7 Experiences in Florence That Will Stay With Your Kids Forever

Traveling with kids isn’t always about checking off the famous sights—it’s about the moments they’ll talk about for years. The stuff that makes their eyes light up or sparks some wild curiosity you didn’t see coming.

Florence is one of my our favourite cities, my daughter shares its name and its art and architecture is only to second to Greece in my opinion. It’s the kind of place where history feels and is close enough to touch, and where everyday moments—like picking out gelato—can turn into core family memories.

You don’t have to cram it all into one day. These are just some of the experiences that tend to stick with us. Below I share my recommendations for a family trip to Firenze!

1. Climbing the Duomo Together (And Earning That Gelato After)

The dome of Florence’s cathedral looks impressive from the outside—but climbing it? That’s a whole different experience. It’s 463 steps, and yep, your legs will feel it—but most kids actually love the challenge. There’s something about the winding stairs and narrow passages that feels a bit like an adventure.

At the top, the view hits you all at once. Rooftops, the river, the hills in the distance—it’s the kind of moment where everyone just goes quiet for a second. Then probably says ‘whoa.’

For a lot of families, this climb becomes the “big story” of the trip. And yes, a post-climb gelato is practically a requirement.

2. Exploring the Cathedral Up Close

Even if you don’t climb the dome, seeing the Duomo up close is something else. The size alone is enough to stop most kids in their tracks—and once you’re inside, it’s a mix of awe, echo, and ‘Wait, how did they even build this?’

Booking your Cathedral of Santa Maria del Fiore tickets ahead of time saves you from standing in long lines, especially if your crew isn’t big on waiting. You can find them online—just look for tour options that offer perks like free cancellation, reserve-now-pay-later, or even guided packages if you want to dive deeper into the history. That way, you’ve got more time (and patience) to actually look around and take it in.

The inside is opulent and grand, but it’s the details that catch their attention—the floor patterns, the giant clock above the entrance, the massive fresco under the dome. It feels bigger than life, and that’s part of the magic.

3. Getting Hands-On with Renaissance Art at a Kid-Friendly Workshop

Florence is packed with art—but not every kid wants to stare at paintings all day. That’s where hands-on workshops come in. You can find studios around the city that offer short classes where kids (and grown-ups, honestly) can try fresco painting, leather stamping, mask-making, or other crafts inspired by the Renaissance.

It’s way more fun than just reading about it. And when your child gets to take home something they made themselves, it adds a whole new layer to the trip. Plus, it gives them a chance to slow down and do something tactile—especially nice after a day of walking.

4. A Day of Discovery at the Leonardo da Vinci Museum

This place is such a win if your kid’s into building, inventing, or just pressing buttons. The Leonardo da Vinci Museum has working models of da Vinci’s designs—things he sketched out 500 years ago, now brought to life. You can touch them, try them out, see how they move. It’s part science, part art, and way more engaging than a typical museum setup.

Everything’s presented in a way that makes it easy to understand, even if your child is on the younger side. Expect a lot of ‘Wait, he thought of THAT back then?’ moments. It’s interactive without being overwhelming—and just the right size to enjoy without burning out.

5. Finding Magic in Boboli Gardens

There comes a point on most family trips when you just need a wide open space—and Boboli Gardens is perfect for that. It’s huge, green, and full of winding paths, fountains, and shady corners that feel like they belong in a storybook.

There’s no single ‘must-see’ part here. That’s what makes it great. You can let the kids lead for once—run around, climb a few steps, find a weird statue, or just sit in the grass and snack for a while. From the higher points, the view of the city is pretty amazing too.

And if you need to slow things down after a busy morning, this is where to do it.

6. A Sweet Stop at a Family-Run Gelateria

There’s something about getting gelato in Italy that turns into a daily ritual fast—and no one complains about that.

Some of the best spots aren’t flashy or crowded—they’re quiet little gelaterias tucked away near side streets or piazzas. Let the kids pick a new flavor each time, and suddenly it becomes a whole thing. Pistachio vs. hazelnut debates. Strawberry three days in a row. You’ll remember it just as much as they will.

And if they end up naming it the ‘best part of the day’ more than once, don’t be surprised.

7. Watching the Sunset from Ponte Vecchio

This one isn’t a big activity—it’s more of a vibe. And sometimes, that’s exactly what sticks.

Ponte Vecchio feels different in the evening. The light gets golden, musicians set up and play something soft, and the river reflects it all back. The shops are still open, but it’s not about buying anything. It’s just one of those moments where the city slows down a bit, and you get to just… be there.

We are big on watching the sunset anyway if we’re able to catch them but a sunset in Florence is like being in a movie!

Wrap-Up: Travel Moments That Stick for Life

What kids remember from a vacay often isn’t the big stuff—it’s the little moments that catch them by surprise. Climbing a dome, trying gelato for the first time, painting in a quiet studio. Florence makes space for all of that.

You don’t need to do everything. A few thoughtful experiences go a long way. And the ones that really land? Those tend to stay with the kids—long after the trip is over.