Venice, the capital of Italy’s Veneto region, is one of the world’s most culturally significant cities. If you’ve been eagerly anticipating a trip there with your loved one, you might have some concerns about bringing your kids along. You may be asking yourself, “Is Venice suitable for families?”
The answer is a resounding yes! Venice is not only a top destination for adults but also offers a wealth of activities that will keep children entertained. If you’re curious about what to do in Venice with your kids, we’ve got some fantastic suggestions for you.
Best Places to Visit in Venice with Children
Take a Grand Canal Tour on a Vaporetto
Riding a Vaporetto is one of the most enjoyable experiences in Venice, perfect for both kids and adults. It’s the ideal way to explore the city. During your ride, you’ll see many colorful palaces that reflect the city’s rich history, as well as an array of gondolas, water taxis, cargo barges, and delivery boats, which are sure to thrill the kids.
Plus, taking a Vaporetto is more affordable than a gondola ride. It’s a great option if you’re looking for a budget-friendly way to get around Venice while having fun with your family.
Experience the magic of Venice carnival, especially if visiting Italy with kids during February or March.
Visit a Mask Maker
Carnival masks are iconic in Venice, making a visit to a mask maker a must. In the neighborhoods of San Polo and Dorsoduro, you can witness traditional mask makers at work, showing how they create these artistic treasures.
If you want a hands-on experience, consider joining a mask-making workshop where your family can paint and personalize your own masks. This unique souvenir serves as a wonderful memory of your trip. Just remember to reserve in advance for the mask-making classes!
Explore St. Mark’s Basilica
While visiting a church might seem dull to kids, St. Mark’s Basilica is far from ordinary. It’s a massive structure adorned with stunning golden mosaics and is one of Venice’s most popular attractions. Don’t miss the Pala d’Oro, an impressive altarpiece filled with beautiful gems.
Kids will be particularly intrigued by the bronze horses that overlook the balcony, which have a captivating backstory. The horses you see today are replicas; the originals are housed in a museum. By climbing the balcony, your children can get a closer look at these fantastic sculptures while enjoying splendid views of Piazza San Marco.
Eager to discover St. Mark’s history? Buy your ticket now and skip the line!
Explore the Prisons of Doge’s Palace
If you have older children interested in thrilling experiences, Doge’s Palace is a prime choice. Located next to St. Mark’s Basilica, this stunning palace showcases the opulent lifestyle of the Venetian Republic.
However, the real excitement for the kids lies in the prison cells below. They can explore the dark chambers and learn about the medieval justice system, making for an unforgettable adventure.
Don’t miss the chance to visit both Doge’s Palace and St. Mark’s Square. A combined ticket makes it more convenient for your family. Get your fast-track ticket NOW!
Take a Gondola Ride
When people think of Venice, gondolas often come to mind. While they are associated with romance, kids will also love riding in a gondola. It provides an excellent opportunity for sightseeing while navigating through scenic back alleys and beneath picturesque bridges.
While gondola rides can be pricey, consider riding some of the public gondolas that cross the Grand Canal. They may lack the luxury of a traditional gondola, but for only a euro or two, it’s still a delightful experience. A gondola ride is a quintessential Venice experience that you shouldn’t miss!
Image by nextvoyage from Pixabay
Watch the Glassblowers on Murano
The glassblowers on Murano represent another amazing attraction in Venice. Historically, glassblowers were isolated on this island to protect their craft’s secrets. Today, you can easily reach Murano by Vaporetto, where you can watch artisans transform glass into stunning works of art such as vases and goblets. Your children are sure to be captivated by this mesmerizing process.
Afterward, you’ll have a chance to purchase some of these dazzling items to take home. Be sure to book in advance for this incredible experience, especially during the busy season, as it’s one your kids will always remember.
Get Lost in a Garden Maze
Another entertaining activity for children is exploring Il Labirinto at Villa Pisani. While the palace itself is fascinating for adults, the garden maze is a thrilling adventure for kids. Comprising 12 concentric circles with high walls, it’s considered one of the most challenging hedge mazes in the world—rumor has it even Napoleon got lost in it!
At the maze’s end, a double staircase leads to a tower, and there’s always someone on hand to help guide lost visitors. However, keep a close watch on very young children, as they may be hard to find if they wander out of sight.
Try Gelato at Gelateria Nico
Wondering what to do in Venice with a toddler? Why not indulge in some gelato? Venice is renowned for its gelato, and Gelateria Nico is a top choice. With a history dating back to 1935, they use only fresh fruit and ingredients. Plus, their shop has a lovely view of Giudecca Island, making it a perfect spot to treat your kids after a day of exploration.
Speaking of food, you might be wondering, is tap water safe to drink in Venice? The answer is yes—Venice’s tap water comes from deep wells on the Italian mainland, making it both safe and delicious.
Visit Campo San Polo
Campo San Polo is a wonderful spot to experience local life in Venice. It’s the largest campo in the city and the second largest square after Piazza San Marco. This area is popular among local Venetians and a great place for children to play, providing an excellent opportunity for your kids to make friends, even with language barriers.
Additionally, Campo San Polo often hosts carnivals, concerts, and various events. Check ahead to see if there are any happenings during your visit!
Let your kids fall in love with Venice! A family-friendly guided tour is the best way to explore the city and make the most of your visit. Book now for a delightful 2.5-hour tour.
Sample Some Cicchetti
If you’re wondering what to feed your kids in Venice, cicchetti are small snacks or side dishes that are commonly enjoyed in the city. They can be likened to Spanish tapas, offering a wide variety of tastes. Your children might particularly enjoy meatballs in marinara sauce or mozzarella in carrozza.
And let the grown-ups rejoice; cicchetti are traditionally paired with a glass of wine known as ombra. Chances are, you’ll find cicchetti just as delightful as your kids do.
Tour a Palace
The stunning palaces of Venice are great attractions for kids, as they provide insights into the lifestyles of Italy’s upper class. Many of them remain as they were in the Middle Ages and serve as museums. Ca’ D’oro is a perfect example and is an art museum overlooking the Grand Canal.
However, Ca’ Rezzonico may be even more enjoyable for kids, with its expansive ballroom showcasing the extravagant costumes worn by the fashionable women of 18th-century Venice.
Have a Picnic at Giardini Pubblici
Giardini Pubblici is a fantastic place to unwind if you want to escape the urban hustle while allowing your children to play. Originally designed by Napoleon, these public gardens provide ample shade for adults and a playground with slides and swings for the kids.
While on your way, stop at the daily market on Via Garibaldi to grab some picnic supplies. Once the kids are done playing, enjoy your meal together. Giardini Pubblici also serves as a popular venue for major events and festivals.
Relax at the Beach on Lido
A trip wouldn’t be complete without a visit to the beach. Lido boasts one of the finest beaches in Venice and is known as Europe’s first beach resort. Its long stretch of pristine sand will surely delight children.
Keep in mind that the beach can get quite crowded during the tourist season, but in the off-season, it becomes a peaceful retreat. Kids will love collecting seashells, building sandcastles, or writing messages in the sand, which is a cherished local pastime.
Explore Santa Maria dei Miracoli
Santa Maria dei Miracoli is a unique church that kids may find enjoyable. It’s quite small by Italian standards and showcases some of the earliest examples of Venetian Renaissance architecture featuring colorful marble. Its charming simplicity is often missing in larger Italian churches, and it features beautiful geometric designs in pink, green, and white marble.
This church is slightly off the beaten path, making it an adventure to discover. It’s located in Cannaregio, just past San Polo.
Visit Rialto Bridge
Rialto Bridge is another iconic sight to check out in Venice. Built in 1591, it is the oldest bridge spanning the Grand Canal. The views from the bridge are spectacular and will surely delight your family.
Additionally, the bridge is lined with numerous souvenir shops, making it a fun place to explore. You can find everything from t-shirts and painted masks to Murano glass. It’s a fantastic spot to find your child a keepsake to remember their time in Venice.
As you can see, Venice offers plenty of engaging activities for families, featuring everything from outdoor adventures to artistic pursuits. It’s a remarkable destination for visitors of all ages.
Planning a day trip to Venice with kids? Be sure to check out this itinerary. It’s perfect for making the most of Venice in a day.
Rest assured, bringing your children to this enchanting city will be a rewarding experience. They are certain to enjoy themselves just as much as you do, creating lasting memories that you’ll cherish for years to come.
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First image by Sarah Lötscher from Pixabay
