to spend your vacation in a comfortable setting, with a broad range of services at the best prices.