View of Chianti hills
Italy with kids

Chianti with kids: all you need to know for a perfect trip

Visiting Chianti with kids: a practical travel guide to the best things to do in Chianti with children, accommodation for families, kid-friendly wineries and children’s attractions

Chianti is one of Italy’s most famous wine-producing regions and a stunning destination for a relaxing family vacation in Italy.

Located in Tuscany, between beautiful Siena and Florence, Chianti is a land of rolling hills, vineyards, castles and stunning landscapes.

It is a place to take in slowly, a place that wants you to unplug and take a few days off your busy schedule to sit in front of a beautiful view and do what this region does best: enjoy its sunsets while tasting local produce washed down by the famous local wine!

Because of its wine and slow travel vocation, Chianti may not immediately strike you as a child-friendly destination.

However, visiting Chianti with kids is possible and enjoyable!

Chianti has a lot to offer to families with children.

During a family stay in Chianti you can relax in beautiful country resorts with pools (summer), visit farms, go horse riding, visit small towns and you can visit wineries, of course, the most famous asset of this area (yes, visiting Chianti wineries with kids is possible!)

In this essential guide, I share all you need to know to plan a stay in Chianti with kids of all ages.

As always, I base all recommendations on my personal experience of the area and the several trips we have taken to this beautiful region as a family.

See also our other Tuscany guide:

Tuscany with kids – our essential guide to Tuscany for families

Guide to Val d’Orcia – regional guide to Tuscany’s Orcia Valley

Guide to Southern Tuscany with kids

Guide to Tuscany’s Etruscan Coast with kids

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Chianti with kids Map of main attractions and Chianti main towns

Chianti is a rural area in Tuscany, central Italy, and more precisely, between the towns of Florence, Siena and Arezzo.

Historically, the name Chianti only covers a small area around the villages of Gaiole, Radda and Castellina in Chianti.

However, over the centuries, this name developed to define a rather larger wine-producing area that stretches across areas of the provinces of Florence, Siena and Arezzo.

From a wine-producing point of view, wine produced in this area can use the prestigious denomination of Chianti Classico and use the iconic black rooster logo

From a tourism point of you, you may see Chianti referred to as ‘chianti fiorentino and ‘chianti senese’ (of Florence / of Siena) and you may see that the area often includes the surroundings of San Gimignano, which you can, indeed,, visit while staying in Chianti proper.

The whole of the Chianti area is wonderful and will give you the Tuscany wine-country experience you are after!

The following maps show the main localities in Chianti proper and, in a different color, localities you can easily reach from Chianti proper and where you can enjoy that quintessential Tuscany wine country experience you are after.

The best things to do in Chianti with kids

The best things to do in Chianti with kids include activities in Chianti proper and day trips to localities nearby.

At a glance, the best things to do in Chianti with kids include:

  • Visit wineries
  • Visit a ‘didactic farm’
  • Bring the kids to an adventure park
  • Go horse riding
  • Visit historical towns
  • Visit a castle
  • Take a cooking class
  • Go quad carting

I’ll start with wine tasting in Chianti with kids, by far the most sought-after activity in the area by families!

Go wine Tasting in Chianti with kids

Going wine tasting in Chianti with kids is easy and fun.

Chianti wineries tend to welcome kids, who can easily tag along, and some have special attention for children that make the visit special for them.

However, depending on what you are used to, wineries in Chianti may not be exactly how you can expect.

Unlike other wine regions, where wineries may offer playgrounds for kids and operate as full-day family destinations, wineries in Italy tend to be more production oriented.

In Chianti wineries, you don’t normally find playgrounds for kids or hands-on activities to partake in the production tasks. You are also expected to have the kids under your supervision at all times.

I recommend you read here >>> our guide to wine tasting in Tuscany with kids, to get a sense of the experience they offer.

However, some wineries love kids and have special attention for kids and a wonderful Chianti destination for families.

Kid-friendly wineries in Chianti come in all shapes and sizes.

Some of them are upscale estates that offer tours kids can tag along to. .

Others are wine-producing farms that also have animals and offer a more day-at-the-farm type of experience.

In this guide, I call the first ones ‘family-friendly wineries’ and the others ‘farms’. Let’s have a look at them!

Child-friendly wineries in Chianti you may like

Brolio Castle and Winery

Brolio is the stunning castle and winery of the Ricasoli family, who have owned and run this incredible estate since 1141!

Brolio castle with vines
The Brolio Castle is located in the production area of the famous Chianti Classico wine.

The Brolio winery and castle offer tours and wine tasting, they have an onsite restaurant and has something special for kids: a free, self-guided scavenger hunt in the castle’s estate!

While the wine tasting doesn’t offer activities for the kids, the overall experience, with the time in the garden and the hunt, is family-friendly and a great day out.

You can find tours, prices and info here >>> Brolio Castle and winery official website

Castello di Verrazzano winery

Castello di Verrazzano is a stunning castle and winery in Chianti and a wonderful place to visit with kids.

Towering over an estate of over 200 hectares, 52 of which are vineyards, the castle offers wine tours that allow you to see their gardens and cellar (the rows of barrels are cool to see), and has an option to also have lunch on dinner in their wonderful estate. An easy meal to enjoy with children.

View on Castello Verazzano, Greve in Chianti, Italy

Children and welcome and can participate in the tours for free or at a reduced price, depending on age.

The castle restaurant caters to the least adventurous eaters with simple yet delicious dished they can make for you on request.

While the tour is no for kids as such, the experience is kid friendly and popular with families with kids of all ages.

Website with all relevant info >>> https://verrazzano.com/

Palagio di Panzano

Palagio di Panzano is a beautiful child-friendly winery and country estate near Panzano, a foodie destination recently made famous by Dario Cecchini and his famous meat restaurants.

This winey offer different tour options that include a walk among the vines, wine tasting, olive oil tasting (seasonal) and the option to accompany your visit with a platter of local delicacies.

Kids are welcome and the atmosphere is warm, informal and family-friendly.

Good to know: is an overnight stay is possible as the estate also operates and a country resort.

Info and website >>> https://palagiodipanzano.com/

Salvadonica

Salvadonica is a famous winery in San Casciano Val di Pesa, in the heart of Chianti.

The estate is stunning and child-friendly.

Here, as well as classic wine tours, you can also book a picnic in the vineyard which comes with a basket of local produce and, of course, the estate’s wine.

A kids’ menu is available and the informal picnic atmosphere is a great way to mic wine tasting with a child-friendly day outdoors.

Good to know: the estate also offers accommodation in family rooms and an onsite restaurant.

Find info, contact and offers here >>> https://www.salvadonica.com/

Cantine Antinori

Cantine Antinori is a modern, wine-producing estate famous for the quality of its wines but also for its stunning property, often mentioned as one of the most beautiful wine estates in the world!

The estate is nothing like others in the area and it’s a vision of modern architecture, landscaping and winemaking, a destination loved by wine lovers and experts from all over.

Cantine Antinori has an upscale feel and while the estate doesn’t have tours or activities for kids, it has a wonderful terrace restaurant that is easy to enjoy as a family and a great place for a family walk.

Find info, contacts and booking options here >>> https://www.antinori.it/en/tenuta/estates-antinori/antinori-nel-chianti-classico-estate/

The ‘borgo’ is wonderful to explore and kids are welcome: here you can go wine tasting but also have lunch in their upscale Rinuccio 1180 restaurant, overlooking the vines.

Due to the feel and atmosphere of the place, I recommend this experience especially to families with older children who can enjoy a sit down meal.

La Volpaia

Volpaia is a very unique place: a tiny medieval village transformed in its entirety into a winery!

Here you can have wine-tasting sessions (kids are welcome to tag along) but you can also come for a meal or an overnight stay.

Food offerings include the estate restaurant, bakery (thing pizza and fresh bread!) and gelato cart.

Kids are welcome and while the tasting experience is not for them as such, the huge barrels and the overall setup make it a pleasant destination for families.

Website >> https://volpaia.com/en/#volpaia

medieval Village in Tuscany with old street lamp and stone buildings
street in tuscan small town, Volpaia, TUscany, Italy, Europe

Visit a Didactic farm (with wine tasting option)

Didactic farms, the Italian equivalent of a petting farm, are wonderful places to visit with kids and a fantastic way to experience Chianti with kids.

Here, children can see animals, spend a day outdoors, and often join fam-centered activities to learn about farming life.

Since we are in Tuscany, you know that this will be accompanied by the option of tasting amazing local food and wine!

Chianti farms for kids you may like are:

La Palagina (also offers wine tasting)

This is a lovely, very child-friendly farm offering a plethora of farm activities for kids and adults alike.

Here, the kids can:

  • Meet the animals
  • Visit and learn about the vegetable garden
  • Learn about the work of bees
  • Participate in a basket-weaving workshop
  • Participate in a family-friendly cooking class

Kids can also accompany you in a family-friendly wine tasting, during which they can personalize your bottle while you sip away or partake in a picnic in the vineyard with a basket of farm goodies and wine for the adults.

Address and contact: https://fattorialapalagina.it/

Fattoria Casabianca (also offers wine tasting)

Fattoria Casabianca is a child-friendly wine farm and vineyard in Bucine, only a short drive from Gaiole in Chianti.

The farm offers several kid-friendly activities such as a walk with alpacas or the opportunity to meet the farm animals from up close.

The farm also offers cellar tours with tasting and picnics in the vineyard, which is a family-friendly way to enjoy their wine in a beautiful setting.

Address and contact >>> https://www.fattoria-casabianca.it/

Chianti Cashmere goat farm

Chianti Cashmere is the largest Cashmere Goat farm in Italy and a fun place to visit with kids.

Located in the stunning Volpaia valley, in the heart of Chianti, the farm is the only certified Wildlife Friendly Farm in Europe and is dedicated to getting the public quante with the adorable cashmere goats.

The farms offer visits to kids and adults, offer the option of a country lunch with their goat’s products and even offer activities such as shepherd for a day and goat camps if you want to get even more familiar with their cute goats!

Activities are tailor-made to your group and must be booked in advance.

Address and contact >>> https://www.chianticashmere.com/en/

Take a cooking class

Cianti is famous for food as well as wine and it is therefore a great place to take a kid-friendly cooking class.

Some family cooking experiences you may like are:

La Palagina – already mentioned above as a lovely farm for kids, La Palagina offers fun cooking classes do the whole families.

Website with info, contacts and booking form: https://fattorialapalagina.it/

Jul’s Kitchen – Jul’s Kitchen is the cooking school of the well-known food blog by the same name and is run by a food-passionate local mom. The classes are a full immersion in Tuscan flavors and are kid-friendly, the menu getting adjusted to please the palate of children.

Website with info, contacts etc >>> https://en.julskitchen.com/tuscan-cooking-classes

Good to know: many agirurismo offer cooking classes to their guests. see below for some good options!

Go to an adventure park

CHianti has some nice adventure park for kids, perfect for a day out ziplining.

  • Saltalbero Adventure park, Loc. Fontemaggio, 25, 53040 Rapolano Terme SI, Italy

This park offers tree-top trails for kids aged 3 and up and has a cafe/restaurant refreshment area serving family-friendly Tuscan fare.

Website >>> https://www.saltalbero.it/en/

  • Parco Avventura il Gigante, Via Fiorentina, 50036 Pratolino FI, Italy

Immediately outside of Florence and in front of the beautiful Villa Demidoff, where kids can see the stunning ‘Appenine Colossus’ (see photo below! You can learn about the Pratolino Giant here), this is an adventure park with treetop trails for kids age 3 and up. Food is available at the online cafe.

  • Vingigliata adventure park, Via Vincigliata, 21, 50014 Fiesole FI, Italy

Located in Fiesole, on the hills immediately outside Florence, Vincigliata Adventure Park has treetop trails, a playground and ‘net experience’ open to children from age 2 onwards.

Website >>> https://treeexperience.it/parco-avventura-vincigliata/

Go horse riding

Chianti is a great area for going horse riding with children. You can find horse riding opportunities offered by country stays, often offering to ride as one of the activities for guests, or you can get lessons or sometimes walks from local ‘maneggio‘ (stable).

You may like to check out:

Chianti Horse Riding >>> https://www.chiantihorseriding.it/

Podere Il Poggiolo >>> https://www.podereilpoggiolo.it/servizi/agriturismo-chianti-fiorentino-con-maneggio.html

Visit a castle

Chianti is a land of beautiful castles, come open to visitors. Some you may enjoy are:

Rocca di Staggia – a wonderful castle to visit with kids, regularly offering family event on Sundays ( a good opportunity to try meet local kids!).

Castello di Meleto, a wonderful castle and wine estate with onsite restaurant with outdoor tables

Brolio Castle, already mentioned, is a gorgeous castle estate belonging to the Ricasoli family, where you can enjoy wine tasting, a meal and also treat the kids to a scavenger hunt in the castle garden.

Explore the most beautiful towns in Chianti

Chianti is dotted with medieval hamlets and small villages which are a delight to visit an all ages.

Pretty towns to visit in Chianti and nearby, easy to reach from your Chianti home are:

Greve and Montefioralle

Greve is a pleasant and dynamic small town with some historic food shops and a central square, often hosting local food events.

On top of the town, you have the delightful Montefioralle, which seems out of a Tuscany travel brochure!

A popular restaurant is La Castellana is in Greve, which attracts vivisotrs from all over.

Panzano

Panzano is another small yet dynamic town in Chianti, famous for being the birthplace of Dario Cecchini, butcher and restaurateur you may heave seen on TV and streaming services.

The town is of great interest for foodies from all over the world and it is a pleasant place to visit for a few hours and eat (of course!)

Pratolino and Villa Demidoff

Villa Demidoff is one of the Medici’s Villas on the list of Unesco World Heritage Sites and it is a beautiful place to visit with kids, especially thanks to one special thing: a colossal statue of a giant!

Statue of giant of Pratolino near Florence tuscany

I got very excited when I discovered the giant and I believe many kids will love to see it.

However, when my kids did, they were less than impressed: while huge, the giant is a statue and, in the words of my 4-year-old son, ‘it doesn’t move’ and it is therefore not of interest…. Seriously, kids!

I still find this an excellent place for kids (the giant is in a beautiful garden), but I guess the type of child you have may make a difference here!

Adventurous kids will love the adventure park just in front, Il Gigante (see above).

Monteriggioni

Monteriggioni is a stunning medieval castle town perched on top of a hill offering stunning views of the Chianti area.

Monteriggioni is fabulous with kids and a fantastic place to visit or have lunch in for a couple of hours.

The town is walled and still feels like a medieval castle.

Here, kids can run around the main historic piazza, dress up in the local medieval museum and older kids can also join their parents in walking along the tall city walls.

You can read here >>> our guide to Monteriggioni with kids

my kids in Monteriggioni
These are my kids in Monteriggioni!

Siena

Siena is one of the most beautiful towns in Italy and a fantastic place to visit with kids of primary school age and up especially.

The towns has two main landmarks worth seeing, famous Piazza del Campo and the Duomo, but it is also a pleasant and beautiful city to experience how a medieval town would have felt like. Its state of conservation is wonderful!

You can read here >>> how to visit Siena with kids

visiting Siena piazza del Campo

Firenze

No need to introduce Florence, however, I know it comes as a surprise to many to hear how kid-friendly Florenc really is!

Far from being only a place for erudite art lovers, Florence has beauty and art that can be enjoyed at all ages and levels of knowledge and has some cool child-friendly attractions too.

Things to do here with kids include the great merry-go-round in Piazza della Repubblica, the Interactive Leonardo Museum, the Selfie museum and much more.

You can find here >>> my guide to visiting Florence with kids

Where to stay in Chianti with kids

Chianti offers great accommodation options to families with kids. Some you may enjoy are:

Borgo La Capraia – family-friendly agrituirsmo with a pool and restaurant, well positioned for nearby activities that include cooking classes, horse riding, quad biking etc.

Salvadonica – beautiful, family-friendly winery and country stay with pool, restaurant, wine tasting on site etc.

La Palagina – both a villa and a farm stay (make sure you select the type of stay that best matches your travel style), La Palagina offers rooms and activities in a beautiful rural setting,

Fattoria La loggia – a beautiful property in the heart of Chianti offering self catering accommodation, outdoor pool, a restaurant on site and the option to book activities such as wine tasting, horse riding, picnic and excursions.

Podere il poggiolo – country stay offering rooms and apartments with a restaurant onsite, swimming pools, stables (horse riding and riding classes available) and farm animals

How to get around Chianti

The best way to visit Chianti is by car. Country properties are not served by public transport and most town only have limited public services connection, often served by buses.

Private drivers in Chianti, like in the rest of Italy, are a costly option. Therefore, unless you are traveling on a very generous budget, I do not recommend you plan to stay in Chianti without a car if you are planning on moving around a lot.

For the occasional trip, however, you can find local services such as this one which has been recommended by many people in my Italy with kids group on Facebook, which you can join here >>> Italy with Kids Facebook Group

I hope you enjoyed this quick guide to visiting Chianti with kids and it helped you plan your stay. Safe travels!

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Marta Correale is an Italian mama of two. Born and raised in Rome, Marta has a passion for travel and especially enjoys showing off Italy to her kids, who are growing up to love it as much as she does! A classics graduate, teacher of Italian as a second language and family travel blogger, Marta launched Mama Loves Italy as a way to inspire, support and help curious visitors to make the most of a trip to Italy and learn about Italian culture on the way.