Tuscany with children works, but requires different planning compared to an adults-only trip. Not all museums hold up with younger visitors, not all walks are suitable for short legs. But there are experiences that children live with genuine enthusiasm that makes all the compromises worthwhile.
The natural thermal baths of Saturnia are, surprisingly, one of the best experiences for children in Tuscany. The warm water, the white travertine terraces, the pools of varying sizes: for them it is like a natural water park.
Tuscany with children: does it really work?
The answer is yes, with realistic expectations. A 6-year-old will not spend three hours at the Uffizi with satisfaction. But climbing the walls of Monteriggioni, immersing in the Saturnia waterfalls, spotting holm oaks in the Maremma Park - these are experiences that children remember.
Tuscany has the advantage of being a region where distances are short. From Poggibonsi you can reach many of the most family-friendly destinations in under 30 minutes. Long transfers are unnecessary.
Medieval villages: history you can touch
Medieval villages work surprisingly well with children. Not the 14th-century frescoes (those can wait), but the towers you can climb, the walls you can walk, the medieval gateways, the drawbridges.
San Gimignano: the Torre Grossa can be climbed - 54 metres of view over the Tuscan countryside. Children generally love the climb, especially when there is something spectacular at the top.
Monteriggioni: the walkway along the medieval walls is short but thrilling. The format of the village - small, circular, contained - is suitable for families with young children.
Fortezza Medicea di Poggibonsi: the walls and bastions of the fortress are explorable, with open spaces where children can run freely.
Thermal baths and pools: children love Saturnia
The natural thermal baths of Saturnia are, surprisingly, one of the best experiences for children in Tuscany. The warm water (37.5°C), the white travertine terraces, the pools of varying sizes - for children it is a kind of natural water park.
Things to consider:
- The deeper pools are not suitable for young children without supervision
- The travertine bottom is slippery - water shoes are essential
- In high season, the car park fills early - arrive before 9am
For younger children, thermal establishments (with defined pools and changing rooms) may be more practical than the natural waterfalls.
Agriturismi: farms and animals
A stay at an agriturismo, or even just a half-day visit, is one of the most popular experiences for families with children. Seeing the animals, collecting eggs, watching how cheese is made - these are concrete activities that children understand and remember.
In the Poggibonsi, Chianti and Val d’Elsa area there are dozens of agriturismi offering guided tours of the farm, educational workshops and often picnics with the farm’s own produce.
Interactive museums in Tuscany
Classic museums can be difficult with young children, but there are more suitable options:
Crystal Museum of Colle Val d’Elsa: glassblowing demonstrations are often fascinating for children. Some family workshops allow you to try the craft yourself.
Etruscan Guarnacci Museum in Volterra: the cinerary urns with figures reclining on them - including the strangely elongated Ombra della Sera - often capture children’s imagination more than ordinary paintings.
Parco della Preistoria di Peccioli (near Volterra): scale models of dinosaurs and prehistoric animals in an outdoor park. Specifically designed for families.
The Maremma Park: nature and adventure
The Maremma Regional Park, with its trails, beaches reachable only on foot and abundant wildlife, is an excellent destination for families with children who love nature.
Roe deer and fallow deer are often spotted along the trails in the early morning hours. The beach at Cala di Forno, reachable after about 5 km of trail, rewards the walk with almost deserted crystal-clear water.
From Poggibonsi, the Maremma Park is about 90 km away - a full day trip.
Hotel Alcide with children: triple and quadruple rooms
Hotel Alcide has Triple and Quadruple rooms suitable for families, with additional beds on request. The property is in the centre of Poggibonsi, in a convenient position for day excursions.
Children are welcome, with breakfast included for them too and staff happy to recommend age-appropriate activities.
Planning a trip to Tuscany?
Hotel Alcide is in Poggibonsi, in the heart of the Val d’Elsa.
25 km from Siena, 12 from San Gimignano, in the heart of Chianti.
The Ancillotti family has welcomed guests here since 1849.
