The best time to visit Florence for family travelers is during late spring or early fall when days are warm and you can spend time outside exploring the city. If museums get too overwhelming for your kids, there are many other fun family vacation ideas in Florence.
Get to know the historic center of Florence
There are many exceptional structures within walking distance of each other. Ponte Vecchio, the oldest bridge in Florence, offers great views over the river, brightly lit jewelery shops, and street performers. Everyone can have fun exploring the surroundings on your family vacation.
Just a few minutes from Ponte Vecchio is the square Piazza della Signoria where you and your family can admire the statue Michelangelo's David or sample some Italian ice cream.
Continuing along Via dei Calzaiuoli you soon reach the Duomo of Florence , a magnificent church with a colorful facade, Brunelleschi's dome and Giotto's bell tower. Both the dome and the bell tower can be accessed by visitors. The dome offers great views of the whole city.
About 5 minutes from the Duomo in the northern direction (along Via de' Ginori) lies the church of San Lorenzo and the San Lorenzo Market where street vendors sell leather goods, t-shirts, and other items.
Explore the Boboli Gardens
Pack some snacks and take a walk through the beautiful Boboli gardens on your family vacation. Along the way, admire fountains, statues and views of Florence.
The History of Science Museum
Although you probably will not want to miss seeing the Uffizi, your kids will probably prefer the History of Science Museum in Florence, also located in the historic center. The History of Science Museum in Florence holds a collection of about 5,000 original scientific instruments divided into the Medici and the Lorenese collection. Among the items on display are the original Galilean instruments, including telescopes and lenses. There is a hall devoted to showing the origins and historical development of the microscope. Another section shows electrostatic and electromagnetic instruments from the eighteenth century.
The museum is open Monday, Wednesday, Thursday and Friday from 9:30 a.m. to 5 p.m., Tuesday from 9:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. The museum is also open the second Sunday of every month from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. and closed during certain holidays.
Dante Alighieri's House
The poet Dante Alighieri, who wrote the famous Divine Comedy (Divina Commedia) during the medieval times, may have lived in this house in Florence. Dante's House is a small museum dedicated to Dante's work laid out in a historical progression of the poet's life. The museum is located in the historic center of Florence. It is closed on Tuesdays. For opening times call +39- 055-283-962.
Browse information about the weather in Florence and getting there and around. Whether you are looking for a luxury hotel or an affordable option, Florence offers many accommodation options. in the luxury category are Hotel Savoy in Florence, Bernini Palace Hotel and Grand Hotel Villa Medici. UNA Hotel Vittoria and Hotel Cellai are more affordable. Hotel Lungarno, J.K. Place and Gallery Hotel Art are also good options.
