A visit to Chianti likely brings to mind vineyards, red wine, and rolling hills… not exactly a stellar destination for kids.
However, if you’re a wine lover or you want to explore the classic Tuscan scenery, a Chianti visit can be made kid-friendly.
I’m a mamma of three living here, and I’ve also guided family vacations here and helped families plan trips in the area since 2004. I’ve got you covered if you want to visit Chianti with your kids!
Let’s take a look at how to plan your time in Chianti with your family.
I’ll touch on:
- where ‘Chianti’ is, for the purpose of planning your trip
- who will enjoy a Chianti visit
- when to visit Chianti as a family
- family-friendly things to do in Chianti
- where to eat with kids in Chianti
- family-friendly accommodations in Chianti
- family basics in Chianti (groceries, diapers, etc)
- visiting Chianti on a day trip
- things to see and do near Chianti with kids
Good To Know: These are restaurants we eat at, activities we actually do, and accommodation I have experience with (for work and leisure).
Andiamo – let’s go!
This page contains affiliate links. If you purchase from the links, we may earn a small commission, at no extra cost to you. Please see our Disclaimer for more information.
Table of Contents
Where is Chianti?
Chianti is an area in Tuscany, in central Italy.
The exact borders are debatable, and there are two ways to define Chianti: ‘Chianti’ or ‘Chianti Classico,’ which is a small area of ‘Chianti.’
When most people talk about ‘Chianti,’ they’re thinking of ‘Chianti Classico’ – the area that is home to the villages and towns of:
- Greve in Chianti
- Panzano in Chianti
- Radda in Chianti
- Gaiole in Chianti
- Castellina in Chianti
- San Casciano Val di Pesa
- Barberino Val d’Elsa
- Castelnuovo Berardenga
- Impruneta
- Tavernelle Val di Pesa
- Poggibonsi
This smaller portion of the Chianti area sits between Florence and Siena, in the hilly, forested area that’s dotted with vineyards.
For the purpose of this article, I’ll be using the term ‘Chianti’ to refer to the ‘Chianti Classico’ area.
For ‘Chianti with Kids,’ I’m going to focus on the ‘in Chianti villages,’ as well as San Casciano in Val di Pesa, which is a beautiful small town on the edge of Chianti that’s easy to reach from Florence (even without a car!).
Here’s a very basic Google Map to give you an idea of the area I’ll be using:
Who Should Visit Chianti with Kids
Families with parents who want to visit Chianti (for wine or scenery) – I wouldn’t go out of your way to visit just for kids, but it can be a fun visit for them too.
Travelers who have their own car. Public transport here in Chianti focuses mainly on getting people and students to work and school. The exception would a few towns easily accessible by bus, like San Casciano in Val di Pesa from Florence.
People ok with winding roads. There are a lot of curves and hills in Chianti. Kids (or adults) that tend to get car sick won’t enjoy touring the area.
Families interested in staying in an agriturismo. One of the classic things to do in Chianti is spend a night (or a few) at a farm-stay in the countryside. This is an excellent option if you’re in the area with kids.
Families who aren’t looking for destinations or activities specifically for kids. Yes, there are plenty of things to do with kids here, but we don’t have museums that focus on kids, amusement parks, etc.
When to Visit Chianti with Your Family
The classic family experience in Chianti involves an agriturismo stay, which likely involves a swimming pool. If you want to use the pool, summer months are best (even into early October), but always double-check your agriturismo’s pool open/close dates.
Chianti during grape harvest time can also be fun for kids, as you can see people out picking grapes and tractors full of grapes on the roads. The olive harvest is one of my kids’ favorite times of the year – they enjoy picking olives, taking them to the frantoio to watch the press, and of course, sampling the olio nuovo!
Winter is my least favorite time in Chianti with kids, as the little ‘in Chianti’ villages are mostly closed up. If you come during this time, stick to the larger towns (like San Casciano Val di Pesa) that have holiday events, or spend time in other parts of Tuscany, like Montepulciano (it has our favorite Tuscan Christmas market for kids) or Florence.
Read my guide to Florence with Kids
Good To Know: Temperatures are high in the summer (especially July and August) and the towns are crowded, so the best plan of attack with little ones (and even older kids) is to visit towns and sites in the morning or evening and save the hot daytime hours for the pool and relaxing/playing at your accommodation.
How long to stay? You can:
- Take a day trip into Chianti from Florence or nearby cities like Siena.
- Spend 1-3 nights and choose a few villages to explore.
- Stay for 1 week or more and use Chianti as your base to relax and explore the area (think lazy mornings, swimming at the pool, and then heading into a village for the evening to check it out and have dinner). Many families with small kids choose this as a way to enjoy a slow vacation and avoid being on the go all the time.
Learn about the Best Times to Visit Tuscany – Month-by-Month
Things to Do in Chianti with Kids
These are some things that my kids enjoy seeing /doing in Chianti, along with activities visiting clients have enjoyed with their families.
Visit Castello di Brolio
Castles can be fun for kids, but many in Tuscany aren’t kid-friendly. Castello di Brolio is an exception, and it’s a great place to pass an hour or two with kids.
My boys enjoy exploring the grounds, looking down into the family crypt, pretending to be archers, wandering the gardens, and finding the evidence of WWII on the castle’s walls.
Bonus: Adults can sample (or purchase for later) some of Castello di Brolio’s excellent wines! And, you can have a meal at the property’s restaurant.
Read my guide to Castello di Brolio with Kids
Stay in an Agriturismo
Unless you’re visiting on a day trip, try to book your accommodation at an agriturismo (farm stay). An agriturismo stay in the summer is a classic Italian vacation… having a farm-to-table breakfast, swimming in the pool and enjoying the views of the countryside during the hot part of the day, visiting little hilltop villages in the evening for an outdoor meal in a piazza, and letting your kids ‘meet’ the farm’s animals.
Helpful Tip: Agriturismos vary – some really are working farms that you can sleep on, and you’ll have an opportunity to get up close and personal with farm life in Tuscany. Others are more hands off, and function more as countryside hotels. Make sure you book one that fits your family’s style and vacation goals.
Chianti Sculpture Park
This place is a gem for active kids! The Chianti Sculpture Park showcases works from global artists on a forested trail. My boys love interacting with the art, running along the trail, and picnicking in the amphitheater.
Good To Know: The dirt roads that lead to the Chianti Sculpture Park get really dusty if it hasn’t rained in awhile, so while it may be tempting to park and arrive on foot, I recommend parking at the Sculpture Park.
Discover Where to See Outdoor Art in Tuscany
Go for a Hike
Chianti is full of strade bianche (white roads), which are gravel country roads. They’re perfect for walks with kids. I usually plot out-and-backs (easier than loops because you can turn back when little legs start to get tired) for my family. Older kids can try other loops like the one from Greve up and around to Montefioralle.
If you want to walk on an easy trail, check out the gravel trail along the Pesa River. You can access the trail at La Botte (below San Casciano Val di Pesa), which also has a playground for kids.
Good To Know: You’re allowed to walk along edges of vineyards (don’t pick the grapes), but more and more vineyard owners are putting up fences, making it harder to design a route. That’s why I prefer to stick to the strade bianche.
Helpful Tip: Always ask a local if it’s hunting season, and if so, stay out of the woods.
Attend a Sagra
Generally speaking, a sagra is a food festival. They’re casual, well-attended celebrations that are full of families. You’ll find a food being celebrated (for example, panzanella, mushrooms, steak, or chestnuts), and often live entertainment like a band or kid’s entertainers and play equipment.
Look for paper signs posted on village walls, on street poles, and at intersections.
Go Cycling
Cycling in Chianti is best for older kids and teens who already know how to ride a bike and are confident riding on roads with narrow (or no) shoulders. The nice thing is that it’s difficult for drivers to go very fast, as most roads are narrow and winding. Chianti has a ton of quiet paved roads, and you can always ride a mountain bike on strade bianche (gravel roads). You can also ride on the traffic-free, paved loop at La Botte, near San Casciano Val di Pesa or on the gravel roads of the Eroica route.
We have quite a few bicycle rental shops in Chianti, and some offer cycling tours.
- Italy Bike (Gaiole in Chianti)
- Tuscany by Bicycle (Gaiole in Chianti)
- YEP Bike (San Casciano Val di Pesa)
New for 2025: We now have signs up on some Chianti roads that advise drivers to give 1.5 meters of space between the car and the cyclist.
What We Do: My boys (ages 10, 7, 4) don’t ride on paved Chianti roads yet. My two older boys have participated in closed route races on roads, but I’m not yet comfortable having them on roads with narrow shoulders and traffic.
Good To Know: If you want to cycle with younger kids in Italy, head to the Dolomites and its amazing bike paths!
Go Horseback Riding
Borgo Cignano Equestrian Center offers horseback riding classes and excursions.
Although not in Chianti, nearby Montaione is home to Riding Tuscany. This place is on my list for the day my kids express an interest in horseback riding. They offer lessons and experiences for kids as young as 3. They also have summer camps!
Good To Know: If you just want to see horses, have dinner at Ribalta Ristorante & Pizzeria (ok, it’s not technically in Chianti, but it’s close). Go early and see people riding the horses before you sit down for your meal. My boys enjoy this, and the place is kind of out of the way, so you’ll be eating with locals.
Take a Cooking Class
Toscana Mia is run by two Tuscan sisters, and their cooking class takes place in their home. You cook together and eat the meal in their family kitchen.
I’ve done this class with one of my sons and it would work well for all ages. Even preschoolers can help with some of the preparation.
Read about our experience at Toscana Mia Cooking School
Explore the Small Villages
One of Chianti’s highlights is its charming villages, and some of them are more kid-friendly than others. As a family, here’s where we’re drawn to:
- Radda in Chianti – pedestrian center, playground, pizza or Bar Dante for a family-friendly meal
- San Casciano in Val di Pesa – best Chianti playground, lively town center, can be reached by bus from Florence, pedestrian center and restaurants with outdoor seating, events throughout the year
- Gaiole in Chianti – find the ‘big bench’ outside of town, pedestrian center, playground, fun for kids who ride bikes (it’s home to the Eroica bike race)
- Panzano in Chianti – two playgrounds, easy family lunch with a view at Oltre il Giardino
- Greve in Chianti – playground, great public swimming pool, pedestrian center, fun markets for kids, explore the butcher shop (look for the wild boar teeth!)
- Castellina in Chianti – pedestrian center, lots of shops and restaurants for families, playground, some of our favorite gelato in Tuscany
- San Donato in Poggio – doesn’t have much to do (simple playground), but it’s a favorite for a summer family meal – eat in the main piazza and kids can play when they’ve finished eating
- San Polo in Chianti – my kids like the playground and grassy area here – bring a picnic lunch and a ball and enjoy the afternoon!
Some of the tiny, picturesque villages like Montefioralle and Volpaia don’t have much to offer kids.
Check out my guides to
Greve in Chianti with Kids
Panzano in Chianti with Kids
Radda in Chianti
Radda in Chianti with Kids
Gaiole in Chianti
Castellina in Chianti
Castellina in Chianti with Kids
San Donato in Poggio
Good To Know: Even villages with pedestrian centers will get occasional vehicle traffic (workers, residents, etc).
Helpful Tip: Monteriggioni and San Gimignano aren’t in Chianti, but they’re nearby and are both kid-friendly (but can be very crowded).
Go Wine Tasting
Wine tasting in Tuscany is not a kid-focused activity, so you won’t find big play areas at wineries or kids’ tables with coloring books or LEGOs. But, you will find that many Tuscan wineries will accommodate kids (with enthusiasm). My kids enjoy when they can see the large barrels and sample cheeses and meats.
I’ve got a complete list coming soon, but in the meantime, you may want to check out Castello di Meleto. Kids can find the big bench, walk around the castle grounds, and have a snack outside the tasting room. Castello di Meleto is just outside of Gaiole, so you can also visit the playground in town and get a gelato (and take photos with the rooster!).
Fun Alternative: Attend a Chianti wine festival, like Calici di Stelle. Here’s a flyer for Castellina’s celebration, which includes live music, wine tastings, walks in the vineyards, dinners and food stands, games for kids, and more. These are well-planned events, so you can get info on them in advance at village tourist info centers or on their websites.
Take a Photo with the Big Wine Barrel
You’ll have plenty of opportunities for family photos with spectacular scenery, but sometimes the quirky photos are the most loved, right?
Make your way to the big wine barrel near Castello d’Albola and take a photo with the vineyards in the background.
Look for the Roosters
The symbol of Chianti is the black rooster, so you’ll find them throughout the area – as huge statues, in souvenir shops, decorating wine bottles, and on restaurant signs.
See how many your kids can find, and be sure to take a photo with one of the black rooster statues!
Where to Eat with Kids in Chianti
Here are a few Chianti restaurants we recommend for families:
Butcher (Panzano in Chianti) – Dario Cecchini has a few places to eat in Panzano in Chianti, from his super casual food truck to Solociccia (only meat). Both serve lunch, and Solociccia has one seating with food served family-style (better for older kids).
Bar Dante (Radda in Chianti) – Casual options (think meat & cheese platters and bruschetta) on a covered terrace or indoors; on main road so make sure little kids stay seated
Pizzerias (Radda in Chianti) – Radda has a couple of good pizza options, Pizza Pie and Pizza Hot.
Osteria al Ponte (Gaiole in Chianti) – A little on the fancier side, but you can sit outside and it’s right on the river. No cars in front, so fine for kids to play out front.
Cantinetta di Rignana (near Greve in Chianti) – Delicious Tuscan food, off-the-beaten path and visited by Italians and travelers. Casual and kids can play in the grassy area below (which you can see if you sit on the wall side). Sunsets are to-die-for. Gravel road on arrival.
Ribalta Ristorante & Pizzeria (not far from San Casciano VP) – This restaurant is big with locals and it’s in a fun setting for kids at a horse stable. Tons of outdoor aperitivo seating, so go early! My boys also like to arrive early so they can see the horses and people riding.
Oltre il Giardino (Panzano in Chianti) – Tuscan classics with a stupendous view.
Osteria del Brolio (Castello di Brolio) – Sit outside and then kids can play in the small grassy area while you finish your meal. Combine with a visit to Castello di Brolio and parents can try Brolio’s wine.
Lo Spela (Il Ferrone) – Best option for gluten-free pizza (note that it’s a thicker style than typical Italian pizza). Ask for a table in the small outside area. It’s not particularly scenic, but the food is good!
Malborghetto (Lecchi in Chianti) – This restaurant in the tiny hamlet of Lecchi is a good pick older kids and teens.
Gelateria di Castellina – Speaking of gelato, one of our favorite spots in Chianti for the cold treat is in Castellina in Chianti.
Have a Picnic – This is one of our preferred lunch options when we’re out exploring Chianti as a family. I usually keep it simple with panini (made by us or purchased along the way), fresh fruit, juice, and salty snacks. For a treat, we’ll get a gelato in one of the towns.
Campo Sportivo – Towns that have a sports center (usually with a soccer field) often have a restaurant on the premises that’s staffed with volunteers who serve up pizza and pasta. Casual atmosphere, lots of kids around, usually good value.
Sagre – Look for signs posted for sagre, or local food festivals. These super casual afternoons/evenings include food and typically some kind of entertainment (live music, play area for kids, etc). Great way to mingle with local families and kids can be loud and run around. My boys love sagre!
Where to Stay with Kids in Chianti
You’re really spoilt for choice if you’re looking for a gorgeous place to stay in Chianti with your kids. I recommend choosing an agriturismo or hotel with a pool (but heads up that pools here often are not fenced) and space for kids to run around. Extras like cooking classes or animals on site are bonuses. Chianti also has plenty of hotels, luxury hotels, villas and apartments for rent.
Here are a few places to check out in the area. I have stayed at most of them and personally visited all of them.
You may also want to read Where to Stay in Tuscany with Kids
Salvadonica – gorgeous views; plenty of space for kids to play; restaurant on site; great location near San Casciano Val di Pesa and not far from Florence; swimming pool
Salvadonica -> info & rates.
Fattoria I Greppi di Silli – pool; learn about the farm’s production of oil, wine and honey
Fattoria I Greppi di Silli -> info & rates.
Borgo Vescine – swimming pool; cooking lessons; near Castellina and Radda
Borgo Vescine -> info & rates.
Fonterutoli – stay in a little borgo (neighborhood); wine estate with tours and tastings; on-site café and restaurant(s)
Fonterutoli -> info & rates.
Villa Castellare – 7-br villa with plenty of space for large families or multiple families traveling together; indoor and outdoor living spaces; pool and huge yard with olive grove
Villa Castellare -> info & rates.
Tenute di Pecille – spectacular setting and views in Panzano; swimming pool; walk to playground
Tenuta di Pecille -> info & rates.
Corzano e Paterno – visit the sheep; join a cooking class; taste our area’s most delicious cheeses (really); swimming pool(s)
Corzano e Paterno -> info & rates.
Relais Vignale – good option if you want to be in a town (Radda in Chianti) and walk to shops and restaurants and playground; still has lovely views of the countryside; gated pool area
Relais Vignale -> info & rates.
Agriturismo Diacceroni – kid-focused property with weekly activities, dinners, and events that will keep kids entertained and help you meet other families (if you want to); multiple locations; swimming pools
Agriturismo Diacceroni -> info & rates.
If you’re looking for something in particular, message me for help in finding the perfect spot for your family!
Family Basics in Chianti
Grocery Stores – Each little town/village will have either a small grocery store or an alimentari (like a little mom and pop shop). The bigger grocery stores are in San Casciano Val di Pesa and Greve in Chianti.
Read more about Grocery Stores in Italy
Pharmacies – You’ll find a pharmacy (faramacia) in each little village. Look for the green ‘+’ sign above the pharmacy.
Read more about
Pharmacies in Italy
What to Do if Your Child Gets Sick in Italy
Diapers & Baby Supplies – You can find diapers and baby supplies for sale at pharmacies and grocery stores in Chianti.
Get the scoop on Diapers in Italy
Strollers – Chianti villages are small, so strollers aren’t super helpful, but I’ve used them in many places. I’d be more apt to use one in Greve, Gaiole, and San Casciano VP (but you could use them in any of the villages). There aren’t major hills in any of the main towns. Baby carriers work as well, but keep in mind it’s really hot here in the summer and a carrier may feel too hot for your baby.
Learn more about Strollers in Italy
Mosquitoes – They’re a huge pain, so be sure to bring repellant with you that works for your child’s skin. If you need to buy some here, you can find it at the pharmacy. You’ll also find it during the summer in grocery stores.
Read more about Mosquitoes in Italy
Ticks – Your kids will likely spend time exploring in nature in Chianti. We do have ticks here, so it’s important to check your kids at the end of the day, especially if they’re running around in high grasses or in the olive groves or forest. My kids are outdoors a lot, and I’ve found two in 10 years.
Chianti with Kids on a Day Trip
Though an ideal visit to Chianti involves an agriturismo stay (so you can visit the area at a relaxed pace, spend time soaking up the views from the swimming pool, etc), you can also make a day trip to Chianti with your family.
It’s best to visit by car – either a rental car that you’re driving, or with a private driver. See my list of recommended private drivers.
I’d pick 1-2 villages or a village + winery so you’re not doing too much driving and moving from one place to the next.
There are group tours to Chianti available on sites like Get Your Guide, but they’re usually adult-focused (with wine tastings, long lunches, etc). Older kids and teens may be fine, but I’d skip these tours with small children.
You may want to check out Fun & Easy Day Trips from Florence with Kids
Things to Do Near Chianti with Kids
If you make Chianti your family’s base, you can head out of the Chianti Classico region to explore places like:
Monteriggioni – tiny, walled medieval village with an armor museum and traffic-free piazza
San Gimignano – Tuscany’s medieval Manhattan; crowded, but a hit with kids!
Volterra – be sure to stop at the ‘O’ sculpture on the way up to town
Siena – learn about the Palio and climb the Torre del Mangia for epic views of the Piazza del Campo
Florence – get a taste of ‘big city life’ in the Renaissance city
Read more about
Siena with Kids
Visiting Monteriggioni
Florence with Kids
Things to Do in Florence with Kids
70+ Things to Do in Tuscany with Kids
Tuscan Towers to Climb
Buon viaggio, and enjoy your time in Chianti with your kids!
