Exploring Italy with Kids | Florence

I really don't even know where to begin with this post. There are so, so, so many words and thoughts going through my mind. Not to mention the PHOTOS. Oh, the photos. I took a ridiculous amount of photos.

Let me just start by saying this.

I LOVED IT.

I fell in love with Florence. I didn't want to come home and I thought Jimmy was going to have to carry me away kicking and screaming. Oh, how I loved it.

We had so many wonderful experiences and saw so many beautiful things.

I wanted to use this post to deposit and record my memories...but also as a resource for families traveling to Florence with small children.

I wasn't sure how the girls would do, but let me tell you. Florence is WONDERFUL for children.

We spent 4 1/2 days and 5 nights in Florence (we rented an apartment through Airbnb) and found that it was the perfect amount.

I did a fair amount of reading and research before we left. Most of it was from Rick Steves.

Here are some of our favorite things we did, saw, ate, and drank.

1. We toured the Uffizi (4 little girls making it all the way through was a major accomplishment!):

We did this nice and early (9 am) on our first day. Make reservations in advance.

We talked to the girls in advance about what they were going to see and how lucky they were to see it.

We told them our expectations and that there would be no misbehaving or whining. Oh, and we bribed with gelato. Of course.

Fun activity: Telling the girls to look for a baby in each painting. Not hard to do in Renaissance art and it kept them busy and on a mission.

 

2. We went to the Accademia. Seeing David brought me to tears. I still can't believe that something that magnificent came from a big hunk of marble.

I had no idea the sculpture was going to be so big. NO idea. I walked around the corner and I'm pretty sure my mouth dropped right open.And Sadie? Didn't even say a single inappropriate word. I totally thought she would.

 

3.We walked around and up to the top of the Duomo. We toured the inside/museum first and then went up.

I thought I was going to die. Jimmy? Carried both twins. Hmmph.

It was a serious workout. And people looked at us like we were nuts for doing  it with four children. But it CAN be done. Be prepared. The stairways are narrow and twisting.

The view made it all worthwhile. A photo can not do this justice. The portions showing hell were terrifying. And the parts showing heaven were breathtaking and tear inducing.

Some photos of the outside (I think this is what I took the most photos of the entire trip!).

The view from the top:

Tip: There is a Lindt store on the back side of the cathedral. They sell hot chocolate that is literally melted chocolate in a cup. You have to eat it with a spoon. Great reward for the little ones after making it through the Duomo adventure.

 

4. We admired the bronze doors on the Baptistery. Just gorgeous.

 

5. We spent lots of time in Piazza della Repubblica. The girls rode the merry go round and we listened to street musicians. Warning: The gypsies and street vendors are SUPER agressive and relentless here. Be prepared. :)

 

6. We hiked up to Piazzale Michelangelo and drank in the view.

Tip: There is a gelateria very close to the steps up to the Piazzale. This was a great diversion as we climbed the stairs.

 

7. We crossed the Ponte Vecchio. It was spine tingling to stand on the bridge and look out over Florence...while imagining it being destroyed around us while the bridge stood. What history that bridge has.

 

8. We explored Mercato Nuovo (hello leather) and checked out Il Porcellino (the creepy pig fountain). Hannibal, anyone? :)

Tip: Rub the pig's nose for good luck.

Tip 2: There is some amazing street art around this area. Make sure to take the time to stop and appreciate it.

 

9. We spent lots of time admiring the statues (and the horses- lots of horse drawn carriages!) in Piazza della Signoria.

Perseus and Medusa definitely got the most interesting responses from the girls. HA!

 

10. We toured the Medici chapel and the neighboring open air market.

Tip: Have your kids try to spot the Medici Coat of Arms all over Florence. It is EVERYWHERE.

 

11. We ate. Oh did we eat. And drink. And we napped every day. Riposo for all!

Our favorite dinner was definitely at Zaza.

We had a delicious little restaurant down a few doors from the apartment we were staying in. We ate there twice and the girls waived at their friend every single time we walked by (10 times a day). The sweetest. Each time we ate there he would play tic tac toe with Harper.

 

We also had lunch at Yellow Bar one day and it was dellllicious. Highly recommend.

Yikes. Seriously long post. I am passionate about this place and so glad it's only 3 hours away. We are already planning to return MANY times over the next few years.

I actually took the most photos of 2 things. Christmas lights and store windows. I think I'll share those in another post.

Ciao!

xo

S

Comments

[Tammy Kay]

Such a great post. Since I started homeschooling I have fallen in love with history. I couldn't imagine living with it around you everyday. One day, I will see it for myself. Great post, Steph. So happy that you are having the time of your life. Love you.

[Kerry]

I couldn't wait to see your post about your Florence trip. And I'm so happy you did the big museums with the girls. So many people here tell me that they skip the museums because they aren't "kid-friendly," and I just don't get it. We've taken our children to every single museum we want to see and just do it at their pace and it works!!! I'm definitely jotting down your restaurant suggestions for our next trip, whenever that may be (it's more like 5 1/2 hours for us). Love this post!! (PS: Were you able to get that book about Florence with Kids called, "Just Add Water?")

[Debby Schuh]

I LOVE Florence! I've been there three times and can't wait to return - your pictures brought back so many happy memories. Congrats on doing it with four kids!! LOL

[Barbara Steakley]

Stephanie -- I love your adventures so much. I so appreciate your sharing them with all of us. The posts are NEVER too long!

[Jonnelle]

Wow, what an awesome trip! Thank you for sharing it!

[Kip]

I absolutely loved Florence too!!

[Kami]

Amazing pictures and I am sure they don't even do it justice!! I would love to see the Christmas lights pictures!! :)

[JoanneK]

Great post! My daughter is going on a school trip to Florence and will love to read this post! Thanks for sharing your beautiful photos and experience!

[Ki Kruk]

Definitely my most favourite place on earth! Would love to return! Your pictures are phenomenal! Such wonderful memories!

[Jennifer]

I was looking forward to see this post... thank so much for sharing!!

lovely!!!!!

[Linda S.]

Florence was my favorite city too. We went to Italy a few years ago when I was teaching a college class and I took 10 students there for two weeks. We went to Rome, Pompeii and Florence. The only time the girls (college juniors) were ever silent was when we saw the statue of David. It did bring tears to our eyes. I'm so glad you brought the little ones to the museums, they are never to young to appreciate art. Thanks for the photos, they brought back great memories.

[Kristyn]

Thank you for sharing your Italian Adventures with us! Italy has always been on my bucket list and your insight and tips are invaluable. Please don't ever think these posts are to long! I, for one, LOVE seeing Italy and learning about the "off the beaten path" recommendations you have for us. Thank you for taking the time to provide links to all the special places and the kid tips are awesome.

[Chelsea]

It is an amazing blessing to be able to have this experience with your little family!!!! I have a cousin from Boston who lives in Florence and runs a study abroad program there. www.selectstudyabroad.com
If you go to the website and then click on the blog, they give lots of helpful tips and info about Florence. I'm sure you have a long list of things to do there but she may have some good advice for you too!
Happy Holidays!

[Karen S.]

Thanks for sharing your adventures!! We were in Florence 3 years ago and your pics brought back many memories! We only had one day there but packed it with many of the same things you all did. David brought tears to my eyes too! Such a beautiful city. Looking forward to seeing your pics of the Christmas decorations too.

[Miriam Prantner]

Love hearing about your adventures and seeing the photos!!!

[Katie Ehmann]

Looks like you guys had an amazing time! Beautiful pictures of a beautiful city!

[Tenika]

There is seriously no such thing as a too-long Italian recap. I could read for hours what you see & think of the things you get to see. Keep it coming!!

[kate]

Wonderful! I was surprised to see that the copper doors of the Baptistery have been painted blue? I thought they were oak-coloured, at least they were when I was there, decades ago ;!

[Debbie Piercey]

Thanks for sharing these gorgeous photos with us. It's on my bucket list! I'm so impressed with the activities you did with the girls.

[Vickie Lee]

So enjoying seeing Italy through your eyes. Wow!

[Brenda]

I was in Florence in 1981 and your pictures brought the memories flooding back - so want to go back there someday!! Thanks for sharing your trip and bringing back some wonderful memories!

[Michelle Whtilow]

Just beautiful!! Thanks for sharing...I so enjoy these posts!!

[Jill]

I have been waiting for this post! It looks like an amazing place. I love seeing your family's adventures. What great memories you are making.

[Stacey]

Beautiful pictures and great post! That is such a great experience for your kids. People think that you can't take kids anywhere, but you can! My husband lived in Spain when he was 4 (his sister was 2). Their parents took them everywhere, just like you. They moved back to the US but went to Europe every year on big trips. My husband credits all of his time in European cities as making him very "city smart". He and his sister have always felt that because of their experiences, they can handle themselves alone in any city. Great life lessons for children. Thanks for sharing all your wonderful stories about Italy. Always look forward to your posts!

[Andrea]

This is such a WONDERFUL post! (I love, love, LOVE all your pictures!) I'm sure you and your family is making memories that will last a lifetime.

[Alison]

Thank you for sharing your trip with us. Glad you all had a great time. My girls and I always look forward to reading about your adventures.

[Nicole]

Amazing pictures, love the post. Thanks for sharing.

[Mariah]

So AWESOME!!! How exciting. Thanks for sharing the pics.

[Elisabeth Costa]

GORGEOUS photos!!! I can't wait to the Christmas ones now too....you are a true ambassador for Italy:)

[Carla Hundley]

Enjoying seeing all the things
you are showing on your blog!
Thank you.
Carla from Utah

[Lissa]

Stunning photos!!! Thanks for sharing. =)

[LouiseFortune]

I am SO glad that you are enjoying you stay in Italy - do you think you will get a chance to pop across to the UK ?
Looking forward to seeing the Christmas photos of Florence x

[Maria]

This is amazing! I'm third generation Italian and my family is from Milan and Florence. Thank you for all these wonderful pictures. Its so nice to see where my family is from since I haven't been able to get to Italy just yet (it's on the list for the next year or two).

PS. I want your bag. Stunning ;)

[Mary Beth]

I love the picutre of the girls on the corner steps near the Medici chapel. Florence was a highlight - among so many - of a trip I took a few years ago. I want to go back....and meet you there!

[Candy]

Love that family photo at the top. Want those big gorgeous doors for my house. lol! So glad you had a great trip!

[Leslee Cotterell-Barrow]

Firenze holds such a special place in my heart!!!!! It is where my husband proposed to me 29years ago. At a little cafe not far from the bridge with all the shops. Love your photos. They bring back so many memories.

[AmySorensen]

I'm so jealous! We spent only about 8 hours in Florence. And it was on Sunday so the church wasn't open. (We did climb the tower though.) When we walked passed the Ufizzi and didn't have time to go in I nearly cried. So close to the Botticellis! When we walked toward the David, however...I DID cry. Not at David (nice sneaky pic by the way!) but at the slave statues. They were some of my favorite things I saw in Italy!

[CJ]

Oh Stephanie, wow. I have always wanted to visit Florence, and I do even more now. It's on my List! So glad you had such a lovely time, you have some really amazing photos. Love the one with the girls all in a line on the steps. How on earth did you get them to do that?! My boys wouldn't manage that at all. This was such a lovely post, thank you for sharing, and for the excellent tips.

[StaceyLynn]

You have to go back and visit Santa Croce. That's where all the famous Italians are buried. The grave of Michelangelo is awe-inspiring!

[Lisa P]

You are making me want to travel to Italy even more than I have always wanted too! Amazing photos.

[Pat]

I just stumbled onto your blog a few days ago, so I am late to the party, but OH I am so glad I found it! Love, love, love the photos! I am newly retired and hope to do lots of traveling but until then I am traveling vicariously through your family. Your family is beautiful, you know? Happy 2014 to all of you!