The name says it all: The Children’s
Museum. This is a fantastic way to show your kids Florence . In the magnificent Palazzo Vecchio
(in Piazza della Signoria) there is a
world to be discovered by the whole family. Tour the Palace with a guide in
period costume who impersonates a historical figure and tells you (and your
children) the fascinating secrets of its history while showing you the art,
rooms and hidden chambers of the Palazzo.
Walk high above the Great Hall through the
trusses that support the roof of the beautiful Sala del Cinquecento and admire
the impressive gilt coffering of its ceiling. This is truly a memorable
experience for all. Then enter the cellars of the Palace to
discover the remains of the ancient Roman theater that lies beneath the
building’s foundations.
There are also possibilities for hands-on
activities that include an introduction to Renaissance painting and other
special workshops organized throughout the year. Reservations are required.
2. Museo di Storia Naturale
“La Specola ”
The Museum
of Natural History is located near the
Pitti Palace . It is the oldest scientific
museum in Europe , dating back to the time of the Medici family. The museum is famous not only for its zoological collection but
especially for the realistic wax anatomical models developed in the 17th
century for teaching medicine. On display are also fossils, scientific and
medical instruments, precious stones, and more.
3. Il Museo Galileo
This museum, located near the Ponte
Vecchio, is dedicated to the great genius Galileo Galilei. Recently completely
renovated, it has received international acclaim and prestigious awards for its
contribution to promoting the sciences. Besides the many objects on display,
there are new and exciting multimedia exhibits and interactive installations.
The extraordinary architectural beauty of the museum enhances the experience.
4. The Duomo and Giotto’s Bell Tower
Something that is a
must with kids is to visit the Duomo (Florence ’s
cathedral) and climb up to the top of the dome. The experience of the climb
brings to life the enormity of the structure and even children can understand
the scope of this architectural achievement. Once you reach the top you can
view the church from above and then go outside to the terrace to enjoy the most
amazing aerial views of the city. As your kids will agree, it’s just plain
cool! Visiting Giotto’s Bell
Tower is another good
idea. The 414 step climb to the top offers great close up views of the
Cathedral’s dome as well as of the city.
5. The Stibbert Museum
This museum, formerly a private villa
(which in itself is worth the visit), has a vast collection of art and artifacts
from around the world. It houses the
most extensive collection of arms and armor in Europe ,
representing both the west and the orient. The impressive cavalcade room is
filled with knights on model horses and soldiers wearing armor. Also worth mention are the costume gallery
and the collections of tapestries, porcelains, antique furniture and paintings
that decorate the mansion.
Don’t underestimate the benefits of taking a guided tour of the city. When you have children in tow this is even more useful, because a good guide knows how to involve the kids, telling them stories and pointing out interesting things that will entertain them and rouse their curiosity. It's a way for the whole family to have an enriching experience together.
7. Museo Archeologico di Firenze
The Archeological Museum of Florence houses a vast collection of Etruscan, Roman and Greek artifacts. There is an Egyptian gallery, with the second largest collection inItaly of over 14,000 artifacts – including mummies, sarcophagi, tombs and architectural ruins.
The Archeological Museum of Florence houses a vast collection of Etruscan, Roman and Greek artifacts. There is an Egyptian gallery, with the second largest collection in
8. Museo Davanzati
Also worth mentioning is a visit to Museo Davanzati “The Antique Florentine Home” – which spurs the imagination by providing an interesting journey into the past where you can see (even if only in part) the home of a wealthy Florentine family from the early Renaissance. Seeing how people lived over 500 years ago is interesting for everyone, and helps to bring history to life.
Also worth mentioning is a visit to Museo Davanzati “The Antique Florentine Home” – which spurs the imagination by providing an interesting journey into the past where you can see (even if only in part) the home of a wealthy Florentine family from the early Renaissance. Seeing how people lived over 500 years ago is interesting for everyone, and helps to bring history to life.
The famous Boboli Gardens
offer plenty of space for kids to run and play – there are also grottos, hedge
mazes, statues and ponds. Everyone can enjoy the beauty of the park and its
impressive views of Florence .
Near the city center, The Cascine Park
is huge and has play areas with swings and slides for the kids.
After your stay in Florence, don't be afraid to leave the city to explore the Tuscan countryside; there is definitely no shortage of things to do with the whole family!
Read our other posts about:
Traveling to Tuscany with Kids
Traveling to Tuscany with Kids - part 2
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