Italy is a fantastic choice for a family holiday — nice weather, gorgeous scenery and plenty to do for adults and children of all ages. We take a look at some of the family-friendly attractions, towns and excursions for those thinking of choosing Tuscany as their family holiday destination.
Uffizi Gallery, Florence
If you still want to soak up some culture on your holiday, a trip to Uffizi Gallery will be high on the list. To avoid the torture of queuing with impatient children, call ahead or book tickets online — you’ll get to bypass the queue by using a separate entrance into the gallery. Book your Uffizi Gallery skip-the-line tickets.
Top tip: Pop into the museum book shop — opposite the entrance — where they sell children’s activity books (in English) which will help keep them entertained and engaged whilst you enjoy the paintings.
Piccolo Mondo, Pisa
This amusement park has the highest water slide in Tuscany, as well as plenty of family-friendly activities — go karts, inflatable courses and a 5D cinema.
Top tip: Check the website before you go for special offer coupons; you could save some money for the all-important gelato fund!
Boboli Gardens, Florence
If you’re looking for somewhere for kids to burn off some energy, the Boboli Gardens in Florence are a good start. There’s plenty of space for them to run around and play hide and seek — although it might be best to stick together inside the (surprisingly complicated) maze.
Top tip: Shaded areas are limited — and very popular — so head there in the morning or late afternoon to avoid the strongest sun.
Il Museo del Bosco, Siena
Translating to ‘The Museum of the Woods’, this museum boasts a collection of materials and stories from the people who used to live in the nearby woodland.
Top tip: The museum includes a host of walks and trails through the nearby woodland — the perfect opportunity for some woodland-based activities such as tree-rubbings.
Pinocchio Park, Pisa
Far more than an ordinary park, the Pinocchio Park was designed to bring the beloved story of the wooden boy to life — with puppet shows, interactive art and exhibitions. The park underwent extensive work a few years ago to ensure its accessibility — which means it’s suitable for pushchairs and prams.
Top tip: You can pre-plan your visit using the interactive map on the website.
Zoo, Pistoia
Pistoia Zoo has more than 400 animals, including giraffes and polar bears. As with most zoos, they’re passionate about conservation – so an ideal place to visit if you’re looking for an educational theme to your activities.
Top tip: The zoo offers a range of special activities, including close encounters and night visits.
Museo Galileo, Firenze
This museum is truly kid-centric, with plenty of interactive sections where kids are encouraged to investigated with replica instruments and observe live demonstrations. There are also plenty exhibits — from ancient instruments to the rather grisly display of two of Galileo’s own fingers.
Top tip: The museum’s website has a useful glossary; if you want to brush-up on your scientific knowledge ahead of your visit – imagine how impressed your companions will be!
Parco Avventura Il Gigante, near Florence
Ideal for more adventurous families, you can climb through the trees on this high ropes course with zip lines, tunnels and Nepal-style bridges. They have courses suitable for kids as young as three, and zones with different difficulty ratings to ensure that everyone has an adrenaline-filled time.
Top tip: Book tickets online to guarantee that there will be spaces on the day you want to attend; they also recommend arriving at least three hours before closing time.