Panzano in Chianti is on many bucket lists for Tuscan travelers. After all, it’s home to gorgeous views, the famous butcher, and excellent restaurants.
Are you wondering if it’s worth visiting with kids?
Well, Panzano doesn’t have any big draws for little ones. And, there aren’t many car-free areas in the village (it’s tiny and set with the main road running through it). But, there are a couple of small playgrounds and kid-friendly dining options, so you can definitely make it a fun couple of hours in Chianti.
I’m a mamma of three living near Panzano in Chianti, and we do visit Panzano in Chianti occasionally, usually to eat at one of the restaurants. I’ve also spent time with adults in Panzano during my time as a cycling and hiking guide.
Let’s take a look at Panzano in Chianti and how you can spend time in it with your family.
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Where is Panzano in Chianti?
Panzano in Chianti is in the Chianti area in northern Tuscany. It’s almost exactly half-way between Florence and Siena, sitting between the Florence-Siena superstrada and the A1 Autostrada.
When to Visit Panzano in Chianti with Kids
A stop in Panzano with little ones is best if the weather is pleasant (so you can go to one of the playgrounds). There’s not much to do with kids if it’s rainy, so I recommend a visit from the late-spring through the early-fall. Keep in mind that summers in Chianti can be toasty, but you could still stop in for an hour or two.
Panzano in Chianti has a central location in the Chianti area, so you can easily combine it with a visit to other nearby Chianti villages like Greve (just down the hill), Radda, or Castellina.
Read more about visiting Tuscany in the Spring – Summer – Fall – Winter
Kid-Friendly Things to See and Do in Panzano with Kids
Look for Black Roosters
The main black rooster is a large statue on the side of the road as you head down the hill toward Radda in Chianti.
You can also have your kids look for black roosters in town at souvenir shops, in artwork, an on the labels of wine bottles.
Say Hi to the Famous Butcher
Adults love meeting Dario Cecchini, Panzano’s famous butcher, and kids may too. If you have a chance, watch Dario’s episode on Chef’s Table (Netflix) before you visit Panzano.
You can eat at one of Dario’s restaurants (more on those below) or just stop in the small shop and say ciao!
Make a Quick Stop at One of Panzano’s Playgrounds
While not the best of the Chianti villages (we prefer San Casciano’s and Greve’s playgrounds), there are two playgrounds in Panzano in Chianti!
I’ve marked them on the map above.
They’re great spots for kids to run around and you can also have a picnic onsite. They’re really close to one another, so you can drive by and see which you prefer. They’re on the lower part of town, so parking isn’t as bad as up above. You could also walk from the main piazza.
I’ve marked them on the map as Big Playground and Little Playground. They’re both gated, and the bigger one has more space for older kids to run around, kick a ball, etc. Both have toys for small kids, but the Little Playground is more for them. The Bigger Playground has more shade if you want to have a picnic.
Where to Eat in Panzano with Kids
Panino Truck – Dario Cecchini’s group runs this panino truck. It sits in a large pullout on the side of the main road that runs between Panzano and Radda. It’s a good stop for kids because it serves kid-friendly fare like hot dogs and hamburgers. And, it’s next to the big rooster statue. Heads Up: It’s on the main road, so if you have young kids, I’d take the food away to a place like the playground where you can eat without stressing out about traffic.
Oltre il Giardino – Restaurant with a gorgeous view that serves classic Tuscan dishes. We end up here often with visiting family and friends. Reserve a table on the outdoor terrace.
One of Dario Cecchini’s Restaurants – Dario has four places to eat in Panzano. One is his food truck (mentioned above). In town, you can dine at Panzanese, Solociccia, or Officina della Bistecca (the ‘fanciest’ restaurant in the group, best for older kids). They’re all beef-focused, but pinzimonio (sliced raw veggies with oil) is served. They serve family-style and the atmosphere is casual, happy, and relaxed.
Coop – Pick up picnic supplies or get some fruit and veg to balance out all of the meat if you eat at one of Dario Cecchini’s Restaurants.
Helpful Tip: If you’re craving gelato, make the drive to Castellina, which has some of our favorite gelato in Tuscany!
Where to Stay in Panzano with Kids
Relais Fattoria Valle – Property with a lot of space for kids (olive groves, green area; swimming pool; bummer is there’s no sidewalk between the hotel and Panzano so you need to drive to visit town even though it’s just 500 meters away
Il Palagio di Panzano – Agriturismo just outside Panzano; swimming pool; spectacular views; cooking classes; apartments
Villa Le Barone – Lovely hotel; swimming pool; views; it’s a very quiet setting; best with older kids
Panzano in Chianti with Kids – Basics
Parking – With kids, the easiest place to park is the lot marked on the map above, just as you enter town from Greve in Chianti. Or, if you’re going to the playground, park along the street near your playground of choice.
Strollers – You can use a stroller in Panzano.
Traffic – There’s not a pedestrian area, so keep an eye on kids wherever you are. The main (tiny) piazza (Piazza Gastone Bucciarelli) is right on the main road, so I don’t give my kids free reign to play in it (but you can keep an eye on them if they want to check out the fountain in the middle of the piazza).
Grocery Store – There’s a small Coop supermarket in the lower part of the village.
Family-Friendly Things to See and Do Near Panzano
These are all one hour or less (by car) from Panzano in Chianti:
Castello di Ama – outdoor art for kids to check out and mamma and papà can try the wines
Radda in Chianti – tiny pedestrian center, small playground, pizza!
Gaiole in Chianti – find the rooster, visit on market day, play at the playground. Read my Guide to Gaiole in Chianti.
Greve in Chianti – find the wild boar teeth, go swimming, play at the new playground. Read more about Greve with Kids.
Castello di Brolio – tour the castle! Read about Visiting Castello di Brolio with Kids.
Chianti Sculpture Park – explore the grounds of this outdoor art park; great for all ages
San Casciano Val di Pesa – have fun at one of the area’s best playgrounds, wander the lively village center, catch an outdoor film in the summer
Monteriggioni – walk the town’s walls, visit the armor museum. Read my Guide to Monteriggioni.
Siena – learn about the Palio and find your favorite contrada, climb up the Torre del Mangia, soak up the scene in Piazza del Campo
Badia a Coltibuono – do a honey tasting
Toscana Mia Cooking Class – cook up Tuscan classics with sisters Paola and Simonetta in their countryside home. Read about Our Experience at Toscana Mia’s Cooking Class.
Picnic at Vertine – have a picnic with a view of Radda, wander in the tiny hamlet
Florence is just over an hour away. If you’re looking for a city visit, you’ll find plenty of things to do in Florence for kids of all ages.
Read more about
Things to Do in Florence with Kids
Rainy Day Florence Activities with Kids
Best Florence Museums for Kids
Our Favorite Toy Stores in Florence
I hope you enjoy your time in Panzano in Chianti as a family!
Be sure to check out
Our Favorite Tuscany Family Activities
Things to Do in Tuscany with Kids
