Florence Weekend Activities & Things to Do
Weekend in Florence
This itinerary balances free outdoor exploration with captivating ticketed attractions, focusing on interactive and age-appropriate experiences for families with young children in Florence. Prices are estimates for 2026 based on current information.
Friday Evening - Family Fun
Friday, February 20Carousel Ride Fun
Enjoy a magical ride on the antique carousel in Piazza della Repubblica.
This historic carousel is a beloved Florentine institution and offers a charming experience for children and adults alike, especially as the piazza comes alive in the evening.
Suitable for all ages, especially 3-12. The carousel is a classic, fun activity. It's located in a bustling piazza with space to walk around.
Centrally located, easily reachable on foot. No specific parking for the carousel; nearest public parking would be Parcheggio Garage La Stazione or Parcheggio Sant'Ambrogio.
Dinner at Mercato
Explore the vibrant Mercato Centrale, Florence's central market.
The ground floor offers traditional food stalls, while the first floor houses a fantastic food court with a wide variety of Italian and international cuisines. It's a lively atmosphere perfect for families to choose their own dinner.
Great for all ages. Kids can choose what they want to eat. Facilities include restrooms and ample seating. Duration: 1.5-2 hours.
Walking distance from Piazza della Repubblica. Public buses serve the San Lorenzo area. Limited parking in the vicinity.
Saturday - Adventure Day
Saturday, February 21Leonardo Interactive Museum
Dive into the mind of a genius at the Leonardo da Vinci Interactive Museum.
This museum features faithful reconstructions of Leonardo's machines based on his original drawings, with many interactive exhibits that kids (aged 5+) can touch and operate. It's a fun and educational experience for the whole family.
Recommended for children aged 5 and up due to the interactive nature of the exhibits. Restrooms available. Allow 1.5-2 hours.
Centrally located near the Duomo, easily accessible on foot. Limited parking in the area; public transport available.
Picnic in Cascine Park
Enjoy a relaxed picnic lunch at Parco delle Cascine, Florence's largest public park.
This expansive green space offers plenty of room for kids to run and play, and also features playgrounds. It's a perfect spot to unwind and enjoy nature in the city.
Suitable for all ages. Bring your own picnic or grab supplies from a local market. Playgrounds are available for younger children. Duration: 1.5-2 hours.
Accessible by bus from the city center. Limited free parking may be available around the park edges.
Palazzo Vecchio Family Fun
Explore the historic Palazzo Vecchio with a family-focused activity organized by the Mus.
e Association. They offer various workshops and guided tours (some in English) tailored for children from 4 years old, such as 'The Story of the Turtle and the Sail' for younger kids or fresco painting workshops for older ones, making history engaging and interactive.
Activities vary by age (e.g., 4-7 years, 8+ years). Restrooms and family kits available. Duration: 1.5-2 hours. Booking is essential for workshops and family tours.
Located in Piazza della Signoria, a central pedestrian area. Reachable on foot. Public transport stops nearby.
Library Playtime
Unwind at the Biblioteca delle Oblate, a public library known for its large and welcoming children's area. It's a fantastic free indoor option for little ones to tot around, enjoy story time, or simply take a break from the city bustle. There's also a café.
Ideal for younger children and toddlers. Offers a calm, stimulating environment. Restrooms and a café on-site. Duration: 1-1.5 hours.
Easily accessible on foot from the city center. Public transport available nearby.
Sunday - Relaxed Day
Sunday, February 22Museo Galileo Discovery
Visit the Museo Galileo, a fascinating museum dedicated to the history of science, featuring Galileo Galilei's original instruments and scientific collections.
The museum offers educational workshops for families on weekends, tailored for various ages, making scientific history accessible and engaging.
Recommended for children 7-8+. Guided visits or workshops are highly recommended for families to fully appreciate the exhibits. Stroller-friendly with elevators. No café inside, but re-entry is permitted for snacks. Allow 1.5-2 hours.
Centrally located near the Uffizi Gallery. Easily walkable. Nearest parking is Parcheggio Sant'Ambrogio. The museum is in a ZTL area.
Bardini Garden Views
Immerse yourselves in the beauty of the Bardini Garden, offering stunning panoramic views of Florence.
This historic garden features three distinct areas, including a grand Baroque staircase and an Anglo-Chinese garden. The ticket is cumulative with the Boboli Gardens, providing extensive green space for children to explore.
Suitable for all ages. Kids will love the open spaces, views, and various garden styles. Children 0-6 years old enter free. Café with a panoramic view available (seasonal). Allow 2-3 hours.
Entrances on Costa San Giorgio (uphill, closer to Boboli) and Via dei Bardi (near the Arno). Parking is available near Forte Belvedere for the Costa San Giorgio entrance. Stroller-friendly in most areas, but some paths are steep.
Piazza Santo Spirito Play
Conclude your weekend with some free playtime in Piazza Santo Spirito.
Located in the Oltrarno district, this piazza is generally less crowded than other central squares, providing a relaxed environment for children to run around. It's surrounded by cafes where parents can relax and enjoy the local atmosphere.
Ideal for all ages, especially for kids who need space to burn off energy. Enjoy the local vibe and grab a gelato or drink from a nearby cafe. Duration: 1-1.5 hours.
Located in the Oltrarno district, a pleasant walk from Bardini Gardens or accessible by local bus. Primarily a pedestrian area.
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