If you’re planning to spend 1 day in Florence with a toddler, you’re in the right place. I visited Florence with my toddler who was almost 2 years old. Let me just say, traveling is very different with a toddler this age than a baby or bigger kid! Toddlers have a lot of needs – they don’t like being stuck in strollers and still need a nap at some point.
We navigated the city trying to balance toddler-friendly activities with experiences we wanted to enjoy as adults. In this guide, I’m sharing exactly what we did in Florence with our toddler so you can see what a realistic day looks like with a little one.
I’ll lead you step by step (with time stamps!) up until nap time, plus a few options for what to do afterward depending on your child’s energy and attention span. Every child is different, but this Florence itinerary shows how we made the most of our one day in Florence while keeping it fun and manageable for everyone.
By the end, you’ll have a realistic plan for a day in Florence, Italy that works for both parents and toddlers, based on firsthand experience and practical tips you can trust.
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Is Florence good for toddlers?
I’ll be honest, Florence wasn’t my favorite city to explore with a toddler. I’ve traveled all over the world with my daughter (even as far as Japan) so I like to think I can take my kids just about anywhere.
That said, Florence in September was hot and incredibly crowded. I don’t usually mind crowds, but the heavy tourist traffic (in a fairly small area) made it feel a little overwhelming and took away from the charm for me. Plus, it was way overstimulating for her – worse than Kyoto in my opinion!
Our toddler also spent a lot of time in the stroller, which isn’t exactly fun for her (or for us navigating the city).
That said, I’m glad we went. Florence is beautiful, historic, and full of charm. However, one day felt like enough with a toddler in tow. I think I’d enjoy it more in the early morning, in winter, or with a small baby or an older child who can walk longer distances. It all depends on you and your child though (age, temperment, etc.), everyone is different!
1 Day Florence with a Toddler Itinerary Overview
Here’s a quick look at what we did in Florence with a toddler and then I’ll go more in depth below!
| Time | Activity | Notes / Toddler Tips |
|---|---|---|
| 9:30am | Breakfast at our Hotel | Start the day fueled. Collegio alla Querce had a great spread of fruit, pastries, and omelets. |
| 10:15am | Dropped off in Florence | Hotel shuttle made it easy; car seat available if needed. |
| 10:20am | Admired the Duomo | Take skip-the-line tickets if you want to go inside; even just outside, it’s stunning. |
| 10:40am | Carousel Ride at Piazza della Repubblica | Small cost, big excitement for toddlers; free to stand next to them. |
| 11:00am | Explored the Ponte Vecchio | Historic bridge with jewelry shops; great spot for souvenirs and Arno views. |
| 11:30am | Boboli Gardens & Panoramic Views of Florence | Let toddlers run and explore; uphill walk, wear comfy shoes. Optional Palazzo Pitti tour. |
| 12:15pm | Walked past Arno River and other side of Duomo | Stroll along the river and streets; toddler-friendly wandering. |
| 12:30pm | Return to Hotel for Lunch and Nap | Recharge time for everyone. |
| Afternoon | Pool Time | Relaxed, toddler-friendly activity to end the day. |
How We Spent 1 Day in Florence with a Toddler
Here’s a realistic look at how our one day in Florence with a toddler actually went and all of my best tips for you!
9:30am – Breakfast at our Hotel
Start your day with a good breakfast so everyone is happy and fueled for a big day of exploring! We stayed at Collegio alla Querce, and they had the most amazing spread with fresh fruit, pastries, omelets, and even an à la carte menu we ordered from.
10:15am – Dropped off in Florence
Our hotel was about 10 minutes outside the heart of Florence, which we loved for a quiet retreat. They offered a shuttle (first come, first serve!) to the city and we used it to get around. It was perfect for us and they even had a car seat just in case!
We arrived around 10:15am and strolled toward the Duomo, stopping in a few shops along the way.
10:20am – Admired the Duomo (Cattedrale di Santa Maria del Fiore)
We made it to the Duomo, officially called Cattedrale di Santa Maria del Fiore, and wow it’s truly incredible. A must for you Florence itinerary! Construction began in 1296 and took over 140 years to complete, which makes you appreciate the sheer effort, artistry, and ingenuity involved. The level of detail, from the marble façade to Brunelleschi’s famous dome, is breathtaking, and it’s amazing to see how it has stood the test of time (with plenty of maintenance, of course).
If you have a toddler, I’d recommend getting skip-the-line tickets in advance so you don’t have to wait. The line was insane! We decided not to go inside this time since my husband had visited before and I was fine skipping it because I know we’ll be back.
That said, I do think it’s worth going inside even with little ones, just plan ahead to avoid lines. I went inside the Duomo di Siena and was blown away, so I can only imagine how much I would have loved this one.
Obviously, if you do go inside, you’ll spend a bit more time at this stop than we did.
10:40am – Carousel Ride
Next, we walked over to the vintage carousel at Piazza della Repubblica. Our daughter was a little hesitant at first… but then she LIT UP! She absolutely loved it.
The ride only costs a few euros, and it was free for me to stand next to her since I wasn’t on my own horse. I’m so glad we did this, it was probably the highlight of the day for her and such a fun, simple Florence moment.
11:00am – Explored the Ponte Vecchio
From there, we walked across the Ponte Vecchio, one of Florence’s most iconic landmarks. This medieval bridge has stood since the 14th century and is famous for its charming jewelry shops perched along the edges. Walking across it feels like stepping back in time, with stunning views of the Arno River on either side.
It’s a great spot to pick up a small souvenir for yourself—or even an heirloom your toddler can treasure one day. Even if you’re just admiring the architecture and river views, it’s a must-see for any Florence visit.
11:30am – Boboli Gardens, Palazzo Pitti & Panoramic Views of Florence
We made our way to Boboli Gardens because I thought it would be a good spot to grab a little fresh air and let our toddler run around. Just a heads-up: it’s completely uphill to get there, so wear comfy shoes!
There’s an entry fee to access the grounds, but it was worth it. The gardens were a great place for her to burn off some energy and we loved wandering among the fountains, statues, and shaded paths that felt like stepping into a giant outdoor museum. You can grab tickets in advance here.
The gardens are part of the grand Palazzo Pitti, the former Medici family palace. You can tour the palace itself, which is filled with art and history, but we stuck to exploring the gardens. Grab skip the line tickets to the palace and gardens here.
From the gardens, you get amazing panoramic views of Florence with its hilltop view that really gives you the scale of the city.
If you keep walking up, you can reach Piazza Michelangelo for the iconic city skyline. It’s supposed to be especially beautiful at sunset, but during the summer it wasn’t until 7:45–8pm, so we missed it with bedtime in mind.
12:15pm – Walked past Arno River and other side of Duomo
After exploring the gardens, we walked back toward the Arno River, taking in the views and passing the Uffizi Galleries. I would have loved to go inside, but it’s not the most toddler-friendly spot. If your little one happens to be napping, though, it’s the perfect time to plan a visit! You can get skip the line tickets here.
We then walked around the other side of the Duomo which was just so beautiful to see a good view of Brunelleschi Dome!
12:30pm – Return to Hotel for Lunch and Nap
We went back to our hotel at this point. We were all tired, hot and ready for a break. If you want to have lunch in the city, I would definitely make reservations well in advance. I did try a few places, but anywhere we wanted to go was mostly booked up. There are some grab and go sandwich places though which is always nice with a toddler!
Afternoon at Hotel Pool
We decided to spend the afternoon at our hotel pool. They have the MOST amazing pool and our daughter loves to swim so it was way more fun for her (and relaxing for us).
If you do wan’t to stay in the city longer or go back after a nap and reset, I’m sharing a few other ideas of what to do in Florence with toddler.
Other Things to Do in Florence with Toddlers
Even with just one day, Florence has plenty of options if your toddler has extra energy or you’re looking for alternatives to the main sights:
1. Giardino delle Rose (Rose Garden)
A short walk from Piazzale Michelangelo, this garden is smaller and quieter than Boboli Gardens. Toddlers can run around, and you’ll get beautiful city views without the crowds.
2. Stroll Through the Mercato Centrale
This indoor food market is fun for little ones to explore. You can grab a snack, watch vendors at work, and let your toddler take in the sights and smells. It’s casual, air-conditioned, and toddler-friendly.
3. Play at Parco delle Cascine
Florence’s largest park has open spaces, playgrounds, and plenty of room to run. It’s a little outside the city center, but perfect if your toddler needs to burn off energy or if you are staying in that area.
4. Gelato Stops Everywhere
Florence is a gelato city and toddlers love it. A few quick stops at artisanal gelaterias along the way like Vivoli or Gelateria La Carraia can be mini highlights of the day. But, my toddler sadly did not like gelato!
5. Mini Boat Ride on the Arno (Optional)
If your toddler enjoys water, a short river experience via a pedal boat or small cruise can be memorable. Check timing and toddler restrictions ahead of time.
6. Piazza della Repubblica & Street Performers
Even if you skip the carousel, this square often has performers or live music that can entertain little ones while you soak in the atmosphere or enjoy lunch at one of the restaurants along the square.
7. Wine Windows
Okay, this one is for mom and dad! If you’re exploring during nap time, this is a fun activity while your toddler sleeps! Pop around to all the various wine windows while strolling them around. I was pregnant during our trip so we sadly skipped, but I’m still really looking forward to this one day!
Tips for Visiting Florence with a Toddler
Traveling through Florence with a little one can be magical, but also a little tricky! Here are some tips from our experience:
Plan Around Nap Times
Toddlers need breaks! Schedule quieter activities or lunch at your hotel during nap time to keep everyone happy.
Bring a Stroller, but Be Ready to Walk
Florence streets are cobblestoned and crowded. A stroller is essential for longer distances, but sometimes you’ll need to carry it or push it uphill. Wear comfy shoes!!! This is the stroller we have and love because it’s sturdy enough for the cobblestone in Europe!
Skip-the-Line Tickets Are Your Friend
For major sights like the Duomo or Uffizi, pre-booked tickets save you from long waits that can test toddler patience. I like to get tickets for Europe on Get Your Guide – it’s a great way to browse options, reserve your spots and they have flexible payment and cancel options! Plus, you can read reviews!
Dress for Comfort (and Weather)
Florence can get hot in summer and crowded. Comfortable shoes, hats, and lightweight layers make sightseeing easier for both you and your toddler.
Snacks and Water
Carry small snacks and water to avoid hangry moments. Florence has plenty of cafés, but having your own is a lifesaver.
Let Them Explore
Toddlers need room to move. Gardens, plazas, and parks like Boboli or the Rose Garden are great for letting little legs run while you take in the views. Plus, hopefully you can wear them out enough for a stroller nap.
Flexible Itinerary Wins
Some days you may have to skip a museum or shorten a walk. Florence is full of charm and you’ll still have a wonderful day even if you don’t see everything on your Florence Itinerary. Keep it flexible and not overly planned!
The Wrap Up: Florence with a Toddler Itinerary
Florence is undeniably beautiful, historic, and full of charm, but exploring it with a toddler comes with its own challenges. With a little planning, flexibility, and a mix of sightseeing and toddler-friendly activities, you can still have a wonderful day.
Our Florence 1 day itinerary shows how we balanced the must-see sights with breaks, naps, and playful moments. From gardens to carousels, there’s plenty of things to do in Florence with toddlers while parents soak in the art, architecture, and views.
No two toddlers are the same, so don’t stress if your day doesn’t go perfectly. The most important thing is enjoying the city together, creating memories, and maybe sneaking in a gelato (or two) along the way! Spoiler alert: my toddler didn’t like gelato!! I was shocked!
Safe travels and please feel free to comment below with any questions and I’ll get back to you. You can also check out my Italy highlight on Instagram here!
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