Volterra doesn’t scream ‘kid-friendly.’ It doesn’t have the towers of San Gimignano, the farm animals of an agriturismo, or the draw of the nearby Tuscan coast.
However, it is a fantastic medieval town to wander and explore for a day with your family. Compared to a bigger city like Florence, it’s really ‘chill.’ Compared to tiny Chianti villages, it’s got a lot going on.
We’re a family of five living near Florence and I recently visited with my 4-year-old and 7-year-old. I wanted to share an easy Volterra itinerary for families with elementary-age kids.
Rather than just wandering the streets of yet another medieval town in Tuscany, you’ll maximize your time and:
- Check out the alabaster shops & see artisans at work
- See the Roman theater from above (the best view!)
- Climb a tower
- Eat excellent gelato
- Squeeze through narrow side streets
- Check out the local playground
- Bonus: take a fab family photo with our favorite Volterra ‘O’
I’ll also give some quick tips on family logistics in Volterra (like, is it stroller-friendly?). And, I’ll share things to do with your kids near Volterra.
Note that this is focused on elementary-age kids, but it also works for littler ones (my 4-year-old loved our time in Volterra as well) and adults.
You can also shorten your visit to a half day or even a couple of hours. Pick and choose what you think your family would enjoy best.
Andiamo – let’s go!
You may also want to check out
Family Activities in Tuscany
60+ Things to Do in Tuscany with Kids
Where to Stay with Kids in Tuscany
Table of Contents
How to Spend a Day in Volterra with Kids
Before Arriving – Take a Photo with the Volterra ‘O’
Mauro Staccioli, a homegrown Volterra artist, has place many of his permanent works around his hometown. This ‘O’ is set in the hills on the way to Volterra.
This is a ‘bonus’ option, as it’s not in Volterra. It’s a perfect spot for a family photo, or for fun pics of your kids with the spectacular Tuscan countryside in the background.
Good To Know: The safest place to park is the big dirt lot about 50 meters uphill from the ‘O.’ Park and walk down the small dirt trail to get to the ‘O.’
Helpful Tip: If you want to take a family photo, bring something to lean your phone on on the ground (in case no one’s around to take one for you).
Park in the La Dogana Underground Garage
There are multiple parking options in Volterra (look for the blue signs with a white ‘P’). This is my preferred location with kids because you park, walk out of the garage, and you’re in the pedestrian center.
Bring your ticket and pay for your parking before you get back to your car.
Good To Know: There’s a pay-to-use toilet at the outdoor entrance (just before you drive into the garage. At the time of writing, it was €0.50 (exact change required).
Walk in the Pedestrian Center & Check Out the Alabaster Shops
Alabaster shops don’t sound like a family-friendly attraction, but if your kids are like mine and love checking out colorful stone trinkets and objects, they’ll be in heaven in Volterra. There are a ton of shops, so you can walk into one when you see something that catches your eye.
Helpful Tip: There are plenty of breakable objects in the alabaster shops. I found this was a good moment to remind my kids, ‘look with your eyes, not with your hands.’
Climb the Toscano Tower
The Casa-Torre Toscano, a 13th century tower, is calling to be climbed! At the time of writing, kids under the age of 8 are free. The climb up is by wooden steps, and it’s not as tall as other Tuscan towers, so it’s ‘doable’ for younger kids.
Once you reach the terrace at the top of the climb, you’ll have incredible views of the rooftops of Volterra.
Heads Up: The wooden railings have plenty of space for kids to squeeze through, so stay close to little ones or have them walk on the side of the wall. You can peek your head in and see the stairs to decide if it’s an ok situation for your family.
Good To Know: On our visit the hours posted were: open daily, 11:00-18:00. There’s no official website, so I’d keep this as a surprise option in case it’s not open when you’re there.
Get a Gelato
Just around the corner from the Toscano Tower, you’ll find L’Isola del Gusto Gelateria. Yes, the line can be long, but it’s worth the wait (even with kids!).
I’m a big fan of the mint (real, fresh mint – not flavored with green syrup).
You can’t see the flavors while you’re waiting in line, so you need to decide when it’s your turn. Don’t stress and rush your choice! Take a peek at the flavors on display and help your kids order (unless they want to practice their Italian!).
Helpful Tip: There’s a small ticket machine at the side of the entrance. Grab one before getting in line, just in case they’re serving by numbers (they weren’t on our recent visit).
Love Gelato? Check out our Favorite Gelato Shops in Tuscany
Explore Side Streets
What kid doesn’t like to squeeze his/her way down a narrow lane or walk through a tunnel?
On your walk between getting gelato and checking out the Roman Theatre, check out the side streets like the Vicolo dei Lecci.
And adults will delight in quiet side streets like Via del Forno.
Walk to the Roman Amphitheater
One of the highlights of a visit to Volterra is seeing the Roman Theatre, but if your kids aren’t up to walking around the ruins, take a look at it from above!
This viewpoint lets you see the entire site, along with Monte Serra and the Apuan Alps in the distance.
You can leave in 5-10 minutes if that’s enough for your family (it was for my boys).
See Alabaster Artisans at Work
You’ve seen the alabaster in the shops… now let your kids watch an artisan at work. Stop in at the Rossi workshop – it’s worth a visit. I had to drag my kids out!
Good To Know: You have to walk down a small stairwell to get into the studio, so if you’ve got a stroller with you, leave it outside.
Marvel at the Piazza dei Priori
You don’t need to enter any of the imposing buildings surrounding the square to appreciate Volterra’s medieval piazza.
Kids can choose their favorite coat of arms on the town hall building.
Good To Know: You can climb the Palazzo dei Priori (town hall) tower, but the Toscano Tower I mentioned earlier is easier for little kids (and costs less).
Join Local Kids at Volterra’s Playground
My boys always want to check out the local playground, and Volterra’s got a nice little one in a large green space – The Enrico Fiumi Archaeological Park.
The playground is best for little kids. It has swings, slides, spring toys, and climbing structures. There’s a water fountain, shade, and benches for adults.
This is an excellent spot for having a picnic, letting kids play with a ball, or taking a midday snooze.
Heads Up: If you’re walking to the playground from the Piazza dei Priori, you’ll need to walk up a steep, cobblestone/paved/gravel uphill to get to the entrance to the green space. It’s short, but steep!
Head ‘Home!’
From the playground, you can take the dirt trail along the old walls to get back to the parking lot. You’ll pass a couple of fountains along the way, and you can stop at the public toilets at the entrance of the parking garage.
Good To Know: If it’s evening at this point, you can also enjoy dinner in Volterra. We headed back to our agriturismo for dinner.
Where to Eat in Volterra with Your Kids
Where you eat depends on when you arrive and how long you’re planning to spend in Volterra.
If you’ll be in town for lunch, grab picnic supplies at a grocery store in town, or for more selection, at the Coop just outside the city walls. Enjoy your picnic at the playground or in large green space next to it. The weekly market is on Saturdays.
Order a sandwich at La Sosta del Priore and eat in or take it to eat at the park.
Choose to sit down and enjoy classic Tuscan dishes at La Vecchia Lira.
More Options if There are Older Kids in Your Group
If you’re traveling with a family that includes older kids or teens, you may want to check out:
Torture Museum – We’ve been to the one in San Gimignano and while my older kids were interested in it, it is pretty gruesome.
Etruscan Museum (Museo Etrusco Mario Guarnacci) – This is one of Italy’s top museums with Etruscan artifacts. I know my 10-year-old would love to see the games and coins.
Manga Tools – Manga fans should stop in this small shop.
Good To Know: Your kids may ask to go in the castle (the Medici Fortress). It’s a functioning prison – best to stay on the outside!
Good To Know: If your kids are Twilight fans, you can tell them that the filming location was actually in Montepulciano.
Family Tips for Volterra
These are for all ages of kids (not just elementary-age children).
Strollers – Volterra is stroller friendly, but there are a few steep uphills. The Archaeological Park and playground has smooth pathways. If you want to walk from the park back to the parking garage (in my itinerary above), you can’t walk on the dirt path with a stroller (it gets narrow and there are some steep steps).
Changing Diapers – If the weather’s nice, use your portable changing pad and change diapers in the grassy area by the playground. You can also use restaurant or café toilets.
Water – Water fountains in Volterra are sparse. Fill up your water by the playground or purchase water at a grocery store or café.
Snacks – There are small grocery stores in town (like Punto), but for the best selection, stop at the Coop just outside the walls. It has a parking lot.
Breastfeeding – The most peaceful place for breastfeeding is at the Archaeological Park and green space. There are plenty of benches and shaded areas.
What to See & Do Near Volterra with Your Kids
If you’ve got more time in the area with your kids, you may want to check out:
- Cavallino Matto – amusement park
- Saline di Volterra – salt museum and factory
- Diacceroni – horseback riding, truffle hunting, cooking classes, meals – Read about Our Stay at Agriturismo Diacceroni
- Peccioli – charming village with outdoor art
- Parco Preistorico di Peccioli – vintage dinosaur park
- Beaches
- San Gimignano – Read my Guide to San Gimignano with Kids
I hope this helps you have a smooth, fun, and enjoyable day in Volterra with your family!
