Tuscany with children: beaches, excursions and tips for families

Tuscany is an ideal destination for families: flat sandy beaches along the coast, cities like Pisa and Siena that also delight children, and plenty of nature in the hinterland. The most relaxing option is a mix of beach days and short excursions – with accommodation near the sea or a holiday home with a pool in the countryside.

Beach holiday with children on the coast

Child-friendly beaches

The long, fine sandy beaches of Versilia, between Viareggio , Lido di Camaiore, Marina di Pietrasanta , and Forte dei Marmi , slope gently into the sea – ideal for paddling. Many sections have beach clubs (bagni) with sun loungers, parasols, playgrounds, and showers; public beach areas (spiaggia libera) are free of charge. South of Viareggio lie pine forests and dunes in the Migliarino San Rossore Massaciuccoli Natural Park. Further south, the Etruscan Coast around San Vincenzo and the Maremma around Castiglione della Pescaia also offer gently sloping sandy beaches. For an overview, see our page on the beaches of Tuscany.

Tips for beach days

• Seek shade at midday in July and August – the sun is very intense.
• Pay attention to the bathing flags and lifeguards; a red flag means swimming is prohibited.
• The beaches are most crowded in August because many Italians also go on holiday then. June and September are often more pleasant for families.

Excursions and cultural activities with children

Pisa: Leaning Tower

Every child knows the Leaning Tower of Pisa . Climbing the nearly 300 steps is only possible in small groups with a fixed time slot; children under 8 are not allowed. During peak season, book tickets in advance. For younger children, even just having their picture taken "supporting the tower" on the lawn of the Piazza dei Miracoli is a highlight.

Siena: Find the Contrade symbols

In Siena ist die Altstadt in 17 Contraden (Stadtteile) gegliedert, die meist Tiere als Wappen haben – etwa Schnecke, Schildkröte oder Adler. Die Symbole an Hauswänden und Brunnen zu suchen, macht Kindern Spaß. Der muschelförmige Piazza del Campo lädt zum Sitzen ein; zweimal im Jahr, am 2. Juli und 16. August, findet dort der Palio statt – an diesen Tagen ist die Stadt allerdings sehr voll.

Florence with children

In Florence, children can run wild in the Boboli Gardens behind the Pitti Palace. Technology enthusiasts will find hands-on replicas of Leonardo's machines at the Leonardo Interactive Museum . For more tips on visiting the city, see Family Holidays in Florence.

Nature: Grotta del Vento, marble quarries and Pinocchio

• Grotta del Vento: The stalactite cave in the Garfagnana north of Lucca It can be visited on guided tours; it's cool inside even in summer – bring a jacket.
• Carrara marble quarries: In the mountains above Carrara White marble has been quarried here since antiquity. The quarries are impressive for children; guided tours are available.
• Pinocchio Park in Collodi: The park dedicated to the story of Pinocchio is located between Lucca and Pistoia in his hometown, after which the author Carlo Collodi named himself.

Accommodation for families

Families in Tuscany often choose to stay at campsites with children's programs , in holiday apartments on an agriturismo, or in a holiday home with a pool . When considering houses in the countryside, check for pool enclosures and consider the distance to the beach and supermarket. Family rooms and apartments on the coast can be found, for example, on Booking.com (Viareggio).

Practical for the journey

• Every child needs their own child's passport, passport or identity card.
• In Italy, children under 1,50 m tall must use a child car seat; more information can be found in the [article/section/etc.]. Italian traffic regulations.
• The EHIC does not cover repatriation – a Health Insurance is useful for families.
• Many restaurants don't open until around 19 pm; pizzerias are usually the easiest choice for families with children.

Frequently asked questions about holidays in Tuscany with children