Water Parks Near Florence: Family Guide
Water parks near Florence
Florence does not have a water park within the city limits. The closest dedicated water park facilities are located between 55 and 90 km from the city, primarily to the west and southwest along the Tuscan coast road or inland in the direction of Pisa.
For a full-day water park excursion from Florence, a car is the most practical option. However, some facilities are reachable by a combination of train and bus, which makes them accessible for families without a car.
This guide covers the nearest water park options, with distances, current prices and hours, what to bring, and transport alternatives.
The nearest one by car
Parco Acquatico Cavallino Matto is located in Marina di Castagneto Carducci, on the Tuscan coast approximately 110 km southwest of Florence. It is primarily known as an amusement park with a significant water section rather than a dedicated water-only park. Journey time by car from central Florence is approximately 80 to 90 minutes via the SGC Firenze-Pisa-Livorno motorway.
The water section at Cavallino Matto includes multiple slides of varying intensity, a lazy river circuit, a wave pool, and a dedicated children’s area with smaller slides and water features suitable for children from age 3. The park is open from approximately late May through mid-September. Standard opening hours are 10:00 to 18:30.
Entry prices in 2026 for the full park including the water section are approximately as follows: adults (above 140 cm) approximately 35 euros; children between 100 and 140 cm approximately 28 euros; children under 100 cm (and under 3 years) approximately 10 euros. A family bundle for 2 adults and 2 children is approximately 90 to 100 euros.
Parco Acquatico Le Naiadi is located near Casciana Terme, approximately 65 km southwest of Florence. Journey by car is around 60 to 65 minutes. This is a smaller facility focused specifically on water activities rather than a full amusement park. It has several slides, a wave pool, a large thermal pool (outdoor, heated), and a children’s water play area. Adult entry is approximately 20 euros per day. Children between 5 and 12 pay approximately 14 euros. Children under 5 pay approximately 8 euros.
Aquatica Firenze, near Pistoia approximately 35 km northwest of Florence, was a water park that operated until the mid-2010s. It is currently closed. Do not plan around this facility; confirm any listed water park is currently operating before making travel plans.
Updated prices and hours
The following price and hours summary is based on 2026 available information. Water parks adjust pricing frequently. Always confirm directly with the facility before visiting.
Cavallino Matto (Marina di Castagneto Carducci): open late May through mid-September, 10:00 to 18:30. Adults approximately 35 euros, children 100 to 140 cm approximately 28 euros, under 100 cm approximately 10 euros. Free parking. Online booking available with a 10 percent discount on the gate price.
Le Naiadi (Casciana Terme): open June through mid-September, 10:00 to 19:00. Adults approximately 20 euros, children 5 to 12 approximately 14 euros, children under 5 approximately 8 euros. Free parking.
Both parks charge extra for certain activities (specific premium slides, rental of tubes or vests). Budget approximately 5 to 10 euros per person above the gate price for extras during the day.
Most water parks offer a reduced late-entry ticket for entry after 14:00 or 15:00. This covers a 3 to 4-hour visit at around 60 to 70 percent of the full-day price. Good value if you have a morning activity in Florence and want a water park afternoon.
What to bring for a day at the water park
Swimwear: swimsuits for women and girls, board shorts or trunks for men and boys. Most Italian water parks allow board shorts; check the specific park’s dress code.
Sun protection: high-factor sunscreen (minimum SPF30). Apply before leaving accommodation and reapply after each water session. A full day at a water park in July means sustained sun exposure for 6 to 8 hours.
A change of clothes and footwear: bring dry clothes and closed shoes or sandals with straps. The paths between sections of most water parks are on hard surfaces. Flip-flops work for poolside areas but can be uncomfortable over longer distances.
Food and drink: most water parks allow you to bring food. Bringing your own lunch and snacks is both cheaper and more practical than the park’s food facilities. Prices at water park food stalls are consistently higher than at equivalent external venues.
A waterproof bag or dry bag for phones, documents, and valuables. Lockers are available at most parks (approximately 3 to 5 euros for a full-day rental).
A small flotation vest for children under 5 if they are not confident swimmers. Parks provide these free or at low cost, but the available sizes at the park may not always match your child’s weight. Your own vest guarantees the right fit.
How to get there without a car
Cavallino Matto (Marina di Castagneto Carducci): take the Trenitalia train from Florence Santa Maria Novella to Castagneto Carducci-Donoratico station. Journey time approximately 90 to 100 minutes. A local taxi or shuttle from the station to the park costs approximately 15 to 20 euros each way. Confirm taxi availability in advance or book the park’s shuttle service (check the Cavallino Matto website for 2026 shuttle timetable and cost).
Le Naiadi (Casciana Terme): take the train from Florence to Pontedera station (approximately 60 minutes). From Pontedera, a local bus runs toward Casciana Terme. Journey time from Pontedera to the park is approximately 20 minutes by bus. Alternatively, a taxi from Pontedera station costs approximately 20 euros each way.
For families with children under 10, the combination of train plus taxi is generally the most reliable non-car option. Train plus bus adds connection complexity that is worth avoiding with young children carrying bags and swimwear.
Total travel time from Florence centre to either water park, without a car, is approximately 2 to 2.5 hours each way. This is manageable for a full day trip but means an early departure (before 08:30) and a late return (after 20:00). A car reduces total travel time by approximately 60 to 75 minutes round trip.
Where to stay
Charlotte guesthouse in Florence is a convenient base for planning a water park day trip. The guesthouse location gives you easy access to the Santa Maria Novella train station for non-car options, and Florence’s main car rental offices for those who prefer to drive.
For families spending several days in Florence, a water park day provides a welcome change of pace from city tourism.
Find out more and check room availability at Charlotte.
