Mugello with Kids: Ideas for a Day Out or Weekend
Mugello is an ideal destination for families. With lakes, woodland, small museums, farms, swimming pools, villages and outdoor activities, you can plan all kinds of days out without travelling far.
With children, especially younger ones, there’s no need to fill every day with activities. Often, it works better to choose one main activity, then add a relaxed lunch, a walk or simply some downtime.
In Mugello, you can spend the morning at a farm and the afternoon at the pool, go for a woodland walk, visit a museum or enjoy a day by the lake. This variety makes it an ideal place for a family weekend or holiday.
A Day at Lake Bilancino
In summer, Lake Bilancino is one of the easiest family days out to plan. There are beaches and green spaces along the shore where you can spend a few hours. With younger children, a relaxed day by the water, with a picnic or lunch and plenty of time to play, may be all you need.
Older children and teenagers might enjoy kayaking or stand-up paddleboarding. Local operators also offer kayak hire and other water activities.
At Bahia Caffè, you can hire sun loungers, kayaks and canoes, enjoy an aperitivo or have a meal at the lovely lakeside restaurant. There’s also a play area for children.
Suitable for: all ages
Best time to visit: May to September
Villa Demidoff and the Medici Park of Pratolino
The Medici Park of Pratolino, also known as Villa Demidoff, is in Pratolino, in the municipality of Vaglia.
It’s a wonderful destination for families, with wide-open green spaces, woodland, history and outdoor works of art.
The most famous is Giambologna’s monumental Colossus of the Apennines. With children, the best way to explore the park is simply to wander along the paths and stop to play in the open spaces.
Admission is free. Opening days and times vary throughout the year. In 2026, for example, from April to 1 November, visitors can enter without a booking on Fridays, Saturdays, Sundays and public holidays. Visits are also available on other days under specific arrangements.
Suitable for: all agesBest time to visit: spring, summer and early autumn
Plan your visit: Villa Demidoff opening hours, visitor information and map
Il Gigante Adventure Park
Almost opposite Villa Demidoff, set among the trees, is Il Gigante Adventure Park.
Rope bridges, zip lines and treetop courses give children and teenagers the chance to spend a few hours outdoors and test their skills. Some courses are designed for younger children from the age of three, with difficulty levels based on age and height.
Its location makes it easy to plan a simple day out combining Villa Demidoff and the adventure park.
Suitable for: ages 3 and up, depending on the course
Best time to visit: spring, summer and early autumn
Plan your visit: Il Gigante Adventure Park – courses, prices and opening times
Visit a Farm Along the Via del Latte
One of the most rewarding experiences to share with children is a visit to a working farm.
The Via del Latte links 18 farms in the area that produce local milk. Some welcome visitors throughout the year by appointment.
It’s a chance to see the cows up close, meet the farmers and find out where the milk on our tables comes from.
The farms are spread across Borgo San Lorenzo, Scarperia, Firenzuola and other parts of the area. The official website also lists contact details for each farm.
Suitable for: ages 2–10
Best time to visit: year-round
Booking: required
Plan your visit: Via del Latte – farms and contact details
Discover the Woodland at Moscheta
Badia di Moscheta, in the municipality of Firenzuola, is a wonderful place to introduce children to the mountains.
Trails wind through woods and along streams around the abbey, so there’s no need to plan a long hike. With younger children, choose a short walk; older children can manage longer routes.
The Museum of the Historic Landscape of the Apennines is also part of the complex. In autumn, the Drying Hut Trail is especially interesting, taking you through ancient chestnut woods.
Suitable for: ages 4–5 and up
Best time to visit: spring, summer and autumn
Plan your visit: Mugello museums – opening times and contact details
Giotto’s House and the Countryside around Vicchio
In Vespignano, just outside Vicchio, you’ll find Giotto’s House, dedicated to the great painter who was born in this area.
The visit is fairly short and works well for school-age children. Educational workshops for children and adults are also available by appointment.
It’s easy to combine a visit with time in Vicchio or a stop at nearby Lake Montelleri.
Suitable for: ages 4–12
Time needed: 1–2 hours
Plan your visit: Giotto’s House – opening times, contact details and workshops
Picnic at Lake Montelleri
Lake Montelleri, just a few minutes from Vicchio town centre, isn’t a major tourist attraction—and that’s exactly its charm.
It’s a peaceful place for a walk, a picnic or simply to give children some room to play while you’re exploring the area.
It makes a lovely second stop after Giotto’s House.
Suitable for: all ages
Best time to visit: spring, summer and early autumn
Find out more: Vicchio – visitor information
Barbiana with Older Children
For older children, Barbiana can be a fascinating place to visit.
The trail leads to places connected with Don Lorenzo Milani and the Barbiana school, in the countryside above Vicchio.
It isn’t a typical family attraction, but it works well for school-age children, especially if you first explain who Don Milani was and why his small school became so important.
You can also read our in-depth guide to Don Lorenzo Milani and the Barbiana Trail.
Suitable for: around age 8 and up
Best time to visit: spring and autumn
Scarperia and the Museum of Cutting Tools
In Scarperia, Palazzo dei Vicari is home to the Museum of Cutting Tools, dedicated to the town’s historic knife-making tradition.
It’s also interesting for children, with educational activities, guided tours by appointment and an Activity Book included in the ticket price. You can also climb the tower of Palazzo dei Vicari.
Suitable for: ages 5–12
Best time to visit: year-round
Plan your visit: Palazzo dei Vicari and the Museum of Cutting Tools
Sant’Agata in Miniature
In Sant’Agata, Leprino’s Sant’Agata: Artisan and Rural Life recreates the village and everyday life as it once was.
Moving figures, workshops and traditional crafts make it an especially engaging visit for children. The museum is usually open on Sundays and public holidays, and families and small groups can also visit by appointment.
Suitable for: ages 4–10
Plan your visit: Leprino’s Museum of Artisan and Rural Life
Casa d’Erci and Rural Life
The Casa d’Erci Museum of Rural Life, near Grezzano, tells the story of life and work in the Mugello countryside.
Its collection includes more than 2,000 objects. The museum also offers guided visits and educational workshops by appointment, as well as an Activity Book to help children get involved.
Suitable for: ages 5–12
Time needed: half a day
Plan your visit: Casa d’Erci – visitor information and opening times
A Day at the Swimming Pool
On hot days, a trip to the pool may be just what you need.
Mugello has several public swimming pools. The Mugello Swimming Centre in Borgo San Lorenzo, for example, has indoor and outdoor pools, children’s pools and a playground. Vicchio’s recently renovated public pool has two pools of different depths, suitable for children of all ages. Other pools can be found in Ronta, San Piero, Firenzuola and nearby towns.
Suitable for: all ages
Find a pool: Public swimming pools in Mugello
Pony Rides and Horse Riding
The Mugello countryside is also ideal for horse riding.
There are several riding centres in the area. Some offer pony clubs, beginner lessons and horse rides, so you can find an activity suited to your children’s ages.
Suitable for: ages 4–5 and up
Best time to visit: spring and autumn
Booking: recommended
Find a riding centre: Horse riding in Mugello
Mugello da Fiaba
One of the loveliest family events is Mugello da Fiaba, a festival that brings Borgo San Lorenzo to life each spring.
The programme features books, theatre, music, workshops, shows and creative activities for children and teenagers. In 2026, the festival ran from 4 to 10 May at the Foro Boario.
Dates change each year, so check the programme for the next edition.
Suitable for: children and teenagersWhen: usually in May
Find out more: Borgo San Lorenzo Town Council – Mugello da Fiaba
Sagre, feste ed eventi
Durante tutto l’anno Mugello ospita sagre, feste storiche, mercati, manifestazioni sportive e attività per famiglie.The events calendar changes frequently, so before your stay we recommend checking what’s on during your visit.
Updated calendar: Events and festivals in Mugello
A Day at the Mugello Circuit
For children and teenagers who love cars and motorbikes, a visit to the Mugello Circuit can be one of the highlights of their stay.
The circuit hosts car and motorcycle races, track days and, of course, the Italian MotoGP Grand Prix throughout the year. Check the official calendar to see what’s on during your visit.
For younger children, we recommend bringing suitable hearing protection, as noise levels can be very high.
You can also read our full guide to the Mugello Circuit, including where to stay nearby.
Calendar: Events at the Mugello Circuit
What to Do with Children of Different Ages
For children aged 2–5, I’d focus on Villa Demidoff, farms on the Via del Latte, Lake Bilancino, swimming pools, pony rides and Sant’Agata in Miniature.
For ages 5–8, Giotto’s House, the Museum of Cutting Tools, Casa d’Erci, Moscheta and the adventure park are also worth considering.
From around 8–10 years old, you can add Barbiana, longer hikes, kayaking, stand-up paddleboarding and more challenging outdoor activities.
Of course, these age ranges are only a guide. A lot depends on what each child is used to and enjoys.
A Weekend in Mugello with Kids
With two days to explore, I’d avoid trying to fit in too much.
One simple plan is Villa Demidoff and the adventure park on the first day, followed by Vicchio, Giotto’s House and a Via del Latte farm on the second.
If you’d rather spend time outdoors, you could make Lake Bilancino a full-day outing and visit Moscheta on the other day.
In autumn, another lovely option is to spend one day in the countryside around Vicchio and another among the chestnut woods and autumn colours of Marradi or Moscheta.
What if It Rains?
It’s always useful to have a plan B when travelling with children.
The Museum of Cutting Tools, Giotto’s House, Sant’Agata in Miniature and Casa d’Erci are all options. An indoor swimming pool could be another easy choice.
Many small museums in the area have seasonal opening schedules, so check their hours before setting off.
Check opening times: Mugello museum opening hours
Visiting Mugello with Kids
One of the best things about a holiday in Mugello is that you don’t have to rush from one attraction to the next.
Some of the most enjoyable experiences are also the simplest: seeing farm animals, picking chestnuts, having a picnic, visiting a small museum, going horse riding or spending a few hours by the water.
If you’re staying for two or three days, we recommend choosing one main activity each day and planning the rest around it.
Mugello is especially rewarding at this pace, with nature, villages and family activities—and enough variety to change plans without turning your holiday into a race.
Where to Stay in Mugello with Kids
If you’re planning to stay for a few days, La Casa nel Bosco is in the countryside near Vicchio, well placed for exploring many of the activities in this guide.
As a private home surrounded by greenery, it also offers the space and peace of mind that can make all the difference when travelling with children—helping you enjoy a truly relaxing stay, even after a busy day out.
Vicchio, Borgo San Lorenzo, Scarperia, Lake Bilancino and many of the other places mentioned in this guide are all within easy reach.
Find out more about La Casa nel Bosco and use it as a base for your stay in Mugello.
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