My family (2 parents, 2 children ages 9 and 12) are traveling to Italy for a week at the end of March 2025. We have 3 nights in Florence, and I'd like to schedule one of the several private family tours. I had planned on a short tour that combines a walk through Florence with a discussion of the history plus a visit to the Galleria dell'Accademia to see the David and other works there. I had planned to skip the Uffizi altogether, especially since one day of our stay will be in Fiesole for a cooking class and I want to leave time for wandering and eating in Florence, for climbing to the top of the Duomo, and for perhaps venturing to Piazzale Michelangelo all on our own (we are staying in the Oltrarno). Now, I am wondering whether it would be a tremendous shame to miss the Uffizi, and perhaps I'd be better off taking the children there with a tour guide, and then visiting the Accademia on our own without a guide. Or we could go both museums without a guide, and I could see how the children's stamina endures. My daughter, age 9, does not have much patience in museums; my son, age 12, is not particularly interested in art per se but has enjoyed art museums learning about history and personalities through the art pieces. So, do I stick with the original plan to skip Uffizi and take the kids on a private walking tour that is about Florence in general and stopping at the Accademia, or do I skip the walking tour, visit Academia on our own, and do a 1.5 or 2 hour "family" tour of the Uffizi? The Uffizi guilt is real!

Side note - I am very well-acquainted with Italy, including Florence, having lived there for a couple of years combined with a period of life in which I also made yearly visits. I also studied Renaissance art as a graduate student, and am fortunate to have been to the Uffizi many times, as well as the Accademia. This is my husband's and children's first visit to Italy. I personally would be fine skipping the Uffizi this trip despite my love for the art there. My husband is more interested in architecture and history and would also be fine skipping the Uffizi. But part of me thinks, how can we go to Florence without seeing the Uffizi? Thank you.

You can absolutely skip the Uffizi! I didn't go there until my fourth time in Florence. From what you say about your kids, they would probably hate it. You should do what ​​​​​​you want to do, not what you think others may consider necessary. Hope you have a wonderful trip!

As you've described your children's interests, it doesn't sound like the Uffizi would be right for your family. If you want another big-ticket (IMO) spot that might appeal to everyone for different reasons--and can be rushed through if it turns out no one likes it--visit Santa Croce. There's a treasure hunt of sorts for kids, though your 12 year old may be past that now:

https://www.santacroceopera.it/en/learning/families/

https://www.santacroceopera.it/en/

I think you've already planned a lot for two days. If this is at the beginning of your week, everyone could still be a bit jet-lagged.

Since you are very familiar with Florence, I'd skip the guides, create your own walking tour and insert as much history and art as you think your kids are able and willing to absorb. I probably wouldn't put a high priority on the Accademia but would definitely include time in Piazza Signoria which is essentially an outdoor statuary museum. Your kids won't know or care that the some of the statues (like David and the Donatellos) are replicas, and all of the statues have great stories from Florentine/Medici history, mythology, the Old Testament, etc.

I think the biggest problem with the Uffizi and little kids is that it is usually so crowded that little ones can't get good views of most things (esp. the popular stuff like the Botticellis). Frustrating for them and possibly/eventually boring as you move from room to room.

FWIW, I distinctly remember as a 12 y.o. turning a corner and entering Piazza Signoria, seeing David, Neptune, Hercules and the rest. You can hope/assume your kids will re-visit Florence as adults (as I have many times) and see all of the things you'll be missing on this trip.

It sounds as if the only one with "regret" would be you. The world guilt feels a bit misplaced. You said it would not interest anyone in your traveling group, so why bother?

Now, if YOU want to go, maybe you can arrange to go while your husband and kids do something else? Or not. But if you are truly going to have some level of regret to not see it (i guess again), then it might be worth it to you to see it. But if truly no one in your group is interested, why would there be guilt over not including it?

Emphatically skip!

Emphatically agree. Don’t subject your family to seeing the Uffizi.

Go alone if you wish. The joy of exploring without an itinerary for every waking moment is that you can go where your senses take you. If they want that 4th or 5th gelato in a day don’t be that parent who says no - it may be the singular lasting memory they have…

Yes, skip it! no one would have fun.
We did a 9:00 am private walking tour for 3 hours with a focus on the history, the Medicis and some locals favorite areas, which was great to get some insights from a resident. You can make the hours whatever you like. I would make dinner reservations every night that you could cancel if needed because the crowds were unbelievable in October 2023 and we saw many turned away where we ate. Mercato Centrale might be fun for them for a meal, it is an upscale international food court. Enjoy!

As much as I love art and the Uffizi, if you know that the other three in your group wouldn't appreciate it and it's not a great desire of you to go, because you've been many times, then skip it. BUT, if there are pieces in the Uffizi that you love, you could make a short trip there to show the rest of the family, and tell them why you like those pieces. And especially if Renaissance art is an area of your particular knowledge, you don't need a guide - this could be your chance to guide your family.

As another opinion, do you think the cooking class will be very much appreciated by your family? Yes, you could learn how Italians make some dish or the other, but is that how your team wants to spend their time? You could always take an Italian cooking class at home, in preparation for your trip, or cook an Italian dinner at home. Then your kids could have fun looking for the same or similar dishes when they are actually in Italy. Other food-related ideas - taste-testing of various flavors of gelato, at gelaterie around the city. Or different kinds of Italian cheeses at Mercato Centrale.

Piazzale Michelangelo - I ran up there for a sunrise view on one visit to Florence. In my experience, with my kids (now adults), they weren't so much into views. Make sure your entire group is up for the walk up to the Piazzale.

Enjoy your trip!

You can totally skip the Uffizi, I think your kids would be bored stiff. I wouldn't take a tour of the Accademia either, if you really want to show your children the "real" David just take them there yourself without a tour and make it a short stay.
Someone else said make dinner reservations in advance, I tend to agree, Florence is so busy these days.
The Mercato Centrale is a good idea for a casusal lunch or dinner, the kids would probably like that.
Maybe your kids would enjoy the giant ferris wheel in Cascine Park until March 31.
I don't know if this falls into your time frame but if you are staying in Oltrarno there is a really nice market the third Sunday of every month in Piazza Santo Spirito.

We spent time in Florence with teens and saw lots of museums all on our own. Here is our trip report Venice, Florence, Rome Trip Report

My kids really got into art museums by the time they were 11. Your mileage may vary. Doing it on your own is great because you can bail if someone gets tired or grumpy. We had a great time!

I agree you can skip the Uffizi but I do think the Academia is pretty high on my "should do" list. Your kids will see pictures of David everywhere they look in Florence and the real thing is more impressive than the copy.

We did a "hunt for the best gelato" with our kids which they loved. OK, we all loved it!

Plan a visit that will make your kids fall in love with Florence. Then, when they are older and ready, they can see what they missed.

Good advice mama_mia!