Nestled in the charming heart of Tuscany, Lucca offers a delightful blend of rich history, unique charm, and a variety of family-friendly activities. Its pedestrian-friendly streets, impressive ancient city walls, and warm, welcoming atmosphere make it an ideal destination for families with children of all ages. Since our daughter was lovingly named after this beautiful city, it was only fitting and appropriate that Lucca was a significant stop on our unforgettable trip to Italy. Here are some of the ways we enjoyed Lucca, Italy as a family.

Explore the Historic City Walls

One of Lucca’s most unique and captivating features is its impressive 4 kilometer long Renaissance-era walls, which have remarkably remained perfectly intact over the centuries. The wide, tree-lined pathways that run along the top of these ancient walls provide an ideal setting for a leisurely family stroll or a refreshing bike ride. Visitors can easily rent bikes, including child-friendly options, and enjoy circling the city while enjoying panoramic views of Lucca’s red-tiled roofs and lush Tuscan countryside.

Family Fun in Piazza dell’Anfiteatro

The Piazza dell’Anfiteatro is truly a must-see destination when visiting. This charming oval-shaped square, which was once a magnificent Roman amphitheater, is now lovingly filled with numerous quaint cafes and delightful shops. Children can run around and play freely in the open space, while parents take a moment to unwind and relax with a delicious cappuccino, wine or indulgent gelato. This vibrant atmosphere makes it a perfect spot for families to enjoy together.

Climb Torre Guinigi

For a bit of adventure during your visit, consider climbing the famous Torre Guinigi, which is Lucca’s iconic tower crowned with impressive oak trees. The climb is quite manageable for school-aged children, making it a fun and engaging family activity. Once you reach the top, the views that stretch out before you are absolutely breathtaking and provide an excellent opportunity for memorable experiences. Take some time to point out the notable landmarks below and don't forget to snap some great photos to capture this unforgettable moment.

Visit Lucca’s Parks and Gardens

If your family is in search of a refreshing nature break, be sure to head over to Palazzo Pfanner or the beautiful Botanical Gardens of Lucca. The gardens may be small, but they are undeniably lovely and offer enchanting shaded pathways that invite leisurely strolls. You will find a serene pond that is home to turtles, providing a delightful sight for all visitors. There is also plenty of open space for kids to run around and explore, making it a perfect spot for a family outing.

Family Friendly Dining

Lucca boasts an impressive array of trattorias and osterias that serve simple yet incredibly delicious Tuscan dishes, making it a wonderful destination for food enthusiasts. For families visiting this charming city, we highly recommend a few standout options:

Gigi Trattoria – This restaurant offers a warm and inviting atmosphere paired with traditional Tuscan dishes, all served with outstanding service. During our visit, we found this to be our favorite meal in Lucca. Be sure to try the Tordelli Lucchese, which is a delightful local specialty.
Osteria al Borgo – Known for its simple yet amazing dishes, this restaurant provides an authentic dining experience. It was here that our son Samuel playfully showed off his muscles while exclaiming he now possessed “pasta power,” which certainly added to the fun of the meal.
L’Angolo Tondo – Conveniently located in the picturesque Piazza dell’Anfiteatro, this trattoria beautifully blends traditional Tuscan meals with a modern twist, making for a unique culinary experience.
Gelateria Veneta – Known as one of the best gelato shops in Lucca, it’s a must-visit for anyone with a sweet tooth. We sampled numerous flavors, and I can confidently say we tried them all. The shop offers tons of fun flavors and generous portions that are sure to please everyone.
Ciacco – For something a little different, we enjoyed a quick lunch at Ciacco while both kids napped comfortably in the stroller. The menu features a variety of unique sandwiches and salads, perfect for those seeking a lighter meal option.

Each of these establishments brings something special to the table, making them worthwhile stops during your stay in Lucca.

Day Trips from Lucca

Pinocchio Park
Just a short 30-minute drive away, this charming park celebrates Carlo Collodi’s beloved character, Pinocchio. Visitors can enjoy an array of sculptures that bring the story to life, as well as a delightful puppet theater offering engaging performances. The park also features various play areas, making it a wonderful destination for families to explore and enjoy together.

Pisa
A quick and convenient train ride will bring you to the iconic Leaning Tower of Pisa. Children will love the fun experience of posing for photos as they pretend to hold up the famous tower, creating memorable moments during your visit. The surrounding area also offers charming sights, making it a perfect spot for a family outing.

Versilia Beaches
Approximately a 30-minute drive from your location, this picturesque stretch of coastline features family-friendly beaches known for their calm and inviting waters. For a small fee, you can rent comfortable beach chairs for the day, which also grants you access to various facilities provided by the establishments. These amenities may include a restaurant, playgrounds, swimming pools, and much more, ensuring a relaxing and enjoyable day by the sea for the whole family.

Travel Tips for Families

Get a Gelato Card: Lucca boasts some of the finest gelaterias in the region, and kids will absolutely love the experience of trying out different delicious flavors each day, creating lasting memories.

Plan Afternoon Breaks: Like many beautiful Italian cities, Lucca takes great pleasure in a slower pace during the afternoon, making it the perfect time for families to rest, relax, or enjoy some peaceful moments in the picturesque park.

Bring Comfortable Shoes: The charming cobblestone streets add to the beauty of Lucca, but they can also tire out little feet quite easily, so it's essential to prioritize comfort.

Where to Stay: There are many family-friendly hotels available for travelers, but we ultimately chose to stay at a charming Airbnb. While we truly enjoy staying at nice hotels with all their amenities, this particular choice offered a wonderful opportunity to really feel like we were living in the city and becoming part of the welcoming town atmosphere. It provided a unique experience that simply could not be replicated in a typical hotel environment.

Events: Lucca hosts a variety of events throughout the year, so it is always a good idea to check local calendars before deciding which week to visit, as this charming small town can become quite busy and lively during certain times. During our visit, we had the pleasure of experiencing a lovely wine tasting event, which we thoroughly enjoyed; however, it is worth noting that some of the larger festivals may not be as kid-friendly for families traveling with children. One particularly popular event is the Lucca Summer Festival, which takes place every July and features many world-renowned singers and performers. Planning your trip around this exciting festival could make for a fun and memorable experience.

Learn Some Italian Phrases: The friendly locals thoroughly appreciate even the simplest phrases such as grazie (thank you) or ciao (hello), and it can be an enjoyable endeavor for kids to practice their Italian language skills while interacting with them.

Lucca is more than just a charming and picturesque Tuscan town; it’s truly a wonderful haven for families seeking a delightful blend of fascinating history, rich culture, and endless fun-filled activities. Whether you’re there for a relaxing weekend escape or an adventurous week-long getaway, it’s the kind of enchanting place where cherished family memories are effortlessly created and treasured for many years to come. The unique atmosphere, combined with a variety of experiences, makes Lucca an ideal destination for families of all sizes.