Turin is a perfect city for family days out, even on a budget. Between arcades, squares, parks, and free museums, there are plenty of free things to do in Turin with kids, and it doesn’t take much to fill a full day. These are all ideas we’ve personally tested with our children, ideal whether you’re visiting Turin for the first time or living here.
These tips come from years of exploring Turin as a family. We’ve gathered them here to help anyone visiting the city for the first time—or coming back and wanting to enjoy it without overspending.
Free Things to Do in Turin with Kids: At a Glance
- If you’re short on time: arcades + toret fountains + Piazza Castello + Royal Gardens
- If it rains: covered galleries + historic tram 7 + RAI Museum
- If you want greenery: Parco del Valentino + Royal Gardens + (if possible) Parco della Mandria.
Free Things to Do in Turin with Kids in the City Center
1. Walk under Turin’s arcades
Turin’s arcades are one of its “superpowers.” You can walk for miles sheltered from the weather, even with a stroller. They’re perfect for a free itinerary with kids in any season.
2. Hunt for the “toret” fountains
These bull-shaped drinking fountains are everywhere. For kids, they become a fun treasure hunt. For parents, they’re a convenient stop to refill water bottles.
3. Play in the fountains at Piazza Castello
At certain times of the year, the ground-level fountains in Piazza Castello are irresistible. Kids run through the water jets, turning the square into a free open-air playground.
4. Go on an Urban Safari: Spot Hidden Animals in Turin
One of the best free activities to do with kids in Turin is to turn a walk through the city centre into an urban safari. Look up as you explore the streets and see how many animals you can spot carved, painted or hidden on the façades of Turin’s buildings. It’s a simple game that encourages children to observe their surroundings, get curious and ask questions.
Bats and Dragons: Mysterious Creatures
You’ll also come across some more mysterious creatures hiding among Turin’s buildings. The House of Bats and the House of Dragons are two fun stops to add to your urban safari, especially with children aged 6 and over.
- House of Bats: Via Madama Cristina 19
- House of Dragons: Corso Francia 23
Horses and Bulls: Guardians of the City
Turin’s architecture is full of animals that symbolize strength, power and protection. In Piazza Castello, in front of the Royal Palace, the horses of the Dioscuri, Castor and Pollux, have welcomed visitors since 1847.
Along Via Milano, a simple walk turns into an open-air gallery of animal details. At number 13, large bull heads decorate the façade; at number 18, lion faces symbolize strength and power. At number 11, dog heads on the Dominican building refer to the Latin expression Domini Canes, meaning “Dogs of the Lord”.
Bees, Turtles and Eagles: Animals Carved in Stone
Smaller and more symbolic animals are also part of this urban safari. At Via XX Settembre 31, on the façade of the Cassa di Risparmio building, you can spot bulls and bees, symbols of strength, hard work and foresight.
At Via Viotti 4, two turtles support the columns of an Art Nouveau building dating from 1906. Slow but solid, they symbolize stability and balance.
Finally, look up along Corso IV Novembre at the former A. Riberi military hospital, where an eagle spreads its wings across the façade. Another eagle can be spotted on the Church of San Giovanni Bosco in Via Sarpi.
Recommended age: 6–12 years
Admission: Free
Why kids love it: It turns a walk through Turin into a hunt for hidden animals, combining observation, curiosity and stories along the way.
5. Discover Squares and Covered Galleries
Between walks, stop in the city’s grand squares:
- Piazza San Carlo
- Piazza Castello
- Piazza Vittorio Veneto
- Piazza Carignano
- Piazza Statuto
Also, look for the covered galleries (passages), which are perfect when it rains or gets cold:
- Galleria Umberto I
- Galleria San Federico
These glass-roofed walkways are part of Turin’s history and are reminiscent of the famous Parisian passages created in the 18th century.
6. Mural Hunting: Whales, Foxes, and the Great Bear
Transforming a city walk into a mural hunt always works with kids. Turin hosts several street art works dedicated to the environment, featuring giant animals and strong messages that are easy for little ones to understand.
Among the most spectacular works are the whales and foxes of the “Torino Toward 2030” project. Finding them becomes a game, especially if you involve the children in identifying the animals and neighborhoods.
A special stop is “The Big Bear” by Bordalo II, a massive 3D mural sculpture made from recycled materials. You can find the bear at Via Giorgio Bidone 30, near the Colosseo Theater. Next to the bear is the “Before I die… Black Dream Wall,” where adults and children can write their dreams and thoughts in chalk.
Recommended Age: 6–12 years
Admission: Free
Why kids love it: It’s a colorful, unique urban treasure hunt.
The Gran Balon takes place every second Sunday of the month and brings the Borgo Dora district to life with over 300 stalls, around 50 shops, and many historic workshops, cafés, and restaurants.
The market stretches across Via Lanino, Via Mameli, Canale Carpanini, Borgo Dora, and the Cortile del Maglio. Here, antique dealers, second-hand sellers, collectors, and artisans display furniture, ceramics, books, vintage clothing, and unique items.
For kids, it’s a real treasure hunt. Among boxes and stalls, you can often find Pokémon cards, old toys, Kinder surprises, and small collectibles.
Parent tip: perfect for kids aged 6 and up, best visited in the morning and with a lightweight stroller.
7. Enjoy Turin from Above for Free
If you’re looking for a panoramic viewpoint without spending money, choose a free lookout spot. It’s a simple yet scenic break that our kids love, especially at sunset.
Where should you go? Here you can find our guide to the best panoramic viewpoints in Turin.
8. Walk Along the Po River and Spot Historic Bridges
A relaxing and free activity with kids is to follow the Po River and observe the historic bridges connecting the two sides of the city. Walking by the water helps you slow down and experience Turin from a different perspective.
Ponte Vittorio Emanuele I: the oldest stone bridge, connecting Piazza Vittorio Veneto to the Gran Madre church.
- Ponte Principessa Isabella: elegant and 19th-century, crossing the Po in a quiet, green area.
- Ponte Umberto I: monumental and decorated, linking Parco del Valentino to Corso Fiume.
- Recommended age: 0–12 years
- Entry: free
- Why kids love it: walking by the water and turning each bridge into a story.
9. Find Turin’s Hidden Good Luck Charms
Turin is full of small superstitious rituals and lucky symbols. Searching for them becomes a perfect game with kids, turning the historic center into a real treasure hunt for good luck signs.
- Columbus’ finger: a bronze medallion with a highly polished pinky finger, under the arcades of Piazza Castello (near number 195).
- The tree stump between Castor and Pollux: in front of the Royal Museums, between the equestrian statues.
- The “bull’s balls” in Piazza San Carlo: one of the most famous and fun lucky symbols to find.
Recommended age: 5–12 years
Entry: free
Why kids love it: a detail-focused treasure hunt with stories behind it.
Free Museums in Turin for Kids: When and How
Turin has museums that are free for everyone, as well as museums offering free or discounted admission for children and teenagers. Here you’ll find a family-friendly selection, with recommended ages and practical tips from a parent’s perspective.
10. RAI Radio and Television Museum (Free)
Recommended age: 4–12 years
Entry: free for everyone
Why kids love it: they can discover “old-school” TV and radio, and the setup is very family-friendly, perfect for rainy days.
Info: here
11. National Cinema Museum (Mole Antonelliana)
- Recommended age: 5–14 years
- Entry: free up to age 5; reduced from 6 to 26
- Why kids love it: immersive and visually engaging, with optical games and spaces that intrigue even those who don’t usually enjoy museums.
12. MAUTO – National Automobile Museum
- Recommended age: 4–14 years
- Entry: free up to age 5; reduced from 6 to 17
- Why kids love it: iconic cars, a clear layout, interactive sections, and a strong “wow” effect.
Info: on the official museum website
13. Egyptian Museum
- Recommended age: 6–14 years
- Entry: free up to age 5; reduced from 6 to 14
- Parent tip: without guidance, it can feel overwhelming. It’s better to focus on a few rooms or choose a family-friendly guided tour.
Info: on the official museum website
14. Regional Museum of Natural Sciences
- Recommended age: 5–12 years
Entry: free up to age 6 (and often free on special days)
Why kids love it: fossils, animals, and natural collections are perfect for curious young minds.
Note: before visiting, it’s best to check the official website for opening days and visiting rules. At times, the museum has had partial openings.
Other Budget-Friendly Museums for Families
Royal Museums: free entry for visitors under 18
Palazzo Madama: free entry for visitors under 18
MUSLI – School Museum: often very affordable for families, with activities and workshops for kids
First Sunday of the Month: Free Museums (Practical Guide)
A smart way to save money is to visit on the first Sunday of the month, when some museums offer free entry.
15. Libraries with Activities for Ages 0–6
If you’re traveling with young children, libraries are often an underrated resource. In the city, you’ll find free readings and activities, especially for ages 0–6.
- Biblioteca Civica Centrale – Via della Cittadella, 5
- Biblioteca Shahrazàd – Intercultural Center of the City of Turin – Via Fiochetto, 15
Free Parks and Green Spaces in Turin
16. Parco del Valentino
This is the “classic” family park: space to run, picnic, and slow down. It’s centrally located and easy to include in any free itinerary in Turin with kids.
17. Royal Gardens
Right in the city center, the Royal Gardens are a very convenient green break. Perfect with a stroller and ideal for alternating between museums and walks without spending money.
18. Parco della Mandria (Beautiful and Free, but Requires Planning)
Parco della Mandria is one of the most popular green destinations near Turin. Access to many areas is free, but it’s important to plan how to get there (car, public transport, or bike). It’s a great idea if you want to dedicate a full day to nature.
How to get to Parco della Mandria without a car
By public transport
It’s possible, but requires some planning.
- From Torino Porta Susa or Torino Porta Nuova: regional train to Venaria Reale
- From Venaria station: local buses or a 15–20 minute walk to the park entrances
With small children, it’s doable but less straightforward than by car.
By bike
Perfect with older kids.
- Bike path from Turin to Venaria Reale
- Flat and very scenic route
- Inside the park, cycling is safe and traffic-free
Free Things to Do in Turin with Kids When It Rains
When it rains, Turin is still an easy city to explore. You can create an almost entirely covered walking route through arcades, galleries, and central passages without giving up the historic center.
Plus, with a simple city bus ticket (free for children up to age 11), getting around can become a fun experience.
19. Ride the Historic Tram Number 7
One of the nicest things to do for free (or almost free) when it rains is taking the historic tram 7. It’s a unique ride, kids love it, and it lets you see Turin from the window while staying warm.
Free Family Events in Turin
20. Look for Free Family Events in Turin
Throughout the year, Turin hosts many free events and activities for families, from museum workshops to festivals, outdoor events and special openings. Dates change every year, but some events return regularly and are worth looking out for when planning your trip.
- February: Carnival events and CioccolaTò, Turin’s chocolate festival, usually bring performances and activities to the city centre.
- Late March and early April: spring events begin, including activities around the cherry blossom season at the Reggia di Venaria.
- April: Disegniamo l’Arte takes place in museums across Piedmont, with creative activities designed especially for children. Some events and activities are free, while others require museum admission.
- Spring: Turin regularly hosts cultural and science festivals with free workshops and activities for children.
- June: Open House Torino usually offers a weekend of free visits to buildings, private homes, architectural studios and places that are normally closed to the public.
- Summer: parks, museums and cultural venues often organize free outdoor activities, workshops, performances and family events.
Good to know: Dates, locations and admission policies can change from year to year, so always check the official programme before your visit.
