9 Things to do in Cortona, Italy with Kids
- Jana Mascioni
- Sep 27, 2019
- 3 min read
Updated: Dec 17, 2019
Cortona, Italy was made famous worldwide from the movie “Under the Tuscan Sun,” where much of the film was shot. Tourist visit this hilltop town to experience the culture and charm of Cortona for themselves. The slow pace and walkability within the city make Cortona a wonderful destination for family travel.
There is much to see in Cortona, from Piazzas, Churches, the Monastery of Saint Francis “Le Celle” to Etruscan tombs. My following list focuses on kid-friendly activities the whole family will enjoy in Cortona.
1. Fortezza del Girifalco: Older kids will enjoy the 15-minute steep hike up a hill to see the remains of a Medici fortress. It’s the highest point in town with views over the Val di Chiana to Lago Trasimeno in Umbria. Check the website to view opening times and ticket prices. They also hold events such as concerts and workshops.
2. Fattoria Bistecca: Tour a farm in the Cortona countryside! Kids will love this family farm home to ponies, chickens, hens, geese, ducks, doves and sheep. Visit their website to learn more about their cheese-making classes, cooking classes and Farm Tour that includes a Traditional Country Dinner.
3. Il Museo ai Borghi: Especially fun for toddlers and kids who love machinery like tractors. Different than the ancient museums that can be found around Italy, the museum captures life in the Italian countryside in the first half of the twentieth century. Kids can walk through a replica of a typical farmers kitchen, bedroom, cellar, stables, and shed. Many antique tractors, threshing machines, and other agricultural tools are on display. Visit the website for ticket information and times.
4. A Bike Tour of the countryside: Active families will love the chance to create a customized tour with “Do It In Tuscany” to cycle along quiet country lanes visiting small family-owned farms and stopping for a picnic in a beautiful setting. Contact “Do It In Tuscany” for more information about booking.
5. Agriturismo Il Frantoio: Ride horses through the hills of Tuscany while passing vineyards and olive orchards. For more information, contact the Agriturismo through their facebook page. They are fluent in English, French and Italian.
6. MAEC Museum: The Museum of the Etruscan civilization is inside the historical Palazzo Casali. The museum holds artifacts starting with the prehistoric times to the Iron age. What kids will love about this museum are the tactile areas set up around the museum. The original idea for replicating artifacts that you can touch is so the blind may enjoy experience the museum as well, but it is also a great bonus for kids who want to touch everything!
7. A Gelato Tasting Competition: Cortona is known for having amazing gelato. While there, make a point to visit the top-rated gelaterias. Take notes to compare and choose your family favorite.
8. Piazza della Repubblica: The steps of Palazzo Comunale (town hall) in the Piazza is the perfect place for sitting down with a gelato or a slice of pizza to take in the medieval atmosphere surrounded by cafés, restaurants and small shops. Younger kids can run around the small piazza, and older kids will enjoy the people watching. Often in the summer months there will be live music played in the piazza in the evenings.
9. The public gardens: Just to the East of the town center you will find the public gardens with tree-lined walking paths and a playground for kids. Pack a picnic and enjoy the lovely green space and Fontana dei Delfini.
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