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Pisa is a legendary city and one of the most popular in Tuscany, Italy. There is an airport in Pisa, and it is a great stop before heading to Florence, Volterra, or any of the other cities in Tuscany. You’ll be amazed by this stunning city and the number of things you can do in Pisa with kids, beyond the popular Leaning Tower of Pisa.
Things to Do in Pisa With Kids
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Things to Know About Pisa With Kids
- Currency: The currency in Pisa, Italy, is the Euro. Make sure you check the current exchange rate before your trip, since rates change often.
- Language: The primary language spoken in Pisa, Italy, is Italian; however, English is widely spoken in tourist areas.
- Visa: Americans can visit Italy for up to 90 days for tourism or business without a visa. ETIAS is expected to start in late 2026 for visa-exempt travelers, so always check entry rules before you travel. If you are not American, you may need a Schengen Visa. I also recommend reading my Ultimate Guide to Traveling Internationally With Kids before planning a larger trip to Europe.
- Car Seats: If you plan to rent a car, then you’ll need to take your car seat. You can always rent a car seat from any car rental company, such as RentalCars.com, Car Rental 8, or Skyscanner Car Rentals. Make sure to check if they have the size you need in advance. We traveled with 4 kids, and because their 5-point-harness car seats would have been too bulky, we opted for their Mifold booster travel seats.
- Stroller: Some areas have cobblestone streets,s so keep that in mind when taking your stroller. We stopped using strollers a while back, so we prefer to travel with scooters, and they don’t mind riding them all over.
How many days do you need in Pisa with kids?
- Minimum: 1 full day
- Ideal length: 2 to 4 days
- Day 1 focus: Leaning Tower and Piazza dei Miracoli
- Day 2 focus: Arno River, Old Town, parks, and gelato
- Extra time: Viareggio, Florence, Volterra, or Tuscany
Traveling To Pisa With Kids
We flew Ryanair from London Stansted Airport (STN) to Pisa International Airport (PSA) with kids – the flight was about 2 hours and 10 minutes. I booked our plane tickets on Skyscanner, and it cost me $56.40 for all 6 tickets!! Make sure you download the Skyscanner App also to find such great ticket prices. If you are already in Italy, you can purchase tickets on Italia Rail to get from one part of the country to another.
Our trip started in Copenhagen & Billund, Denmark -> London, UK -> Pisa & Florence & Volterra, Italy -> Fez & the Sahara Desert, Morocco -> Barcelona, Spain.
Best Time to Travel to Pisa with Kids
You can travel to Pisa with kids at any time of the year, and you will not be disappointed. If you are on a budget, the best time to travel to Pisa with kids is during the off-season. You will love the perfect weather this season, and prices will not be as high as in the summer, which is always crowded and hot.
If you are planning more international trips after Italy, you can also check out my guides to Tokyo, Japan, with kids; the best time to travel to Portugal; and day-tripping to Tijuana with kids.
What Is The Weather Like in Pisa, Italy?
- June – September: This is the summer season,n and it is the hottest time to travel to Pisa with kids as the average temperature can go up till 86oF/3.0o It is best to take along sunglasses and sunscreen with you to avoid the direct sun rays, and book a hotel, Airbnb, VRBO, or vacation rental with a pool. This is the peak season,n and the prices can be quite high.
- October – March: This is the winter season in Pi,sa; the temperature can drop as low as 41°F/5 °C in December and January. It is best to bring an umbrella in February and March, as it might rain. You will get smaller crowds during this season, and sightseeing is quite pleasant, with prices quite low.
- April – May: This is the spring season in Pisa, with pleasant weather and moderate prices. There will be shorter queues during this season, but some shops and cafes may be closed.
We traveled to Pisa with kids in October,r and although considered the start of Winter, the weather was great – Sunny and Warm!! It was a great change coming from Copenhagen, Billund and London. There were still lots of crowds, but prices were more reasonable than in summer.
Transportation Options in Pisa with Kids
Taxi: Pisa has a fixed taxi fare that applies to all licensed taxi operators. Cooperative Pisana Tassisti operates the taxi service in Pisa and provides 24-hour service from the airport to wherever you need to go in Pisa with kids. There is an easy-to-find taxi stand in front of the airport, and you can call for a pickup at 050-541600. You can also book directly on their website. Another option is to use TaxiCaller right from your phone to book a ride.
Uber/Lyft: There is no Lyft in Pisa. However, in smaller cities, Uber may be limited, so taxis are usually the easier option.
Public Transportation: Several bus and train lines can take you around Pia. Another option is the Pisa Hop-On & Hop-Off Bus.
Rental Car: If you plan to rent a car in Pisa, you can do so right from the airport. There is a free shuttle that will take you from the airport to the rental car center. We rented a car from Maggiore and booked through Skyscanner for a great deal. Our 7-seater rental car cost $256.91 for 5 nights. We used Mifold booster seats for the kids.
Where to Stay in Pisa with Kids
Many family-friendly hotels in Pisa offer amenities such as cribs and on-site restaurants with children’s menus. You can choose from the options listed below, or check Hotels Combined and TripAdvisor, which also have many other options.
Where To Stay In Pisa With Kids
- Hotel San Ranieri: Located in a strategic place, it is close to the airport, hospital, bus station, and many tourist attractions. Pets are allowed at this hotel, and there is a restaurant where you can enjoy delicious meals.
- Hotel Di Stefano: This hotel is within walking distance of the Leaning Tower of Pisa. The best part of this hotel is the free breakfast. Pets are also allowed in this hotel.
- Hotel Pisa Tower: This hotel is close to Pisa’s Piazza dei Miracoli and the Leaning Tower of Pisa. They offer free breakfast! It is located right next to bus stops, the train station, and the airport.
- Hotel Bristol: Located outside the main town, with free parking. The rooms are spacious and equipped with a hot tub, refrigerator, and minibar. There is also a tennis court.
- Camping Village Torre Pendente: This hotel is filled with children’s activities and is located between the world-famous Leaning Tower and the San Rossore Natural Park. It is situated just outside the city center and next to the train stations.
- Boccaccio Hotel: Your entire family will be comfortably accommodated in these non-smoking suites, and you will feel at home. There is a grand play area where your kids can have fun.
Best Things to Do in Pisa with Kids
Keep in mind that Pisa isn’t a very big city, so 2 to 4 days here should be perfect. If you want to book tours in Pisa so you don’t have to figure out the city on your own, that’s a great idea too.
- Leaning Tower of Pisa: This is a must-see in Pisa, the city’s main tourist hotspot. The tower was built in the 12th century, and its foundation was found to be unstable, causing it to lean. The best thing to do here is to climb to the top of the tower for stunning views of the city.
Please note that only children who have turned 8 by the end of the year can climb up the tower, and an adult must accompany kids under 18. The climb has 251 steps and takes about 30 minutes, so keep that in mind before booking tickets. - Old Town: This area is located at the northwest corner of the Campo dei Miracoli. You can climb up the ancient tower for the scenic views of all the buildings in the piazza. All ages can climb this tower, making it a good alternative if your kids are not old enough to climb the Leaning Tower of Pisa.
- Duomo Cathedral and Baptistery: The Tower of Pisa was built to serve as the bell tower for this magnificent cathedral. You and your kids will be amazed by the cathedral’s high ceiling. You will also see the large, rounded Baptistery where baptisms were performed and the gorgeous Pisano marble pulpit.
Did you even visit the Leaning Tower of Pisa, hehe? If you didn’t attempt this? haha 🙂
What are the best things to do in Pisa with kids?
1. Climb the Leaning Tower, ages eight and up
2. Explore Piazza dei Miracoli and the Duomo
3. Walk from the Field of Miracles to the Arno
4. Take a boat ride on the Arno River
5. Let kids play on the tower lawn
Other Fun Things To Do In Pisa With Kids
- Stroll from the field of miracles to the Arno River
- Go on a boat ride on the Arno River
- Go on a day trip to Viareggio
- Visit the Riverside art gallery
- National Museum of San Matte
- Palazzo della Carovana, also known as Knights Square
- Go sightseeing at Santa Maria Della Spina
- Take a kid’s fun walking tour
- Let them run around and burn off energy on the grass in front of the Leaning Tower of Pisa.
- Shop for souvenirs
Best Pisa Parks and Playgrounds for Kids
- Parco Regionale Migliarino San Rossore Massaciuccoli
- Parco Don Bosco
- Giardino Scotto
Where to Eat in Pisa with Kids
- I porci Comodi
- La Bottega del Gelato
- II Peperoncino
- India Ristorante
- Strittendfud
- Ristorante Il Granaio
- Gelateria Gentile
- Gelateria Gunny
- Allabona Pisa
- Nishiki Koi Sushi and Fusion
- Spaghetteria Alle Bandierine
- McDonald’s
- Ikea
Best Tips for Visiting Pisa With Kids on a Budget
- Exploring the city on your own: the best way to explore Pisa with kids is to walk around and visit all the historic landmarks, since the sites are quite close to one another.
- Avoid restaurants close to city landmarks: If you are on a budget, it is better to avoid restaurants and stores near major tourist attractions in the city. It is best to shop and eat in the city’s remote areas, as prices are much lower.
- Drink the tap water: It is okay to drink tap water when in Pisa with kids. Asking for bottled water at every meal can get expensive. There are also several water fountains around the city for you to use, so make sure you have a water bottle with you.
- Indulge in pizza: Since eating out every day can get expensive, pizza is a more affordable option. Plus, it’s Italy – the land of pizza.
What other countries did we visit on this trip?
- Denmark
- United Kingdom
- Italy
- Morocco
- Spain
Frequently Asked Questions About Visiting Pisa With Kids
1. Is Pisa safe for families with kids?
Yes, Pisa is generally safe for families with kids. Like in many busy tourist cities, you should still watch your bags, especially around train stations, buses, and crowded landmarks. I also recommend holding hands near traffic and keeping kids close around the Leaning Tower area.
2. When is the best time to visit Pisa with kids?
The best time to visit Pisa with kids is spring or fall. April, May, September, and October usually bring better weather, fewer crowds, and more comfortable sightseeing days. Summer can still be fun, but it gets hot and crowded, so plan early mornings and shaded breaks.
3. How expensive is Pisa for a family?
Pisa can be affordable for a family if you walk, eat away from major landmarks, drink tap water, and visit in the off-season. Your highest costs will likely be flights, hotels, rental cars, and paid attractions like the Leaning Tower of Pisa.
4. What age is best for visiting Pisa?
Pisa works for kids of all ages, but kids 8 and older may enjoy it more because they can climb the Leaning Tower. Younger kids can still enjoy the tower lawn, gelato stops, boat rides, parks, and easy walks around the city.
Top Travel With Kids Tips
Traveling with kids and have a few questions you need answers to, the posts below will help your trip run smoothly.
- Best Travel Gear For Kids
- How To Travel With Kids Internationally Alone
- Top Must-Have Items When Traveling With Kids
- Everything You Need To Know About Traveling With A Car Seat
Book Your Trip: Logistical Tips and Tricks
Book Your Flight
Find the best flight deals with Skyscanner. It searches airlines and travel sites around the world so you can compare routes, schedules, and prices in one place.
Book Your Accommodation
Book family-friendly hotels, apartments, resorts, and vacation rentals with Booking.com. It’s an easy way to compare accommodations and find the right fit for your family and budget.
Don’t Forget Travel Insurance
Travel insurance can help protect your trip in case of unexpected delays, cancellations, lost luggage, or medical emergencies. Before your next international trip, check Nomad Insurance for coverage options.
Want to Travel for Free?
Travel credit cards can help you earn points and miles that can be redeemed for flights, hotels, and other travel expenses. Check out my recommended travel credit card resources to start making your travel budget go further.
Need a Rental Car?
Use Discover Cars to compare rental car options and find competitive rates worldwide. It’s a simple way to compare prices and find the best option for your trip.
Need Help Finding Activities for Your Trip?
Viator makes it easy to discover tours, attractions, day trips, and local experiences. Whether you’re looking for family-friendly activities or unique adventures, you’ll find plenty of options to enhance your trip.
Shopping for Travel Essentials?
From packing organizers and travel gear to family travel must-haves, you can find many of my favorite travel essentials on Amazon.
Ready to Book Your Trip?
If you’d like extra support planning your next adventure, explore curated travel experiences through Rooted Journeys, where we help families discover meaningful and memorable travel experiences around the world.