10 Must-Do Activities at the Port of Livorno With Kids
When my family and I docked at the Port of Livorno on our Mediterranean cruise, I didn’t expect this unassuming Italian port to be the highlight of our trip.
But Livorno proved to be an ideal spot for family fun and exploration.
As a mom and travel blogger, I was excited to find that visiting the Port of Livorno with kids offered a perfect mix of activities and cultural experiences that kept everyone entertained and engaged.
In this post, I’ll share the best experiences and shore excursions that I researched for our vacation to help other families make the most of their time in this delightful corner of Italy.
1. Visit Pisa’ and the Leaning Tower
Quick Facts:
- Location: Pisa, easily accessible via a short train ride from Livorno.
- Main Attraction: The Leaning Tower of Pisa, known worldwide for its unintended tilt.
- Other Highlights: Pisa Cathedral, Baptistery, and Campo dei Miracoli (Field of Miracles).
Why It’s Great for Families:
- Educational and Fun: Kids can learn about history and architecture. Discover the quirky tale of why this tower decided to get all lopsided – spoiler alert: it wasn’t on purpose!
- Photo Opportunities: The Leaning Tower offers a fun backdrop for memorable family photos.
- Spacious Outdoor Areas: Plenty of room for kids to play and explore around the tower and nearby attractions.
3 Tips for Families:
- Go Early: Beat the crowds by heading to the tower early in the morning. It’s quieter, and you’ll get better photos!
- Engage with History: Before visiting, share a simple story or video with your kids about why the tower leans. It’ll make the visit more meaningful for them.
- Picnic in the Area: Bring along a picnic to enjoy in the green areas around the tower. It’s a perfect way to relax and let the kids run around.
2. Explore the Tuscan Hills:
Quick Facts:
- Location: The rolling hills of Tuscany, surrounding Livorno and extending throughout the region.
- Stunning Natural Landscapes: Beyond its cities, Tuscany boasts some of Italy’s most picturesque countryside. The region is characterized by rolling hills, olive groves, vineyards, and medieval hilltop towns.
- A Gastronomic Paradise: Tuscany is renowned for its culinary traditions and is often considered a paradise for food enthusiasts.
Why It’s Great for Families
- Tour Options: Choose from a variety of tours to explore the area – Vespa tours for the adventurous, olive oil tours for the foodies, culinary tours for the gourmands, or private van tours for comfortable family exploration.
- Unique Perspectives: Each type of tour is family-friendly and offers a distinct way to experience the beauty and culture of Tuscany.
- Relaxed Pace of Life: Tuscany is known for its laid-back lifestyle, making it a great place to slow down and enjoy quality family time.
3. Tips for Families
- Dress Comfortably: Whether you’re riding a Vespa or hopping on and off a van, comfort is key. Wear appropriate clothing and footwear for the day’s activities.
- Bring a Camera: You’re in one of the world’s most photogenic places. Be snap-happy; these are the views you’ll want to remember.
- Ask Questions: Engage with your tour guides and locals you meet. They know the best spots that aren’t in any tourist guide.
5 Best Vespa Tours in Tuscany
My Personal Recommendations for the best Vespa Tours of Florence and Tuscany
4. Visit the Livorno Aquarium
Quick Facts:
- Location: 1 Piazzale Mascagni 57127 Livorno (LI)
- Ticket Prices: 15,00 € for adults, 9,00 € for kids
- Interactive Exhibits: Exhibits such as a reptile center and a sea turtle conservation section will engage kids of all ages.
Why It’s Great For Families:
- Educational Fun: It’s a science lesson, but cooler and with live sea creatures.
- Engaging for All Ages: Got tiny tots or hard-to-impress teens? This place has got the magic to wow them all.
- Hands-On Learning: A tactile tank allows you to touch and caress sea creatures such as sting rays, which means your kids can get up close (but not too personal) with some sea life.
3 Tips for Families:
- Catch a Feeding Session: Time your visit to see the feeding frenzies. It’s like dinner time at home but with more fish and less fuss.
- Follow the ‘I Spy’ Game: Turn the visit into a treasure hunt. ‘Find the weirdest fish’ or ‘spot the shyest sea creature’ – winner gets an extra scoop of gelato!
- Chat with the Experts: Encourage your kids to ask questions when they meet aquarium staff – they might just inspire a future marine biologist!
4. Spend the Day in Florence
Quick Facts:
- Location: The heart of Tuscany, a scenic 1.5-hour train journey from Livorno.
- Kid-Friendly Museums: They’re not stuffy museums but kids-friendly portals to the Renaissance. Check out the Uffizi and Academia Gallery. Your kids will love it
- Streetscape: Cobblestones, quirky bridges, and enough gelato to feed a small country.
Why It’s Great for Families
- Art That Tells Stories: If you have a budding artist or anyone in your family who loves history, you will find so much to do in Florence
- Fairytale Streets: Ever wanted to stroll through a Disney movie set? Florence’s streets are your real-life chance! We could not stop taking pictures of the charming city.
- Gelato Galore: This city takes its gelato very seriously – perfect for your little (and big) sweet tooths! My kids couldn’t get enough.
3 Tips for Families
- Museum Mania Made Fun: Choose museums with interactive exhibits. The Palazzo Vecchio offers a secret passages tour that’s like a real-life game of Clue!
- Seek Out Piazzas for Play: Let the kids run around and burn off energy in one of Florence’s many picturesque squares.
- Dine Like a Local Family: Skip the tourist traps. Head to a trattoria off the beaten path where the kids can try Italian cuisine, and you can enjoy a well-deserved glass of Chianti.
5. Take a guided tour of Cinque Terre’s Colorful Villages:
Quick Facts:
- Location: A cluster of five stunning seaside villages along the Italian Riviera, not too far from Livorno.
- The Fab Five: Monterosso, Vernazza, Corniglia, Manarola, and Riomaggiore – each with its own unique flair.
- Scenic Trails: Hiking paths that offer breathtaking views and are doable even for little legs.
Why It’s Great for Families:
- Village Hopscotch: Each village has a different vibe with new sights, sounds, and gelato flavors to discover.
- Natural Beauty: The trails between villages offer a chance for kids to expend energy in the great outdoors.
- Perfect Photo backdrop: These villages are so photogenic even your grumpy teenager will want to take pictures.
3 Tips for Families
- Choose Your Trail Wisely: The hike between Monterosso and Vernazza is scenic and manageable for families. Pack snacks and water!
- Manage your time: If you are coming to the area from a cruise boat, consider booking a tour to ensure you get back to the ship in plenty of time for final embarkation.
- Embrace the Slow Pace: Don’t rush. Take your time to explore, snack, and soak in the sun. Remember, gelato breaks are mandatory!
6. Take a day trip to Lucca
Quick Facts:
- Location: Lucca, a quaint city located in Tuscany, is easily reachable from Livorno with a 1-hour train ride.
- City Walls: One of Lucca’s most unique attractions is its Renaissance-era walls. Unlike many other cities where walls were demolished, Lucca’s walls have been perfectly preserved and are now a public park.
- Birthplace of Famous Composers: Lucca is renowned as the birthplace of Giacomo Puccini, the famous Italian opera composer. This historical connection attracts music lovers and tourists to the city.
Why It’s Great for Families
- Bike Rentals: It’s not every day you get to bike on historic walls. This is a perfect activity to explore the history.
- Green Spaces Galore: Lucca’s parks are great places for your kids to play and burn off energy.
- A Break from the Usual: Lucca is like the quiet cousin of the more famous Italian cities- charming and laid-back. It’s a chance to slow down away from the usual tourist spots.
3 Tips for Families
- Rent Bikes for the Family: Many shops offer bike rentals, including kid-friendly options. It’s the best way to soak in the views and the vibe.
- Discover the Playgrounds: Each park and playground has its own flavor. Let the kids pick one and watch them make friends with local Italian kids.
- Take a Break with Local Treats: Find a cafe near the walls for some coffee and pastries. It’s a perfect way to refuel and people-watch.
7. Visit The Museum of Natural History Museum of the Mediterranean
Quick Facts:
- Location: Located Livorno: Via Roma, 234, 57127 Livorno LI, Italy
- Tickets: 10,00 €, kids under 6: Free
- Focus on Regional Natural History: Learn about the unique natural history of Tuscany, from prehistoric times to the present, with over 7000 square meters of exhibition space dedicated to the Mediterranean environment.
Why It’s Great for Families
- Interactive Learning: Kids can touch, play, and interact with exhibits on invertebrates, rocks and minerals, the seas, and fossils – because who said learning can’t be fun?
- Journey Through Time: From dinosaurs to the ecosystems of Tuscany, it’s a ride through time without needing a time machine.
- Engagement for All Ages: Whether you have a curious toddler or a know-it-all teen, there’s something to spark everyone’s interest.
3 Tips for Families
- Start with a Plan: The museum is packed with exhibits, so it might help to start with the sections that most interest your family.
- Participate in Activities: Keep an eye out for special activities or guided tours – they often have cool stuff for kids to get involved in.
- Take breaks: Have breaks where you chat about what you’ve seen. It’s a great way to engage your kids and reinforce their learning.
8. Have a Beach Day
Quick Facts:
- Location: Livorno is a coastal gem in Tuscany, where the Tyrrhenian Sea meets golden sands.
- Family-Friendly Beaches: From the serene shores of Cala del Leone to the beautiful Marina di Vecchiano, there’s a beach for every family mood.
- Activities: Build sandcastles, paddle in the shallows, or simply bask in the sun – the beach is your playground.
Why It’s Great for Families
- Variety of Beaches: Whether you want a quiet spot to build the world’s best sandcastle or a lively beach with all the bells and whistles, Livorno’s got you covered.
- Safety First: Many of these beaches are well-suited for families, with shallow sea beds and lifeguards on duty.
- Fun for All Ages: There’s something for everyone – from toddler-friendly sand to beach volleyball for the teens.
3 Tips for Families
- Choose the Right Beach: Research beforehand to find a beach that matches your family’s needs – some are quieter, some have more facilities, and some are great for water sports.
- Safety Prep: Bring sun hats, sunscreen, and plenty of water. Keep an eye on the kids and stay in designated swimming areas.
- Engage in Beach Activities: Plan simple, fun activities like a sandcastle competition, a treasure hunt, or beach games. It’s a great way to keep the kids entertained and create lasting memories
9. Take a stroll at Terrazza Mascagni
Quick Facts:
- Location: Terrazza Mascagni, a beautifully tiled seaside promenade located in Livorno.
- Scenic Walks: The promenade has awesome views of the Tyrrhenian Sea, lined with the coolest black-and-white checkered walkway.
- Historical Significance: The terrace is named after the famous Italian composer Pietro Mascagni, who was born in Livorno.
Why It’s Great for Families
- Stunning Scenery: The views are so pretty and provide an amazing atmosphere to take a relaxing family walk.
- Sweet Treats Galore: I know I talk about gelato ALOT! But what’s a stroll without some gelato? Local gelaterias offer a wide range of flavors to delight every family member.
- Photographer’s Dream: If you don’t take a photo here, did you even go to Livorno? Spoiler: No. The backdrop is just too good to pass up.
3 Tips for Families
- Time Your Visit: Aim for an early morning or late afternoon stroll when the light is perfect for photos and the temperature is more comfortable.
- Explore the Length: Take your time to explore the entire promenade. Don’t just stick to one spot. Each stretch of this checkered beauty has its own vibe and view.
- The Family Photo Challenge: See who can snap the quirkiest, most beautiful, or funniest family photo.
10. Explore Livorno’s Central Market:
Quick Facts:
- Location: Situated in the center of Livorno: Via Buontalenti, 57126 Livorno LI, Italy
- Local Flavors: The Market is a treasure trove of Tuscan gastronomy. From oceans of fresh seafood to mountains of cheese and bread, it’s a tour of Tuscany on a plate (or several plates).
- Second Largest IndoorMarket in Europe: Has over 200 stalls
Why It’s Great for Families
- Taste Testing: It’s a delicious way to introduce kids to new flavors and dishes. Each stall is an opportunity to try something new and exciting.
- Interactive Learning: Kids can engage with local vendors, learn about where the food comes from, and see how traditional Italian food is prepared.
- A Feast for the Eyes: The vibrant colors, the hustle and bustle, and the array of foods are a full-on carnival for your senses. Even the pickiest eaters won’t be able to resist.
3 Tips for Families
- Go on a Tasting Tour: Encourage your kids to pick out different foods to try.
- Chat with the Locals: The vendors are usually friendly and love to share their knowledge. It’s a great way for the family to learn about local food culture.
- Go in the Morning: Visit in the morning when the market is most lively. It’s also the best time to get the freshest products.
Final Thoughts
For families considering a stop in Livorno, whether on a Mediterranean cruise or as part of a wider Italian adventure, this city and the Livorno port is a delightful destinations that will surprise and enchant you.
Happy travels, and may your family’s journey to Livorno be as enriching and enjoyable as ours was!
