EXPLORE THE TERRITORY
Whether you’re a local or a tourist passing through, a few suggestions for enjoying leisure time with children always come in handy! Below are three perfect ideas for a family day out in and around Empoli.
Serravalle Park has become the green lung of the town of Empoli. It’s the perfect spot for a picnic, to soak up the sun on warm spring days or to get a bit of exercise. Plan your day setting off from the park or stop there for lunch or a few hours of relaxation and play. Not far from Serravalle is the Arno cycle path, a white-coloured trail that runs along the riverside and, starting from Serravalle, leads directly to the Ambrogiana Park in Montelupo Fiorentino in less than half an hour. A cycle path suitable for children, with very few hilly parts, which lets them get excitingly close to the river. Also accessible on foot or by bicycle from Serravalle Park is the protected Oasis of Arnovecchio. Where a branch of the river once flowed, there is now an artificial lake that provides refuge for many species of birds and small mammals. The oasis is open on Saturday afternoons and Sunday mornings and can be visited independently or by joining one of the excursions scheduled throughout the year. All information on the Tuscan Wetlands website (Zone Umide Toscane).
Perhaps not everyone (even the locals) knows that there are no less than six museums in Empoli. Two devoted to art, the Museo della Collegiata and the Galleria di Arte Moderna e della Resistenza, two residences of famous people (Pontormo and Ferruccio Busoni), the Empoli Glass Museum and the Paleontological Museum.
If a visit to one of these museums seems tricky with children, check out the EmpoliMusei website and sign up for the first family event available! Almost every month, the museums arrange visits and educational workshops that will amaze children and adults alike. Grab the chance for a cultural day or afternoon in Empoli.
The R. Fucini Municipal Library also has a rich programme of creative workshops and lively readings to introduce kids and young children to reading. All info on the library’s Facebook page.
Get your hiking boots and water bottle ready… We’re off to discover the ‘wilder’ side of Empoli: its wonderful countryside! To the south of the city there are a number of trekking paths mapped out by the Italian Alpine Club (CAI) and well signposted, inviting you to hit the trail. Itinerary no. 470 “the Montemagnoli loop” is particularly suitable for a morning or afternoon walk with children. The short distance (about 7 km) and the very few uphill stretches make it perfect for an undemanding hike.
Along the way you’ll find the Agriturismo Montemagnoli, where you can drop in for a delicious lunch based on local produce. Further on, past the Ormicello stream, you’ll see signs for the Ohana Animal Rescue Shelter (open by reservation only) where, with a small voluntary donation, you can get to know lots of animals rescued from the abattoir or from exploitation.
