What Can You Do With Kids in Tuscany?

Tuscany offers children of all ages a rich mix of outdoor activities, culinary discoveries, and nature experiences. From truffle hunting in the forests to making pasta with the locals: a holiday in Tuscany is far more than a swimming pool and an ice cream for children. In this article, we answer the most frequently asked questions about a family-friendly holiday in Tuscany.

What outdoor activities are suitable for children in Tuscany?

Tuscany offers children a wide range of outdoor activities, from swimming in rivers and hiking through forests to cycling over rolling hills. The region is particularly well suited for active families who combine nature and adventure with relaxation. The variety of landscapes makes it interesting for children of all ages.

Hiking and exploring: The hills of the Casentino offer numerous walking trails that are manageable for children too. Along the way you encounter castles, monasteries, and wildlife.
Swimming in the river: Many areas in Tuscany have clear mountain rivers where children can safely splash and play.
E-mountain biking: Older children and teenagers can explore the surroundings on electric mountain bikes, even when the hills are steep.
Swimming in the outdoor pool: A large outdoor swimming pool is for most children the absolute highlight of the day.
Foraging tours: Heading out with a guide to search for edible plants, mushrooms, and herbs in the forests.

What makes Tuscany so appealing for families is that children can roam freely in a safe, car-free environment. No heavy traffic, no masses of tourists, but space to discover at their own pace.

What can children learn during a Tuscan holiday?

During a holiday in Tuscany, children naturally learn about Italian culture, culinary tradition, and nature. They discover where food comes from, how people have lived alongside nature for generations, and they unconsciously practise their social skills by interacting with other children and locals.

One of the most valuable experiences is taking part in a pasta workshop. Children learn not only how to make fresh pasta, but also how proud Italians are of their culinary heritage. The same applies to sausage making or a wine tasting for the parents, where children learn about fermentation and craftsmanship.

Foraging tours in the forests teach children which plants are edible, how ecosystems work, and how to treat nature with respect. This ties in perfectly with the conscious, sustainable way of travelling that more and more families are striving for. A holiday in Tuscany is therefore not only relaxation, but also a rich learning environment outside the classroom.

Is truffle hunting suitable for children?

Yes, truffle hunting is excellent for children. It is an adventurous activity in which children head into the forests together with trained dogs in search of the precious fungus. The combination of movement, excitement, and interaction with the dogs makes it an unforgettable experience for most children.

Children do not need any prior knowledge. A local guide explains along the way how truffles grow, why they are so special, and how the dogs track them down. The search lasts on average one to one and a half hours, which is a perfectly manageable length of time for most children.

Truffle hunting works best for children from around the age of six. Younger children quickly become distracted or tired from walking over uneven forest ground. Teenagers are often the most enthusiastic: they appreciate the challenge and the story behind it. After the hunt, the found truffles taste extra special, especially when you get to grate them yourself over a plate of pasta.

Which ages are most suitable for a Tuscany holiday?

A holiday in Tuscany is most suitable for children between the ages of six and sixteen. Children in this age group can actively participate in hikes, workshops, and activities, and are old enough to consciously experience their surroundings. Teenagers benefit especially from the freedom and adventurous character of the Tuscan countryside.

Toddlers and young children are also welcome, but the holiday then requires more planning. Unpaved paths, heat, and long mealtimes can be tiring for the youngest ones. Families with very young children would do well to choose accommodation with their own kitchen and a swimming pool within walking distance, so that the daily schedule remains flexible.

Families with children of secondary school age often experience Tuscany as a highlight. Teenagers quickly make friends with other children at the location, are enthusiastic about activities such as mountain biking and truffle hunting, and appreciate the authenticity of the surroundings more than a traditional holiday park.

How family-friendly are agriturismos in Tuscany?

Agriturismos in Tuscany are generally very family-friendly, but in a different way from a holiday park. There is no entertainment team or slide, but there is space, freedom, and an authentic environment where children can be themselves. Renting a holiday home in Tuscany at an agriturismo gives families the space and independence that suits this style of travel.

The strength of a family-friendly agriturismo in Italy lies in the informal atmosphere. Children eat together at long tables, roam freely around the grounds, and meet other children in a natural way. There is no programme they have to follow, but activities are always available if they want them.

What to look out for when choosing an agriturismo with children:

A swimming pool on the grounds is an absolute must for most families, especially in the summer months.
Your own kitchen or kitchenette provides flexibility for early eaters or picky children.
Car-free grounds or limited traffic ensures safety and peace.
Outdoor play space such as lawns, forest paths, or a nearby river makes all the difference.
Local activities that are also accessible for children, such as cooking workshops or foraging tours.

What is the best time of year to visit Tuscany with children?

The best time to visit Tuscany with children is from mid-June to the end of August, during the Dutch and Belgian summer holidays. During this period the weather is stable and warm, the swimming pool is at its best, and most activities are available. May and September are excellent alternatives for families with more flexibility.

In May and September it is more pleasant to hike and cycle, as temperatures are lower. The countryside is at its most beautiful and there are fewer tourists. Families with young children who struggle with the heat sometimes deliberately choose these months.

July and August are the busiest and hottest months, but for children these are also the most social periods. There are more families at the location, children make friends more quickly, and the atmosphere is lively. The heat is manageable if a swimming pool is available and the day is structured calmly with an afternoon siesta.

How Novanta helps create an unforgettable family holiday in Tuscany

Novanta, nestled in the Casentino hills near Arezzo, is exactly the kind of place that suits families looking for an authentic, active holiday in Tuscany. No holiday park with entertainment, but a car-free borgo with space, freedom, and genuine Tuscan experiences. This is what Novanta concretely offers families:

Self-contained holiday homes with two or three bedrooms, a private kitchen, and direct access to the grounds, ideal for families or multiple families together via the holiday homes in Tuscany
Two swimming pools on the grounds, including a 20-metre outdoor pool
Truffle hunting, pasta workshops, and foraging tours together with local guides and residents
E-mountain bikes for teenagers and adults to explore the surroundings
Car-free village: the car stays at the entrance, luggage is transported by 4×4
Access to the river and the Casentino National Park, directly from the borgo

Would you like to know more about the accommodation options or plan a holiday for your family? Browse the available holiday homes at Novanta and discover which option suits you best.

Frequently Asked Questions

How far in advance should I book activities such as truffle hunting and pasta workshops?

It is strongly recommended to reserve activities such as truffle hunting and pasta workshops at least four to six weeks before arrival, especially if you are travelling in high season (July–August). Local guides and workshops have limited places and are popular with multiple families at the same time. By booking early you avoid disappointment and can better align the daily schedule with your children’s wishes.

What if my child is a picky eater — is a holiday in Tuscany still a good idea?

Absolutely. Picky eaters in particular often blossom in Tuscany, because they are involved in preparing the food themselves, such as rolling pasta or grating truffles. Children generally eat something more readily when they have made it themselves. In addition, accommodation with its own kitchen offers the possibility of preparing familiar meals as well, so you are never entirely dependent on restaurant offerings.

How do I manage the long drive to Tuscany with young children?

Many families choose to split the journey over two days, with a stopover in, for example, Switzerland or northern Italy. Plan fixed play breaks at service stations, bring familiar snacks, and ensure offline entertainment on a tablet. Those who prefer to fly can land at Florence or Pisa airport, after which the region is easily accessible by hire car — Arezzo and the Casentino are less than an hour’s drive from both airports.

Can children also roam and play independently without constant supervision?

At car-free locations such as a borgo in the Casentino, this is certainly possible for children from around the age of eight. The absence of traffic and the manageable environment give parents peace of mind and children the freedom to explore at their own pace. It is wise to agree clear boundaries for the grounds in advance, especially if there are forest paths or a river nearby.

What are common mistakes when planning a family holiday in Tuscany?

A common mistake is scheduling too many day trips to cities such as Florence or Siena, which can quickly become exhausting with young children in the summer heat. Tuscany works best when you use the region as a home base and build the days calmly with a mix of activities and relaxation. Another pitfall is choosing accommodation without a swimming pool: during the warm afternoon hours that is often the saving grace of the day for children.

Is the Casentino National Park suitable for children and how accessible are the walking trails?

The Casentino National Park is excellent for families and offers walking routes for all levels, from short forest walks of an hour to longer hikes for more active families. Many paths are well marked and manageable for children aged six and over. Along the way there are opportunities to spot wildlife, such as deer and birds of prey, which makes the walk extra exciting for children.

Can multiple families book one accommodation or location together for a shared holiday?

Yes, and this is actually a popular choice for groups of friends with children. By booking multiple holiday homes at the same location, both parents and children benefit from company and freedom at the same time. Children entertain themselves more quickly when there are peers around, while parents can relax and enjoy more easily. When booking, check whether the accommodation has enough nearby houses and whether group activities are available for larger parties.