Tuscany and Umbria with Kids

With all due respect, I found the comments about Tuscany to be no more than an advertisement for hotels. Tuscany for children is very much more than that: In Florence, the new Science museum (Galileo’s telescope) re-opening, carousel in Piazza della Reppublica, the incredible experience of the Musei dei Ragazzi. I have been to the Palio in Siena several times and, while it is thrilling, it is also one of the most challenging travel experiences because of the incredible throng of people — issues with crushing, and, inevitably, lots of drunkenness — to be attempted with children with great caution. Pinocchio Park in Collodi is poignantly lovely but not well kept up — disappointing for children. I love Arezzo for the Piero della Francesca frescos but it is not really a family friendly city. What about San Gimignano — those towers, a lovely park to de-camp outside the Medici fortress. What of a smaller, less crowded festival on the Umbrian border of Marche, Gubbio, a medieval jewel, with the incredible crossbow festival, peopled with those in medieval dress.

I love Rebecca’s comments about Umbria — they are absolutely right and, after many trips with small and bigger children, would agree wholeheartedly with her comments.

Thanks Melissa! I actually think that Umbria is getting more and more kid friendly…I guess they’ve figured out that there is a big travelling family market out there.

Melissa, I see what you mean, the page I linked to about Tuscany now looks like just a page of ads. I have removed that link.