If you’re planning a trip to Florence and want an activity that’s both fun and a little different from the usual sightseeing, this Special Hunt for Families and Children might just hit the spot. We’ve looked into it, and while we haven’t done it ourselves, the details paint a picture of a lively, interactive way to explore the city’s historic streets. With a modest price of around $17.45 per person and a duration of about 2 hours, it’s designed to turn a quick visit into an adventure.
What we really like about this experience is how it transforms a walk through Florence into an engaging game. Kids (and adults) get to hunt for animal sculptures and artwork hidden among the city’s buildings — a clever way to keep everyone interested and involved. Plus, the clues and riddles seem thoughtfully crafted to add a bit of challenge without frustration, making it suitable even for younger children.
However, one thing to keep in mind is that this is a self-guided activity—there’s no dedicated guide leading the way. That can be a plus or minus depending on your travel style; some folks might love the independence, while others might prefer the comfort of a guided tour. But if you’re comfortable with a bit of self-direction, this hunt fits nicely into a morning or afternoon itinerary, especially if you’re looking for an activity that’s light on cost but rich in local flavor.
This tour is best suited for families, small groups, or curious travelers who enjoy exploring at their own pace. It’s a low-pressure way for kids to learn about Florence’s art and history without feeling like they’re in a museum all day. For those with children or even a group of friends wanting something playful, it’s a neat pick that offers more than just sightseeing.
Key Points
- Affordable Price: At just $17.45 per person, it offers good value for a two-hour interactive experience.
- Family-Friendly: Designed to entertain kids and keep them engaged with riddles and clues.
- Self-Guided: No guide service included, so you’ll need to navigate on your own.
- Educational & Fun: Combines learning about Florence’s art and history with an exciting treasure hunt.
- Convenient Meeting Points: Starts at Piazza di Madonna degli Aldobrandini and ends back there, making logistics simple.
- Limited Group Size: Max of 20 travelers, so it feels personalized without feeling crowded.
Detailed Look at the Experience
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Starting Point and First Impressions
The tour kicks off at Piazza di Madonna degli Aldobrandini, a central spot easy to reach via public transportation. The meeting point is clearly specified, and it’s recommended to arrive about 15 minutes early — a smart move to get your bearings and set the kids up for the adventure. Right from the start, you’re handed all the info about the program, which sets expectations for a relaxed two hours of exploration.
Exploring Florence’s Iconic Sites
The first stop is the Duomo, Florence’s most recognizable cathedral. The clues here are designed to get you looking at the façade and surroundings, encouraging a closer look at the architecture and details often passed by quickly. Since it’s a free admission area, you won’t have to worry about extra costs, and you’ll get to appreciate the beauty of the cathedral in a more interactive way.
Next, the hunt takes you to Mercato del Porcellino, a lively market square famous for its bronze pig statue. Here, the clues might involve locating certain sculptures or artwork, and the lively street scene adds atmosphere to the game. It’s a good way to experience Florence’s buzz while hunting for hidden surprises.
The final stop is Palazzo Vecchio, one of the city’s most historic buildings. The clues here are a little more involved, and the 20-minute stay allows for a closer inspection of the palace’s exterior and features. The excitement ramps up as you approach the last clues — who will win the small prizes and gift for the hunt’s winner? It’s a playful way to cap off the adventure, with the possibility of learning some fun facts about Florence’s government building.
What’s Included and What’s Not
The tour includes a gift for the hunt winner and the chance to enjoy an art treasure hunt in Florence, which adds a layer of motivation and reward for kids. Since there’s no guide service, you’ll be relying on the clues provided, which, based on reviews, are engaging and well-crafted.
What’s not included? You won’t get hotel pickup or drop-off, and there’s no guided narration — so this is very much a DIY experience. But with clear instructions and easy meeting points, that’s manageable for most travelers. Being a mobile ticket means you can start the adventure at your convenience on the day.
Group Dynamics and Accessibility
The activity is designed for most travelers and is accessible to those with service animals. It’s suitable for children — especially since many reviews mention how much the kids enjoyed the challenge of searching for tricky animals. The maximum group size is 20, which keeps it intimate enough to be fun but not overwhelming.
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Why This Tour Works Well

The core appeal here is the combination of education and entertainment. Kids learn about Florence’s sculptures and landmarks, but they’re also actively involved in discovering hidden details, which makes history feel alive rather than static. The clues are likely to spark curiosity about art and architecture, giving children a reason to look closely and think critically.
The price point is an important factor. For just under $20, you’re getting an interactive experience that lasts around two hours — a good deal considering similar guided tours can cost much more. The inclusion of small prizes and a gift also adds to the fun, especially for younger children who thrive on little rewards.
Authentic Feedback from Participants
One review, from Claudia_B, highlights how well the tour works for families:
“Great tour for the whole family—adults learned a lot and the children had fun searching for the animals. Some were tricky to find.” This underscores how the clues challenge everyone, making it more than just a walk through the city.
The fact that the tour is described as “fun and educational,” with some of the animals being tricky to locate, suggests it’s engaging enough to hold kids’ attention without becoming frustrating. It’s a nice mix that keeps the activity lively.
The Practicalities
Timing is straightforward — the tour starts at 10:00 am, so it fits neatly into a morning schedule. Participants are advised to arrive 15 minutes early to settle in. Since there’s no guide, you’ll want to have a smartphone or printed instructions handy to follow the clues.
The activity ends back at the starting point, making logistics simple for families or groups managing their own transportation. Given its proximity to public transit, most travelers should find it easy to access without fuss.
Who Would Love This?
This treasure hunt is ideal for families with children, especially those who enjoy interactive activities. It’s also suited to groups of friends or solo travelers who want a break from traditional tours but still want to learn about Florence’s landmarks in a fun way. If you’re traveling with kids who might get bored during more conventional sightseeing, this activity offers a lively, hands-on alternative.
It’s not a substitute for a comprehensive guided tour if you want detailed historical insights — but for a lively, engaging, and affordable activity, it hits the mark.
Special Hunt for Families and Children in Florence
“Great tour for the whole family- adults learned a lot and the children had fun searching for the animals- some were tricky to find”
Frequently Asked Questions
Is this tour suitable for young children?
Yes, it’s designed to be family-friendly with clues that are engaging and fun for kids. Many reviews mention children enjoyed the animal search and found some clues tricky, which added to the excitement.
Do I need a guide for this tour?
No, it’s a self-guided experience. You receive all the information and clues beforehand and navigate on your own.
What should I bring?
Just your curiosity, a smartphone or printed clues, and some comfortable shoes for walking. Since it takes place outdoors, be prepared for the weather.
Can I cancel if my plans change?
Yes, the tour offers free cancellation up to 24 hours in advance, giving you flexibility if your schedule shifts.
How long does the treasure hunt last?
Approximately 2 hours, which makes it a great activity to slot into a morning or early afternoon.
Is it easy to find the meeting point?
Yes, the start point is well-known and accessible, located in a central area near public transportation. Participants are asked to arrive 15 minutes early.
In the end, this animal treasure hunt in Florence isn’t just about ticking off sights — it’s about engaging with the city in a playful way that appeals to all ages. It’s a budget-friendly, enjoyable option that can add a touch of adventure to your Florence visit, especially if you’re traveling with kids or love exploring through games. If you’re after a memorable, light-hearted activity to break up your sightseeing, this could be just the thing.
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