The Complete Florence with Young Kids Guide (Toddlers and Kids)

If you’re considering a trip to Florence with kids, this guide is for you. My second trip to Florence, this time with my daughter in tow, solidified it as one of my favorite Italian cities. Even young kids can feel Florence’s charm and character that adorn every corner, wall, and ceiling.

One of the things about Florence that makes it especially great with young kids is that everything is mostly concentrated in a 30-40 minute walking radius, so you’re never too far from the next sight, gelato, or the hotel for a nap. Florence is a city that does require a bit of planning, simply because it has so much to offer across architecture, history, culture, and food.

With young kids, it’s important to find the right balance between the sights and a slower pace. I spent hours researching the best restaurants, things to do, and where to stay in Florence with my almost 4-year-old. We visited countless museums, shops, iconic landmarks, and places to eat, and narrowed down everything you need to know in this guide to Florence with young kids. 

If you’re looking to find the ultimate balance of must-see landmarks with a slower pace and kid-friendly spots, read on to plan your days in Florence with this guide.

Short on Time? Here’s My Quick Guide to Florence with Young Kids:

Where to Stay with Kids

With young kids, you’ll definitely want to be centrally located within Florence. Each neighborhood has its own feel and charm, and most places are only about a 15-20-minute walk away. I recommend choosing the neighborhood whose “feel” best fits your family.

1. Oltrarno, for artisan studios, fewer crowds, and relaxed evenings across the river
   Hotel Lungarno ($$$), Hotel Palazzo Guadagni ($$), AdAstra Suites ($$), Casa Botticelli ($$), SoprArno Suites ($$), or a 1-Bedroom Apartment with Fresco Walls (Where I Stayed)
2. Santa Croce, for a local feel and the city’s best dining and markets
   Plaza Hotel Lucchesi ($$), La Maison du Sage ($$), Residenza La Musa Amarcord ($$), Nove Guest House ($), or Casa Cosi — Sant’Ambrogio (Where I’ve Stayed)
3. City Center (Duomo), for iconic sights and an ultra-central stay close to the Duomo
   Hotel Savoy ($$$$), Hotel Number Nine ($$$ / Where We Stayed), The Artists’ Palace Florence ($$), Casa G. Firenze ($$), Numeroventi ($$), or a 2-Bedroom Penthouse Duomo View

Must-Have Gear for Kid Travel

1. Compact, Foldable Stroller — We love our Cybex Libelle 2, it’s the smallest folding stroller on the market. The Stokke YOYO 3 is another popular option.
2. Baby Carrier — Depending on the age of your kids, a baby carrier is incredibly useful for walking through Florence’s narrow streets and museums. We loved our Artipoppe.
3. Travel Crib & Sleep Gear — I bring our Guava travel pack & play along with this travel sound machine and a no-WiFi baby monitor since hotel networks won’t connect.
4. Car Seat & Travel Bag — The Cosco Scenera and WayB Pico are our favorite lightweight car seats. We use this car seat travel bag to check the Scenera.
5. Plug Type C Adapter — Don’t forget a Type C adapter for monitors, sound machines, and chargers.
6. For my full list, read My Toddler Travel Essential Gear List.

Things to Do with Kids

1. Priority Entrance to Pitti Palace & Boboli Gardens, one of my favorite mornings in Florence
2. Kid-Friendly Tour of Florence with Ponte Vecchio, the Duomo & San Lorenzo Market, for a 2.5-hour walking tour designed for families that hits the main sights
3. Kid-Friendly Florence Highlights Tour with Central Market & Gelato Tasting, for a 2.5-hour family tour including stops at Mercato Centrale and gelato
4. Uffizi Gallery Reserved Entrance Tickets, the Uffizi requires a timed entry, and crowds can be intense. With kids I’d recommend booking the earliest morning slot.
5. Accademia Gallery Skip-the-Line with Michelangelo’s David, the skip-the-line ticket is definitely worth it

Travel Tips

1. Get Cell Data Before You Arrive — We use Holafly unlimited data eSIMs for all international travel and recommend installing yours before you land. Maps, directions, and translations all work the moment you arrive. Pre-Purchase your Holafly eSIM here.
2. Book an Airport Transfer in Advance — For a smooth arrival, I recommend booking your airport transfer ahead of time with Welcome Pickups. They meet you at arrivals and handle the ride into the city so you can skip the taxi line.

Helpful Guides to Plan Your Trip

To dive deeper into the city, don’t miss my curated Florence itinerary, and guides to where to stay in Florence, the best things to do in Florence, and my Oltrarno neighborhood guide!

If you’re also planning on visiting Tuscany (which I highly recommend!) start with my Tuscany itinerary for a practical, day-by-day plan, then dive deeper with my guide on the best towns to base yourself in Tuscany, my regional guide to Val d’Orcia, and my guides to San Gimignano, Siena, Pienza, Montepulciano, and Montalcino! For more on where you can go from Florence, see my 10-day Italy itinerary.

The Complete Florence with Young Kids Guide (Toddlers and Kids)

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What to Know Before Visiting Florence with Young Kids

Is Florence a Good Place to Visit with Young Kids?

Totally, I wouldn’t hesitate to return with my daughter. It is compact, walkable, has plenty of food options (even for the pickiest eaters), and is inherently family-friendly. It also makes for a perfect dual city-countryside trip when paired with one or more of the incredible Tuscan towns surrounding it.

How Kid-Friendly is Florence, Italy?

I’ve found Italy to be super warm toward children, and Florence was no exception. Kids are not only very welcome in restaurants and public spaces, but they’re also often fussed over and doted on. And while there isn’t an abundance of parks or playgrounds, there’s plenty to see and do that will keep them entertained and happy, too.

The Best Time to Visit Florence with a Toddler

While the most ideal time to visit with young kids is outside peak season, it’s almost always busy in Florence. Peak season now stretches from mid-April through to the end of October, but the later into October or the earlier into spring (excluding Easter week), the fewer the crowds. 

Summers are hot and humid, while fall and spring are milder and more pleasant weather for visiting. Winter can be lovely too, just bring a few extra layers for everyone.

For more on what to know before you visit, check out my Florence itinerary. It includes extensive first-timer and travel tips before you arrive, as well as bonus day trips to add on.

Arriving in Florence: Where to Fly In

Florence is easy to reach by air by flying into Florence’s Amerigo Vespucci Airport (FLR), which is about 15 minutes from the city center by taxi, tram, or private transfer. The airport is quite small, which makes collecting bags or getting through security a breeze with young kids.

Airport Transfer Tip: We use Welcome Pickups for all our private transfers to and from the airport. They meet you at arrivals and handle the ride into the city so you can skip the taxi line.

If you’re not able to fly directly into FLR and don’t want to layover with young kids, you could also fly into Pisa International Airport or Rome (Leonardo Da Vinci-Fiumcino Airport). From either, you can book a private transfer or take a high-speed train.

On our most recent trip, we flew into Pisa and had an especially good experience with Welcome Pickups, a private transfer (we also used them for two trips to Rome). It includes meet and greet, free waiting time if you’re delayed, an English-speaking driver, and child seats (for a fee).

Arriving in Florence: Where to Train In

Florence is also quite easy to reach by high-speed train from another city. Trains across Europe, and Italy in particular, are super clean, reliable, and commonly used. You can buy tickets for the same day, and trains run frequently, but I’d suggest booking ahead to snag business or first class seats for more room, WiFi, snacks, and outlets.

From Santa Maria Novella, the main train station, you can reach most neighborhoods (see below for where I suggest staying) by taxi or private transfer in about 5-10 minutes. There is a taxi stand right outside the station, but a private transfer might be best if you have several young kids, lots of luggage, or want to be taken directly or as close to your accommodation as possible.

Airport Transfer Tip: We use Welcome Pickups for all our private transfers to and from the airport. They meet you at arrivals and handle the ride into the city so you can skip the taxi line.

Getting Around Florence with Kids

• Walking — One of the best parts of Florence is how compact and walkable it is (we hit 15k steps/day!). It’s the easiest way to get around Florence, even for the littlest legs. Your longest distances will always be a maximum of 30-40 minutes if you’re fully traversing the city. For longer distances or tired legs, Florence’s reliable public transportation system has buses and trams that connect the city center with surrounding neighborhoods. While there are many old and cobblestone streets, we found a solid travel stroller can do okay on most streets and sidewalks.
• Taxis — If you end up needing a taxi, it’s best to have your hotel or accommodation call one or use appTaxi to request one. It was very tedious when we tried to call a taxi, and two of the three times we couldn’t get one at all. Uber operates in Florence as Uber Taxi, but it simply calls for a white, metered Florence taxi.
• Biking — Biking is simply not practical nor an advantage over walking within Florence. Even if biking were an option, the cobblestones, zone restrictions, and the sheer amount of pedestrians would add logistical complexity.

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Must-Have Gear For Kid Travel in Florence

• Compact, Foldable Stroller — The Cybex Libelle 2 is so helpful for all toddler travel. It folds compactly, fits in the overhead in planes, and is convenient to use. I would use that or the Stokke YOYO 3.
• Baby Carrier — Depending on the age of your young kids, I’d consider bringing a baby carrier given the convenience and necessity of walking within Florence. We loved our Artipoppe.
• Car Seat Gear — The Cosco Scenera and WayB Pico are our favorite lightweight car seats. We use this car seat travel bag to check the Scenera. We also always bring a baby car mirror.
• Sleep Gear — While most hotels will offer a crib, I prefer the predictability of having our Guava travel pack & play (it’s free to check with international airlines). With it, I always bring this travel sound machine to help reduce any exterior sound, and this no-WiFi baby monitor, as most baby monitors won’t connect to hotel WiFi networks.
• Plug Adapter — Don’t forget a Type C Adapter for any baby monitors, sound machines, or chargers!
• For my full list of recommendations, read My Toddler Travel Essential Gear List!

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Helpful Tips to Know Before You Arrive

Restaurants and Dining in Florence with Kids

Eating out with kids in Florence is genuinely one of the more relaxed versions of that experience you’ll find anywhere in Europe. The culture is on your side. I’ve included a few things below, but otherwise, let Italy do what Italy does. They love kids and go out of their way to make them feel welcome and at home. A few other things to keep in mind:

• Try to manage meal pacing and timing, as Italians enjoy long meals and late dinners. We personally opted to do more lunches out because of the hours. Also when we order, we try and let the staff know how much time we have to eat and that dishes are welcome to come out as they’re ready, rather than coursed out.
• High chairs may not be universally available, so ask when you book or upon arrival.
• Kids’ menus are not typical, but kitchens happily accommodate with half portions or pasta with butter or red sauce.
• Ask for bread immediately if it doesn’t come, and order a kid’s meal as a first course.

Pharmacy and Emergency Help

Pharmacies are pretty much all over Florence and easily marked by a lit green cross. Keep in mind that most follow typical Italian business hours and are not open all day, and on weekends, and close for lunch. If you’re in a pinch, check the door for the information for the pharmacy on-call or search “farmacia di turno Firenze”. 

For emergencies, 112 is the one single number for the police, the fire department, or medical emergencies, should you need it.

Finding Kids’ Parks in Florence

While the piazzas and gardens in Florence offer plenty of benches and shade, the public playgrounds within them are fairly sparse and generally not well-maintained. Rather than being destinations, think of them simply as places to take a break from crowds, people watch, and get some energy out between sights. Don’t be surprised to find some litter, graffiti, and old equipment.

I’ve included a few below that we found to be either a bit more well-kept or conveniently located.

• Oltrarno Park — Also known as the Children’s play area Ivo Poli within Piazza Tasso. It has a wooden playground, plenty of shade, and is a short stroll to the Arno.
• Giardino dell’Ardiglione — A community garden with an enclosed kids’ play area attached to a school. It’s open to the public, feels tucked away within the city, and is often filled with lots of locals.
• Piazza della Indipendenza Children’s Playground — Closest to the center of the city and most sights. The playground within the piazza has slides, swings, and a climbing structure with quite a bit of shade.
• Giardino di Borgo Allegri — Our favorite play area near Santa Croce. It’s more of a park and play area than a typical playground and is especially good for younger kids, toddlers, and babies. It’s a bit less shaded than the other options, but it was clean with plenty of toys and an indoor space as well.
• Parco Giochi — Fenced playground within Piazza Massimo D’Azeglio. While it was sparse and not well-maintained, it offered decent shade and people watching.

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Where to Stay in Florence with Kids

For this trip, we split our 8 nights across several neighborhoods. With young kids, you’ll definitely want to be centrally located within Florence – either directly in the middle of the city or just a short stroll outside of it. Each neighborhood has its own feel and charm, and you can stay in most places and only be about a 15-20 minute walk. I recommend considering what “feel” of a neighborhood would work best for your family. Are you looking to be in the heart of the iconic sights and steps from everything, but amongst crowds and fellow tourists? Or are you more interested in a bit quieter, space, and a local feel, but okay with walking a bit further to the main sights?

I have an entire guide to where to stay in Florence, breaking down the neighborhoods and personal recommendations for hotels and apartments. In my experience, Florence’s best locations to stay with young kids are either in the Centro Storico for proximity to the main sights or in a local neighborhood like Santa Croce or Oltrarno.

My Favorite Areas to Stay with Young Kids

1. Santa Croce — Best for a local feel and the city’s best dining and markets.
   I felt like I was living like a local while here. For me, Santa Croce gives you the best of both worlds of being able to stay in a more local neighborhood without putting you more than 15 minutes from the sights you’ll likely want to see. Don’t get me wrong, it’s not sleepy by any means, but it offers fewer crowds and more local shops, bars, and the Sant’Ambrogio market. It’s also a quick stroll to the Arno River, which has wider streets, and kids can enjoy boat watching.
   
   Best Hotels in Santa Croce
   Plaza Hotel Lucchesi ($$), La Maison du Sage ($$), Residenza La Musa Amarcord ($$), Nove Guest House ($)
   
   Best Apartments in Santa Croce
   Casa Cosi — Sant’Ambrogio (Where I’ve Stayed), Pietrapiana 34 Boutique Apartments, Palazzo dei Ciompi Suites, 2016 Apartments

2. Oltrarno — For artisan studios, fewer crowds, and relaxed evenings across the river.
   Otrarno literally translates to “across the Arno” or the other side of the river from central Florence. While the word is spreading about this neighborhood, it still offers more of an artsy/boho feel, a slower pace, and the fewest crowds of all three neighborhoods. It has fewer accommodation options and is a bit further from the main sights, but it is close to Boboli Gardens and has a big piazza (Piazza Santo Spirito) where local families enjoy aperitivo and kids play around the fountain.
   
   Best Hotels in Oltrarno
   Hotel Lungarno ($$$), Hotel Palazzo Guadagni ($$), AdAstra Suites ($$), Casa Botticelli ($$), SoprArno Suites ($$)
   
   Best Apartments in Oltrarno
   1-Bedroom Apartment with Fresco Walls (Where I Stayed), 1-Bedroom Chic Apartment, 2-Bedroom Airy Apartment, 1-Bedroom Condo with Terrace

3. City Center (Duomo) — For iconic sights and an ultra-central stay close to the Duomo and the city’s main attractions.
   It offers the charm and history of the city while having the convenience of location. The downside of staying in Centro Storico for me is the crowds, which can be quite overwhelming in the middle of the day. While I don’t think it’s necessarily the worst option, just keep in mind how busy it is, and most restaurants and shops are catered towards tourism.
   
   Best Hotels in City Center
   Hotel Savoy ($$$$), Hotel Number Nine ($$$ / Where We Stayed), The Artists’ Palace Florence ($$), Casa G. Firenze ($$), Numeroventi ($$)
   
   Best Apartments in City Center
   2-bedroom luxury apartment with Duomo View, 2-Bedroom Penthouse Duomo View, 2-bedroom Duomo View Apartment, 1-Bedroom Duomo Apartment View

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Best Things to Do in Florence with Kids

Regardless of what time of the year you visit Florence, with young kids, you’ll want to aim to be out early. Most crowds build by 8-9 am, and the city is simply magical, ethereal almost, in the early mornings.

Visit the Boboli Gardens and Palazzo Pitti

One of my favorite mornings in the city was spent exploring the grand halls and rooms of the Pitti Palace and then strolling the attached Boboli Gardens with city views. Plan to arrive at the former Medici Family home when it opens (~8:15 am) to beat the crowds and avoid the garden during the hottest parts of the day.

Even young kids will be in awe of the sheer size and scale of the building. The dress exhibit was a particular favorite for my dress-loving daughter, but she also loved the royal apartments and royal carriages, complete with armor, gold ceilings, and thrones. After a few hours inside, head behind the Palace to the Boboli Gardens to explore and for some fresh air and stunning views of the city.

If you have more time, check out the Bardini Gardens (Giardini Bardini), a five-minute walk away, which is included with your Boboli Garden ticket.

Hop On a Kid-Friendly Tour of Florence

If you’re looking for some more structure and a way to hit the main sights in a super kid-focused way, these might be worth your while to consider for the older kids.

• Kid-Friendly Tour of Florence with Ponte Vecchio Cathedral & St Lorenzo Market (2.5 hours)
• Kid-Friendly Florence Highlights Tour with Central Market & Gelato Tasting (2.5 hours)
• Florence Must-See Sights Private Tour for Kids and Families (2 hours)

Ride the Piazza della Repubblica Carousel and Explore the Side Streets

The antique carousel within this bustling, open piazza is a total hit with the kids, and locals, too. Meander down the streets off the square to explore tucked-away shops and cafes just off it.

Get Hot Chocolate at Rivoire

For those who have a sweet tooth, definitely stop into Rivoire for their hot chocolate (it’s so rich!). The interior is absolutely stunning, and I loved that there was fast service here.

Do an Electric Cart Tour

While we did Florence entirely on foot, we did one of these electric cart tours in Rome and Puglia and our daughter loved it. It’s a good option to cover more ground with less walking for tired legs.

Tour the Dresses at the Palazzo Gucci Museum 

The Palazzo Gucci Museum, an exhibition space that traces the brand’s archive, was a fun, quick visit. To say this was our daughter’s favorite exhibit is an understatement. She was enamored by all the dresses, shoes, and purses, and we spent an hour revisiting each room. The bag room was amazing!

Visit the Orto Botanico Giardino dei Semplici – Università di Firenze

The Orto Botanico Giardino dei Semplici botanical gardens are just one block from the Accademia Gallery, but the incredible indoor and outdoor spaces, which are often uncrowded, feel like a quiet oasis within the city. You could spend an hour or two here just meandering around.

Spend Time in Piazza Di Santa Croce

Piazza Di Santa Croce is a peaceful but lively square in the historic center of Florence, surrounded by cafes, restaurants, and beautiful old shutter-adorned apartments. It’s the perfect spot for being amongst locals in the evening and to see the basilica illuminated at night.

Visit the Library and Active Theater at Giunti Odeon Cinema

This majestic, old theatre at Giunti Odeon Cinema was converted into a bookstore-meets-cinema and is perfect for a rest break or rainy day. You can sit in the theatre seats and watch on the second floor and shop for books below. And it gets bonus points for its clean toilet facilities. We went in twice to let our daughter peruse the books and watch part of a film.

Tour the Basilica of Santa Maria Novella

The Basilica of Santa Maria Novella was super easy to visit with a toddler. It’s open and often less crowded, with a paid entrance upon arrival. Head into the church, go far into the private grounds, and explore the galleries. The Museum of Santa Maria Novella sits around a beautiful, quiet interior cloister.

While there, I’d highly recommend a visit to Officina Profumo-Farmaceutica di Santa Maria Novella, which is connected to the Basilica courtyard (accessible from the street side). The Dominican friars of the Basilica founded the perfumery, and it’s the world’s oldest operating pharmacy. Today, it’s known for its perfumes. My daughter smelled every single perfume and was kindly sent home with a small goodie bag of samples!

Hit the Museums

It’s nearly impossible to visit all of the museums Florence has to offer, so I’m including my favorites in order of priority. Note that you’ll need (or want) an advance registration or timed entry for most to avoid long lines.

• Gallerie degli Uffizi — This place gets SO packed, and you have to pre-reserve a time slot to enter. My recommendation is to buy a combined pass that includes entrance to the Uffizi Gallery, Pitti Palace, and Boboli Gardens. Another way to get an advanced reservation is this entry ticket with an optional tour, or this VIP Small Group Tour that skips the line.
• Galleria dell’Accademia di Firenze — The Accademia Gallery is best known as the home of Michelangelo’s David and the largest concentration of his sculptures. A timed entrance slot is necessary to enter, but worth it because snapping a pic with your kiddo in front of the David is pretty iconic.
• Museo Nazionale del Bargello — This art museum boasts one of the world’s great collections of Italian Renaissance art. It’s often not busy, can be seen relatively quickly, and was one of my favorites.
• Museo Sant’Orsola Firenze — A contemporary art museum housed in an old convent with several exhibit spaces, big open spaces, and virtually no crowds here.

Get a Gelato

My daughter happily conducted extensive gelato research in each neighborhood we stayed in, and these were our favorites:

• Gelateria dei Neri (Santa Croce)
• Sbrino – Gelatificio Contadino (Oltrarno)
• Perché no!… (Centro Storico)

Hop in an Old-Fashioned Photo Booth

Florence has six decades-old (since restored!) “Fotoautomatica” photobooths built in around the city. If there isn’t a line and you’ve got 4.5 minutes for it to develop, a classic black-and-white photo strip is a super sweet keepsake.

Where to find the Vintage Photo Booths

• Via dell’Agnolo
• Via del Proconsolo
• Largo Fratelli Alinari
• Via Santa Monaca
• The Student Hotel

A Few More Things to Do in Florence with Kids

• Explore the Leonardo da Vinci Interactive Museum, for hands-on, kid-friendly exhibits where kids can interact with working models of Leonardo’s inventions
• Visit Museo Galileo, for an interactive alternative to the art museums
• Take a Family Tour of Palazzo Vecchio, for secret passages tour, costumed characters, and a Children’s Museum

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Our Favorite Restaurants in Florence with Kids

All of the best restaurants book far in advance, so I’d recommend booking ahead as soon as you know your dates, even for lunch.

• Dalla Lola — A local corner trattoria with about a dozen tables and a daily-changing menu that includes some longstanding classics like their fried ravioli and miso gnocchi. I went by about an hour before it opened, and got a table for lunch that day, though you can make online reservations for dinner.
• Cibreo Trattoria — A lovely spot near Mercato Sant’Ambrogio. It’s one of the places you can’t miss in Florence for its chicken and ricotta meatballs, cibreo (classic Tuscan chicken giblets), roasted pork, and house-made pastas. Lunch here was one of our favorites, so be sure to book ahead online!
• Ditta Artigianale — Has several locations throughout the city; it’s the perfect spot for a coffee and pastry, but it even has a more expansive food menu. We especially loved the Sant’Ambrogio location.
• Vini e Vecchi Sapori — Classic osteria in the Centro Storico with about a dozen tables and a daily written menu. Their seasonal pasta dishes, the long-standing classic rose ravioli, and their fried zucchini blossoms were fantastic. Reservations are a must, so call ahead, have your accommodations call, or walk by to try to score a reservation for later in the week.
• Il Latini — The staple spot for a Florentine steak, or Bistecca alla Fiorentina, a famously thick-cut, bone-in porterhouse or T-bone steak from Florence, Italy. I booked 2 months out, and when we arrived, there was a line of about 20 people hoping for a last-minute reservation. The meal was good, but I wouldn’t wait without a reservation with young kids, so be sure to book as soon as possible!
• Mister Pizza — An easy, no-fuss spot with several locations throughout the city. They don’t take reservations, but the tables move fast, so it’s worth the wait. It’s also great for takeout if you’ve had a particularly long day and want to skip dinner out.

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FAQ: Visiting Florence with Kids

• Is Florence good for young kids / toddlers? Yes! We had an amazing time with our 4 year old. She loved the energy of the city and getting to explore the shops, sites, and restaurants.
• How many days do you need in Florence with kids? I recommend at least 3 days to properly experience the city. We spent a full week there on our last trip with our daughter and loved it. See my 3-day Florence itinerary for exactly how I’d plan my time.
• Is Florence stroller-friendly? Yes! We used a stroller for our entire time. Some of the cobblestone streets can be rough and the sidewalks narrow, though, so pushing a stroller is a more hands-on experience.
• What’s the best age to visit Florence with kids? Florence can be wonderful for any age, though each age requires different
• What should you skip in Florence with young kids? For us, we tried to above the most popular areas in the Centro Storico (near the Duomo) and museums like the Uffizi during mid-day as the crowds can be quite overwhelming. Instead, we tried to get out early and spend time in calmer parts of the city.
• Best time of year to visit Florence with kids? The ideal time to visit is March through mid-April and late October through November, as you’ll avoid the peak season crowds and heat (Peak season now stretches from mid-April through to the end of October).

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