Fun Things To Do In Florence With Kids And Teens

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Florence is the most beautiful, colourful, and exciting city. And the perfect place to visit with kids and teens. Thus I wanted to share a little insight on Fun Things To Do In Florence with kids and teens, I also want to talk a little about taking a guided tour of Florence and why this is a wonderful option for families.

The distance always seemed a bit of a problem when we were cruising. However in  in reality hiring a car is simple. Thus giving you the option of getting into Florence independently and doing a self guided tour or booking a tour guide when docking at Livorno and doing Florence in a day. After my last visit it is somewhere I certainly want to spend more time.

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Fun things to do in Florence with kids and teens a guided tour of the city will help you really explore.

Getting Into Florence

During our recent trip staying at Country Relais and Spa Le Capanne Villa we found that hiring a car and exploring Tuscany by car is the perfect way to see the region.

With Florence being just 1 hr 40 minutes away. Driving in gave us the perfect opportunity to explore the city. Its also a great option when travelling into Florence with kids as you can just bundle them into the car after a day exploring.

Parking In Florence, Where To Park?

We parked at Garage del Bargello in Via Ghibellina 170/172/R – 50122 FIRENZE. Parking in Florence cost €25 for the day, make sure you pre book as it is in a traffic limited area.

Once you have booked parking in Florence the garage will communicate you car details onto the Municipal Police to ensure you do not get charged. Although the garage is tiny there are valets to park and retrieve your car.

It’s in a central location not far from Piazza della Signoria. Which when traveling with children is fab and saves little legs from getting tired.

It’s in a central location not far from Piazza della Signoria. Which when traveling with children is fab and saves little legs from getting tired.

Tips For Visiting Florence With Kids

Take A Guided Tour Of Florence, There Are So Many Fun Tours Available.

There are so many fun things to do in Florence and we were lucky enough to be offered a guided tour of the city with two incredible guides Vincenzo and Rafaella from LivItaly Tours.

This allowed us to get the full Florence experience. Thus see exactly what Florence, Italy has to offer. A tour such as a museum or food tour in Florence is perfect for families as you can concentrate on the kids and let the guide lead the way.

Why You Should Consider Booking A Guided Tour Of Florence?

A tour guide is vital when visiting a new destination and something we never used to do. However the knowledge guides have is incredible. Tour guides know what to show and how to present the tour to fit their audience. Whether it be families, smaller kids, teens or couples.

Guided tours can also be tailored to offer family friendly activities. This gives you an in-depth insight to an area, including points of interest, historical facts and tours off the beaten track. You are also able to book smaller tours for a more personal experience. This is exactly what you need to give you a feel for a city.

Windows of Florence, there is some stunning architecture in Italy and a Guided Tour Of Florence is a way way to see features like this as your guide will point you in the right direction.
Off the beaten path exploring the streets of Italy, tour guides help you to see the real city.

Fun Things To Do In Florence With Kids And Teens

Visit Piazza Della Signoria

This is where we arranged to meet our guides, it is also the perfect square to stop for a coffee and people watch. Whilst you are here check out Café’ Rivoire not only is it the prettiest elegant cafe, but has the best chocolate and sweet selection. Kids will love deciding what speciality chocolate to buy, omg it was sooooo good.

Teens Will Love Ponte Vecchio Bridge

The Ponte Vecchio is the oldest bridge in Florence, which is very impressive from either side. Make sure you check out the views of the bridge. As well as the view from the bridge.

The first bridge was thought to be built around 966 and then reconstructed after a flood in 1345. It has been the home to shops since the 13th century,  at one time only goldsmiths and jewellers were permitted to trade on the bridge. Now there is a good selection of local shops to browse.

A guided tour can be tailored around the Ponte Vecchio Bridge
The Banks of the River Fiume Arnot

Make Gelato, It’s The Perfect Activity For Families.

As part of our guided tour we got to make gelato with gelato expert Ciro Cammilli, I would thoroughly recommend adding this onto a tour. You have to make Gelato when you visit Italy, the kids will love it! This is such a fun thing to do.

We spent a glorious hour or two making gelato and eating LOADS! You can’t go to Florence and not make gelato it was a real treat. My favourite was the pistachio, closely followed by tomatoes and basil. I kid you not it was INCREDIBLE.

Ice Cream Making in Florence
Things To Do In Florence With Kids And Teens include booking a guided tour where you can choose to make gelato

Check Out The Street Art With Kids

Teens love street art and Rafaella ensured she took us off the beaten path to view some of Florence’s best street art. This may be an unusual thing to do in Florence, however is a great free thing to do with kids and teens.  And despite street art being illegal on the streets of Florence, it feels such a treat when you stumble across it.

Exploring street art in Florence as part of a guided tour
Art in Florence www.extraordinarychaos.com

Visit Michelangelo’s David at the Academia Gallery.

I have always wanted to see Michelangelo’s David but never felt it was urgent. However now I have seen him I would say you must visit. I felt like I had a real moment as I stood staring up at the 17ft marble structure that took over 2 years to carve. There are many more museums in Florence, but this is a great place to start.

Museums are a great way for kids to find out about cities and their history and the museum guide made his talk about David fun, it was very engaging.

Academia Gallerie Florence www.extraordinarychoas.com
Michelangelo's David at the Academia Museum Florence can be booked as part of a guided tour
Visiting David in Florence

Things To Do In Florence With Kids, Do A Spot Of Shopping

The city is packed to the rafters with designer and high street stores. You probably need half a day just for shopping in Florence. I am still weeping on the inside about that dress I passed in H&M! I just didn’t have time to stop.

So yes, set aside time for shopping. My Teens would say shopping shopping is up there in the fun things to do in Florence category. As much as they would love all the sightseeing, new never pass up on a little retail therapy.

The Duomo For Kids

We could not get in despite having tickets, and that is the great thing about having a guide, Vincenzo did his utmost to get us in. Apparently the rain was causing problems with the floors (It was throwing it down) But you know what? It was worth going just to see it from the outside.

The outside is stunning. As there are street cafes all around its a fun idea to take a break with a nice glass of Italian wine, whilst you challenge the kids to sketch the Duomo of Florence.

S.Maria Del.Fiore Duomo

Visiting the Duomo Florence www.extraordianrychoas.com

Visit The Bronze Pig Known As Il Porcellin- Florence

Located on the Loggia del Mercato Nuovo, the fountains original purpose was to provide water to merchants who traded in the market. Tradition has it that you had to put a coin inside its mouth for it to drop into the grate and rub its nose you can to make a wish!

The Il Porcellin- Florence has a lot of detail with other animals carved in to the bronze too. It is also surrounding by a market selling local trinkets and souvenirs which is perfect for picking up gifts to take home. It is one of unique things to see in Florence a part of history it would be a shame to miss.

The Wild Boar on my guide tour of Florence
A guides tour of Florence can be arranged to take you around the Markets in Italy

What To Eat In Florence When You Are Traveling With Kids And Teens?

Eat Street Food

You can’t go to Italy and not eat Pizza, which for me always tastes better outside. Watching the world go by and taking in the Italian atmosphere as you enjoy a cold drink and real slice of Italian Pizza in Florence before washing it down with Gelato.

Eating Pizza in Italy

Florence has much to offer families travelling with teens, culture, education and fantastic shopping and dining options. To get the best out of this wonderful city a combination of guided tour and independent time will give you the perfect balance.

Pin Things To Do In Florence With Kids And Teens For Later

What to do in Florence Italy with kids
What to do in Florence Italy
What to do in Florence with kids and teens, where to park and places to visit such as Michelangeo's David and Duomo

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13 thoughts on “Fun Things To Do In Florence With Kids And Teens”

  1. Some great ideas here. I’d love to make ice cream, I bet that was brilliant fun. Florence is such a delightful city to wander through, it looks like you covered a lot in your visit. Like you say, a guide is so useful. #Mondayescapes

    Reply
  2. Ahhh, I agree on every point! (This post would have been perfect when I planned our trip last summer! 😉 ) Florence is incredible. My teens (and 9 year old) loved gelato, climbing the city tower by the duomo (we also couldn’t get tickets timed for when we wanted, so we had to view it from outside, too), gelato, seeing the bronze pig, and gelato. Haha! I will say my greatest regret was waiting too long to book tickets to see Michelangelo’s David. We went during the peak summer holiday period, and by the time I was ready to commit (prior to the trip), they had sold out all tickets for our days in Florence. Thankfully there are several outdoor versions of David. Great post with photos!

    Reply
  3. Thank you so much for this timely post (for me haha). I am pinning it to compare it to the itinerary that I have prepared for me and my husband for our visit in September!

    Reply
  4. Oh how I adore Florence. We did it on a coach from out cruise ship when we docked in Livorno. It was a long drive with two little ones but worth it. I like the idea of hiring a car and trying to do excursions like this under our own steam.

    Reply
  5. We have only passed through Florence (changing trains) but it looks like we missed out big time not stopping for longer. There looks like lots to do and the how to make ice cream would be ideal (although we would need to wait to see if our boys grow out of their intolerances first!). Maybe one day #MondayEscapes

    Reply

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