10 Mostly Cheap Things to Do in Florence With Kids (2024)
Explore kid-friendly things to do in Florence without spending a dime!
Is Florence kid-friendly?
Navigating Florence with a baby or toddler? Absolutely possible. From discovering playgrounds to uncovering free activities, there are numerous appealing attractions and leisure options in the former capital of Italy for families with little ones.
Curious about what to do in Florence with a toddler without breaking the bank? Picture parks, piazzas, museums, and strolls. I'll reveal our discoveries that make Florence worth revisiting with a toddler.
Although Florence may lack a zoo or an epic children's museum-like Rome or Milan, it boasts several free cultural and recreational attractions that toddlers will thoroughly enjoy.
How long to stay in Florence with kids?
One aspect I particularly adore about Florence is its relatively compact size and easy navigability. You can effortlessly explore 3-5 attractions in a day. For a first-time visit with children, I recommend spending a minimum of three days and a maximum of five. This timeframe provides ample opportunities to transition from charming piazzas to captivating museums and, of course, indulging in delightful gelato, all while allowing your family some well-deserved relaxation.
It's crucial to note that Florence, as the birthplace of the Renaissance, showcases a lighter, softer, and more artistic side of Italy. This is in stark contrast to cities like Rome, where you'll encounter abundant stone structures and statues of unclothed men.
Where to eat in Florence with children?
Restaurants adorn nearly every piazza and occupy various corners and spaces throughout the city. However, finding establishments that are both child-friendly, delectable, and authentically Italian can be a nuanced quest. It's worth noting that eateries around piazzas often cater to tourists, translating to slightly higher prices, diminished quality, and a touch of over-sensationalization, in my opinion.
For our top picks on family-friendly dining in Florence, along with a detailed blog post dedicated to this culinary exploration, read on.
FAMILY-FRIENDLY RESTAURANTS IN FLORENCE
03 | LA BUCHETTA FOOD & WINE RESTAURANT
Keep reading!
10 Top Kid-Friendly Restaurants In Florence For Food Lovers
10 free things to do in Florence with kids
01 | Biblioteca delle Oblate, Firenze (kid’s library)
The Biblioteca delle Oblate library extends a warm welcome to both local patrons and the littlest members of our community. What sets this library apart is its embrace of a slightly livelier ambiance, quite distinct from the hushed tones often associated with American libraries. Italians, by nature, tend to be a bit more vociferous. With an expansive array ranging from books to board games and educational toys, we found this library to be the perfect haven for our toddler's playtime. An additional perk is the indoor air conditioning, proving to be a lifesaver during the scorching summer months.
LOCATION: Via dell' Oriuolo, 24, 50122 Firenze FI, Italy
TIP: Take the elevator upstairs to find the library cafe where you can grab a coffee and snack.
ATTRACTIONS NEARBY
Cathedral of Santa Maria del Fiore
02 | Giardino di Borgo Allegri Park
Discover the hidden gem of a neighborhood play area nestled in the heart of Florence, Borgo Allergri Park. Tucked away on a quaint street, this garden park is a serene retreat enclosed for the safety of little ones. Here, kids can frolic in the grass, explore the vegetable garden, swing, climb, and even enjoy indoor play in a designated area. As an added bonus, the establishment features a small indoor play space equipped with a refrigerator and vending machine, providing convenience for parents in need of milk storage or a quick snack.
LOCATION: Borgo Allegri, 18, 50122 Firenze FI, Italy
TIP: Sustained entirely by donations from the local community, this park relies on the generosity of neighborhood residents. As a visitor to the area, you can contribute directly by providing cash donations to the on-site park management. From experience it's important to note that for newcomers, a warm reception may be contingent on this contribution — a cultural quirk to keep in mind in Italy.
ATTRACTIONS NEARBY
Piazza Santa Croce
03 | Ponte Vecchio Bridge
Whether accompanied by a toddler or not, the Ponte Vecchio Bridge stands as one of Florence's architectural marvels. The allure of this iconic structure extends to toddlers, who can delight in the joy of running along the bridge while marveling at the intricate details, graffiti, and charming shops that adorn its sides. Additionally, this location serves as an ideal backdrop for capturing timeless family photographs.
LOCATION: Ponte Vecchio, 50125 Firenze FI, Italy
TIP: For a tranquil experience, consider visiting the bridge early in the morning to relish the peaceful atmosphere and spacious surroundings. Crowds of tourists typically start gathering by mid-morning.
ATTRACTIONS NEARBY
Uffizi Gallery
04 | Piazza Santa Croce
Looking to run your toddler around in the early morning or after dinner? In front of the magnificent Basilica of Santa Croce lies a friendly piazza where kids often bring a ball to kick or a scooter to ride. This square is typically less crowded compared to others yet gelato is nearby.
LOCATION: Piazza di Santa Croce, 16, 50122 Firenze FI, Italy
TIP: Again, visit first thing in the morning or after dinner to enjoy more space to yourselves.
ATTRACTIONS NEARBY
Giardino di Borgo Allegri Park
05 | Piazza della Signoria
Undoubtedly one of the most renowned squares in Florence, Piazza della Signoria offers a delightful setting for a leisurely stroll and statue admiration. Many choose to relax on the sheltered steps, indulging in a refreshing drink or gelato. Toddlers might particularly enjoy the open expanse and petite stairs that add an element of fun to their exploration.
LOCATION: P.za della Signoria, 50122 Firenze FI, Italy
TIP: Given that this is a prominent tourist spot, exercise caution for pickpockets in the area. I recommend visiting early in the morning to minimize such concerns.
ATTRACTIONS NEARBY
Uffizi Gallery
06 | Look at horses in Duomo Square
Just opposite the Cathedral of Santa Maria del Fiore, you'll often come across horses ready to take you on a carriage ride through the center of Florence. Beyond carriage rides, visitors are also encouraged to observe and greet these majestic animals. If your toddler has a fondness for animals, this makes for a wonderful visit to introduce them to the vibrant spirit of Florence.
LOCATION: Piazza del Duomo, 50122 Firenze FI, Italy
TIP: Should you decide to tip the individuals overseeing the horses, there's a good chance they'll reciprocate with a carrot for you to offer as a treat to the horse.
ATTRACTIONS NEARBY
Cathedral of Santa Maria del Fiore
07 | Mercato Centrale in Florence
Seeking a laid-back spot to relax and enjoy a meal without the fuss? Mercato Centrale happens to be one of my preferred food halls in Europe, offering a straightforward yet top-notch culinary experience. The atmosphere is entirely casual, and although the majority of the offerings are rooted in Italian cuisine, you'll also discover delightful dumplings and conveniently situated table spaces perfect for toddlers.
LOCATION: Piazza del Mercato Centrale, Via dell'Ariento, 50123 Firenze FI, Italy
TIP: Opt to arrive just before lunchtime for a slightly less crowded experience.
ATTRACTIONS NEARBY
San Lorenzo Market
08 | Uffizi Gallery
The Uffizi Gallery houses an impressive collection of ancient sculptures and paintings spanning two floors. A delightful section of the gallery extends outdoors to a covered area, providing an enjoyable space for toddlers to roam freely. Amidst nooks, crannies, street art, and statues, little ones can explore and admire. While parents can delve into the historical aspects, it's quite likely that toddlers have their own agenda. Nevertheless, the gallery offers a wonderful opportunity for a leisurely stroll together.
LOCATION: Piazzale degli Uffizi, 6, 50122 Firenze FI, Italy
TIP: This is another high-traffic area for tourists, so be vigilant about pickpockets.
ATTRACTIONS NEARBY
Museo Galileo
Ponte Vecchio Bridge
09 | Museo Galileo
Within Museo Galileo, toddlers might not grasp the intricate scientific narratives behind each artifact, but they'll undoubtedly be intrigued. The museum offers both ample space and air-conditioning, making it a comfortable venue for visitors with little ones to spend an hour exploring tools, models, and sculptures that have played pivotal roles in the advancement of science. Personally, I appreciate this museum because parents can indulge their inner nerds while their toddlers freely roam, exploring and interacting with exhibits. Notably, admission is free for kids under age 6.
LOCATION: Piazza dei Giudici, 1, 50122 Firenze FI, Italy
TIP: Buy tickets ahead of time online and go early.
ATTRACTIONS NEARBY
Ponte Vecchio Bridge
10 | Piazza Santo Spirito
Across the Arno, nestled in the Oltrarno, Piazza Santo Spirito stands as a historic haven that once attracted artistic writers and intellectuals. This off-the-beaten-path locale is an ideal destination to bring a toddler, offering the charm of the piazza, the vibrancy of the local market, delectable food, and a captivating church to explore.
LOCATION: 50125 Firenze FI, Italy
Looking for more family travel ideas in Italy? Get my Italy guides here.
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