Kids Love Exploring Palazzo Vecchio in Florence, Italy

Families traveling in Italy might be surprised to learn one of the most kid-friendly attractions in Florence is the splendid Palazzo della Signoria, once the home of the powerful Medici family. Located in the historic heart of the city, this grand palace is filled with ways for kids to step into the world of the Italian Renaissance.

Ahead of your trip, book an English-language family tour, which includes children’s activities, led by guides in authentic period costumes. Along with stories of the families who lived there, the tour includes kits for children with colorful maps, and may include surprises such as puppet shows and scavenger hunts.

The Life at Court guided tour for families is designed for children under 8, but hearing about the Medici’s privileged way of life and opulent times is fun for all ages. Even teens will love the secret passage to a room full of period costumes to try on. Another family tour is led by a costumed lady-in-waiting who introduces kids to the life at court, and one explores the secret passages and leads to rooms not usually open to visitors.

After seeing the glittering gold-encrusted ceilings and frescoes, kids may be curious to know how these were done; you can sign up for short workshops to learn the techniques of fresco painting or painting on wood with egg-based colors.

These tours and experiences bring kids into the world of Florence’s ruling class at the height of the Italian Renaissance and help put the city’s other tourist sites into historical perspective. Kids will have so much fun, they may not realize they are learning about history and art.