If you are spending four days or more in Florence, I highly recommend adding at least one or two day trips. Tuscany is incredibly diverse, and many of the region’s most memorable family experiences lie outside Florence itself.

This guide covers the best family-friendly day trips from Florence, including travel times, what children will enjoy and photography opportunities for parents.

Best Family Day Trips From Florence

1. Pisa
2. Lucca
3. Siena
4. San Gimignano
5. Chianti
6. Mugello
7. Bologna
8. Cinque Terre
9. Arezzo
10. Pistoia Zoo
11. Vinci
12. Montecatini Terme

Pisa

Travel Time: About 1 hour by train

Pisa is the easiest and most popular day trip from Florence. While adults come to see the Leaning Tower, children usually enjoy climbing it, photographing it and recreating the famous “holding up the tower” photos.

The Piazza dei Miracoli is compact and easy to explore, making this an excellent option for families.

Best Things for Kids

• Leaning Tower
• Climbing the tower
• Large open lawns
• Historic buildings

Photography Highlights

• Leaning Tower
• Piazza dei Miracoli
• Cathedral architecture
• Sunset city views

Lucca

Travel Time: 1 hour 20 minutes

Lucca may actually be the best day trip for families. The city’s complete Renaissance walls surround the historic center and have been converted into a park and cycling route.

Renting bikes and cycling around the walls is one of the most enjoyable family activities in Tuscany.

Best Things for Kids

• Bike rides
• City walls
• Piazzas
• Towers
• Gelato

San Gimignano

Travel Time: Around 1.5 hours

Known as the “Manhattan of the Middle Ages,” San Gimignano looks like something from a fantasy movie. The medieval towers immediately capture children’s imaginations.

Best Things for Kids

• Medieval towers
• Castle atmosphere
• Ice cream shops
• Historic streets

Photography Highlights

• Tower skyline
• Sunset viewpoints
• Tuscan countryside

Siena

Travel Time: Around 1.5 hours

Siena is one of Italy’s most beautiful cities. The enormous Piazza del Campo provides plenty of space for children while adults enjoy the architecture and atmosphere.

The city’s medieval character often feels more authentic than Florence.

Chianti

Travel Time: 30–60 minutes by car

Many people assume Chianti is only for wine lovers, but families can enjoy beautiful villages, scenic drives, farm visits and countryside walks.

Agriturismo farms often welcome families and may offer animals, playgrounds and outdoor activities.

Photography Highlights

• Cypress roads
• Rolling hills
• Vineyards
• Sunrise landscapes

Mugello

Travel Time: About 1 hour

North of Florence, Mugello offers forests, lakes and outdoor activities. It is a great option for families wanting nature after several days in the city.

Bologna

Travel Time: 40 minutes by high-speed train

Bologna is one of Italy’s most underrated cities for families. The covered arcades make walking comfortable in both sunshine and rain.

It is also one of the best food destinations in Italy.

Best Things for Kids

• Tower climbs
• Food markets
• Gelato
• Historic streets

Cinque Terre

Travel Time: Around 2.5 hours

If your children enjoy scenic landscapes, colorful villages and short hikes, Cinque Terre can be an unforgettable day trip.

Older children and teenagers often particularly enjoy exploring the coastal trails.

Arezzo

Travel Time: About 1 hour

Arezzo receives far fewer tourists than Florence but offers beautiful squares, medieval streets and a relaxed atmosphere.

Pistoia Zoo

Travel Time: About 45 minutes

One of the best pure family attractions near Florence. If your children need a break from churches and museums, this is an excellent choice.

Vinci

Travel Time: Around 1 hour

The birthplace of Leonardo da Vinci offers interactive exhibits and a fascinating look at one of history’s greatest inventors.

Montecatini Terme

Travel Time: About 1 hour

Families can ride the historic funicular railway and enjoy beautiful views over Tuscany.

Best Day Trips for Families With Children Aged 9–13

1. Pisa
2. Lucca
3. San Gimignano
4. Bologna
5. Cinque Terre
6. Vinci

Best Nature Day Trips From Florence

• Chianti
• Mugello
• Cinque Terre
• Montecatini Terme

Best Photography Day Trips From Florence

• San Gimignano
• Chianti
• Cinque Terre
• Siena
• Lucca

Related Travel Guides

• Best Family-Friendly Things to Do in Florence
• Best Family-Friendly Restaurants in Florence
• Best Instagram Spots in the Dolomites for Great Shots
• Best Autumn Photography in the Dolomites
• Best Hikes at Lake Bled for Great Photos
• About the Author

About the Author

Fredrik Wallgren is a Swedish travel photographer who has visited 47 countries across Europe, Asia, Africa and the Americas. Through Frewa Photo he shares travel guides, photography locations and practical itineraries to help travelers discover beautiful places and capture better photographs.

Learn more: https://frewaphoto.com/about/

FAQ

What is the best day trip from Florence with kids?

Pisa and Lucca are usually the easiest and most rewarding family day trips from Florence.

Is Pisa worth a day trip from Florence?

Yes. The short train journey and iconic Leaning Tower make it one of the most popular family excursions from Florence.

What is better for families, Pisa or Siena?

Pisa is generally better for younger children, while Siena may appeal more to older children interested in history and architecture.

Can you visit Cinque Terre as a day trip from Florence?

Yes, although it makes for a long day. Families with active children and teenagers often find it worthwhile.

What is the most beautiful town near Florence?

San Gimignano is often considered the most photogenic thanks to its medieval towers and hilltop setting.

Is Lucca worth visiting with children?

Absolutely. Cycling around the city walls is one of the best family activities in Tuscany.

How many days should families spend in Florence?

Four to five days is ideal, allowing time to explore Florence itself and take one or two memorable day trips.

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