Traveling in Florence with Children: Tuscany at a Glance

The highlight of many a trip to Italy lies in the beautiful city of Florence. From the Duomo, San Lorenzo and Santa Maria Novella to the statue of the David and the thousands of works of art housed in the Uffizi Gallery, a thorough tour of Florence requires weeks, no days. For families traveling to Tuscany with children, a good itinerary can make the difference between a successful trip and a miserable failure. Don't miss the highlights of Florence, Italy, and keep the kids happy along the way.

Day One in Florence, Italy with Children
The highlight of this day trip in Florence is, without a doubt, the Duomo. Santa Maria del Fiore is one of the most famous churches in Italy, and the primary must-see sight in Florence. The Duomo is a massive structure, an architectural feat inside and out. Take the time to walk around outside and appreciate the hard work that went the Duomo. Entry to the Duomo's main floor is free, and even my toddler and preschooler enjoyed walking into the building and looking around. For my children, overheated by the summer heat, the coolness inside the Duomo alone was worth the fact that they needed to be quiet inside. Expect to spend about an hour or so exploring the Duomo in Florence from outside and in.

After the Duomo, pop into one of the gelaterias that line the streets around the area. Children and adults alike will enjoy the treat!

After the Duomo, walk over towards San Lorenzo and the San Lorenzo market. My girls loved all the stalls outside, selling clothes, leather bags, shoes, souvenirs and trinkets, and more. There is an entry fee to enter the church in the center of the market, and it may be easier to skip the inside and enjoy the building from the outside if children are tired. Stroll through the market, view the building, and end the day at a pizzeria. Stay closer to the market than to Santa Maria Novella Station, where fast food to appeal to travelers seemed more common. Pizza and Pasterias were incredibly accommodating to children.