Photo Credit: David Kooijman via www.pexels.com
Hands-down, Tuscany is one of the most scenic and picturesque places in the world that stars in many people’s dreams. Whether you visit this blessed land with your friends, significant other, or the children, there is absolutely no shortage of pleasures suited to every age group. Speaking of kids, here are some family-friendly things you definitely need to consider for guaranteed fun with the little ones!
- Have a picnic or outing
The Tuscany countryside is utterly enchanting, whereas its natural allure is unsurpassable and incredibly heart-stopping. Rolling hills, cypress forests, lush valleys, lakes, mountains that are home to wild animals and rare species of plants and birds, and an endless green duvet spreading as far as the eye can see are more than just inviting. What a perfect reason to organise a family picnic and enjoy the fresh air, the sun, the beautiful weather (if you come spring through autumn), and the tranquility exuding from every inch of land! Plus, you have ample space to play with the kids or let them do their thing as you sip a glass of delicious Tuscany wine or take water from mineral springs dating back to the Roman Empire!
- See dolphins in the Pelagos Sanctuary
The Pelagos Sanctuary For Mediterranean Marine Mammals has been a UNESCO World Heritage Site since 2006. The captivating protected area includes the marine regions of Italy (Tuscany, Sardinia, and Liguria), France, and the Municipality of Monaco, along with some other high seas. If you visit this gorgeous place, you will have the chance to spot bottlenose dolphins in the large pod of Viareggio in the Versilia waters. For this experience, though, you will need to make the necessary arrangements with the Tuscan Observatory of Cetaceans. The marine biologists in the observatory will get you aboard a catamaran and take you on a tour you and your children will certainly remember for a lifetime! It should also be noted that Viareggio is home to an amazing maritime museum also worth visiting.
Tip: To see more animals from up close, you may head to the Pistoia Zoo (aka Giardino Zoologico), which provides shelter to more than 100 species and a total of around 400 animals.
- Visit Parco di Pinocchio
Everybody knows the story of Pinocchio, but very few know that the wooden boy with the growing nose was born in Tuscany. In fact, the writer, Carlo Collodi (Carlo Lorenzini was his real name), was inspired by the Tuscany village he lived in (Collodi village, hence the name). Today, the area surrounding Collodi is turned into a refined theme park that features art exhibitions, illustrations of the popular story, artworks and statues of the characters, puppet-making workshops, and, of course, lots and lots of green land. Everything here is dedicated to the boy’s adventures and life. Plus, children have the opportunity to play on some installations and have a blast!
Tip: Another fab place in the summer months is the Acqua Village (between Cecina and Follonica), where you can cool down, slide down the Hawaiian-themed water slides, and watch your meal being prepared in the new food area with a show cooking kitchen.
Other ideas include:
- Joining family-friendly festivals and events (i.e., Giostra del Saracino medieval event, Giugno Pisano festivities, or the Montepulciano barrel rollers).
- Experiment with the interactive models at the Museo Leonardo da Vinci in the centre of Florence.
- Examine fossils at the Montevarchi Paleontological Museum.
- See the collections of scientific equipment at the Galileo Museum (Florence).
And, after such an exciting and fun day, nothing compares to the composure, relaxation, and pampering you can enjoy back home in the comfort of your Tuscany luxury farmhouse or villa. The only challenge is to choose the dreamy Tuscany holiday home for your family. As you will find out yourself, there are more than enough accommodation options in Tuscany, including from exclusive seaside properties to elegant homes tucked in the lap of green valleys or next to gorges and the beautiful countryside. I wouldn’t want to be in your shoes right now!