Playgrounds and Parks in Florence
Playgrounds in Florence
Florence is a city of stone, cobblestones, and centuries of compressed urban fabric. The historic centre has limited green space by the standards of a modern city. But Florence does have parks and playgrounds, and knowing where they are makes a significant difference to the shape of a family day.
A playground stop in the middle of a day that otherwise involves museums and walking does more than provide physical exercise. It resets attention spans, allows children to interact with other children (often local children), and gives adults a few minutes to sit down.
This guide covers the main equipped playgrounds in Florence, the public gardens with play areas, the parks closest to the centre, and how to reach them by public transport.
The best-equipped parks in the city
Le Cascine park contains Florence’s largest collection of playground equipment within a single green space. The park stretches 3.5 km along the northern bank of the Arno river, west of the centre.
The main playground at Le Cascine is located near the western section of the park, approximately 1.8 km from the eastern entrance at Piazzale delle Cascine. The equipment includes climbing frames, swings in multiple sizes, slides, a sand area, and a small covered shelter with benches for accompanying adults. The sand surface around the equipment is kept relatively clean. The playground is busy on weekend mornings between April and October.
A second playground area sits near the indoor swimming pool complex (Piscine Le Cascine), roughly halfway along the park. This area has swings and basic climbing equipment and is better shaded than the western playground.
The Parco delle Cascine also has a traditional carousel (giostra) near the central section, operating on weekends and public holidays from approximately 10:00 to 19:00. Tickets are around 1.50 euros per ride. Children between 2 and 8 are the main audience.
The Giardino di Boboli, behind Palazzo Pitti, is a formal garden rather than a playground, but its scale, diverse paths, and sculptural features make it function as an exploratory play space for children between 6 and 12. Entry costs 10 euros per adult; EU children under 18 enter free.
Public gardens with play areas
Several smaller public gardens within or near the historic centre have play equipment.
The Giardino dell’Orticultura (also called the Garden of Horticulture), located near Piazza della Libertà in the northern part of the city, is a large public garden with a significant play area near its main entrance. The playground here has modern equipment including a multi-level climbing structure, zip wire, swings, and a spring see-saw. The garden has good tree shade and is a working botanical garden, which means the surroundings are attractive and maintained. Entry to the garden is free. The garden is approximately 20 minutes by bus from the city centre. Take bus line 1 or 7 from Piazza San Marco.
The Giardino delle Rose, on the hillside below Piazzale Michelangelo, has a small play area with basic swings and climbing equipment near the lower entrance. The garden itself is terraced and visually striking, particularly in April and May when the roses bloom. Free entry. About a 20-minute walk from Piazza della Repubblica via the Oltrarno.
The Giardino Torrigiani, a private botanical garden in the Oltrarno that opens to the public during specific periods, has a large and well-maintained private park. When open, it provides a genuinely different experience from the public parks: quiet, spacious, and botanically diverse. Check current opening arrangements directly.
Parks near the centre
For families based in central Florence who need a green stop without a long transit time, the following options are within a 10-minute walk of the main tourist areas.
The Giardino Bardini, accessed from Costa San Giorgio in the Oltrarno, is a terraced hillside garden of about 4 hectares. It has wisteria-covered pergolas, a baroque staircase, and excellent views of the city. There is no specific playground, but the open lawns and terraces work well for children who need to run. Entry is included in the combined Palazzo Pitti ticket.
The area around Piazzale Michelangelo, a large open terrace with panoramic views of Florence, has a wide paved area that functions informally as a running and playing space. There are no playground structures, but the space is good for ball games and free movement. A 20-minute uphill walk from Ponte Vecchio via the Oltrarno.
Piazza d’Azeglio, about 15 minutes’ walk east of the Duomo, is a mid-sized square with a garden at its centre. It has a basic playground with swings and a small climbing structure. This is a genuinely local square, used by Florence families rather than tourists. A good choice for families who want an authentic neighbourhood break.
How to get there by public transport
Le Cascine park: tram line T1 from Santa Maria Novella station to the “Cascine” stop. Journey time approximately 12 to 15 minutes. Single ticket 1.70 euros. Children under 6 free.
Giardino dell’Orticultura: bus lines 1 or 7 from Piazza San Marco. Journey time approximately 12 minutes.
Piazzale Michelangelo (access to hillside gardens): bus line 13 from Santa Maria Novella station or from Via Cavour. Journey time approximately 20 minutes. Alternatively, a 25-minute uphill walk from Ponte Vecchio.
Piazza d’Azeglio: a 15-minute walk east from the Duomo along Via degli Alfani.
The public transport tickets in Florence cost 1.70 euros per journey and are valid for 90 minutes. Buy them at tabacchi shops, newsagents, or ticket machines at tram and bus stops. The fine for travelling without a valid ticket is 40 euros. Children under 6 travel free. Family day tickets are available at some outlets for approximately 5.50 euros.
Most bus and tram services run from approximately 05:30 to midnight on regular schedules. Sunday and public holiday timetables are reduced. Check the ATAF Florence website for specific route timetables before travelling.
Where to stay
Charlotte guesthouse in Florence is centrally located, within walking distance of the nearest parks and well connected by public transport to Le Cascine and the Giardino dell’Orticultura.
Families who are planning to combine park visits with museum days find the central position works well. The team at Charlotte can provide current information on playground conditions and any seasonal park events.
More about the guesthouse and room availability at Charlotte.
