Siena with kids

Are you avoiding the Palio dates?

Thanks for letting me know. We will be there around end of June , so will avoid Palio dates.

It may be fun to have the kids understand the 17 contrade of Siena. Each ward is represented by a different animal or symbol. When I was there on May 1st it was a celebration of the Ram and we saw the parade and the participants going through all the neighborhood. It could be fun as you walk through the historic center of Siena to see if the kids can try to identify the symbols throughout each neighborhood on flags, buildings, signs.

In the center of il campo is the city building with the very tall bell tower. For a modest fee, you can ascend to the very top of the tower for the best views in town. Look up times and go early (I think 10 am it opens.) or go late. Ascending the tower is fine until it gets crowded. Come down before 11 am or so to avoid congestion on the stairs. When you do the tower, leave all backpacks and baggage (purses) of any kind at your hotel and just take your wallet and camera. Otherwise, you have to check it at the tower which is not a big deal with a small pack. If wearing a neck pouch, keep it under your shirt or you will have to check it. Why? The stairs can get very congested and are tight when two people try to pass. It 's for safety reasons that nothing is hanging or bulging out (tummies are allowed).
The cathedral is Stunning. Give the kids a cheap camera and let them take pictures.
For a macabre attraction - take the kids to San Domenica to see the head of St. Catherine in a glass box and a few of her fingers.

Stop by Monteriggioni for lunch on the way to Siena. Town is completely surrounded by a wall and you can walk around parts of the wall.

Question for Barb mainly per her detailed comment and sorry to the OP:

As far as what they allow up the tower, how about larger / professional looking cameras in hand?
Is that allowed up? No camera bags as you stated but curious if they would even object to a large camera if they are so strict about purses and the like.

I would question a zoom lens type camera hanging on a strap around your neck. I don't know the answer. If you have a "traditional" type camera that you can carry in your hand or strapped to your wrist, you should be okay. I really recommend going when it first opens or later in day to avoid the crowded staircase situation.

Torture Museum. Maybe not for the 8-year-old.