Good To Know: If the little legs (and yours) have more energy, you can hike up to an even higher viewpoint at San Miniato al Monte. We recommend the following neighborhoods: See our Guide on Where to Stay in Florence for more details and advantages/disadvantages of Florence neighborhoods. Choice of morning or afternoon departure. Taking one ifn Florence is also a fantastic way to tap into Tuscany cuisine, among the very best in Italy and to have a nice meal in a relaxed atmosphere, away from the crowds! This class was highly recommended by me by Lauren, who took a fantastic trip to Italy with her son and shares her full itinerary here! The best ways to visit the Uffizi with kids are: Go self guided by using the kids printables available on the galleries website, the most budget friendly wat to tackle the Uffizi Galleries with kids. Ponte Vecchio is a historic bridge that connects the two sides of the Arno river, so Florence city center with Oltrarno Neighborhood, and has a peculiarity. @media(min-width:0px){#div-gpt-ad-thetuscanmom_com-medrectangle-1-0-asloaded{max-width:970px!important;max-height:90px!important;}}if(typeof ez_ad_units != 'undefined'){ez_ad_units.push([[970,90],'thetuscanmom_com-medrectangle-1','ezslot_12',125,'0','0'])};__ez_fad_position('div-gpt-ad-thetuscanmom_com-medrectangle-1-0');report this ad 2021-2023 | All rights reserved | Privacy Policy, Disclaimer, Terms & Conditions It was the only bridge in Florence not destroyed by bombs during the II world war. Manage Settings The visit will be much more meaningful for little ones (or big ones!) Good to know! Read our post on our Favorite Books About Michelangelo For Kids and Adults! Musical children will enjoy seeing the musical instruments section. <<<. There are so many neighborhoods in or around the city center, that you dont need to (and wont want to) bother with transport like buses or taxis. Accademia with Kids - How to Plan a Family Visit - The Tuscan Mom As an Amazon Associate, I may earn commissions from qualifying purchases. Some can also be found in Florence. Kids will enjoy looking at the guitars and rock memorabilia and of course the music videos that play during dinner. Mom and Dad can grab a coffee or aperitivo and let the little ones play (even easier in smaller piazzas). Remember to have a plan and be sure to take a break at the caf and enjoy the views from the large windows. Still, we enjoy it and happily return. An exceptional place for it is this laboratory >>> decorazioniepitture.it. My name is Marta Correale, I am the travel-loving Italian Mama behind this Mama Loves Italy Blog. We and our partners use cookies to Store and/or access information on a device. Find a child-focused guide, and you may need to drag your little one out of the museum! Day 4. Skip the Line: Florence's Accademia Gallery Priority Entrance - Viator Not far from the duomo lies another one of Florences most famous landmarks, Ponte Vecchio. FILE-- Cecilie Hollberg, director of the Accademia Gallery poses in front of Michelangelo's white marble statue "David" in Florence, Italy, in this Tuesday, March 28, 2023 file photo. Fun Fact: The bridge was originally home to non-jewelry shops. Its hilly but gorgeous, and the roads are much quieter. You can also do a postcard scavenger hunt (but you need to buy postcards first at the gift shop at the exit, on the other side of the building). And car-free Piazza Santo Spirito is perfect for an outdoor evening dinner when the kids have finished eating they can get up and play. Loggia dei Lanzi is a portico overlooking the historic Piazza della Signoria and it is filled with stunning sculptures and statues. Tickets - Galleria dell'Accademia di Firenze Mercato Centrale Perfect food court style location with delicious Italian food in part of the San Lorenzo market. You cant flag a taxi down in the street. You can read all about Our Familys Top 5 Toy Stores in Florence. Good To Know: Before or after visiting the museum, kids can play in the large park and playground on the grounds. Hard Rock Caf Yes, I know its a chain, but if your kids are like mine, theyll love it. Best child-friendly attractions in Florence, best places to stay and practical tips for families visiting Firenze. The German director of Florence's Accademia Gallery, Cecilie Hollberg has achieved her goal of drawing visitors' attention to masterpieces beyond Michelangelo's towering David. We actually prefer the closer views from Piazzale Michelangelo, but since San Miniato requires a little more effort, it may be less crowded. Elementary age kids and preschoolers are easily engaged the entire visit. Book the earliest entry tickets you can get for the Uffizi and do the Accademia in the afternoon. Grab gelato at Gelateria dell Passera, a stones throw away. Its masterpieces include invaluable art works such as the Birth of Venus by Botticelli, Tondo Doni by Michelangelo, Bacchus by Caravaggio, Mary Jesus and St John the Baptist by Raphael, just to name the few most famous. The wait . Empty bellies do not mix well with museum visits. Aperitivo spreads with a lot of food are even called apericene (cena is dinner). March 27, 2023 Florence with kids: All you need to know to plan the perfect family trip to Florence with a baby, toddler or school-age children. If you dont have car seats with you and dont feel comfortable without them in a taxi, have one adult take the bags to your accommodation and the other can walk with kids. Youll do a lot of walking. Besides David, you can show your kids Michelangelos Slaves (aka Prisoners) in the hallway that leads to the David statue. Occasionally, just occasionally, you will have to stir the towards the attractions below but truly, wandering around Florence City center is the best way to enjoy the city. Tips for Visiting David Statue and the Accademia Gallery Florence Helpful Tips for Eating in Florence with Kids: Preparing for a trip to Florence with Kids, How To Skip the Line to See the Statue of David, Visiting the Stibbert Museum with Kids (+ Printable Scavenger Hunt), Stone Giant: Michelangelos David and How He Came to Be, Favorite Books About Michelangelo For Kids and Adults, Our Familys Top 5 Toy Stores in Florence, Privacy Policy, Disclaimer, Terms & Conditions, You like to stop for photos (you should! ArtViva designs kids tours in Florence and their guides will lead you on a kid-focused tour of the Accademia. A little bit like the Vatican Museums in Rome, the Uffizi are a traditional museum and a very busy one. To kick a ball and let loose, the beautiful Parco delle Cascine is a better option! It houses some of the most incredible art on the planet. Dont be spend your time waiting in line! Its not fun to walk streets of Florence with kids and luggage. Good to know if you have kids who love cars! They arent mind-blowing, but theyre fun and a perfect way to pass an hour or two playing outside and meeting new friends. Piazza della Repubblica is a lovely piazza in Florence City center with historical carousel kids love. Feet will get very dirty walking on Florence streets. Learn more about Florence's rich history and heritage from an expert guide. Its shaded too, so perfect on a hot summer day. Official tickets have timed entrance and allow to avoid long lines.Address: Piazzale degli Uffizi, 6, 50122 Firenze FI, Italy Map https://goo.gl/maps/xFERmF3eQGmhHtSEA. While fine for older kids, it can be tiring and tricky with a toddler. If theyre able to engage children, they can help the subject of the tour make a lasting impression on the child. We ride on bike trails, strade bianche, and roads that are closed to traffic. Florence Bucket List: 30 Best Things to Do in Florence @media(min-width:0px){#div-gpt-ad-thetuscanmom_com-leader-2-0-asloaded{max-width:300px!important;max-height:250px!important;}}if(typeof ez_ad_units != 'undefined'){ez_ad_units.push([[300,250],'thetuscanmom_com-leader-2','ezslot_11',141,'0','0'])};__ez_fad_position('div-gpt-ad-thetuscanmom_com-leader-2-0'); Let your little ones shake their legs out and make some Italian friends at a nearby park. Yes. The Florence Pass is a great value bundle ticket that includes the Duomo Reserved entrance, and priority entrance to the Uffizi Gallery and the Accademia Gallery. One of the absolute best things to doing Florenc with kids who love soccer! Address: Piazza della Repubblica, 50123 Firenze FI, Italy Map: https://goo.gl/maps/nNAxbxpmc5oBK3GD6. Limiting museum visits to one per day is important. They can look for books about Florence or Italy, see what books Italian children can buy, or find a perfect book to take home as a souvenir or present for a friend. You can find more tips about traveling around Italy with babies and toddlers here. Get them to notice the statues: can they find Hercules? Tips for Visiting the Uffizi and Accademia Galleries in Florence The first shops on Ponte Vecchio were grocers and butchers. Stone Giant: Michelangelos David and How He Came to Be, by Jane Sutcliffe and John Shelley, Who Was Michelangelo?, by Kirsten Anderson, Who Was Leonardo da Vinci?, by Roberta Edwards, Who Was Galileo?, by Patricia Brennan Demuth. Ciao and welcome to our corner of Italy. Nothing beats the view of Florence from above, especially at sunset. Search this site. Map of Best Things To Do in Florence With Kids, Our Favorite Things to Do in Florence with Kids. Or, you can use the Tabnet app on your phone. Florence: Accademia Gallery Priority Entry Ticket with eBook. Remember that taxis dont have car seats, so if you have small children, youll need to hold them in your lap or choose another way to get up to Piazzale Michelangelo. Mobile ticket Offered in: English and 3 more Explore our promoted experiences Florence, Tuscany Florence: Private City Walking tour 2 from $559.14 Per group Florence, Tuscany The Best tour in Florence: Renaissance and Medici Tales 2,540 from $3.41 Florence, Tuscany 1 of 3 FILE-- Cecilie Hollberg, director of the Accademia Gallery poses in front of Michelangelo's white marble statue "David" in Florence, Italy, in this Tuesday, March 28, 2023 file photo. LivTours Uffizi Family Experience: a fabulous, private tour with a kid-centered guide who helps tackling the crowds and building a kid-friendly, interesting museum itinerary. For example, if you are family of 5, all US citizens, you will pay the following for your Accademia Gallery tickets with reservations: 65 year old 12 + 4 reservation = 1640 year old teacher in US 12 + 4 reservation= 1618 year old 12 + 4 reservation= 1612 year old 4 reservation = 41 year old FREE. Florence with kids: All you need to know to plan the perfect family trip to Florence with a baby, toddler or school-age children. Head to a piazza the main ones being Piazza della Signoria and Piazza della Repubblica. There are plenty of pedestrian areas and lively piazzas that are fun for children. We've hiked and cycled in the Dolomites. The Florence Cathedral The Florence Cathedral, also called the Duomo di Firenze and Cattedrale di Santa Maria del Fiore, is one of the most recognizable cathedrals in the world. Both are convenient (they can take you right to your hotel) and you can request car seats with a private driver if you need them. Just ask an employee outside, go through security, and walk through to the bookshop. Good hotels here are Hotel Palazzo Belfiore and Palazzo San Niccolo. : Read more about Giottos bell tower in our post Climbing Giottos Bell Tower! You get a perfect view of Ponte Vecchio at sunset. You can find the bronze statue (a replica) on the edge of the Mercato Nuovo. Bus You can arrive by bus from other Tuscan towns, or using long-distance buses like FlixBus. Parking can be expensive, so its usually less costly and complicated to just take the car back. Its easy to do using our tips and our list of best things to do in Florence with kids. Florence Cathedral | Best Things to Do in Florence Inside the Florence Cathedral Florence in One Day - Walkabout News You can bring a stroller to make things easier, especially if your baby, toddler, or child will nap in a stroller. Borgo Ognissanti Borgo Ognissanti is a lovely area of Florences city center. Even if you love art and thats the reason for your visit, make sure you create a kid-friendly Florentine experience. Youll take bus 12 or 13 up to the Piazzale. A visit to see Michelangelos David statue can be fun for all ages. The small back room has digital reproductions of some of his most famous paintings. All you Need to Know about Accademia Gallery Florence How to see Florence with kids Pin this! Some nice accommodation options such as Relais Piazza Signoria (mid-range) and Hotel Lungarno (luxury), Hotel Davanzati (budget). Good To Know: The museum isnt at the Florence soccer stadium (Stadio Artemio Franchi). You could go through it in about an hour - 90 minutes tops. I would limit museum visits to one per day with little ones in tow. Closed Monday. Ask them what other characters they can recognize, there are a few (with info panels to double check your guesses)! We've taken a cruise from Sicily to La Spezia. You can buy skip the line tickets, which give you an entrance time (but youll still need to wait in line to pick up your ticket), and the inside is very manageable. For the Brancacci Chapel, there is a whole procedure to follow online from their website, I suggest to go there for more info. Well worth the taxi or bus ride (or 2.5km walk from the Duomo) and your kids will probably beg you to return! The gardens belong to Palazzo Pitti and are not a public park but a manicured space to marvel at what the art of gardening can do. The Uffizi Galleries in Florence are one of the great museums of the world. Florence is a cultural city, the capital of the Tuscany region with the beauty of sunny. See who can spot souvenir mini David statues, David aprons, or David boxers. Skip-the-Line Florence Highlights and David Walking Tour - Viator There are also plenty of other artists adding their touches to the city. 06.7.2023 Evening openings at the Accademia Gallery in Florence From June 13 to October 31, every Tuesday and Thursday 03.24.2023 The gardens have the limonaia, sculptures, fountains, the Kaffeehaus (caf, not always open), the Buontalenti Grotto (which once housed Michelangelos original Slaves or Prisoners), historic ice houses, beautiful walkways, and views of Florence. Accademia Gallery Tickets - Florence Museums Tickets You can find it here! There are many unique things to do in Florence with kids. While I dont think having a guide at the Accademia Gallery is essential, if youd like to have one, make sure he or she is a specialist in giving family tours. The date cannot be booked online, in order to give everyone an equal chance to visit the museum for free. You can also find sorbetti (sorbets), mousses, and granite. Small-group tour limited to 15 people ensures . If you would like to change your settings or withdraw consent at any time, the link to do so is in our privacy policy accessible from our home page.. Make aperitivo your meal. Kids will enjoy looking for them during your visit. Florence with Kids - A Complete Guide from a Local Mom If you have small kids, they may enjoy our FREE Florence scavenger hunt and activity sheets. Florence appears on all Italy travel itineraries, often recommended as a stop for art lovers. Good To Know: Kids must be 6 or older to climb Palazzo Vecchios tower. Kids meals are available and its in a great central location. We recommend this interactive museum, which focuses on his machines. How much time to allow for Uffizi and Accademia? - Florence Forum Tamer On Piazza Santo Spirito, so its easy to eat here and let the kids play while you finish up or have a glass of wine. If youve studied Michelangelo, youll want to check out some of his unfinished sculptures, known as the Slaves. I hiked across Tuscany. I realize thats when many families can visit, so if you do, check out my tips for beating the heat in Florence or make your family base an agriturismo in the Tuscan countryside and take a day trip or two into Florence. Bring some art supplies with you and let your children sketch David. As such, it is perfect for adults who enjoy large art collections and a must for those who want to see masterpieces of Florence Reinassance. A good kids guide will be able to get children interested in the city and my two always love to recognize places when we pass by them on subsequent days. To view the purposes they believe they have legitimate interest for, or to object to this data processing use the vendor list link below. Good to know: on the same square you find the department store La Rinascente. Its spacious, so easy to enter with a stroller, and the bathrooms are large and clean. If you have a rental car, the easiest thing to do is return it for your time in Florence. You can stop into a local library try the Biblioteca dellOblate, which has a small section of books for all ages, from tiny babies to teens. Walk around the markets or take a food tour of Florence. You can find them at a library or bookstore in your home country. One of the big decisions to make when planning a visit to Florence with kids is whether to bring them to the Uffizi Gallery or not. Good To Know: Our family loves cycling, and Im often asked if I let my kids ride on the Tuscan roads. When youre in Florence, look towards the Arno River and up, and youll see a statue of David in the distance. La Specola is an incredible museum for kids in Florence, but its been undergoing a 5 million euro renovation since 2019, and theres no talk of when it will re-open. Nice break from the. In 2019, a right-wing Italian government put Florence's Galleria dell'Accademiahome of Michelangelo's David (1501-04)under the control of the Uffizi, and its director, Cecilie . Official site: https://www.galleriaaccademiafirenze.it/en/. If the timing works out, you could even see a Fiorentina soccer game! Just know that little ones will need close supervision and assistance with the interactive machines. If you want to bring your kids with you, I dont recommend bringing them along on a regular guided tour (unless you have older kids who are already interested in art). 1. In the XVI century, they were kicked out and the place was given to Goldsmiths and jewelers, still nowadays trading on the bridge. Whereby, Florence has good weather for a family experience and it's great for kids of all ages. Piazzale Michelangelo is the starting point of a Ferrari Tour of Florence. A few Florence stroller tips based on my experience and that of other parents: Your visit will be much more meaningful if youve prepared a bit and your kids know what theyre looking at. Good To Know: The Ponte Vecchio is full for sunset, but an even better view is from the Ponte alle Grazie, one bridge to the east. Some of our favorite places to find books include: You dont need to purchase a book to appreciate them. The kids are free under 18 years old, but you need to pay a reservation fee if you are ordering tickets in advance, so they can go through the reserved line with you. Read all about visiting Venice with kids here. For older kids and teens, you can add more challenging items to the list, like a Florentine wine window, or a November 4 1966 flood marker on a building). Close to Ponte Vecchio and palazzo Strozzi, it is immediately beside the busy area of the Duomo and strikes a perfect balance between being a central location yet away from the maddening crowds. When in Florence, we visited the wonderful Accademia Gallery, home of Michelangelo's David. Address: Via Ricasoli, 58/60, 50129 Firenze FI, Italy Map: https://goo.gl/maps/LdjjLw2Xj2ZDnr9T6. Even though there are many pedestrian areas, youll still find taxis and some cars driving through the streets. Todo Modo is a beautiful cafe and bookshop in Florence city center, with lovely decor and bites (titles in Italian and Engish) and it is a great place if you have older kids or you want a nice place for a quick bite. THE 5 BEST Things to Do in Florence with Kids (Updated 2023) - Tripadvisor Im a local mom so Ive got the inside scoop on spending time in Florence with kids. if they have some idea what theyre looking at. Marta Correale is an Italian mama of two. Good To Know: Be careful of limited traffic zones (ZTLs) and the hefty fines that will find you if you enter them in your car. Once you land at the Florence airport, remember you can take the tram directly from the airport to the center. German director of Florence's Academy Gallery who defended David's Why? Visiting Florence with kids our favorite things to do in Florence with children, where to stay, where to eat, getting to Florence with kids, how to move around Florence with kids, when to visit and how long to stay, plus helpful tips to make your visit smooth and fun for the entire family! The statue of David by Michelangelo in the Accademia has many replicas around the globe. Go to the other side (Oltrarno District) Make the trek to Ponte Vecchio again during the day. Read more. With 3-5 days, youll enjoy greeting the same workers at the corner caf, youll have time to stroll and soak up the little moments in the city without worrying about which museum you need to get to next. Dont let this stop you from creating a basic itinerary. Making pasta is fin for kids as the activity is hands on and the result delicious! You will need to get the bus to get into the city center, but this green and family-friendly area is perfect to relax and call Florence home for a few days. Florence has a few kid-friendly museums and a scattering of playgrounds (decent, but not amazing). If you purchase from a third-party seller, the prices will be more than the prices above. The Accademia Gallery (Galleria dell'Accademia) | Florence, Italy Uffizi is a completely different animal. By bus, the best thing to do is look up the closest stop using Google Maps. To call a taxi, call 055.4242 or 055.4390. Florence Accademia Skip-the-Line Entry, Kids and Family Tour 2023 - Viator When visiting Florence with children, its best to be within walking distance of the city center. Otherwise, youll see your childs eyes glaze over about 30 seconds into the visit. Bring a little fun and fancy into your Preschool Dance and Ballet classes with Florrie Flamingo Books, Ballet Terminology Flashcards, Curriculum, Ballet Lesson Plans and more! 06.13.2023 From 15 June to 15 September the cost of an entrance ticket will increase by one Euro. We also take advantage of the amazing bike trails in the Dolomites! If you are staying in Florence a while, keep an eye out for their kids events and opportunities to play with Italian Soccer federation coaches!Web address: https://www.figc.it/it/museo-del-calcio/. Or, watch street musicians and check out the light up toys. It is really good value for money and definitely worth considering as it'll save you a lot of time and some money too - check prices now Buy your Florence Pass now 2 | Ponte Vecchio Preserved in the beautiful Academia Gallery, it is high on the list of must-see things in Florence and school-age kids are often interested in it because its been covered in art class in school. Still working on your Italy Itinerary with kids? Bicycle I dont recommend cycling in Florence if youre just visiting. Kids will enjoy looking at the books on offer at Florences book (and toy) shops. Can you imagine spending three years on a project? This means FREE admission for everyone. Say hi as you walk by (but dont get too close and scare them) or go for a ride with one of the fiaccherai carriage drivers. THE TOP 10 Florence Kid-Friendly (w/Prices) - Viator Should I buy the the Firenze Card to visit Florence? 15 Best Things to do in Florence with Kids (2023) @media(min-width:0px){#div-gpt-ad-thetuscanmom_com-box-4-0-asloaded{max-width:300px!important;max-height:250px!important;}}if(typeof ez_ad_units != 'undefined'){ez_ad_units.push([[300,250],'thetuscanmom_com-box-4','ezslot_5',114,'0','0'])};__ez_fad_position('div-gpt-ad-thetuscanmom_com-box-4-0'); If youll be in the area before you visit the Accademia, you can take your family to the Carrara marble quarries, where Michelangelo himself chose the marble blocks for his statues. Visit Uffizi gallery/museum (20) Visit Ponte Vecchio in the evening (Free) Day 3. Florrie Flamingo provides fun and fanciful lesson plans for Preschool Creative Dance and Preschool Ballet Classes. The Uffizi Gallery is one of the world's most famous art museums, but it can be a challenge to get children excited about art history. If you want to do a tour, look into guided kid-focused Uffizi tours. Family-Friendly Florence Tour with Accademia Visit 2023 - Viator You can prebook a date & time before arriving in Florence for the Uffizi and Accademia by calling + 39 055-294883 or booking direct at one of the ticket offices you'll find on the FirenzeCard website. It is free! Please see our Disclaimer for more information. I look forward to sharing travel tips with you and giving you a glimpse of life in beautiful Tuscany! Museums can be exhausting (even for adults) and you want to keep the experience fun so your kids will want to visit other museums. During the hot summer months, I would spend 1-2 days, and add more if youd like to go on a day trip or two. The square takes its name from the church of Santa Maria Novella that dominates the landscapes. Its the reason his head is disproportionately large. There's tables and a gazebo. Find here>>> the, Merry Go Round in Piazza della Repubblica (see below). I always bring a stroller if I want my baby or young child to nap or I want to have a place to store things. Florence, Italy - What to Do and Where to Stay in Our Favorite City Florence- how long to see the Uffizi and Accademia? Near Todo Modo Dila you have Gelateria La Carraia so my recommendation is to have a bit in Todo Modo, cross the river, and indulge in a gelato + childrens bookshop stop!