‘Firenze dei Bambini’ Children’s Festival

Firenze dei Bambini, a two-day program just for kids, will take place from May 19 to 21.

Curious children will be able to discover, learn, explore, and most importantly: have fun with music, technology, art, and more. Learning workshops, courses, and events for every interest are open to girls, boys and their families; all are free.

The festival begins Friday at 6 pm at the Opera di Firenze where children and their families perform a live revamping of a song from “Cinderella” in a Musical Chorus.

On Saturday, in conjunction with European Museum Night, ages 6 – 12 are invited to camp out in Palazzo Vecchio’s 15th century Salone dei Cinquecento with their sleeping bags. Participants are asked to bring flashlights.

In Palazzo Vecchio, kids can follow in the Medici footsteps by acting as real interlocutors of the City Council. Here, children will Reinvent Florence and make their voices heard by placing their ideas in a box.

At Le Murate, children can take place in Action Painting, using their brushes, hands, and feet to create their own unique art pieces.

At the Novecento museum of 20th century art, scientifically-minded kids can take part in shaping times to come. Futuristic Experiences that use the newest technology allows children to talk to robots, travel into the future, draw for Minecraft, and create their own films and cartoons.

The Osepdale degli Innocenti will host Artisan Workshops of all kinds including classes in ceramics, engraving, carpentry, fragrances, costumes and wigs.

In the Bardini museum, participants will be encouraged to take part in a selfie challenge while at the San Niccolò Tower, kids will literally take flight in a Circus Workshop. After an adventure packed day, families will relax along the Arno where games and socializing will take place.

The Cascine Park hosts the City of Nature where children can experiment with herbs, marvel at the magic of water and nature, and take part in a nature treasure hunt. Nearby, the Visitor Center will hold the City of Food to teach kids about a healthy diet, followed by a nutritionally based scavenger hunt. For more information, visit www.firenzebambini.it. (danna friedman)