If you’re planning a trip to Siena with kids, I’ve got you covered. I recently visited Tuscany with family, including our almost 2-year-old toddler and our niece and nephew, ages 3.5 and 5.5. Traveling with little ones is a whole different experience, and I wanted to share a realistic look at what spending 1 day in Siena actually feels like for families.
From finding the best parking to navigating cobblestone streets, stopping at playgrounds, and discovering a charming bookstore, I’ll walk you through what worked for us and what I’d do differently next time. I’ll also share practical tips on where to eat with kids in Siena, as well as the must-visit spots for gelato lovers of all ages.
By the end of this guide, you’ll have a clear idea of how to structure your own Siena itinerary with kids, what to prioritize, and how to make your day enjoyable for both adults and little ones. My goal is to make your planning easier and help you create a fun, stress-free day exploring this beautiful Tuscan city with your toddler or baby.
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Mini-Guide: 1 Day Siena with Kids itinerary
Here’s a quick overview of what we did, then I’ll go into details with more tips below if you’ve got more time!
| Activity | Tips & Notes |
|---|---|
| Arrive in Siena and park | We found parking near the city center convenient for walking to most sights. Bring a stroller that handles cobblestones. |
| Walk to Piazza del Campo | Stop and admire the square’s shell shape and historic buildings. Option to climb Torre del Mangia for older kids. Early morning is best to avoid crowds and heat. |
| Tour the Duomo di Siena | Pre-book skip-the-line tickets to avoid waits. The marble floors and frescoes are incredible—kids usually love looking up at the colorful ceilings. |
| Gelato break | Treat the kids (and yourself!) at one of Siena’s top gelaterias. A little sugar boost keeps everyone energized. |
| Lunch at a family-friendly restaurant | We’ve got a great grab & go sandwich option or a kid-friendly sit down option! |
| Shop or window shop along Siena’s streets | Wander the narrow medieval streets and browse souvenirs. |
| Playground break for little ones | A local playground is perfect for a rest break. Let the kids burn off energy before heading back. |
| Depart Siena | Head home or to your next stop—hopefully refreshed and full of memories! |
How We Spent 1 Day in Siena with Kids (including a toddler)
Here’s how we spent 1 day in Siena with kids – all 3 of them!
9:30AM Arrive & Park in Siena
We got to Siena around 9:30am, parked, and made our way up to the hilltop city! We brought our travel strollers and highly recommend!
Here is a pin on Google Maps of where we parked. You park up in the surface lot or below in a covered underground parking deck. Then, you walk over here to take the escalator to the top of the city. When you’re done, there is a kiosk at the base of the escalator where you will pay for parking.
Tip: You’ll definitely want to rent a car while in Tuscany with kids!
10AM Piazza del Campo and Palazzo Pubblico
Our first stop was at the Piazza del Campo.
The Piazza del Campo is the heart of Siena and one of the most beautiful medieval squares in Italy. It’s famous for its unique shell shape and the twice-yearly Palio horse race that’s been held here for centuries. Even without an event happening, it’s a lively spot where locals and visitors gather to relax, grab a gelato, and admire the stunning architecture surrounding the square including the Palazzo Pubblico and its iconic Torre del Mangia.
It was nice to stop here first and see it before the crowds filled the space. You can take a tour and even go up the tower for amazing views. We have a 2 year old so opted against that, but I think it could be fun for bigger kids. Here is the tour you can do and get tickets in advance.
10:30AM Tour Duomo di Siena
Then, we walked to the Duomo di Siena. We didn’t tour the Duomo in Florence, so we knew we had to see this one! I do recommend getting skip the link tickets in advance here because we had to wait in line and you know kids do NOT like lines or waiting!
The Duomo di Siena is one of Italy’s most impressive cathedrals and a masterpiece of Gothic architecture. It was built in the 1200s and is famous for its striking black-and-white striped marble, intricate mosaics, and stunning frescoes by famous artists like Pisano and Donatello. The interior is just as breathtaking as the exterior—especially the marble floors, which are true works of art. Even little ones tend to look up in awe at the colorful ceilings and grand details.
It’s a strikingly beautiful cathedral and one I really enjoyed going inside. I normally like to just see things from the outside, but the marble, colors, and level of detail is remarkable! If you only have one day in Siena, don’t miss the chance to tour this!
11:15AM Gelato Break at Venchi
After the tour, we were all ready for a snack. Italian lunches can be long so grab a gelato before to hold you over!
We went to Venchi and it was amazing. The strawberry was a great dairy free option (and egg free!) and the olive oil was incredible. If you’re looking for the best gelato in Siena, go to Venchi.
Things to look for when picking a gelato place:
- Go somewhere that says “artisinal”
- Look at color – if the pistachio is a bright green, that’s not realistic and is likely full of junk. The pistachio flavors should be more greyish.
- If it’s stacked up super high, it’s likely full of preservatives. It looks pretty and appetizing like that, but real gelato should be lower and kept cooler.
12:00PM Lunch at Il Boconcino
We grabbed sandwiches at II Bocconcino and it was so good! It’s a great grab and go option for traveling with kids in Siena!
The number 15 and 16 were our favorites for vegetarian friendly options. They also offer build your own which is great for kids – we got our daughter a salami and cheese. Then, we sat and ate them in the Piazza del Campo.
Our family with the older kids did a sit down lunch at Ristorante Pizzeria Sansedoni in Birreria
in the Piazza. Those restaurants are definitely touristy, but the view is great. Since our 2 year old needed a nap, we had a quick bite so we could leave sooner.
12:30PM Shop/Window Shop for Leather Goods /Kid Items
After lunch, we stopped in a few stores as we made our way back to the car. Siena is one of the best towns to look for authentic leather products like shoes, belts, or bags!
I also stopped in this children’s boutique called Original Marines which had such cute little girls clothes!
We also went in a book store called La Feltrinelli where we grabbed a copy of ‘Pinocchio’ written in Italian as a keepsake for our daughter. We always try to get a book for her when we travel! They also had great sticker books that entertained her at meals and on our flight home.
1:00PM Playground Break for Kids in Siena
Before hopping in the car, we stopped at this quiet little playground (here on Maps) which was on the way. It’s under some trees by the Basilique Saint-François. It was perfect to let her burn the last bit of energy before hopping in the car since she’d been in her stroller most of the day.
1:30PM Depart Siena for Naps OR Continue Exploring
We left Siena at this point, but the rest of our family with the older kids stayed. They did the same things as us, just enjoyed a long Italian lunch and shopped more.
But, there are plenty of other things to do in Siena with kids if yours are a bit older.
Other Things to Do in Siena with Kids
Here are some things we considered doing…
Orto Botanico – Siena’s Botanical Gardens
If your kids enjoy exploring nature, the Botanical Gardens are a peaceful spot to wander. You’ll find colorful flowers, herbs, and shaded paths that are perfect for little ones to explore without feeling rushed.
Siena’s Museums
Older kids might enjoy learning about the famous Palio horse race. You can visit the Contrada Museums or check out the Civic Museum in the Palazzo Pubblico to see historic artifacts, costumes, and stories about Siena’s history.
Parade and Palio Events
If your visit coincides with a Palio parade or event, it’s a fun, lively experience for kids to see horses, costumes, and local traditions in action. Even just watching locals prepare for the event gives a sense of Siena’s vibrant culture.
Wander the Historic Streets
Simply wandering Siena’s medieval streets is an adventure in itself. Kids will enjoy the narrow alleys, small piazzas, and colorful shutters, and parents will love all the gelato stops along the way!
Tips for Visiting Siena with Kids
A few things to make your day in Siena a little easier with children!
Bring a Stroller That Can Handle Cobblestones
Siena’s streets are charming but full of cobblestones. We brought our travel stroller and loved how easy it was to navigate the uneven surfaces with our 2-year-old. Our family had the same stroller for their kids too and even the 6 year old needed it at times!
>>Check out all of my toddler travel essentials here!
Bring Water Bottles and Snacks
Walking around all day can be tiring for little ones. Pack water bottles and plenty of snacks to keep everyone happy and energized between stops.
Plan Must-Do’s and Leave the Rest Flexible
Pick a few key sights you don’t want to miss, like Piazza del Campo and the Duomo, but leave extra time for spontaneous discoveries. Kids often enjoy the small streets, piazzas, and gelato stops just as much as major attractions.
Wear Comfy Shoes for Everyone
Siena’s streets are mostly cobblestone and hilly. Comfy shoes for adults and kids are a must for enjoying your day without sore feet. These are my go to white sneakers that I’ve worn all over the world for years.
Go Early to Beat the Heat
We visited in September, and it got hot by lunchtime. Starting your day early lets you explore the city before the sun and crowds peak.
The Wrap Up: How to Spend One Day in Siena with Kids
Exploring Siena with kids is a wonderful experience—there’s history, culture, and plenty of fun for little ones. With a flexible Siena itinerary, you can hit must-see spots like Piazza del Campo and the Duomo while leaving time for gelato breaks, street wandering, and playful discoveries.
Whether you’re visiting Siena with a toddler or a baby, the city’s charm and family-friendly sights make it easy to create lasting memories together.
Save it for later!
ALSO SEE:
- My Lake Como Babymoon (with our toddler)
- The Best Places to Travel with Toddlers
- My Rome Itinerary for 3 Days
- My Amalfi Coast Babymoon
- Do you actually need a travel stroller?
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