Venice is the capital of Italy’s Veneto region and one of the most culturally significant cities in the world. There’s a good chance you’ve been looking forward to spending time with your loved one in Venice for quite some time. But what if you’re bringing kids along with you? This begs the question, “Is Venice good for families?”

Of course, the answer is absolutely yes. Along with being one of the best destinations in the world for adults, there are a ton of activities for entertaining children. If you’re wondering what to do in Venice with your kids, we have plenty of suggestions for you.

Best things to visit in Venice when travelling with children

Do a Grand Canal Tour on a Vaporetto

Going on a Vaporetto ride is one of the most fun things to do in Venice regardless of whether you’re a kid or an adult. It’s simply the best way to explore the city. During this tour, you’ll see countless colourful palaces that span the city’s entire history. You’ll also pass numerous gondolas, water taxis, cargo barges, and delivery boats, which can be a lot of fun for kids.

Riding on a Vaporetto is also cheaper than a gondola ride. This makes it a good choice if you’re wondering how do you get around Venice for cheap? It’s a great way to familiarize yourself with the city and have fun with the kids at the same time.

Venice carnival is a must when planning a trip to Italy with kids in February or March

Go See a Mask Maker

Carnival masks are synonymous with Venice. Therefore, visiting a mask maker is one of the top things to do in Venice. The neighbourhoods of San Polo and Dorsoduro are great spots to see traditional mask makers in action. In these places, your kids can see for themselves how to mask makers paint these beautiful works of art.

If you really want to get some hands-on experience, enjoy a mask-making workshop where you and your kids can try mask-painting yourselves. This way, they can make their own souvenir that they can cherish forever. Please note that you’ll need to make a reservation to take part in a mask-making class. Book directly this extraordinary experience with your family. You won’t regret it!

 

Visit St. Mark’s

You might think visiting a church might be boring for kids, but St. Mark’s is no ordinary church. It’s one of the biggest Venice attractions for a reason. This is a massive church that’s full of gold mosaics. The altarpiece of Pala d’Oro, in particular, contains thousands of beautiful gems and stones.

However, the coolest thing for your kids will be the bronze horses that overlook the balcony. These horses have a fascinating history behind them. The ones that stand there now are actually reproductions. You can see the originals in the museum, then see the new ones up close when you climb the balcony. This will also give you an excellent view of Piazza San Marco.

Are you ready to learn more about the history of St. Mark’s Square? Buy the ticket now and skip the line!

Check Out the Prisons of Doge’s Palace

If you have an older child that has a taste for creepy things, then this is one of the best things to do in Venice, Italy. Doge’s Palace is right next to St. Mark’s and is a terrific attraction in its own right. The inside is beautiful, and you can see how the ruler of the Venetian Republic lived in style.

But of course, your kids will be most interested in the prisons that lie underneath. Older children will enjoy exploring the small, dark cells and seeing how the medieval justice system worked for themselves. It’s an experience they’ll certainly never forget.

I highly recommend you to visit both Doge’s Palace and St. Marks’ Square. Thanks to the combined ticket it will be easier for your family! Get NOW the fast track

Go on a Gondola Ride

Naturally, when people think of Venice, they think of gondolas. It may conjure images of romance, but kids will enjoy a ride on a gondola just as well. It’s also a great way to do some Venice sightseeing. Along with the usual attractions, you’ll drift through several back alleys and under numerous bridges.

Unfortunately, gondola rides can get a little expensive. If you want to save some money, there are a few gondolas that cross the Grand Canal. Although they’re not quite as luxurious as a traditional gondola, it’s still a good way for you to go on a gondola ride for only a Euro or two. In any case, a gondola ride is something you absolutely must-do if you’re wondering what to do in Venice, Italy.

Image by nextvoyage from Pixabay

See the Glassblowers on Murano

The glassblowers on Murano is another of the greatest Venice tourist attractions. They were originally quarantined on this island to keep their secrets from spreading to the rest of Europe. Today, you can get there by riding on the Vaporetto. Once you’re there, you can watch how the glassblowers fashion their glass into gorgeous vases, goblets, and other works of art. This is certain to wow both you and your children.
Afterward, you’ll have a chance to buy some of these works to take home with you. That said, it’s better if you book ahead this amazing experience! Especially during high season. Your children will never forget about it.

Get Lost in a Garden Maze

Another fun activity for kids is to explore Il Labirinto at Villa Pisani. The palace itself will be interesting for adults, but the garden maze is one of the most fun things to do in Venice for kids. It consists of 12 concentric circles and walls that are too tall to see over. Overall, it’s considered one of the most difficult hedge mazes in the world. Even Napoleon got lost in it!

At the end of the maze is a double staircase that leads to the tower. Don’t worry, there’s always someone posted that can lead the way if you get too lost. Still, it’s a good idea to keep an eye on very young children. It could be hard to find them if you lose sight of them.

Try Some Gelato at Gelateria Nico

So what is there to do in Venice with a toddler? Why not try some gelato? Venice is famous for its gelato, and Gelateria Nico is a great place to get it. They’ve been making it since 1935, and they only use fresh fruit and ingredients. On top of that, their shop overlooks the Giudecca Island. This makes it one of the best places to visit in Venice if you want to get your kids a treat after a long day of exploring the city.

While we’re on the subject of food, you might be wondering is it safe to drink the tap water in Venice? The answer is a resounding yes. The tap water is piped from the deep wells of the Italian mainland. It’s completely safe, and it tastes fantastic.

Visit Campo San Polo

Campo San Paolo is one of the top things to see in Venice if you want to get a taste for how the locals live. This is the largest campo in Venice and the second largest square after Piazza San Marco. It’s a favourite visiting spot for local Venetians, and it’s also a popular place for children to play. This is a great opportunity for your kids to make some new friends, even if they don’t speak the same language.

Additionally, Campo San Polo is a popular place for carnivals, concerts, and other events. There might be something fun happening during your visit, so make sure you look it up ahead of time.

Let your kids fall in love with Venice. A guided tour for families will be the best option to visit the city and get the most of it. Book now and enjoy a 2.5 hours kids friendly tour. 

Eat Some Cicchetti

Here’s another good idea if you’re wondering what to feed your kids in Venice. Cicchetti are small snacks or side dishes that are commonly served in Venice. They could be considered the Italian equivalent of Spanish tapas, and there’s a wide variety to choose from. Your kids will likely love some meatballs in marinara sauce or mozzarella in carrozza.

And of course, adults will be happy to know that cicchetti are traditionally served with a glass of wine known as ombra. Odds are, you’ll love the cicchetti just as much as the kids.

Tour a Palace

Some of the greatest Venice points of interest happen to be palaces. This is a lot of fun for kids because it provides a glimpse at how Italy’s upper society lived. Many of these places look exactly as they did in the Middle Ages, and quite a few of them have been preserved as museums. Ca’ D’oro is a good example as it is now an art museum overlooking the Grand Canal.

Ca’ Rezzonico may be an even better choice for kids. This palace from 18th-century Venice contains a giant ballroom, and it shows some of the wild costumes worn by Venice’s most fashionable women.

Have a Picnic at Giardini Pubblici

Giardini Pubblici is a good spot to hang out if you want to get away from the city while your children burn off some energy. These public gardens were originally laid out by Napoleon. There’s plenty of shade for the adults and a playground with slides and swings for the kids.

While you’re on your way, you can stop at the daily market on Via Garibaldi to pick up some food. Then, you can have a picnic once you’re children are finished playing. And once again, Giardini Pubblicci is a popular place for major events and festivals.

Go to the Beach at Lido

Of course, no vacation would be complete without a trip to the beach. Lido is one of the best you’ll find in Venice. In fact, it happens to be Europe’s first beach resort. It consists of one long stretch of white sand, which the kids are sure to have fun with.

Be aware that this beach can get pretty crowded during the season. But during the off-season, it’s one of the quietest and peaceful places you’ll find in Venice. Children can have lots of fun picking up seashells or building sandcastles. Or they can write messages in the sand and watch the waves wash them away, which is a favourite local pastime.

Check Out Santa Maria dei Miracoli

Santa Maria dei Miracoli is another rare example of a church that can be fun for kids. It’s very small by Italian church standards, and it’s one of the earliest examples of the Venetian Renaissance using coloured marble. Furthermore, it has a simple charm that you just don’t see in many Italian churches. It’s a pretty little church that’s lined with geometric patterns of pink, green, and white marble.

This church is also a little off the beaten path. That means finding it can be a bit of an adventure in its own right. Search for it in Cannaregio just past San Polo.

 

Visit Rialto Bridge

If you’re still wondering what to see in Venice, you might consider stopping by Rialto Bridge. After all, it’s one of the city’s most visible symbols. It was made in 1591, making it the oldest bridge crossing the Grand Canal. The views that you and your kids can see from this bridge are truly spectacular.

On top of that, the bridge is lined with tons of souvenir shops that are a lot of fun to explore. You can find everything from t-shirts, painted masks, and Murano glass. It’s an excellent place to buy your child a souvenir that will always remind them of their time in Venice.

As you can see, there are many things you can do with your kids in Venice. This city offers everything from outdoor fun to artistic activities and everything in between. It’s simply a fantastic destination regardless of your age.

Planning a day trip to Venice with kids? Do not miss this itinerary. It’s perfect for Venice in a day

So don’t worry if you’re bringing your children with you to this marvelous city. They’re certain to have just as much fun as you will. It’s a place where you’re guaranteed to have fun and make memories that will last a lifetime.

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First image by Sarah Lötscher from Pixabay