Easter in Florence with Children
Easter in Florence with children
Easter in Florence is one of the most atmospheric times of year to visit the city. The weather is typically mild (average daytime temperatures between 14 and 18 degrees Celsius), the tourist season has not yet reached its July peak, and the city hosts one of its most distinctive traditions: the Scoppio del Carro.
For families with children, Easter in Florence offers a specific combination of cultural events, manageable crowds, and daylight hours long enough for afternoon trips. The school holiday period means that attractions designed for children are typically running full programmes.
This guide covers the key Easter events, family activities, day trip options, and strategies for rainy days, which are a realistic possibility in April in Florence.
The Scoppio del Carro for families
The Scoppio del Carro (Explosion of the Cart) takes place on Easter Sunday morning in Piazza del Duomo. It is one of the oldest civic ceremonies in Florence, documented since the 15th century.
The ceremony involves an ornate historic cart (the “Brindellone”), approximately 9 metres tall, being drawn through the city centre by two pairs of white oxen. The cart arrives at Piazza del Duomo and is connected by a long wire to the high altar inside the cathedral. During the Easter Mass, at the moment of the Gloria, a dove-shaped rocket (the “colombina”) is lit at the altar and travels along the wire to the cart, igniting a display of fireworks and noise that lasts around 15 to 20 minutes.
For children, the experience is genuinely spectacular. The noise is significant and the fireworks create smoke and sound in an enclosed public square. Children who are sensitive to sudden loud noise should be prepared in advance or positioned at the outer edges of the square.
Piazza del Duomo fills from approximately 09:00 onward. The ceremony begins at 11:00 and the fireworks typically go off around 11:30. To see the cart clearly, arrive by 09:30 and position yourself along Via dei Servi or Via del Proconsolo for a side view with slightly more space than the direct front of the cathedral.
Entry to the square is free. There are no tickets required. The ceremony is attended by city officials, the Archbishop of Florence, historical flag throwers, and musicians in period costume.
Easter events for families
In addition to the Scoppio del Carro, Florence hosts a range of family-relevant events over the Easter weekend.
The Museo dei Ragazzi at Palazzo Vecchio typically runs special Easter programming for children between 5 and 14. These often include themed workshops on the history of the Medici family’s Easter traditions. Check the Palazzo Vecchio official website in March for the 2026 Easter schedule.
The artisan markets that appear in several Florence squares over Easter weekend are worth a visit with children. The market in Piazza della Santissima Annunziata, known as the Fierucola, focuses on organic food, handmade crafts, and natural products. It is held on the third Sunday of each month and often aligns with the Easter period. Entry is free.
The Parco delle Cascine hosts outdoor events on Easter Monday (Pasquetta), which is also a national holiday in Italy. Pasquetta is traditionally spent outdoors, and Le Cascine becomes a gathering point for Florentine families who picnic and socialise throughout the day. This is one of the more interesting opportunities to see local family life in Florence rather than the tourist experience.
Easter trips around Florence
The Easter holiday period, which covers at least four days (Good Friday to Easter Monday in most family itineraries), is well suited to combining Florence with nearby destinations.
Fiesole is the most immediately accessible trip from Florence. The hilltop town is about 8 km from the city centre and reachable by bus line 7 from Piazza San Marco in approximately 25 minutes. Bus fare is 1.70 euros per adult; children under 6 travel free. Fiesole has a Roman amphitheatre and archaeological museum (combined entry approximately 10 euros per adult, free for EU children under 18) and a town square with excellent views of the valley.
Arezzo, about 80 km southeast of Florence, is reachable by fast train in 40 to 50 minutes. Return tickets cost approximately 14 euros per adult. Arezzo’s historic centre is compact and largely traffic-free. The Basilica di San Francesco contains the famous fresco cycle by Piero della Francesca. Children between 10 and 14 who have an interest in art find this genuinely interesting. The city also has a well-known antique market in Piazza Grande, usually held on the first weekend of the month.
Certaldo, the medieval hilltop town associated with Boccaccio, is about 35 km southwest of Florence. The train from Florence to Certaldo takes about 30 minutes. The upper town (Certaldo Alto) is accessible by funicular railway, which children typically enjoy. Entry to the funicular costs around 1 euro each way.
What to do on rainy days
April in Florence brings an average of 8 to 10 rainy days in the month. Over a four-day Easter break, there is a realistic probability of at least one day with significant rain.
The most practical indoor options for families on rainy days are the following.
Palazzo Vecchio and the Museo dei Ragazzi offer a full morning of indoor activity. The palace rooms are interesting for adults and, with the children’s guided visit, genuinely engaging for children between 5 and 14. Book in advance.
The Museo di Storia Naturale at La Specola, Via Romana 17, is a useful one to two hour indoor visit. Entry costs 6 euros per adult, with reduced rates for children. The collection of zoological specimens and anatomical models is unusual enough to hold attention even on a tired, damp afternoon.
The Mercato Centrale food hall is a reliable rainy day resource. The upper floor is fully covered, provides seating for several hundred people, and offers a wide range of food. It is open until midnight. Coming for lunch and spending an unhurried 90 minutes there removes the pressure to plan around the weather.
The Palazzo Strozzi is a major Renaissance palace that hosts temporary exhibitions. If the current exhibition is family-oriented, it is worth a two-hour visit. Entry costs vary by exhibition. Check the Palazzo Strozzi website for the spring 2026 programme.
Where to stay
Charlotte guesthouse in Florence is open over Easter and makes a practical base for the events and activities described above. The central location places you within walking distance of Piazza del Duomo for the Scoppio del Carro and within easy reach of the main museums.
Availability over the Easter period fills quickly. Booking two to three months in advance is advisable.
Check current availability and room details at Charlotte.
