Linen & Luggage
Europe · Best May–Jun, Sep–Oct

Florence and Tuscany packing list for families

A Tuscany trip mixes museum mornings in Florence with pool afternoons at a villa and drives through the hills. Packing for both, plus a car, is what makes it feel easy with kids.

The Ponte Vecchio over the Arno in Florence, seen from the western hills

Photo by Ilse Orsel on Unsplash

Kristina's notes on Florence & Tuscany

  1. Most hill towns and central Florence have limited traffic zones (ZTL) with camera fines. Park outside the walls or ask your hotel to register your plate before you drive in.
  2. Climbing Brunelleschi's dome is a highlight for older kids, but it's hundreds of steps with no elevator and tight passages. Book a timed slot and skip it with toddlers.
  3. My favorite way to do Tuscany with kids is one villa or agriturismo base with a pool, then short day trips. Winding roads add up, so keep drives under an hour or two.
Best timeMay–Jun, Sep–Oct
PlugsType L, bring an adapter
MoneyEuro
PassportYes
Your packing edit

Florence & Tuscany

This time of year

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    Carry-on9

    Carry-on suitcase per personKristina's pick
    Packing cubes, one color per personKristina's pickEveryone knows exactly which cube is theirs.
    Kids' headphones, volume-limited
    Tablet with downloaded shows
    Snack box with dividers
    Reusable water bottles
    Change of clothes for each kid
    Car seat travel bag
    Wine and olive oil bottle protectorsKristina's pickFor bringing home bottles in checked bags.

    Clothing6

    Daytime outfits8 per person
    Pajamas2 per person
    One nicer outfit for dinners and photos
    Underwear and socks9 per person
    Lightweight shoulder scarfChurches and the Duomo ask for covered shoulders.
    Light layers and a rain jacketSpring and fall weather changes fast.

    Shoes1

    Broken-in walking sneakersKristina's pickNever bring brand-new shoes on a walking trip.

    Beach & pool1

    Mineral sunscreen

    Little ones6

    Lightweight travel strollerKristina's pick
    Diapers and wipesenough for 3 days, buy the rest there
    Portable sound machineKristina's pickMakes every hotel room feel like home.
    Travel blackout shades
    Favorite lovey, plus a backup
    Travel booster seatRental car seats vary, and you will be driving.

    Little things13

    AirTag in each checked bagKristina's pickYou'll know your bag made the connection before you do.
    Stain remover penGelato happens. Photos still look great.
    Laundry detergent sheetsOne sink wash halfway through means packing half the clothes.
    Gallon zip bags, a handfulWet swimsuits, sandy shoes, and the occasional car-sick emergency.
    Pen in your carry-onFor arrival forms, so you're not borrowing one in the immigration line.
    Hair ties and a small detangling brush
    Hand sanitizer wipes and pocket tissues
    Lollipops or gum for takeoff and landingSwallowing helps little ears pop.
    A few wrapped surprise toys for the flightUnwrapping buys you twenty minutes. Unwrapping slowly buys thirty.
    Tap night lightHotel rooms are pitch dark, and the bathroom is never where they expect.
    Kids' nail clippers and tweezersSplinters from boardwalks and docks are a vacation classic.
    Electrolyte packetsHot days and long walks catch up with kids before they say they're thirsty.
    Earplugs and an eye mask for the grown-ups

    Health & toiletries4

    Travel first-aid kit
    Kids' fever reducer and allergy medicine
    Hanging toiletry bag
    Motion sickness bandsHill-town roads are curvy.

    Documents & tech5

    Phone lanyard or crossbody case
    Portable phone chargerKristina's pick
    Kids' ID bracelet with your phone number
    Passports for everyone, valid 6+ months past your trip
    Travel plug adapterKristina's pickType L, bring an adapter
    The outfit edit

    Desert tones

    Terracotta, sand, sage, bone

    Tap any piece to shop the look.

    Month by month

    Florence & Tuscany weather and what's happening

    Typical daytime highs and what each month feels like with kids.

    MonthTypical highWhat it's likeDon't miss
    January51°F 11°CChilly, damp, and quiet
    February55°F 13°CChilly, damp, and quiet
    March61°F 16°CMild spring, green hills, some rainScoppio del Carro, the Easter Sunday cart ceremony at Florence's Duomo
    April66°F 19°CMild spring, green hills, some rainScoppio del Carro, the Easter Sunday cart ceremony at Florence's Duomo
    May75°F 24°CMild spring, green hills, some rain
    June83°F 28°CHot, especially in Florence, often near 90°FCalcio Storico, Florence's historic football matches in June Sunflower fields in bloom across the countryside
    July89°F 32°CHot, especially in Florence, often near 90°FSunflower fields in bloom across the countryside Palio di Siena horse races on July 2 and August 16
    August89°F 32°CHot, especially in Florence, often near 90°FPalio di Siena horse races on July 2 and August 16
    September81°F 27°CWarm September, cooler and wetter Oct–NovGrape harvest season in Chianti and Montalcino
    October70°F 21°CWarm September, cooler and wetter Oct–NovGrape harvest season in Chianti and Montalcino
    November59°F 15°CWarm September, cooler and wetter Oct–NovWhite truffle fairs in towns like San Miniato
    December52°F 11°CChilly, damp, and quiet
    Questions families ask

    Florence & Tuscany with kids, answered

    When is the best time to visit Florence & Tuscany with kids?

    The best time is May–Jun, Sep–Oct. Mild spring, green hills, some rain

    What's the weather like in Florence & Tuscany?

    Typical daytime highs range from about 51°F (11°C) in January to about 89°F (32°C) in July. See the month-by-month table on this page.

    Do I need a passport for Florence & Tuscany?

    Yes. Bring a passport for everyone, including babies, and make sure each one is valid for at least six months past your trip. Check visa and entry rules before you go.

    What kind of plug adapter do I need for Florence & Tuscany?

    Type L, bring an adapter.

    What's your top tip for Florence & Tuscany with kids?

    Most hill towns and central Florence have limited traffic zones (ZTL) with camera fines. Park outside the walls or ask your hotel to register your plate before you drive in.

    let's stay in touch

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    Want the whole trip handled?

    I'm Kristina, and planning family trips is what I do.

    As a luxury travel advisor with KM Luxe Travel, I plan the hotels, the flow of the days, and the little details, often with perks like breakfast and upgrades when available.

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