The “Pinocchio Park”
Some places are made for families without feeling childish. The Pinocchio Park in Collodi is one of them: a walkable story-world built with real art, real landscape design, and real imagination, where the rhythm stays light but never superficial. For Villa Vianci guests, it is a clever day trip because it feels like a “reset” from the intensity of big museums: you move, you smile, you discover details, and you end up with photographs that look like a Tuscan fairytale, but grounded in craft and culture.
At a glance
- Drive time from Villa Vianci: 56 min
- Best for: families with kids (and grandparents), Pinocchio lovers, travellers who want a playful cultural day
- Time needed: 3 to 6 hours
- Booking tip: consider the combined ticket and check official opening times close to your stay, as seasonal schedules apply
- Highlight: a story-path of sculptures and scenes, plus the Garzoni Garden and the Butterfly House in the same Collodi visit
What to experience
Think of the visit as three layers you can combine, depending on your group’s energy.
First, the Pinocchio Park itself: it is not a “rides park”. It is a narrative walk, where the path is populated by scenes and figures from the book, built to be entered, climbed, crossed, and explored. The official history of the site describes a long artistic project with landmark works like Pinocchio and the Fairy by Emilio Greco and the Piazzetta dei Mosaici by Venturino Venturi, plus later additions that turn the story into architecture and landscape.
A strong way to pace it is simple. Do an easy first pass to locate the “anchors” that everyone will remember: the Piazzetta dei Mosaici, the “theatre” feeling of the route, and the moments where children can physically enter the story. Then slow down and let the park work properly: take time with the sequence of encounters, and watch how the characters are staged in space rather than “explained”. This is where it becomes memorable for adults too, because it is design, not only nostalgia.
Second, add the interactive museum layer if your group enjoys hands-on learning. The Museo del Parco and the Sala del Grillo Parlante host themed Pinocchio exhibitions, and the park describes a “virtual library” experience where visitors can explore editions from around the world via touch-screen stations. It is a good mid-day pause, especially in warmer months, and it gives the day a cultural depth that stays gentle.
Third, for kids with energy to burn, the adventure routes are an excellent upgrade. The park presents two courses, including a river-crossing sequence and a “pirate ship” style section, designed for safe play with continuous steel cable support.
Now the “bonus” that turns Collodi into a full, satisfying day: the Giardino Garzoni and the Casa delle Farfalle.
The Garzoni Garden is a classic Tuscan surprise: a historic, theatrical garden of statues, water games, stairways and shaded paths, with an 18th-century hydraulic system that still feeds fountains and cascades. The official description invites visitors to look for hidden symbolic figures and to enjoy the garden as a narrative space, not just a viewpoint. If you want a graceful contrast to the playful Pinocchio path, this is it.
The Butterfly House is the most “wow” moment for many children, and quietly beautiful for adults. The official presentation describes a tropical greenhouse inhabited by hundreds of free-flying butterflies and moths, with lush plants and the possibility to observe life stages, colours, and behaviours up close. It is calm, warm, and immersive, and it pairs perfectly with the garden’s slower pace.
Practical notes
Collodi works best with a light plan and comfortable shoes. You will be walking, stopping, climbing small features, and moving between areas, so treat it as an outdoor day rather than a quick stop.
If you want this day to connect to the rest of your week, it pairs naturally with an Art & Culture day in Lucca or a lighter evening back at the villa. If you would like, you can plan it as a family-friendly “soft day” between bigger cities, and keep the rest of the schedule intentionally simple.
When
Pinocchio Park commonly opens in the morning and closes in the early evening, with the Garzoni Garden and the Tropical Greenhouse sometimes opening slightly later on weekdays. The best habit is straightforward: check the official hours page close to your stay, then book your day around the edition that matches your travel dates.
