It’s been a while since we traveled through Italy with our three young sons, who are now all grown, but I remember the importance of being prepared and setting realistic expectations for a family trip. (Notice I said trip not vacation… more on that later!)
Dario's sister is gearing up to stay at our place in Lucca with her husband and their two young boys, so I've been thinking about ways to make their time in Lucca as enjoyable as possible. As I was putting together a list to help them make the most of their visit, I thought it might be worthwhile to share for others planning on traveling to Lucca with little ones.
When traveling with young kids, choosing the right city can make all the difference. Cities like Milan and Rome can feel overwhelming, much like navigating the bustling streets of New York City, with busy roads, constant traffic, and crowded attractions that add extra stress for parents managing strollers or keeping track of little ones. It might be best to save these cities for later in your itinerary, once you're less jetlagged or when the kids are older. Thankfully, Lucca offers a much more relaxed experience, with its pedestrian-friendly streets free from the chaos of larger cities, creating a safe and inviting environment for families to enjoy together.
Level Setting Expectations is Key
The excitement of a new destination can make you want to pack your schedule tight, but allowing for plenty of unplanned time is where the magic happens. Embrace the spontaneity that comes with family travel; some of our best memories for our family were made when things didn’t go according to plan. One morning, jet lag hit hard, and our entire family of five slept until noon, thanks to the glorious room-darkening Italian shutters. We woke up completely disoriented and missing our planned tour, but it ended up being the best thing that could have happened. We spent the day wandering local streets and exploring at our own pace. That unexpected downtime was exactly what we needed to adjust to Italian time. By staying adaptable, you’ll create lasting moments without the stress of sticking to a strict itinerary.
With a bit of planning, visiting Lucca with young kids can be amazing. Creating a reasonable itinerary that includes plenty of downtime is essential—thankfully, Italy’s slower pace and daily pausa (siesta) naturally lends itself to this. Our town almost completely shuts down after lunch and wakes back up around 4pm.
Making Time for Play
Lucca has several playgrounds dotted around the city. One of the best also happens to be just a few blocks from our place, Porta San Donato Parco Giochi (Via Elisa, 55100 Lucca). This scenic spot is nestled behind the Tourism Center and next to a school, so it's usually pretty lively. There is also another smaller playground on the walls above Porta San Donato.
A short walk from this playground is also one of the access points to explore inside the walls, which is a very cool experience. Explore the underground areas through tunnels and spaces beneath the walls that once served as a defense mechanism. It’s a fascinating peek into history, and kids will enjoy the adventure of venturing "inside" the walls.
Another great option is Giardino degli Osservanti (Piazza degli Osservanti, 55100 Lucca), where the padded ground, fun toys, and ample space create a delightful environment for kids. It’s a popular spot filled with local children, and there are plenty of benches for parents to relax on, though be prepared for limited shade.
During hotter months when you might want a more shaded area, Parco Giochi Alessandro Bertolucci (Via dei Bacchettoni, 55100 Lucca) is conveniently reachable from the city walls, north of Porta Elisa.
Navigating Lucca
Lucca’s Centro Storico is a highly walkable, stroller-friendly area, with wide pedestrian streets and mostly flat, even terrain. You can easily walk from one end of town to the other.
The Piazza dell'Anfiteatro, a circular piazza built on the ruins of an ancient Roman amphitheater, is a perfect spot for kids to run around while parents enjoy a gelato or a drink from a nearby café.
Navigating Lucca with a stroller can be challenging on its charming, cobblestone streets, but there are plenty of smooth paths to make up for it. While some streets may be a bit bumpy, the city walls offer stroller-friendly routes, ideal for a leisurely walk with beautiful views of both the city and the surrounding countryside.
A great way to get your bearings in Lucca is to schedule a tour on one of your early days in town. Not only will you learn some history, but if you do a food tour, you'll also scope out some places to eat later! Here are several tours and activities to consider.
We've also created a funTreasure Hunt for kids to explore Lucca Centro Storico, packed with unique things to find! You can download it here:
Wheels Are the Way
It's not unusual to log 10-20k+ steps a day in Lucca, which can be tough for little legs! For a unique way to see the city, consider renting a rickshaw (known as "surreys" if you've been to the Jersey Shore) or a horse-drawn carriage ride. Both options provide a leisurely tour of Lucca’s winding streets and are perfect for kids who may tire from walking or sitting in a stroller. Just keep in mind that the rickshaw requires you to do the pedaling—so don't expect any help from your little ones! Once you're up on the wall it's smooth sailing, but there is some climbing to get there! You can easily find rickshaws to rent near Piazza Napoleone. They will provide you with a map of where you can ride them without breaking any restrictions.
The city center is mostly car-free, but don’t let that fool you—there are still cars (residents and confused tourists) and buses making their way through the narrow streets and piazzas. Stay alert! Check out our blog on Navigating Lucca for other tips.
If your kids are confident cyclists, let them ride their own bicycles. For younger or less experienced riders, consider renting a bike with a child seat or one with an attached second bike that are often seen circling the city walls. To do the entire loop on the wall, it's a little over a 4k distance.
Dining Al Fresco
Dining outdoors in Lucca is a wonderful experience, especially with kids. The city’s charming piazzas and picturesque streets are the perfect backdrop for a family meal, allowing little ones to stretch their legs and soak in the atmosphere while you savor the local cuisine.
Having a picnic on Lucca's walls is one of the best ways to enjoy the city's charm while taking in stunning views of the surrounding countryside. The flat, spacious paths atop the walls provide the perfect setting for families to spread out a blanket and relax on the ramparts. You can easily pick up a pizza or grab delicious panini to enjoy. Don't forget to include some local specialties from a nearby market—think fresh bread, cured meats, cheeses. Watch the world go by below, with locals strolling, jogging, or cycling along the paths as you enjoy your lunch.
Shopping for Daily Needs
Small shops and markets inside the city walls offer basic groceries, fresh produce, and Italian staples, but if you’re traveling with little ones, it’s wise to pack specific items they’ll need, like favorite snacks, diapers, or formula. Some formula brands are only available at the pharmacy, while others can be found at both the pharmacy and larger supermarkets outside the walls. Grocery stores inside the walls have a limited selection, so if your child requires a specific diaper size or formula type, it’s best to bring it along.
Italian stores offer a few snack options that kids may enjoy, but familiar brands may be hard to find. By preparing ahead, you’ll avoid the hassle of hunting down specific products and can focus on enjoying the charm of Lucca with the whole family.
While exploring, you'll find several charming toy shops scattered around town. One of the main shopping streets, Via Fillungo, is a delightful place to stroll with its mix of boutiques, cafes, and gelato shops, making it perfect for family breaks along the way. I
Lucca's Main Attractions
For families with kids under six, climbing the city’s iconic towers, like Torre Guinigi or Torre delle Ore, may not be the best option, as the narrow, steep stairs can be daunting for little legs. Instead, focus on more accessible experiences that cater to various age groups. Lucca’s cobblestone streets aren't super stroller-friendly, but the smooth paths along the Renaissance walls are perfect for family bike rides.
Here's a curated list of kid-friendly activities to consider. Booking a family-friendly tour can help you get your bearings and learn some of the fascinating history.
This site does a good job of outlining some of the museums within the walls.
Gelato: The Perfect Antidote for Whining Kids
When our kids were young, frequent gelato breaks in Italy were essential—sometimes even multiple times in one day! The minute one of our boys started dragging or whining, Dario and I would exchange a knowing look and make a beeline for the nearest gelateria, instantly perking everyone up to forge on. Don’t shy away from these sweet moments; they keep everyone happy and create memories that last long after the last scoop is gone - "remember that time Mom and Dad let us have three gelatos in one day?!" Thankfully, you're never far from the nearest gelateria in Lucca, so avoiding a meltdown is easy! After all, gelato melting down your arm beats a meltdown! Another fun idea is to take a Gelato Class.
Embracing the Pausa
To help young kids adjust to jetlag, try syncing their schedules to the local time as soon as possible, while keeping your first day or two fairly low-key. Plan for some quiet downtime during Italy’s afternoon pausa, when the pace naturally slows, offering a perfect opportunity to rest. This midday break allows everyone to recharge—whether by enjoying a leisurely lunch, napping back at your place, or unwinding in peaceful spots like Piazza dell'Anfiteatro or the Botanical Gardens. Outdoor time in daylight can also help reset internal clocks, so gentle walks or playtime in these scenic areas can definitely help.
And don’t forget to put the jetlag to work! Early mornings are the perfect time to explore Lucca’s serene, cobblestone streets and historic architecture before the crowds arrive, giving you a peaceful start to the day.
Kids at Dinner – Even Late!
When our kids were young, we were all about keeping a consistent schedule, and we were truly slaves to nap and bedtime routines! While it can be challenging to maintain those rhythms while traveling—especially with the added challenge of jet lag—it’s worth noting that Italy has a different approach to family dining.
Don’t be surprised to see children out with their families enjoying dinner late into the evening—sometimes as late as 10 pm! In Italy, kids often stay up later, especially during the summer months. Unlike in the US, where children are typically absorbed in iPads with headphones at dinner, Italian kids are often part of the table’s lively conversation or playing nearby under the watchful eye of their parents.
In Lucca, dinner time generally begins around 8 pm, with most restaurants not even opening earlier than 7:30 pm. If you’re aiming for an earlier meal, consider picking up a pizza or grocery shopping to eat at home.
On our most recent stay in Lucca, we made a point to observe which restaurants were more kid-friendly. We didn't see a lot of highchairs readily-available in a many of the restaurants. Nor did many of the restrooms have changing tables. And, many restaurants are too small to bring your stroller inside. Here are a handful of the options in Lucca Centro Storico that may be a bit more kid-friendly, but be sure to also check out our blog on dining out in Lucca.
Trattoria Da Giulio in Pelleria - Traditional Lucchese cuisine with beautiful outdoor seating and large indoor space at Via delle Conce, 45
Da Ciacco - Panini, salads and charcuterie boards (no pizza or pasta) at Piazza Napoleone 10
Osteria del Neni - Traditional dishes at Via Pescheria, 3.
La Linea - Offering Neapolitan style pizzas and more. Via Vittorio Emanuele II, 28
Pizzeria Da Felice - Good for takeaway. Located right in the heart of the city center with pizza by the slice. Via Buia, 12
Strabuono - The best street food outside of Naples at Via Buia 2
Itaco - Good for takaway or dine-in. Open late with pizza and pasta. Via S. Paolino, 58
Cibus - Pizza and family-friendly. Via Elisa 53
Osteria del Bastian Contrario - Traditional cuisine with outdoor seating year-round. Via San Paolino 90
Lucca In Tavola - Via S. Paolino, N.130
In Pasta - Pasta to go with a unique menu. Corso Garabaldi 50
Forno a Vapore - Great for takeaway focaccia. Your kids will also get a kick out of the employee photos behind the counter! Via Santa Lucia, 20
Adventures Beyond Lucca's Walls
Train rides from Lucca are an easy and fun adventure for families. The train station is easily walkable from anywhere in Centro Storico. A quick 20-minute ride takes you to Viareggio, where sandy beaches and seaside fun await. Florence is only an hour away. The excitement of boarding the train, watching the scenery roll by, and anticipating the destination can keep little ones engaged and entertained. Plus, the train is a great way to avoid the hassle of parking and traffic. Another fantastic option is a short trip to Pisa, just about 30 minutes away. Kids will love seeing the famous Leaning Tower and the lively atmosphere of the city. Check out our blog on other destinations easily reached from Lucca.
Living Like a Local
In my opinion, the best way to experience Lucca with young kids is by embracing slow travel and the local culture, living more like locals than tourists. When our boys were young, they attended a Montessori school that focused on including kids in everyday activities, encouraging their independence. From the fountains where kids can refill water bottles to the markets where they can help pick out fresh produce for dinner, these activities introduce them to a new way of life. While they might have similar experiences at home, involving them in these daily activities helps connect them with the local culture.
Do You Want a Vacation or a Trip? There's a Difference.
Traveling with young kids can often feel more like a "trip" than a vacation, and understanding this is important. Italy is an incredible destination, but the constant movement and sensory overload can quickly wear down adults and kids, especially if you’re rushing from one landmark to the next. This is where the concept of slow travel becomes invaluable. Instead of cramming every famous site into your itinerary, focus on fewer activities with more time to soak in each experience. Take leisurely walks, linger at local cafes, or spend an afternoon watching the kids play in a piazza. Slowing down allows you to experience the true essence of Italy and creates more relaxed, meaningful moments for your family.
Lucca offers a perfect blend of accessibility, charm, and cultural immersion. With its mostly car-free streets, engaging activities, and a slower pace that encourages exploration, Lucca provides an ideal environment for families. From gelato breaks to leisurely train rides that whisk you away to nearby beaches and historic sites, every moment spent in our enchanting city becomes an opportunity for adventure and connection. By embracing the local culture and allowing for flexibility in your itinerary, you’ll not only create lasting memories but also foster a sense of wonder in your children that will inspire their love for travel.
If you've traveled to Lucca with young kids, we would love to hear any other tips you may have learned!
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