Siena with Kids: A Practical Family Guide to Things to Do

Things to Do, Practical Tips & Fun Ideas for All Ages

@Matteo Albertazzi

Siena is one of the most beautiful cities in Tuscany — but many parents wonder:

Is Siena really suitable for children?

The answer is yes… if you know where to go and how to experience it.

With the right mix of outdoor spaces, hands-on activities and relaxed pacing, Siena can become a memorable family adventure rather than a stressful sightseeing marathon.

This guide is designed for international families traveling with kids, from younger children to tweens and teens.

Is Siena good for kids?

Short answer: yes — with the right approach.

Siena is:

• compact and walkable

• rich in open spaces where kids can move freely

• full of stories, legends and medieval settings that spark curiosity

What can be challenging?

• steep streets

• long museum visits

• too many “look but don’t touch” experiences

That’s why mixing outdoor play, short activities and interactive moments makes all the difference.

Best things to do in Siena with kids

1. Piazza del Campo: space to move, play and relax

@Siegfried Poepperl

Piazza del Campo is one of the best places in Siena for families.

Kids can:

• run safely in the open shell-shaped square

• sit on the brick slope

• watch street performers

• enjoy a gelato break

💡 Tip for parents: plan this stop after lunch — it works as a natural energy release moment.

2. Orto de’ Pecci: nature inside the city

@lapropostacooperativasociale.it

Just a few minutes from the historic center, this green area feels like countryside in the city.

Why kids love it:

• animals (donkeys, goats, chickens)

• wide green spaces

• no pressure to be quiet or still

Perfect for:

• younger children

• picnic breaks

• slowing down the pace

3. Kid-friendly museums (choose wisely)

Not all museums are ideal for children — but a few work well if visits are short and focused.

Good options:

• Natural history museums

• Art museums with storytelling elements

• Exhibitions with models, visuals or guided narratives

⏱️ Keep visits under 45–60 minutes to avoid overload.

4. Walk Siena as a story, not as a checklist

Instead of ticking monuments off a list, turn the city into a story:

• medieval rivalries

• hidden symbols on buildings

• legends linked to streets and squares

This approach works especially well with kids aged 7+, who enjoy puzzles, mysteries and challenges more than explanations.

(This mindset will matter later 😉)

Siena with tweens & teens (9–14 years)

This age group is often the hardest to entertain while traveling.

What usually doesn’t work:

• long guided tours

• passive museum visits

• adult-focused storytelling

What works much better:

• autonomy

• challenges and missions

• interactive discovery

• feeling “part of the experience”

That’s why families with tweens often look for experiences, not attractions.

👉 If this sounds familiar, you’ll find a dedicated section for this age group later in the guide.

Practical tips for visiting Siena with children

Getting around

• Siena’s historic center is mostly pedestrian

• Expect hills and uneven streets

• Comfortable shoes are essential

Timing matters

• Morning: explore and walk

• Early afternoon: rest / park / square

• Late afternoon: short activity or playful exploration

Food breaks

• Siena is very family-friendly when it comes to food

• Many trattorias are relaxed with kids

• Gelato breaks are a lifesaver 😄

How many days in Siena with kids?

• Half day: Piazza del Campo + relaxed walk

• 1 full day: square, green space, one short activity

• 2 days: slower pace + interactive experiences

Siena works best when you don’t rush it.

Looking for something more interactive?

Some families prefer not to “visit” Siena, but to experience it together.

If your children:

• get bored easily

• love games and riddles

• enjoy discovering things on their own

then interactive city exploration can turn Siena into a shared adventure.

👉 In the next part of this guide, we focus specifically on how to keep tweens and teens engaged in Siena, with concrete ideas and experiences designed for ages 9–14.

👉 Continue here: How to Keep Kids & Teens (9–14) Engaged in Siena

FAQ – Siena with kids

Is Siena stroller-friendly?

Partially. Some areas are steep or uneven, but baby carriers work well.

Is Siena too boring for kids?

Only if experienced passively. With the right activities, it becomes a playground of stories and discoveries.

What age is best for visiting Siena?

Siena works very well for children 6+, and especially for ages 9–14 with interactive experiences.