They might like the
Galileo Museum I'd think most kids would think it's cool to see his finger (yes, it IS his finger LOL).
My son enjoyed the Palazzo Vecchio tower. He's not a "kid" anymore, but it's a pretty cool site and not as tough as the Dome climb.
We enjoyed Piazza della Signoria, in the evenings there were musicians to listen to. The Loggia right by the Uffizi there in the square has cool statues to look at. Have them search for the "Savaronolla Plaque" in the square. It marks the Bonfire of the Vanities he had during the Renaissance, and where he himself was burned, after being found guilty of heresy. It's a large, bronze plaque (like a drain cover) that is in front of the Fountain of Neptune. If you climb the Palazzo Vecchio tower, you'll see the cell where he was kept. It's an interesting story the kids might enjoy hearing about. Google it, there's a Youtube video about him, I believe.
There's also another smaller tower in the San Nicholas area of Florence that they might enjoy. As you walk there from the Pazza della Signoria, they'll enjoy the "Comman Man" statue, that looks like he's stepping off the edge down into the river. I have a photo of it
here
I have the Rick Steves book on Florence and Tuscany, here are some activities he recommends:
- Climbing the Dome (trust me - DO NOT attempt this with kids unless they are pretty athletic!)
- Palazzio Vecchio has a children's museum that requires reservations. (I didn't know this!)
www.palazzovecchio-familymuseum.it
- The Galalileo museum - but Rick warns that some of the museum's displays on childbirth may be inappropriate.
- The Museum of Precious Stones
- Uffizi Courtyard - lots of neat statues to look at - and this is FREE!
- Piazzale Michelangelo - but I think kids would be bored. It is a cool view of the city from there, though.
- A carousel is in Piazza della Republica. It's pretty cool.