Tuscany…the sunlight, the scenery, the food and wine, the culture…the kids? Actually, more and more adult travelers are discovering that traveling to Tuscany with kids can be a wonderful and fun experience for the whole family. All clients of Isle Blue have a range of private villas from which to choose, and a large number of them have private pools, gardens and even get outdoor grounds. Most also offer WiFi or Internet access in addition to entertainment systems. While this alone could satisfy most modern children and teens, we want all of our guests to really experience Tuscany too.
This is why we offer a few fail-proof activities, fun things to do and destinations – such as Tuscany, Italy that is well-suited to kids and teens, as well as adults.
Florence
Full of museums, the city is also home to some of the finest gelaterie (ice cream shops), walks along the river, and gorgeous Tucan gardens. However, the Tuscan museums are an ideal choice, especially the Museo Stibbert. Here, visitors can enjoy a truly unique collection, which was the private property of Frederick Stibbert until the time of his death in the late 1900s. Packed with fun costumes and armor from all around the globe, it is a hands-on destination where children can put on many of the pieces. Naturally, Palazzo Vecchio, Museo Novecento, Palazzo Strozzi, and the Museo di Storia della Scienza will satisfy children too. If you have a budding astronomer, the Museo Galileo is a must-see.
Southern Tuscany
From the beaches and the Marammese cowboys to the archeology and the mountains, this is a fantastic location for your next family holiday Tuscany for kids with plenty of the top things to do and see. The heart of agritourism in the Tuscany region, it is the perfect part of Tuscany to choose a villa close to one of the many open farms. This is also where Vie Cave is found, and where kids (and parents) can walk along authentic Etruscan roads. The Riserva Naturale Provincale Diaccia Botrona and the Parco Regionale dell Maremma are also the best places to enjoy boat tours and take in the rare beauty that is Tuscany. The south is also where the UNESCO site of Val d’Orcia is found, and if a hot thermal spring sounds fun, you can bathe with the kids here, or in those in Terme di Saturnia.
Central Tuscany – Florence & Siena
With the best beaches in Italy and the island of Elba, if you are staying in a Florence or Siena villa in the central and coastal area of Tuscany, there is an overabundance of outdoor adventures awaiting. Both Florence and Siena are considered “central”, and entire days can be spent exploring them, but if you want a truly kid-friendly guarantee, the Pistoia Zoo just outside of Florence has long been a preferred destination for local and traveling families. The inland city of Arezzo is a charming medieval town that also has a popular zoo, and the surrounding towns are full of castles and towers. Find some of the best things to do in Lucignano, Chiusi (with underground tours), San Gimignano (a popular destination for Italian school children), and Pienza. Highly recommended to check out the top Tuscan destinations when planning Tuscany holidays for families.
Northern Tuscany
This is the perfect area for traveling to Tuscany with kids. In this area, kids can visit the famous Leaning Tower at Pisa, but also visit the more children-friendly destination that is Lucca. In fact, this is a must simply because families are welcome to rent bicycles and like to ride them around the fairy-tale-like city walls! If it towers they want, Lucca has two, including one that has a resident ghost! The Torrer Civica delle Ore is a 13th-century clock tower, and the Torre Guinigi has 230 steps for the kids to count before reaching the Tuscan seven oak trees at the top!
Though you may want to think of your villa as your Tuscany holidays for family destinations all on its own, there is much that families can do to experience this world-class destination. The gelato, pizza, and endless stalls, water park Tuscany and shops selling Pinocchio toys are a but a few of the top ways you can entice kids to spend time in Tuscany!