Tuscany is awash with wonderful landscapes and is known for its history, traditions and art. Regarded as the birthplace of the Italian Renaissance it contains well-known museums such as the Uffizi and the Pitti Palace, and has no less than 7 UNESCO World Heritage Sites.
Tuscany is a region of contrast. Famous cities such as Florence, Pisa and Siena attract millions of visitors a year, with their beautiful and historic centres. The region has a western coastline on the Ligurian Sea and the Tyrrhenian Sea, among which is the Tuscan Archipelago including the island of Elba. Tuscany is crossed by major mountain chains and dominated by hills and valleys. There’s so much to see and do in Tuscany that you’re bound to want to make a return visit!
Whilst Florence might be a must-see for adults, it can be hard to keep children entertained. So why not try a private family Segway tour? In 3 hours you’ll see far more than you could on foot, including Duomo Square, the Baptistery, Uffizi Square and Giotto’s Bell Tower and you’ll have a friendly guide to explain things in child friendly terms. Many of the museums in Florence also offer child orientated tours – try the Palazzo Vecchio, where families are guided through secret staircases and hidden rooms by historical personages. Or visit the Museo Galileo, filled to the brim with science-related equipment and curios. There are plenty of interactive sections and live demonstrations to keep the little ones engaged.
Just outside of Florence is the Zoological Garden of Pistoia, home to more than 400 animals including lions, tigers, bears, monkeys, alpacas and penguins. Or for something more active, visit Parco Avventura II Gigante north of Florence. Here you’ll find courses of varying difficulties set in the treetops, as well as a low-level course with a tunnel and mini zip line for kids as young as 3. For a more historical climb, you can’t beat the Leaning Tower of Pisa which is accessible to children aged 8 and up.
Tuscany also has some lovely beaches to explore – some of the more child friendly ones include Gianella Beach near Argentario, Follonica near Grosseto and Baratti near San Vincenzo. Your kids are also sure to love a visit to a water park and Acqua Village is sure to keep them happy. There are two locations – one in Follonica near Grosseto and the other in Cecina near Liverno, and both have more than enough flumes, chutes and pools to keep the family busy all day.
Tuscany has some wonderful food to discover and kids will enjoy the bread or pizza-making workshops at Barbialla Nuova in Montaione. Or for extra parent brownie points, take them to Curious Appetite in Florence, where they can learn how to make gelato (and eat plenty of it!).
The main airport for the region is Pisa, although there is also an airport in Florence. You’re likely to get better deals to Pisa though, with low cost airlines such as EasyJet and Ryanair offering regular flights there.
Family friendly campsites
Cecina, Tamerici
Just 700 metres from a lovely sandy beach, Camping Tamerici is a great site for a perfect family holiday. The site has two swimming pools with a large sun terrace for relaxing on, or if you want to get more active there's a football pitch, beach volleyball court and tennis court. There's daily entertainment for both adults and children and a range of amenities including a restaurant-pizzeria, snack bar, mini-market and hairdresser.
San Vincenzo, Park Albatros
Set in a lovely pine forest, Park Albatros campsite is a perfect spot for families. There is a beautiful beach a 15 minute walk away, or you can hire a bike to get there even quicker! The fabulous pool complex includes a lagoon-style swimming pool, water slides and covered pool, or try your hand at mini golf or the treetop adventure course. You can enjoy a delicious meal at the on site restaurant before enjoying the evening entertainment, which includes live music and shows.
Orbetello, Orbetello
Camping Orbetello is located on a small strip of land between the lagoon of Orbetello and the blue waters of the Tyrrhenian Sea. The site has its own private sandy beach directly opposite the main entrance, with shallow waters that make it ideal for children. There's also a swimming pool, children's pool and jacuzzi on site. There is a children's club and a range of activities run throughout the day in high season. Relax on the terrace of the restaurant in the evening or enjoy a takeaway pizza.
Marina di Bibbona, Free Time
Set in a beautiful Tuscan pine forest, Camping Free Time is a relaxing campsite for the whole family to enjoy. The beach is just 800 metres away and there's a free shuttle bus to get there. The shallow waters are ideal for kids. The site also has direct access to a fishing lake. On site there's a lovely swimming pool with water slides or you can hire a bike to explore the surrounding areas. There's a children's club as well as tournaments and events for older kids and adults. You can also enjoy evening entertainment including themed evenings, karaoke and discos.
Marina Di Grossetto, le Marze
Camping le Marze is set in a beautiful pine forest which leads to a stunning private beach with warm shallow waters perfect for swimming in. There's a lovely swimming pool on site, as well as a great restaurant serving plenty of Italian specialities. The entertainment team provide a programme of activities for children of all ages, including trying out a treetop adventure course with different routes for different abilities.
Figline Valdarno, Norcenni Girasole Club
Half an hour south of Florence is Camping Norcenni Girasole Club, in a stunning setting high in the Arno Valley. There are two fantastic pool complexes with water slides, swimming pools and children's pools. You can also relax on the large sun terrace with a drink from the poolside bar. There are loads of activities to keep everyone happy, including a games area with table tennis, video games and air hockey, as well as trampolines and an adventure trail through the trees.
Marina di Bibbona, le Capanne
Camping le Capanne is located in the heart of Tuscany, surrounded by tall pine, olive and eucalyptus trees. You're just a mile from the nearest beach, or cool off in the lagoon-style pool complete with hidden water slide. There are lots of activities on site, including a children's club, soccer school, exercise classes and entertainment for the whole family. Enjoy a meal or a drink in the bar and restaurant, which is housed in a converted Tuscan barn.
Cecina, Valle Gaia
Camping Valle Gaia is a quiet haven in the Tuscan countryside, with hedge-lined emplacements arranged in gentle terraces down the hillside. You can relax beside one of the two pools, or take a drive to Cecina and its sandy beach, which is just 4 miles away. The on site restaurant serves an array of local specialities and is housed in a converted stone farmhouse. There's also a snack bar and a pizzeria with a lovely flower bedecked terrace.
