Florence Cascine Park with Children
Le Cascine park with children
Le Cascine is the largest public park in Florence. It stretches 3.5 km along the northern bank of the Arno river, beginning west of the city centre near Piazza Vittorio Veneto and ending at the confluence of the Arno and the Mugnone rivers.
The park was originally a farm estate belonging to the Medici family, later converted into a public space in the early 19th century. Today it functions as the green lung of the city: a place where Florentine families go on weekend mornings, where children cycle and run, and where the Tuesday market draws locals from across the city.
For families visiting Florence, Le Cascine offers something that the historic centre cannot: space. After days spent inside museums and navigating narrow streets, an afternoon in Le Cascine provides genuine relief for children and adults alike.
What the park has for little ones
The park has several areas and facilities that work well for families with children of different ages.
The most popular area for young children is the section near Piazzale delle Cascine, roughly in the middle of the park. This area contains a traditional carousel (giostra) that runs on weekends and public holidays. Tickets cost around 1.50 euros per ride. Children between 2 and 8 tend to gravitate toward it immediately.
There is also a small amusement area with older-style rides a short walk further along the park. This section is more popular with children between 6 and 12. It operates seasonally, mainly from spring through September.
The Pista di Atletica, an athletics track near the eastern entrance, is open to the public outside of official training hours. Children enjoy running on a proper track surface.
The park contains multiple open grassy areas suitable for ball games, frisbee, and picnics. On warm weekends between April and October, these areas fill steadily from mid-morning. Arriving before 11:00 gives you a good choice of shaded spots under the large plane trees that line the main avenue.
Playgrounds and equipped areas
Le Cascine has several playground areas distributed along its length. The main equipped playground, with climbing frames, swings, and slides, is located near the western end of the park, approximately 1.8 km from the main eastern entrance.
The equipment is in reasonable condition and updated periodically by the city. The playground has a sand surface around the main structures. Shade is limited in the central parts of the playground, so visiting in the morning or late afternoon is more comfortable in summer.
A second smaller playground area is located near the indoor swimming pool complex (Piscine Le Cascine). This section is quieter during the week and well-shaded by trees. Children between 3 and 8 find it appropriate.
The cycling paths running through the park are used by families with children in trailers or on balance bikes, as well as older children on their own bikes. You can rent bikes near the park entrance at the intersection with Viale degli Olmi. Rental prices in 2026 start at around 3 euros per hour for a standard adult bicycle and around 2 euros for a child bicycle. Trailers and tag-along attachments are available at some rental points.
How to get there by public transport
Le Cascine is accessible from the centre of Florence by tram, bus, and on foot.
The tram line T1 connects Santa Maria Novella station to the park in approximately 15 minutes. The relevant stop is “Cascine,” located near the eastern entrance at Piazza Vittorio Veneto. Single tram tickets cost 1.70 euros and are valid for 90 minutes. Buy tickets at machines at the tram stop before boarding. Children under 6 travel free.
Several bus lines also serve the park. Line 17C stops along the northern edge of the park near Via delle Cascine. From the city centre near Piazza della Repubblica, the journey takes around 20 minutes by bus.
On foot from Piazza Santa Maria Novella, the eastern entrance to Le Cascine is approximately 1.2 km, or about 15 minutes at a steady adult walking pace. The route follows the Arno riverside path along Lungarno Amerigo Vespucci, which is flat, wide, and pleasant. Children who can walk 20 minutes without difficulty manage this route without problems.
By bike, the riverside cycle path from the centre to Le Cascine takes about 10 minutes. Several bike hire stations are located near the train station.
Family facilities at the park
Le Cascine has public toilets at several points along the main avenue. The most reliably maintained facilities are near the main entrance and near the swimming pool complex. Changing facilities for babies are limited inside the park itself, so bringing a portable changing mat is practical with very young children.
The outdoor swimming pool complex, Piscine Le Cascine, is open from approximately June through mid-September. The complex includes a large main pool, a smaller children’s pool, and a wading area for toddlers. Entry for adults costs around 7 euros per session. Children under 6 enter free. Children between 6 and 12 pay approximately 4 euros. The pools open at 10:00 and close at 19:00 on weekdays, with slightly extended hours on weekends.
Food and drink inside the park is available from a bar-restaurant near the central section, open daily during spring and summer. Prices are standard for Florence: espresso at around 1.20 euros, a sandwich between 3.50 and 5 euros. There is also a small kiosk near the carousel selling soft drinks and ice cream.
The Tuesday market at Le Cascine runs from approximately 08:00 to 14:00 and covers roughly 600 stalls along the main avenue. It is one of the largest outdoor markets in Tuscany. The stalls sell clothing, household goods, food, and fresh produce. Families with children who enjoy markets find this visit interesting; those with strollers should be aware that the market creates significant pedestrian congestion between 09:30 and 12:30.
Picnicking is perfectly normal in Le Cascine. The park has a number of wooden benches and concrete tables along the main avenue. On sunny days, families spread blankets on the grass under the plane trees. There are no restrictions on bringing your own food.
Where to stay
Charlotte guesthouse in Florence is located in the city centre, well connected to Le Cascine by tram or the riverside walking path. After a morning in the park, you are back in central Florence in under 20 minutes.
The location works well for families who want access to both the park and the historic centre during the same trip.
Learn more about rooms and family accommodation at Charlotte.
