Family Adventures in Tuscany: What to Do & Where to Eat with Kids

Explore Lucca: We stayed in the historic center of Lucca, still surrounded by its original defensive walls, which now serve as a scenic walking and biking path with playground stops and beautiful views. Beyond the walls, we loved the carousel at Piazza Napoleone, exploring Orto Botanico Comunale di Lucca, visiting Piazza dell'Anfiteatro, and climbing Torre Guinigi for incredible views.

Experience an agriturismo: An agriturismo is a farm stay where guests can enjoy local food, comfortable lodging, and an authentic glimpse into rural Tuscan life, and Agriturismo Tenute Di Badia was the perfect spot for a wine tasting, complete with a vineyard tour led by a member of the family who has owned it for years. The experience was especially family-friendly—with kids on the tour making it fun for ours—and we loved that we could reserve ahead and ship wine and olive oil home for a meaningful souvenir.

A Chianti picnic: We knew we wanted to visit the Chianti region, so we booked a picnic experience at Salvadonica Borgo del Chianti, a hilltop village setting that perfectly captures the classic Tuscan landscape. After reserving ahead, we picked up a chef-prepared picnic (complete with wine) to enjoy in the vineyard overlooking the rolling hills, with a swing set and slide nearby for the kids.

Soak up the sun in Forte dei Marmi: Forte di Marmi, an upscale beach community on the coast of Tuscany, is where we spent a day at beach club Bagno Oasi Zero Marina di Vecchiano enjoying the blue waters, gorgeous mountain views, no crowds (in April), a delicious seafood lunch with a sophisticated yet relaxed vibe, and spritzes delivered to our beach chairs. Forte dei Marmi also has an amazing playground and high-end shops, so I would also make it a point to go into town and explore!

Discover Florence: We took the train into Florence for a day trip, where we took in the exterior of the Cathedral of Santa Maria del Fiore, visited the Piazza della Repubblica for a few carousel rides, and ended our day with a gelato break close to the train station before heading back to our home base. For a day trip with two preschoolers, this was enough activity for us, but if you have more time, the Leonardo Interactive Museum is supposed to be great for kids!

Admire the leaning tower of Pisa: We checked the box on seeing the leaning tower! This was another easy 20 minute train ride from Lucca and though you can obviously expect crowds, it is definitely worth the trip if you are staying close by.

Ristorante All'Olivo in Lucca: We ate here twice in one week during our trip—that’s how good it is! It offers impeccable service, a shaded patio and art-covered walls, and is known for Tuscan soups and filled pastas, delicious seafood dishes, steaks and regional wines.

Bagno Oasi Zero, Marina di Vecchiano in Forte di Marmi: Upscale but relaxed beach club with full restaurant. Enjoy delicious seafood and an Aperol spritz with an oceanfront view!

Ciro and Sons in Florence: Delicious pizza spot with outdoor seating not too far from the Firenze Santa Maria Novella train station. Great place to refuel before a day of sightseeing!

Bar Milano in Marina di Pietrasanta: Casual pizza and sandwich spot in the coastal town of Marina di Pietrasanta. Nice place to stop for lunch if you’re driving up the coast between Pisa and Forte di Marmi.

Ristorante L'isola Che Non C'era in Lucca: We also ate here multiple times during our time in Lucca. This cozy Tuscan restaurant serves traditional pasta and steak and offers outdoor seating not far from the Piazza dell'Anfiteatro.