Venice is a magical city that has been captivating visitors for centuries with its winding canals, beautiful architecture, and rich history. While the city is often seen as a romantic destination for couples, it’s also a wonderful place to visit with kids. From gondola rides to mask-painting workshops, there is a wide range of things to do in Venice with kids.
Best Time to Visit Venice
If you are looking to avoid crowds as much as possible, the best time to visit Venice is likely to be in the winter. The weather will be chilly, but there will be fewer people.
June, July, and August tend to be the busiest months due to the nicer weather and many people being on holiday. With warmer weather comes more people, especially at the main tourist attractions.
Large crowds in St. Mark’s Square and surrounding area
The easiest thing to do to get away from the crowds is to start wandering the small and narrow alleyways. Let the kids decide which way to go! This is a great way to simply wander, help keep the kids happy, and you’ll be sure to see some cool and interesting things. You may even find times you are by yourselves!
Plan and book ahead
Plan and book any tours in advance. We made a last-minute decision to visit Venice and unfortunately, we were not able to book many of the tours listed here that I really wanted to do. Lesson learned the hard way!
Places to stay
The further out you book your stay, the more selection you will have and hopefully, the easier it will be to find accommodations within your budget.
It’s important to know that some places, especially those listed on sites like Airbnb, may have a 2 or 3-night minimum stay. If you are not planning that long of a stay in Venice, you may be better off booking with a hotel. I have used Booking.com a lot to help us find accommodations, including hotels.
Depending on your situation, we highly recommend looking for places to stay outside of Venice such as in Lido, Murano, or Burano. Of course, it’s important to consider what is best for you and your family. If you need to frequently return to your hotel room or apartment throughout the day, then staying in Venice may be best for you.
Staying outside of Venice
Staying outside of Venice is usually cheaper and less crowded. We stayed in Lido, one of the many small islands surrounding Venice. It was calmer, quieter, and quite charming! Our Airbnb apartment was great and we would absolutely stay there again. It was tucked away on a quiet street, but still very close to shops and restaurants, and only a 10-15 minute walk from the ferry station (depending on how fast your kids walk!).
The quiet peaceful street our Airbnb was on.
If you only plan to do a day trip to Venice, you could consider staying in the city of Padua (Padova in Italian). It’s a short train ride away from Venice and is likely to be cheaper than actually staying in Venice.
How to get there
Car
There are not many roads in Venice and driving in the historic part of the city is restricted. Parking is also very limited, so I suggest you find a place to park outside the city and take alternate transport into Venice.
Plane
You can fly into Venezia Airport, and take a water taxi, ferry, or bus to Venice.
Train
You can take the train from just about anywhere to Venezia Santa Lucia. It’s around a 2-hour train ride from Florence to Venice on the high-speed train.
Kevin and Leah enjoying the high-speed train to Venice.
Check out Trenitalia to see train times, and routes, and to purchase your train tickets. Be sure to download the Trenitalia app and sign up for an account. This makes it very easy to purchase tickets and to show your electronic tickets to the ticket agent. Plus, I found some train times listed on the app that weren’t listed on the website. Not sure why!
Trenitalia App
Train tip
We recommend paying the extra 2 euros per person to choose your seats in advance. Having the seats around the small tables is so helpful, especially with kids! Choosing your seats helps to ensure you all get to sit together as well. Also, if you get motion sick easily, you can be sure to choose a seat that’s facing the direction the train is going.
Using the ferries
If you decide to stay on one of the many small islands surrounding Venice, such as Lido where we stayed, you will need to purchase ferry tickets once you arrive. This is easily done at a small ticket booth just outside the train station. I found the lady in the booth to be very friendly, quite helpful, and spoke excellent English!
I apparently didn’t get the actual ferry ticket booth in this picture. But it’s just off to the right and looks like this:
Ferry Passes
Multi-day passes
If you are staying for a few days, and anticipate taking the ferries frequently, ask about a 2-day or 3-day ferry pass. This can save you money rather than buying tickets every time you need the ferry and it’s faster and easier to have your tickets and simply scan them when you need to get on the boat.
Validate your tickets
Note that you must validate your ferry tickets BEFORE you get on the ferry. There is an electronic scanner at the ferry station next to the ticket booth to scan for validation.
Kid’s tickets
When purchasing tickets for the ferry (or anything really!), be sure to tell the agent the ages of your kids. Many times, kids have cheaper tickets than adults and different ages may have different prices.
If you purchase a ferry ticket for a minor, the ticket booth will provide you with a form to fill out with your child’s name and passport number on it. This form is to be kept with the child’s ticket AT ALL TIMES. I’m assuming this is in case you are asked to show your tickets and prove they are your kids.
Ferry passes may be used as bus passes, too
When purchasing your ferry tickets, ask the agent if the tickets are also good for anything else, such as the buses. The ferry tickets we purchased were also good to use for the buses in Lido, though we didn’t get the opportunity to ride them. If your tickets are good for bus passes too, you can simply get on a bus and take a seated tour of the island and maybe find other places you want to explore!
Things to Do in Venice With Kids (All Ages)
1. Take a gondola ride
This is a classic Venetian experience that kids are sure to enjoy. Gondolas can be found all over the city, and the views from the water are stunning.
You can catch a gondola ride from the harbor area around St. Mark’s Square or simply walk through the interesting alleyways and look for a sign near the canals that displays the gondola prices (below). There may not be gondolas sitting at those locations, but that’s because they are currently out with other visitors. You could hang out there and wait for them to return.
Interesting gondola info
Our Gondolier informed us that there are two types of Gondolas and while they probably have fancy names, I simply remember that there are smaller ones and larger ones.
The smaller ones are steered by Gondoliers that have not yet completed Gondolier training.
The longer and more traditional Gondolas are steered by a Gondolier who has completed six years of Gondolier school.
2. Exterior Tour St. Mark’s Basilica (San Marco Basilica)
This is one of the most iconic and popular tourist attractions in Venice. If you have younger children, simply viewing the beautiful architecture from the outside may be better than taking them inside. This is why I have the interior tour of St. Mark’s listed for older children. You can read more to make the decision for yourself.
Even if you decide not to visit the interior of St. Mark’s Basilica, you can still marvel at its architectural beauty from the outside in Piazza San Marco.
3. Let the kids run around Piazza San Marco
Sometimes the best way to let kids enjoy a place is to simply let them run around! Just outside St. Mark’s Basilica, is the Piazza San Marco (St Mark’s Square) which is one of the best places to do just that.
Pigeons
For kids, one of the best things about Piazza San Marco is the pigeons. There are hundreds of pigeons in the square, and while it’s tempting to want to feed them, the Venetian residents ask that you do NOT feed the pigeons for health and sanitary issues, among other reasons. It may even be illegal to feed them, though I couldn’t find a definitive answer to this.
Cafes and restaurants
There are many cafes and restaurants in the square which can be a good place for families to enjoy a meal or a snack while taking in the sights and sounds of the bustling square and letting the kids run around.
Souvenir vendors
There are plenty of souvenir shops and vendors selling all kinds of trinkets. Leah enjoyed walking around and looking at the shops and vendor carts, but we strongly encouraged her NOT to purchase anything from these stands. They all had the exact same stuff, so probably mass-produced and therefore not unique. Many of the items had tags with, “Made in China”. That’s not the kind of souvenir we personally want or want to support.
4. Explore the Doge’s Palace
The Doge’s Palace was the residence of the Doge of Venice (the supreme authority of the former Venetian Republic) and is now a museum. Kids can enjoy exploring the various rooms and seeing the weapons and armor on display.
The palace offers interactive exhibits that can help kids learn about Venice’s history and culture in a fun and engaging way. For example, the palace offers a “Secret Itineraries” tour that takes visitors through hidden passages and chambers that were once used by the Doge’s secret police. Kids may enjoy the sense of adventure that comes with exploring these secret spaces.
5. Mask-painting/mask-making workshops
Venice is famous for its elaborate masks, and kids can try their hand at making their own in one of the many workshops around the city. Our 6-year-old daughter and I both agreed that this was our favorite thing we did the entire time we were in Venice! Though, I do wish that more of the history of the masks had been shared during our visit.
I looked at several different places to paint masks, but because of last-minute planning, many of them were unavailable.
A few of the places I looked at were:
Ca’ Macana
Alberto Sarria Masks
La Bauta (right next door to San Marco 596)
San Marco 596 (right next door to La Bauta). This is the place that we were able to book last minute through TripAdvisor. I always suggest trying to book directly through the company’s website as third parties can cost more and/or take a portion of the proceeds.
Some of these places may be able to fit you in if you walk by and ask about last-minute availability, but to be sure you get to paint a mask, I highly recommend booking in advance.
6. Visit the Rialto Market
The bustling outdoor Rialto Market is a great place to sample local foods and see the colorful stalls of fresh produce and seafood.
Photo courtesy of isawcompany
7. Take a water taxi to the island of Murano
Murano is a small island located in the Venetian Lagoon, just a short boat ride away from Venice. It is famous for its beautiful glass art and craftsmanship, which has been made there for centuries.
While there, tour a glass factory or even take the kids to a glass-making class!
8. Visit the Natural History Museum
The Natural History Museum in Venice started from a private collection of a Venetian nobleman named Teodoro Correr and has grown through donations and purchases. The Museo de la historia natural is housed in an impressive 13th-century palace and features exhibits on everything from fossils to marine life.
9. Go to the beach
While Venice is known for its canals, there are also several beaches nearby, such as Lido di Venezia, where kids can swim, play, and soak up the sun. We stayed in Lido during our visit to Venice and the beach was just a few minutes walk from our apartment.
It wasn’t warm enough to go swimming while we were there, but we still had a good time playing in the sand and looking at the beautiful shells that had washed up. I also did my traditional beach trash pickup.
10. Visit the Leonardo da Vinci Museum
The Leonardo da Vinci Museum features interactive exhibits that allow kids to learn about the inventions and machines designed by Leonardo da Vinci.
The museum is located in the heart of Venice, near the Rialto Bridge and the Grand Canal, and it features a wide range of exhibits and activities that are specifically designed for children. Here are some highlights:
Interactive exhibits:
The museum features many interactive exhibits that allow kids to get hands-on with da Vinci’s inventions. They can try out a replica of his flying machine, experiment with pulleys and levers, and test out his various designs for bridges and machines.
Models and drawings:
The museum also features many models and drawings of da Vinci’s inventions, including his famous flying machines, war machines, and anatomical studies. Kids can learn about the science and engineering behind these designs and how they inspired modern-day technology.
Virtual reality experiences:
For an extra-special experience, the museum offers virtual reality simulations that allow visitors to experience da Vinci’s inventions in a whole new way. Kids can fly over the city of Venice in a virtual flying machine or explore the inner workings of the human body in a VR anatomy lesson.
11. Take a cooking class
There are many cooking schools in Venice that offer classes specifically geared toward kids, teaching them how to make traditional Italian dishes.
Mama Isa’s Cooking School is one of these and offers classes in making pizza, bread, pasta, pastries, and gelato.
12. Go on a scavenger hunt
This is something I wish we would have done while visiting Venice. There are several companies in Venice that offer scavenger hunts specifically designed for kids, helping them explore the city in a fun and interactive way.
Check out
TripAdvisor list
Vevo Venetia – Venice Treasure Hung for Children and Adults
My City Hunt
13. Check out Palazzo Ducale
The Palazzo Ducale was the residence of the Doge of Venice, the highest authority in the former Republic of Venice. Today, the palace is a museum that showcases the art, history, and culture of Venice.
The palace offers a variety of exhibits that can be enjoyed by all ages. For example, the palace has a prison area that can be fascinating for children to explore, where they can see the famous Bridge of Sighs and learn about the history of punishment in Venice. The palace also has several art exhibitions that showcase some of the most famous artworks of Venice.
14. Take a boat trip to the island of Burano
Burano is another island in the Venetian Lagoon, though it is further out from Venice than Murano. It is known for its colorful houses and lace-making. The kids may enjoy seeing all the colorful houses and you can take a tour of the Lace Museum.
15. Go on a lion hunt
The winged lion is the symbol of Venice and its patron saint, St. Mark. Therefore there are lions and winged lions all throughout the city.
Have your kids see how many lions they can find as you explore. You could keep it a fun family game, or turn it into a competition to see who finds the most.
This amazing and simple idea was given to us by parents we know who used this to get their younger kids (2 and 4 years old) into exploring the city. They said it really helped the little ones be more engaged and happy while simply wandering around.
Things to Do in Venice with Kids (older kids or specialized interests)
As always, use your best judgment for what you think will be best for your kids.
16. Interior tour of St. Mark’s
If your children are into history, they may enjoy an interior tour of St. Mark’s Basilica. You can purchase tickets to wander the inside on your own or find a guided tour.
It’s important to know that most religious sites in Europe require shoulders and knees to be covered to enter. I don’t know if St. Mark’s requires this, but if you plan to go inside, prepare ahead of time and make sure you are wearing appropriate clothing.
St. Peter’s Basilica in Rome absolutely requires shoulders and knees to be covered. While in Italy, if you plan to visit Rome with kids, make sure you dress appropriately or you will be denied entry.
17. Take a ghost tour
If you think your kids are up to it, you can look into a ghost tour! Venice has a rich history of spooky legends and ghost stories. Some potential companies are Avventure Bellissime and Vivo Venetia. Viator and TripAdvisor both have a list of places to check out as well.
18. Explore the San Zaccaria Crypt
This underground crypt is located beneath San Zaccaria church, which is one of the oldest churches in Venice. The crypt contains ancient artifacts and tombs, as well as stunning frescoes and mosaics that tell the story of the church and its past.
Families can explore the crypt and learn about the history of Venice through a guided tour. However, it’s important to note that the San Zaccaria Crypt is a historic site and may not be suitable for very young children or those who are easily frightened by dark spaces.
19. Peggy Guggenheim Collection
If your kids are really into art or art history, look into visiting the Peggy Guggenheim Museum, also known as the Peggy Guggenheim Collection. This is one of the most important museums of 20th-century art in Italy and includes works by major artists such as Jackson Pollock, Mark Rothko, Salvador Dalí, Pablo Picasso, and many others.
20. Visit the Museum of Music
This museum features a collection of historic musical instruments, including harpsichords, violins, and pianos.
The Museo della Musica is located in the San Maurizio church, which is not far from the Accademia Bridge. The museum’s collection includes a variety of musical instruments, ranging from ancient to modern times.
The museum’s exhibitions are divided into different sections, including instruments from the Baroque period, the 18th and 19th centuries, and modern times. There is also a section dedicated to traditional Venetian music, which could be particularly interesting for kids to learn about.
While the museum is not specifically designed for children, it could be a fun and educational visit for kids who are interested in music and musical instruments. There are guided tours available, which could be helpful in explaining the exhibits to younger visitors.
21. Visit the Jewish Ghetto
Yes, that is what it is called and I admit, I was taken aback. When I hear “Jewish Ghetto” I envision the impoverished places Jews were forced to live during the early 1940s.
Quick lesson:
According to Merriam-Webster online dictionary
Ghetto:
“a quarter of a city in which Jews were formerly required to live”
“a quarter of a city in which members of a minority group live especially because of social, legal, or economic pressure.”
“an isolated group”
Brief history
Starting around the 16th century, Venice’s Jewish population was forced to live within a gated and walled community. This area today is known as the Jewish Ghetto.
This historic neighborhood is home to several synagogues and museums that teach visitors about the Jewish history of the area. You can also visit the Jewish Museum of Venice which showcases the history of the Jewish community in Venice through exhibits of art, artifacts, and documents. It can be an educational and immersive experience, especially for older children, to learn about the history and culture of the Jewish people in Venice.
Conclusion
There are numerous opportunities for families looking for fun things to do in Venice with kids. From exploring the canals and admiring the stunning architecture to visiting the city’s many museums and cultural landmarks, there’s something for everyone to enjoy.
Whether you’re seeking adventure or relaxation, Venice has it all. If you’re planning a family trip to Venice, get ready for an unforgettable experience that you and your kids will cherish for years to come.
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