My Top 9 Toddler Approved Activities in Lucca

Bringing a toddler on an international trip might sound daunting (and it sort of is), but I'm here to tell you that Lucca, Italy, is an absolute dream destination for families with little ones. We recently returned from a magical trip with our 16-month-old son, and it was filled with so many joyful, toddler-friendly moments.

Step into a fairytale when you visit Lucca, Italy's enchanting città d'arte. Famous for its remarkably intact Renaissance-era city walls, this Tuscan gem boasts a beautifully preserved historic center, where every turn reveals a delight. Wander through architectural wonders like the iconic Piazza dell'Anfiteatro, a vibrant hub built upon the foundations of a 1st-century Roman amphitheater.

My husband and I traveled from Los Angeles to London to Pisa. We then took a car from Pisa to Lucca. It was quite an adventure with our very active 16 month old son!

The best part for people with little ones? Lucca is incredibly walkable, making it a dream to explore on foot! If you're dreaming of a Tuscan escape with your tiny traveler, Lucca should absolutely be at the top of your list! Lucca's charm lies in its pedestrian-friendly streets and relaxed atmosphere, making it ideal for exploring with a curious toddler. We found countless ways to keep our little guy entertained, all while soaking in the beauty of this historic walled city.

1. Playground Adventures by the Wall

Our son's absolute favorite spot was the Parco Giochi playground located right by the city's historic walls. It was a fantastic place for him to burn off some energy, with swings, slides, and plenty of space to run around. It also offered a lovely view of the walls themselves, making it a pleasant spot for caregivers to relax too.

Heading over to the playground for an adventure with CAT aka Crazy Aunt Tine!

2. The Carousel in Piazza Napoleone

You can't go wrong with a classic, and the carousel in Lucca was a huge hit! At just one Euro per ride, the joy on his face as he rode around was priceless. It's a simple pleasure that transcends language barriers and provides a perfect little break in between sightseeing. You can find it near the Piazza Napoleone.

3. Bike Rental

Hands down, my favorite experience in Lucca was pedaling around the wall with my entire family! Lots of laughs. We strapped our 16 month old son to the front of the bike and got to see a lot of the vistas just by pedaling around. Besides the fun, it's a great workout! Highly recommend checking out Ride the Walls to explore hourly rentals. Wish we had done this every day!

4. Scooter Fun in the Piazza

One of our most memorable moments was stopping into a local toy shop called Città del Sole Lucca and seeing my parents buying him a small Micro Mini scooter. It even glows in the dark! Watching him "zoom" (or more accurately, toddle-scoot) around the Piazza Napoleone and Piazza San Michele was pure delight. It was amazing to see him interact with the local kids and just enjoy the freedom of the open space. Plus, it made navigating the charming streets even more exciting for him!

My son's Micro-Mini scooter is a huge hit from the piazzas of Lucca to the playgrounds of Santa Monica!

5. Kicking It with the Locals

Another unexpected joy was playing with our soccer ball. My son and I found ourselves in a piazza where a few other small children were playing, and he quickly joined in, attempting to kick the ball alongside them. It was a heartwarming display of universal childhood play and a true taste of local life. You've gotta check out the Piazza Napoleone!

My dad bought a beautiful €5 soccer ball for our son, which he absolute loves!

6. Towering Views (with a little help!)

While it might sound ambitious with a toddler, I absolutely loved climbing the tall clock tower called the Torre delle Ore. Of course, our 16-month-old didn't climb it himself, but being able to carry him up and share the incredible panoramic views of Lucca was an unforgettable experience. The fresh air, sore legs and the sense of accomplishment made it well worth the effort!

Strapped to my chest, I carried our 16 month old son to the very top of the tower!

7. Gelato, Gelato, and More Gelato!

And of course, no trip to Italy is complete without gelato! We indulged in this delicious treat multiple times a day. It was the perfect cool-down on warm afternoons and a surefire way to bring a smile to everyone's face, especially our little one's! I'm pretty sure that the flavor he's eating below is called "Unicorn." Highly recommend checking out Gelateria Paniko.

8. Watching Street Performers

It was here in Lucca that we discovered how much our son loves watching live music! He was particularly enthralled by the cello and violin. It was fun to sit on the curb in a shady spot and listen to the musicians play their instruments. It's good ol' fashioned free toddler entertainment too! Don't forget to leave a little someting in their cap :)

9. Snuggles with Grandparents

If possible, I cannot recommend traveling with grandparents enough. My parents are such engaging, loving and adventurous presences in our son's life, so it was a thrill to "jet set" with them to gorgeous Lucca. Italy is such a family-oriented culture and it's super special to share our adventures with my parents!

Lucca truly surprised me with how incredibly family-friendly it is. It's a city that invites you to slow down, savor the moments, and embrace the simple joys, all of which are perfect when traveling with a toddler. If you're dreaming of an Italian getaway with your little adventurer, I can't recommend Lucca enough!