Pisa Weekend Activities & Things to Do
Weekend in Pisa
This budget-friendly itinerary for families with children (ages 3-12) living in Pisa offers a perfect mix of free outdoor play, engaging museum visits, and authentic local experiences. We've prioritized activities that captivate young minds and allow for flexibility, ensuring a memorable weekend for everyone.
Friday Evening - Pisa Play & Relax
Friday, January 2Playground Fun
Start the weekend with some active playtime at Giardino Scotto, a spacious and tranquil park along the Arno River.
This historical garden features a well-maintained playground with swings and carousels, offering ample space for children aged 3-12 to run, play, and burn off energy after a week of school. It's a favorite spot for local families seeking a peaceful retreat.
Perfect for energetic kids to enjoy some fresh air. The park has public restrooms and is easily accessible with strollers. Consider bringing a small snack and drinks for a quick picnic on the grass. Duration: 1.5 - 2 hours. If rainy, consider an indoor play center (check local listings closer to date for specific options).
Easily reachable on foot from the city center. Limited free parking may be available nearby, with additional paid options along the Lungarno. Public buses also serve the area, with stops close to the park.
Family Trattoria Dinner
Enjoy an early, relaxed dinner at a family-friendly trattoria in the city center.
Many Italian restaurants welcome children and offer simple, appealing dishes like pasta with tomato sauce or pizza. Look for places with outdoor seating or a lively atmosphere where kids can feel comfortable. This allows for a taste of authentic Tuscan cuisine without a late night for the little ones.
Choose a restaurant with a 'kids' menu' or adaptable dishes. Early timing ensures children can be in bed at a reasonable hour. Restrooms available. High chairs may be available upon request. Duration: 1 - 1.5 hours.
Most city-center restaurants are walkable. If driving, research parking garages beforehand. Public transport is an option, but walking is often easiest for short distances with kids.
Saturday - Dino & Discovery Day
Saturday, January 3Dinosaur Museum Adventure
Embark on a prehistoric journey at the Museum of Natural History of the University of Pisa (Museo di Storia Naturale dell'Università di Pisa) in Calci.
Kids aged 3-12 will be captivated by the 'Dinosauri' temporary exhibition, featuring over twenty life-size models (static and dynamic). The museum also boasts impressive dinosaur skeletons, cetacean exhibits, and large tanks with freshwater fish, making it an engaging and educational experience.
The dinosaur exhibit is highly recommended for children. The museum has restrooms and is generally stroller-friendly. Allow 2-3 hours for a thorough visit. The 'Presepi storici meccanici Meucci' (Historical Mechanical Nativity Scenes) exhibition will also be open during this period, offering an extra festive touch for families.
The museum is a short drive from Pisa city center (approx. 20-30 minutes). Ample parking is usually available. Public bus connections exist but might be less convenient with young children.
Picnic & Play
Enjoy a casual, budget-friendly picnic lunch at Parco della Cittadella.
This charming public park offers green spaces and a children's play area, perfect for a relaxed meal outdoors. It’s located near the historic Cittadella fortification, offering a pleasant environment for families to unwind.
Bring sandwiches and snacks from a local bakery or supermarket to save on costs. The playground provides entertainment while parents relax. Restrooms may be basic; plan accordingly. Duration: 1 - 1.5 hours.
Walkable from many parts of the city center. Limited free parking nearby, with paid options along Lungarno. Easily accessible with strollers.
Piazza dei Miracoli Wonders
Immerse yourselves in the iconic Piazza dei Miracoli (Square of Miracles).
Marvel at the Leaning Tower from the outside and take fun 'holding up the tower' photos. While children under 8 cannot climb the Tower, the vast green lawns are perfect for kids to run around. Explore the stunning Pisa Cathedral (free entry with a timed ticket) and the magnificent Baptistery. The Camposanto Monumentale also offers open green spaces, which can be a pleasant area for younger children to roam.
Kids will love the unique tilt of the tower and the expansive green areas. The Cathedral's interior can be surprisingly engaging with its art and scale. Stroller-friendly paths are available throughout the piazza. Restrooms are available near the ticket offices. Duration: 2-3 hours.
Central Pisa is easily walkable. Several paid parking lots are available around the historic center. Public buses frequent the area.
Gelato Treat & Stroll
Conclude your day with a classic Italian gelato treat!
Find a local 'gelateria' and let the kids choose their favorite flavors. Afterwards, enjoy a leisurely stroll along the Arno River, admiring the charming bridges and the reflections on the water. This provides a gentle wind-down activity before heading back for the evening.
A perfect reward for a day of exploration. Many gelaterias offer small cones suitable for children. The riverside walk is calm and provides nice photo opportunities. Public restrooms can be found in cafes or public facilities. Duration: 1 hour.
Central location, easily walkable from Piazza dei Miracoli. Good public transport links.
Sunday - Relaxed Explorations
Sunday, January 4Botanical Garden Escape
Spend a peaceful morning exploring the Orto Botanico di Pisa (Botanical Garden).
Just a short walk from the Leaning Tower, this serene garden offers a quiet escape with various plants, ponds, and greenhouses. It's a wonderful place for children to discover nature and for the family to enjoy some tranquility.
Kids can enjoy spotting different types of plants and relaxing in nature. The garden is mostly flat and stroller-friendly. Restrooms available. Allow 1.5 - 2 hours. In case of poor weather, consider a visit to Palazzo Blu (check for current family-friendly exhibitions).
Very close to Piazza dei Miracoli, easily walkable. Limited street parking may be available nearby, or use central parking garages.
San Rossore Nature Walk
Head to the Parco Naturale Migliarino San Rossore e Massaciuccoli for an afternoon in nature.
This vast natural park, a few kilometers from Pisa, offers beautiful pine forests, easy walking trails, and opportunities to spot wildlife. While guided tours on buggies or trains might be available, a simple family walk on accessible paths is a refreshing way to connect with nature.
Great for active children who love the outdoors. Paths are generally suitable for strollers if sticking to main routes. Bring water and snacks. Restrooms available at visitor centers. Duration: 2-3 hours. In case of rain, a museum like the Museo delle Navi Antiche di Pisa might offer an engaging indoor alternative (check opening hours).
Best reached by car (approx. 15-20 minutes drive). Parking is available at various access points. Public transport options are limited and may require transfers.
Market Browse & Treats
Before heading home, take a final stroll through the Mercato di Piazza delle Vettovaglie, Pisa's traditional daily food market (open until around 1:30 PM on Saturdays, but some stalls and surrounding shops/cafes might still be active or offer late afternoon snacks).
Even if the main market activity has subsided, the area remains lively with cafes and shops, perfect for a final treat or souvenir. It's a great spot to soak in local atmosphere.
A final opportunity to experience local life and pick up a small, affordable treat or snack. Kids can enjoy the bustling environment. Restrooms available in surrounding cafes. Duration: 1 hour. This activity is flexible, as the main market closes earlier, but the atmosphere remains lively.
Centrally located and easily accessible on foot. If driving, utilize central parking garages.
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