The close confines of a tightly packed apartment (there’s never enough space to contain little ones and their infinite toys!) means parents turn to playgrounds in panic to ensure their energy levels are exhausted before returning to rest. Here’s where you can find some of the best-equipped parks in the city and surroundings.
Area Pettini Burresi
Piazza d’Azeglio
Piazza d’Azeglio, close to borgo Pinti, has a percussion section that entertains with its drums, chimes and megaphone (doesn’t actually amplify, you’ll be relieved to hear!), while a fire engine equipped with slides and a fireman’s pole is always popular. Older kids will find something to do too, with a soccer pitch and plenty of space for roller-skating and similar, and a carousel is a fun-for-all photo op.
The playground at the stadium in Campo di Marte is a play paradise, with all kinds of things for kids to enjoy. All ages will find something to swing on, climb and jump up with the sports centre and pool making it a true activity centre.
Area Pettini Burresi in Le Cure is a green haven with various play spots scattered throughout. A climbing frame challenges kids to reach for the stars, with play things divided by age range. The vegetable plot is a learning opportunity, while the basketball court onsite gives the chance for a bit of ball bouncing.
Orticoltura Gardens is home to a recently renovated playground that features a towering slide that gets kids practising their patience as there’s only one entrance to the three slides climbing skywards. The passing train thrills little enthusiasts and an outdoor gym gives accompanying adults something for themselves while their brood runs riot. Mondobimbo (via Madonna delle Tosse) is an indoor alternative a short distance away if rain scuppers plans.
Giardino Baden Powell in Statuto is an idyllic play spot, with swings, slides and see-saws surrounded by trees and a passing stream. Shout out to the Egyptian-style temple and turtles hanging out in the lake in the neighbouring Villa Stibbert!
Villa Vogel reaches over five hectares in Isolotto, with a pond, fountain and solemn sculptures adding interest to the vast green space. The refreshment area provides welcome post-play relief on hot days, with regular events like puppet shows and readings making it ever-interesting.
Anconella Park is another ample play-space that runs parallel to the left bank of the Arno River, where you can even admire a 1:5 scale model of Brunelleschi’s Dome. As the second-largest green space in the city after the Cascine, there’s no shortage of choice among the soccer pitch, street-basketball court, free-climbing structure, two lakes and wide array of play things.
The San Donato Park in front of the Tribunale in Novoli features unusual design details, in keeping with its neighbouring love-it or hate-it “Gotham City” style courthouse. The play space features all the firm favourites, with paths for family strolls to reach the spiral centre of the park.
The park at Villa Strozzi is full of surprises, nestled into a hill, with paths weaving between the trees to reveal an English-style garden and a chapel. Your kids will more than likely be most excited by the wooden play area and its many attractions.
The playground lining via Gran Bretagna by the Arno is a relaxing spot as the sound of the river mixes with the excited shrieks and giggles of smaller visitors having fun, with everything from a skateboard section to a model train.
Giardino di Borgo Allegri is one of the few options in the city centre, located near Santa Croce, so it’s worth having on the list if you need to give your kids a break from traipsing around the shops or sites! Check out the opening hours to avoid disappointment.
The lesser-known Carraia Gardens is nestled between piazzale Michelangelo and San Niccolò, providing a perfect pit stop reachable by following via dell’Erta Canina, with swings, little houses, climbing frames and more.
