10 things to do with kids in Tuscany

Not everyone is aware that the ‘inventor’ of Pinocchio was from Tuscany! Carlo Lorenzini, known to everyone by the pseudonym Carlo Collodi, was a famous writer who took as his nom de plume the name of the village of Collodi, a small town in the Valdinievole between Montecatini Terme and Lucca. 
Today, the village is home to Pinocchio Park, a place reminiscent of the adventures of the famous marionette with literary trails, sculptures surrounded by greenery, art exhibitions, marionette workshops and interactive installations. 
The vintage atmosphere of the park is a dream for young and old alike!

Among the most exciting family experiences, Canyon Park’s Zip Line, at just over 6 miles or under 10 kilometers from Bagni di Lucca, offers the thrill of flight in an extraordinary natural setting. This is the first adventure park in Italy developed inside a canyon, among rapids, rock walls and dense vegetation.
The aerial route winds along a series of zip lines suspended above the Lima river, Tibetan bridges and footbridges between the rocks. The first pulley measures an impressive 426 feet or 130 meters, marking the beginning of a breathtaking itinerary, always accompanied by experienced guides.
This adventure is suitable for ages 10 and up, combining adrenaline, safety and a full immersion in nature.

Housed in the ancient Palazzo Castellani, not far from the Uffizi Galleries, the Galileo Museum holds one of the world’s most important collections of scientific instruments. Amid busts, telescopes and ancient globes, the itinerary revolves around the figure of Galileo Galilei, the father of modern science. 
The exhibition, divided into 20 thematic rooms, fascinates even the youngest visitors with mechanical clocks, experimental apparatuses and curious objects, such as the telescope lens with which Galileo first observed Jupiter’s satellites and the middle finger of his right hand, preserved in a display case.
On weekends from November to May, the museum offers educational activities for families, with animated tours and workshops to discover science through play and experimentation.

And for those seeking pure fun, the Cavallino Matto is the perfect park for the whole family.
Nestled in the pine forest of the Castagneto Carducci Marina, it is the largest amusement park in Tuscany, with an area of around 1,076,400 square feet (100,000 square meters). 
It counts 25 rides suitable for all ages, including roller coasters, water games, baby roller coasters and the scenic Baia del Bucaniere, where little ones can play pirates armed with water cannons. An 18-hole miniature golf course, magic and dance shows, 4D cinema, as well as a funicular railway suspended in the trees complete the offerings for those who enjoy the thrill of heights.

In the heart of Siena, the Natural History Museum of the Accademia dei Fisiocritici holds an extraordinary collection of zoological, geological and anatomical exhibits perfect for intriguing visitors of all ages. 
Inside an old monastery are 19ᵗʰ-century rooms populated with stuffed animals, fossils, shells and minerals, but the undisputed star is the 161-feet or 15-meter skeleton of a minke whale. 
Anatomical models, terracotta mushrooms and even a scenic reconstruction of an Etruscan tomb complete the experience.

For those who dream of exploring the underwater world, the Livorno Aquarium offers an amazing experience between biodiversity and discovery.
Overlooking the Mascagni Terrace is the most important aquarium in Tuscany, with tanks that recreate marine and tropical environments populated by turtles, sharks, jellyfish, stingrays and colorful fish.
Among the must-see stops is the tactile tank, the underwater tunnel with bullrays and the space dedicated to the Caribbean Sea. The tour is completed with reptiles, insects, amphibians and even a tank for kelp, the large oceanic seaweed that is home to a very rich ecosystem. 

For those who love the sea and nature, the Tuscan Archipelago is a true paradise to explore above and below the surface.
Legend has it that its 7 islands are the gems from Venus’ necklace, scattered in the Tyrrhenian Sea. Today, these islands—including Elba, Giglio and Capraia—are protected by the Arcipelago Toscano National Park, which safeguards one of the most fascinating marine areas in the Mediterranean.
During the summer, the park offers guided sea experiences also designed for families with children: seawatching excursions with mask and fins to observe marine biodiversity up close, walks along beaches and dunes such as that of Lacona, snorkeling boat trips or cetacean sightings in the company of expert biologists. A unique opportunity to discover a rich marine environment and learn while having fun.

Those who love nature in its purest form can’t skip the Maremma Regional Park, where wild landscapes and free-roaming animals give children an adventure as little explorers.
Stretching for 15.5 miles or 25 kilometers along the coast between Principina a Mare and Talamone, the park is a green oasis comprised of hills, pine forests, beaches, pastures and marshes, traversed by the intense scents of the maquis shrubland.
Here you walk alongside herds of livestock, spot deer, foxes and birds, follow trails that lead to the wildest beaches ...
Among the many activities designed for even the youngest children are walks or rides in a carriage, on a bicycle, in a canoe or even on a donkey for an original and fun way to get to know this unique area, where nature is always the protagonist.

For a day among the animals, the Pistoia Zoological Garden is a perfect destination for the whole family.
Nestled in a 17-acre/7-hectare green area, the park is home to some 600 animals, counting mammals, birds, reptiles and amphibians in environments that reproduce their natural habitats as closely as possible.
Up close you can see tigers, giraffes, lynxes, brown bears, lions, red pandas, African penguins, lemurs of Madagascar and many other rare creatures included in European programs for protecting endangered species.
The trail is designed to stimulate curiosity and respect for biodiversity, with educational activities and special offerings such as close encounters with giant tortoises or summer night tours.

An undisputed symbol of Pisa and among the world’s most famous monuments, the Leaning Tower has fascinated people of all ages for centuries. 
Its slant makes it unique and the perfect subject for a creative family photo.
A visit to the tower measuring 184 feet (56 meters) in height, built between the 12ᵗʰ and 14ᵗʰ centuries, offers a journey through history and an exciting climb up the 294 steps to the top, from which there is a spectacular view of the Piazza dei Miracoli.
Next to the bell tower are also the Duomo (Cathedral), Baptistery and the Monumental Cemetery—an extraordinary architectural complex that makes this square a must-see for any visit to Tuscany, including with children.