Family-friendly 3-day Florence: gentle pace, hands-on fun & gelato
A relaxed 3-day Florence itinerary in May (spring) designed for families with young children. Short transfers, stroller-friendly routes where possible, regular breaks for naps and snacks, and interactive or outdoor stops that appeal to kids aged ~2–12. Includes family-friendly meals with allergy-aware options.
Highlights
- Hands-on exhibits at the Leonardo & Museo Galileo
- Wide open play and shady walks at Boboli & Bardini gardens
- Quick, early visit to see Michelangelo's David
- Local markets and gelato stops for flexible, allergy-aware meals
Itinerary
Day 1
Arrival and gentle orientation: check in, rest, then a short early evening mix of outdoor sights, interactive fun and an easy family dinner.
Check in at a family-friendly base — Hotel Brunelleschi
Settle into central family rooms with easy access to main sights; use this time to unpack, test the room's baby facilities and confirm stroller storage.
Tips from local experts:
- Ask reception for a ground-floor or elevator-accessible room to avoid carrying strollers — many rooms are connected by elevator but confirm at check-in.
- Confirm availability of a baby cot or extra blanket in advance; hotels in this price range usually provide them on request.
- Use the hotel's restroom/changing facilities after arrival so kids are comfortable before heading out.
Rest & snack at the hotel (nap-friendly buffer)
A quiet, flexible 60-minute window after check-in for naps, bottle-feeding, or a short stroller nap — essential for jet-lagged children.
Tips from local experts:
- Dim lights and close curtains for a reliable nap environment; request a white-noise app on staff recommendation if needed.
- Use this time to change into comfortable walking clothes and pack a small day bag with snacks, water and spare clothes.
- Confirm the location of the nearest public restroom with changing facilities before you leave the hotel.
Cathedral Square: Duomo exterior & Baptistery (short easy visit)
A stroller-friendly walk around Piazza del Duomo to admire the cathedral's façade and baptistery from outside — photo-friendly and short to avoid queues and tired kids.
Tips from local experts:
- Avoid the long interior queues with children by limiting this to an exterior visit; the square is stroller-accessible but can get busy—stay on the periphery.
- Bring a lightweight sunhat and water — the marble reflects a lot of sun in May; look for shaded spots on the periphery for breaks.
- Recommended for ages 2+; if older kids (6–12) are restless, give them a simple 'architecture scavenger hunt' (spot doors, clocks, mosaics).
Gelato break — Gelateria La Carraia
Kid-approved gelato by the river — classic flavors and quick service, perfect for a short energy boost.
Tips from local experts:
- Ask for a small cup to keep portions manageable and avoid sugar meltdowns; they typically have sorbets for dairy allergies.
- There is a flat pavement area nearby where strollers can rest while you enjoy the gelato; keep napkin wipes handy for sticky fingers.
- Ages 1+ — small tastes are fine for toddlers; check for signs if a flavor contains nuts if you have allergy concerns.
Museo Leonardiano / Museo Leonardo da Vinci — hands-on workshop museum
Interactive models and hands-on machines inspired by Leonardo — compact and geared to kids' curiosity (best for ages 4+).
Tips from local experts:
- Built for tactile learning — let kids handle the models in supervised areas; good for 4–12 year olds who enjoy mechanical toys.
- Stroller note: the venue is relatively small and can be easier with a lightweight or foldable stroller; there's usually a shelf or corner to park it.
- Plan to be calm and keep visits to ~1–1.5 hours to avoid over-stimulation; bathrooms nearby but may not have changing tables—use hotel facilities earlier if needed.
Early family dinner at Gusta Pizza (informal, child-friendly)
Well-loved pizzeria with quick service — flexible for picky eaters and informal dining with high chairs on request.
Tips from local experts:
- Arrive early (around 19:30) to avoid the busiest period; staff are used to families and can recommend smaller pizzas or half portions.
- Gluten-free and simple cheese/pasta options may be available — ask staff about allergy needs when ordering.
- Stroller-friendly seating nearby; bring a small travel high chair strap if needed—ask politely for staff assistance with seating.
Day 2
A day outdoors and science: Boboli and Bardini gardens for play and shade, a flexible market lunch, then interactive science at Museo Galileo and a relaxed family dinner.
Morning play & exploring at Boboli Gardens (Giardino di Boboli)
Wide lawns, shady paths, fountains and statues — a great place for kids to run, with picnic spots and plenty of shade in May.
Tips from local experts:
- Best for ages 2–12: flat paths near the main lawns are stroller-friendly — avoid the steeper terraces with a full stroller.
- Bring a small picnic and blanket; there are shady areas and benches and fewer crowds in the morning.
- Restroom locations: use the garden restrooms before deeper exploring — some have baby changing; check the entrance map for exact spots.
Short visit to Giardino Bardini — panoramic play areas
Smaller, quieter garden with a lovely panoramic view and terraced paths — good for a short stroll or a toddler break.
Tips from local experts:
- The terrace offers great photo viewpoints — a calm spot for toddlers to rest and older kids to explore safely.
- Paths include steps — consider carrying a lightweight stroller or using a child carrier for some sections.
- Ideal quick stop for ages 1+; there are benches and shaded areas for a snack or water break.
Lunch at Mercato Centrale Firenze — flexible stalls and family facilities
Large indoor food market with many counters so each family member finds something; spacious and stroller-friendly seating on the upper floor.
Tips from local experts:
- Mercato Centrale is ideal for picky eaters: pizza, pasta, sandwiches, fruit and allergy-friendly options are available — ask vendors about allergens.
- Upper-floor seating is more stroller-friendly and has high chairs in many stalls; it's also easier to manage allergies by ordering separately at stalls.
- Keep nap time in mind: enjoy a relaxed lunch and return to the hotel for an afternoon rest if your child usually naps.
Museo Galileo — hands-on science and historical instruments
Interactive displays and historic instruments with child-friendly descriptions; engaging for elementary-aged children.
Tips from local experts:
- Arrive mid-afternoon when it's quieter; hands-on areas engage kids aged 5–12 but younger children enjoy looking at the big instruments.
- Stroller note: the museum has stairs and an elevator — a compact stroller works best; bathrooms inside have baby-changing facilities.
- Plan for 1–1.5 hours to keep energy levels steady; combine with a short outdoor break after the visit.
Afternoon gelato — Gelateria dei Neri
Quick gelato stop on the way back; popular flavors and usually some dairy-free options.
Tips from local experts:
- Ages 1+ — ask for small taster cups to manage sugar and keep mood steady for the evening.
- Park a stroller on the sidewalk nearby and keep wet wipes accessible — the area can be busy, so hold hands.
- Check for nut-free choices and cross-contamination if anyone in the family has allergies; ask staff for guidance.
Dinner at Trattoria ZaZa — classic Florentine food, family-friendly
Informal trattoria with a broad menu; accommodating to children and families, with early seating options.
Tips from local experts:
- Reserve or arrive early to secure a table near a wall or corner for strollers; staff are used to families and can adapt portions.
- Many traditional dishes are simple (pasta, grilled meats) and can be adapted for children; mention allergies when ordering.
- Take advantage of outdoor seating if the weather is warm — easier with a stroller and gives kids space to move.
Day 3
Art and discovery with an early Accademia visit to see David, family-friendly Palazzo Vecchio experiences, then a win for adventurous kids at Museo Stibbert followed by a relaxing rose garden and a final gelato.
Early visit to Galleria dell'Accademia — see Michelangelo's David (short, focused)
An early short visit to view David; keep it to 60–90 minutes to limit crowd exposure and preserve children's attention.
Tips from local experts:
- Go at opening time to avoid long queues and intense crowds — this gallery is busiest midday.
- Recommended for ages 6+ for the full experience; younger children may prefer a quick photo outside and a very brief inside visit.
- Strollers are allowed but space is limited inside — consider a baby carrier for the narrow gallery rooms.
Piazza della Signoria — open-air sculptures & quick play
Open square with copies of famous sculptures — a good short stop after the Accademia to let kids move and explore safely.
Tips from local experts:
- Great spot for kids to stretch legs after a museum — hold hands near the statues as the square can be busy.
- Bring a small sketchbook or camera for older children to draw one sculpture as a quiet activity.
- Ages 2+ — short visit recommended (30–45 minutes) before heading into Palazzo Vecchio or lunch.
Palazzo Vecchio — family-friendly rooms & kid-focused trails
Palazzo Vecchio offers family-oriented materials and usually has child-friendly routes and short activity trails to keep kids engaged.
Tips from local experts:
- Ask at the ticket desk for family trails or kid-friendly maps that turn the visit into a short game for children (best for ages 5–12).
- Some rooms have steps and narrow corridors — bring a carrier for toddlers or a compact stroller to fold in tighter spaces.
- Plan a calm 60–75 minute visit focusing on a few highlights rather than the whole palace to avoid overstimulation.
Lunch at La Ménagère — relaxed meal with flexible options
Stylish, spacious café-restaurant that accommodates families, with vegetable-forward options and often allergy-aware kitchen staff.
Tips from local experts:
- Spacious layout is stroller-friendly; ask for a corner table to keep the stroller next to you if needed.
- Menu includes simple pastas and grilled items suitable for kids; staff can often modify dishes for allergies — mention specifics when ordering.
- Ages 1+ welcome — the atmosphere is relaxed and good for a midday unwind before an afternoon out of the center.
Museo Stibbert — armor, costumes and garden exploration
A surprising collection of armor and costumes in a villa with gardens — children often love the 'knight' displays and outdoor paths.
Tips from local experts:
- Ages 4+ typically enjoy the armor displays; the gardens are great for running and a late-afternoon decompression.
- The museum has some steps; a foldable stroller or carrier is helpful. There are benches in the garden for snack/nappy changes.
- Consider a short scavenger hunt (find a helmet, a horse, a flag) to keep kids engaged through the visit.
Giardino delle Rose — rose garden with panoramic views
Lovely rose garden and small playground area with views over Florence — calm place to unwind late afternoon.
Tips from local experts:
- Great for toddlers to run and for families to enjoy a scenic pause; benches and shaded paths make it nap-friendly in the stroller.
- The viewpoint gives a nice family photo opportunity without crowds in May; bring a light blanket for a short rest.
- Ages 0+ — this is a gentle stop before the final snack/gelato of the day.
Final gelato — Gelateria Vivoli
End your trip with a classic Florence gelateria known for old-school flavors — sit and enjoy before returning to the hotel or heading to the station/airport.
Tips from local experts:
- Ask for small portions for children and request napkin packs — older gelaterias can be generous with samples if you ask.
- Check for dairy-free sorbets if needed and ask staff which flavors are nut-free to avoid cross-contact.
- This is a good moment to replay favorite memories of the trip with kids — ask them to name their top two moments from the visit.
