Florence Attractions

The Ufizzi museum is very big, and may not be the best choice with a 9 year old daughter. The Academia is smaller, has the original "David" by Michelangelo as well as some unfinished works which you can point out to her look like the people are stepping out of the marble rather than him
chiseling them into the marble. The Academia also has a school of music on the first floor to the right, which is interactive. (That's new from the last time I was there). I noticed the kids were having a good time in this part of the museum. I have spent a lot of time in Florence, and am hoping to take my 10 year old grand daughter, and the Accademia is on my "for sure" list. Also of interest to her at this age would be to take the bus up to the Piazza Michelangelo where there is (again) a GIANT statue of David, with a view of all of Florence. There is a restaurant/bar up there where you can all sit down and enjoy a drink and a snack. The many piazzas and fountains, statues, etc., I think will hold her interest, with stops for pizza/gelato (at least once a day). Also because this is a "girl" make sure she sees the Ponte Vecchio, more diamonds and gold in one place than she'll ever see in her lifetime! (I KNOW my grand daughter would like this!) I could go on and on about Florence but would advise you to buy the latest RS guidebook and carefully read the Florence Chapter. I don't know your daughter personally, but I do know what my little girl likes, and I've listed it above. There is also a poster on this site "Roberto" who you could private message. He was born and raised in Florence and I'll bet he has lots of advice! Have a FUN trip! Lucky little girl!

MORE!: Santa Croce church is my favorite church in Florence. It has the graves of Florence's most favorite sons Galileo, Dante (empty), Michelangelo, with very ornate sculptures. ATTACHED to it, is a "leather school" where they make handbags, wallets, and other leather goods for the "rich and famous" of the world. She may like this as well, as there are photos on the wall of some of their most famous patrons! Regarding "parks", I think the entire city is a "park," and depending on
the time of year you are there the Boboli Gardens are also lovely lots of walking! I'd also take a 9 year old female to the Piti Palace. this is close to the Ponte Vecchio. Don't know if she's too "old" for this, but Piazza della Republica has a lovely carousel, and lots of kids enjoy riding this (again, depending on the weather)! These are just my opinions! Have fun!

Check the websites "Ciao Bambino" and "Florence for Kids" - lots of suggestions for things to do.

Oops - the second website is "Travel for Kids".

I agree with Donna, that churuch is great. Also Acadamia is easy to get through as stated. Uffizi is also magnificient but as stated large. If you go, just know what you want to see in advance and skip the rest. Get a map and plan it out. yes you can and should get advance tickets to uffizi an academia. When of my favorites sites was Piazza Michaelangelo (sorry for spelling. Over looks Florence and is great.

I would recommend the central market - an indoor market with everything in it. You can have lunch there and shop around. There are also many booths set up on the streets approaching the
central market - with tons of things for sale that a 9 yr old would love.

Thanks for all the advice! I am reading about Florence now. Holy Toledo! There's a lot in Florence. I was thinking of 3 nights there. Some judicious pruning is in order. ---Barb

Barb, I wouldn't miss the Uffizi. If you make reservations for relatively late in the day, you won't need to wait in line and the galleries are no where near as crowded, which might help with a 9 yo. When i've been there an hour or two before closing, many of the rooms are virtually empty. It's a relatively small museum, so depending on your interests, a couple of hours might be enough. Don't know that tour company, but there is a good audio guide if you go without a tour. There's a great book for teens/preteens that you may want to check out, Florence: Just Add Water. The info is good quality, and it's entertaining. It might help her plan/anticipate. And while not a park, I've found the cloister of Santa Maria Novella to be a wonderful place for some quiet time. It's a separate admission from the church and a separate entrance, and the hours are not as long, but if it's open, you might want to try that for an interesting and quiet escape. Finally, depending on her interests, she may enjoy the old pharmacy of Santa Maria Novella, which now sells high-end fragrances/soaps/etc. It's an interesting building with lovely but relatively costly products. But it's fun to explore, if she likes that type of thing. It's on a side street a block or two from the church.

Thanks a lot! I'm taking notes on everything. I was thinking 3 hours in the Uffizi and Piti Palace. I was thinking 2-3 hours in Accademia on a different day. I was thinking after lunch in afternoon for both places. I want to spend 3 nighs in Florence. Then, 2 nights in Siena. Followed by the rest of trip.