This July, Florence welcomes its second Starbucks on via dei Cerretani and the lines have been stretched out the door and beyond. When you step inside the establishment, the cool air provides relief from the oppressive summer heat, while the pastel pink walls with gold and green accents complement that of the famous Cathedral just steps away. Once inside, pandemonium ensues, with shouts of coffee orders and a combination of questions and compliments [...]
Pitti Immagine and its theme, “Pitti Games,” is best characterized by playfulness and creativity at the Pitti Bimbo children’s fashion trade fair, taking place at the Fortezza da Basso from June 21 – 23. Unveiling styles for spring/summer 2024, Pitti Bimbo 97, open only to buyers and the press, the event draws in children’s play with a carefree quality. Inspired by jumping into challenges, forming alliances, and embracing the spirit of exploration, [...]
Bring your kids along for a few hours of learning and fun cultural exchange on May 13: storytelling and activities, aimed at children aged 4 to 10, will be taking place at Labsitters House. Hosted by Bee-Bilingual, a community of mothers in Florence raising bilingual kids, their goal is to encourage youngsters to learn and cultivate a second language. The group will be reading ‘The Bear Who Would Not Share,’ written by Graham [...]
A brand new Ditta Artigianale opened its doors in Piazza Ferrucci on March 30, the Florentine coffee chain’s fifth location in 10 years of business. Despite its location — slightly off the beaten path for the average tourist — the café has already been attracting customers due to its distinctiveness and cultivated charm. Plenty of seating, an outdoor bar shaded by colorful umbrellas, flora, and greenery, and an adjacent bakery and newsstand, [...]
The Bardini garden will be hosting a treasure hunt for all ages on Monday, April 10. This treasure hunt, primarily designed for families with children ages 4 – 10, will encourage and allow guests to to roam and discover the grounds of the beautiful Bardini garden. Not only will there be a treasure hunt, but book readings will be held throughout the green space. The park features orchards, rose bushes, irises, hydrangeas and [...]
Sat. 18: CHILDREN’S CARNIVAL. Piazza Ognissanti. 2 – 6 pm. Free admission. Children and parents alike, in costumes or masks, can spend a carefree afternoon enjoying entertainment and games. Fun activities, such as papier-mâché crafts, games, and face painting will be provided throughout the carnival. Sweets like cotton candy, peanut brittle, and brigidini (aniseed-flavored wafers), will be available for purchase. An electric train will take passengers on a scenic tour of Lungarno Vespucci. Families can listen [...]
Much like Santa, the elderly Italian witch, La Befana, who fills the stockings of children on the night of January 5, has the power of appearing simultaneously in different places. This is true in Florence on Epiphany, January 6, which is the feast both of the Three Kings and La Befana. She will continue her generosity to children all day in the city of the Renaissance. Here are her scheduled appearances: IN TOWN [...]
There are two Christmas activities this week planned for the whole family. All ages can get into the holiday spirit by joining the festive fun! Thursday, Dec. 15: CHRISTMAS WREATH MAKING WORKSHOP. St. Mark’s English Church, via Maggio 16. 8 pm. Open to all ages, participants only need to bring a wire coat hanger; fir branches and decorations will be supplied, which, along with refreshments, are included in the €10 fee. Reservations [...]
Wild Buns is a Scandinavian bakery on Via di Camaldoli, 1/c in the Oltrarno neighborhood. The newest local craze, the café is a small but lovely little place in a cute area of Florence. When you walk in, you’re immediately surrounded by the rich smell of baking and specialty coffee, all made locally. After three on-off years of welcoming guests at various pop-up locations, Wild Buns finally found a permanent home in [...]
The countdown to the end of October is on, and a pre-Halloween Eve event is taking place in Florence! The Children’s Lending Library and Bee-lingual are hosting a pumpkin carving event and themed book reading in English on Sunday, October 23. This activity is wonderful at this time of year. It really brings forward the spirit of the harvest season. Halloween may not be as widely celebrated in Europe as it is [...]
