Are you planning a trip to Venice with kids? Keep scrolling for a list of the best things to do in Venice with kids that your whole family will love!
This list of the best things to do in Venice with kids was written by family travel expert Marcie Cheung and contains affiliate links, which means if you purchase something from one of my affiliate links, I may earn a small commission that goes back into maintaining this blog.
Planning a vacation in Venice with your family and want to know what the best things to do in Venice with kids are?
Venice is famously a romantic city, sitting in a lagoon off the northeast coast of Italy. But that doesn’t mean that there aren’t lots of kid-friendly things to do in Venice, Italy, too.
For starters, kids love Italian food. There are plenty of parks, water activities, arts and crafts, unique cultural experiences, and other things to do in Venice that will appeal to kids of all ages.
This utterly beautiful city is like Disneyland for adults, but visiting Venice with kids is just as fun! Thanks to the car free streets, families can enjoy walking safely without worrying about traffic.
These are all of the top activities in Venice, Italy, that the whole family will enjoy, so you can plan an unforgettable Italian vacation.
25 Things To Do in Venice With Kids
Ride a Vaporetto or Gondola
Taking a gondola is one of the quintessential Venice activities, but if you have little ones, then it’s not the safest form of transport.
Hop on a Vaporetto instead! These are Venice’s public waterbuses and offer great views if you can grab a seat by the window.
Using a water bus like the Vaporetto is an affordable and scenic way to get around, especially for families with young children.
Prices are an eye-watering €6.50 per single journey, but kids under six ride for free. Gondolas are also pretty pricey, but you can grab a short ride across the Grand Canal for a few euros.
Riding a gondola or Vaporetto is definitely one of the best things to do in Venice at night, as the buildings are all lit up, so it looks incredibly beautiful.
Join our Traveling Europe with Kids Facebook group to get real-time planning advice! JOIN NOW
Count Winged Lions in St Mark’s
The Venetian winged lion is a mythical creature with wings and has become a symbol of the city. You can spot this figure all over St Mark’s Square and Basilica.
In fact, spotting this animal is a great way to make the history of Venice interesting for kids. As you walk around these two iconic places, count all the winged lions you can see.
You have to see St. Mark’s (Piazza San Marco) when you’re in Venice. Creating a game out of your trip will engage your kids.
Kids Walking Tour
Speaking of Venice’s fascinating history for children, there are actually some Venice family tours for kids that do exactly this!
Rossana Colombo and Federica Fresch run Venice Kids Tours, which is one of the best things to do in Venice with kids of all ages.
They run scavenger hunts following in Marco Polo’s footsteps, the Doge’s Palace, and the Venice Carnival. Venice Kids Tours even offers self-guided DIY tours, which can be a fun way for kids to learn about the city’s history while exploring at their own pace.
Gelateria Nico
You can’t visit Venice, with kids or without, and without sampling a wide variety of gelaterias.
There are dozens, if not hundreds, of places to taste fantastic gelato, but if you need just one recommendation to get started, head to Gelateria Nico.
Visiting a gelato shop like Gelateria Nico is an essential part of experiencing the sweet side of Venice, and children love stopping for a cold treat, especially after a day of sightseeing.
Ca’Macana Mask-Making Workshop
Venetian masks are an essential part of the Carnival festivities in the lead-up to the Christian holiday of Lent.
There are lots of mask souvenir shops, like La Bottega Dei Mascareri, but one of the best Venice activities for kids is to make them.
Ca’ Macana offers mask-making workshops for adults and mask-decorating workshops for children. These are also super fun Venice souvenirs and a great idea if you’re looking for a creative, hands-on activity for kids of any age group.
Watch Glassblowers in Murano
Murano is part of a group of islands to the north of Venice and a great place for a day or half-day trip.
It’s a less-crowded alternative to Venice, plus, your kids will love watching the glass blowers create cool glass artwork on the streets.
Some workshops even offer small demonstrations where kids can see tiny glass animals being crafted before their eyes.
If your family enjoys collecting keepsakes, picking up glass trinkets from Murano can be a wonderful souvenir of your trip. Check the latest rates for a day trip to Murano.
Prisons at the Doge’s Palace
This incredibly lavish palace was once home to the Doge of Venice, who was the highest political position in Venice until the 18th century.
Today, the palace is open to visitors, and one of the top things to do in Venice with kids is to visit the underground prisons and dungeons.
There is a labyrinth of cellars under the opulent state rooms above, and you can even see the cell of Giacomo Casanova.
Booking a guided tour of the Doge’s Palace is a good idea to fully appreciate the fascinating stories and hidden secrets of this historic building. Check the latest rates for skip-the-line tickets.
Giardini della Biennale
For a crowded island city surrounded by water, there are lots of great parks in Venice! They’re the best places to go and things to do in Venice with a toddler who needs to be confined to a stroller most of the time, so they don’t wander into canals.
Giardini Della Biennale is a huge, relaxing garden on the Grand Canal with lots of art museums and pavilions dotted around the lawn. There are playgrounds here, too, and occasionally you might stumble upon free art workshops where children can unleash their creativity.
The expansive lawns offer a flat surface that makes it easier for families to spread out and relax without worrying about uneven cobblestones.
Venice Lido Beach
You don’t book a trip to Venice to relax on the beach. But if you’ve ticked all the best Venice activities for kids off your list and you have an extra day scheduled, then you can do exactly that.
The Lido is a seven-mile (11 km) long island in the Venetian Lagoon that shields the rest of the city from the open sea. It has a long strip of soft, sandy beach lined with hotels, restaurants, and watersports rentals.
If you visit during the busy summer months, arriving early is a great idea to claim a good spot on the beach before the crowds arrive.
Hedge Maze at Villa Pisani
This activity is a little outside of the city of Venice, but if you’re looking for things to do in the wider Veneto region, then it’s worth checking out.
Villa Pisani is a huge museum by the canal with lots of art exhibitions and gardens. But the reason why it’s great for kids is the huge hedge maze you and your kids can spend hours getting lost in. Keep your littlest kids in a stroller so they don’t run off!
The gardens here are a lovely area to spend a relaxing afternoon outside of the city bustle, offering a refreshing change of scenery.
Giancarlo Ligabue Natural History Museum
Natural history museums are perfect for inquisitive kids who love animals and dinosaurs. One of the best things for kids in Venice who have these interests is the Giancarlo Ligabue Natural History Museum.
It has lots of fossils, dinosaur skeletons, replicas, and lots of fun and interactive exhibits. Many families add this museum to their recommended itinerary because it combines education with fun experiences that captivate all age groups. Check the latest admission rates.
Parco Savorgnan
This 2.3-acre park is the perfect place to cool off on a hot summer day, as it’s shaded by shady trees. There are tons of benches, drinking fountains, and a playground, so it’s a great place to visit in Venice, Italy, for kids.
You’ll often see local children here, and it’s a small playground that’s great for toddlers who need a break from sightseeing.
Rialto Market and Bridge
You cannot visit Venice without checking out the Rialto Bridge! As long as you keep a tight grip on their hand, it’s one of the top things to do in Venice with kids, too.
The Rialto Market has lots of clothing and food stalls that will pique your children’s curiosity. Exploring the smaller canals around the Rialto area is also a fun way to see Venice beyond the Grand Canal and find quieter, less touristy spots.
Since the Rialto Bridge crosses the Grand Canal, you can get great family photos from here.
Peggy Guggenheim Museum
While Peggy Guggenheim might sound like a cosmopolitan art museum (and it is), it’s also one of the best things to do in Venice for kids, making it a great family-friendly gallery.
The Peggy Guggenheim Museum offers affordable family tickets, tactile tours that allow you to touch some of the works, and kids’ workshops every Sunday. Check the latest admission rates.
Eat Cicchetti in Osteria ai Pugni
Cicchetti is a Venetian version of Spanish tapas, so they are small dishes perfect for lunch.
Unfortunately, most aren’t child-friendly! Unless your preschooler likes eating dishes like squid and shrimp, of course.
Luckily, there are some restaurants like Osteria ai Pugni that serve crowd-pleasing small plates like meatballs and bruschetta, which are perfect for picky eaters.
Dishes with tomato sauce and other familiar flavors are often available, making it easier for kids to enjoy traditional Venetian food without any surprises.
Libreria dell’Acqua Alta
Some Venice activities might only give your family 10 minutes of entertainment, but they can help break up long days of walking and sightseeing.
The Libreria dell’Acqua Alta might look like any old dusty bookshop, but walk through the piles of books to the section outside. There are piles and piles of books where your kids can safely climb and (hopefully) pose for cute photos.
This quirky bookstore is located within walking distance of many of Venice’s main attractions, making it an easy and quick stop during your family adventures.
Learn to Row a Gondola
Traveling to Venice with older kids and not sure you can tempt them to take a romantic gondola ride with their parents? Contact Row Venice and book a session where they can learn how to row a gondola instead!
It’s a lot harder than it looks, and they’ll find it rewarding to learn fun new skills on a family vacation.
Book a Family Photo Shoot
Whenever we travel, we almost always book a family photo shoot with Flytographer. They are super easy and affordable AND guarantee that I’ll be in some photos. You can get $25 off if you book through this link.
Eat Chocolate at VizioVirtù
Italy’s national dessert might be gelato, but VizioVirtù is the go-to store in Venice to buy artisanal chocolate. Your kids can make their own chocolate box, or you can enjoy chocolate treats in their cafe.
Visiting this shop is a magical place for kids and adults alike who have a sweet tooth and want a memorable treat during their Venice trip.
Day Trip to Burano
If you’re enjoying a long and leisurely Venice city break, you might run out of things for kids to do in Venice. Sometimes, all you need is a change of scenery.
Take a day or half-day trip to Burano. Like the nearby Murano islands, it’s another colorful fishing village only a short boat ride away from Venice. Check the latest rates and availability.
Leonardo Museum
There are many Leonardo Da Vinci museums all over Italy, but the Leonardo da Vinci Museum is also great for kids’ activities in Venice.
There are exhibits of some of his masterworks, plans, and drawings. But there are also replicas of his inventions that children can try for themselves. Check the latest admission rates.
Serra dei Giardini Greenhouse
This huge greenhouse with tons of exotic plants is one of the best things to do in Venice if you’re looking for indoor activities that feel like outdoor activities on a rainy day.
It’s also in a much quieter part of Venice.
Eat Risi e Bisi
It’s practically unheard of for Venetian restaurants to have children’s menus. But some local dishes in Venice are more appealing to children.
Risi e Bisi literally translates to rice and peas (but it’s much more fun to say, right?!), and it’s a local Venetian meal.
It’s often served with chicken, but you can just order it with chicken broth. It’s filling, and both adults and kids alike find it delicious.
Views from San Giorgio Maggiore
The Bell Tower at St Mark’s Basilica might be the tallest building in Venice and offers exceptional views, but all those stairs aren’t exactly child-friendly!
Head across the canal to witness the views from San Giorgio Maggiore instead. Not only is there an elevator, but you also get a panoramic view of the basilica, which is much better.
San Giorgio Maggiore offers some of the best views in Venice, especially if you’re looking for a quieter, less crowded alternative to the popular spots in San Marco.
The Bridge of Sighs
Sailing past the Bridge of Sighs is a must on any gondola or Vaporetto ride.
You’ll be able to tell your kids all about the history of the bridge. It was named after the ‘sighs’ of the prisoners who caught their last glimpse of the outside world as they walked from their sentencing at Palazzo Ducale to the prison.
Run Around Campo San Polo
Though Campo San Polo is not as inviting as a park with soft grass, it’s where local kids play soccer and other games after school.
If you have extroverted kids who love making friends when you travel, even if they don’t speak the same language, it’s a great place to hang out.
Just like Campo Santa Margherita, which is another lively square often filled with families and local children, Campo San Polo offers lots of open space for little ones to burn off energy.
Tips for Visiting Venice with Kids
If you are visiting Venice with kids, here are some tips to make your family trip enjoyable for everyone, including very small kids:
Use a Baby Carrier
Venice’s streets are narrow and crowded, and many of its bridges have steps, making it difficult to use a stroller. Consider using a baby carrier instead, as it makes navigating the city easier.
Plan Your Venice Itinerary with Small Children in Mind
Venice is a city with many tourist attractions, but some of them may not be suitable for younger kids. Consider choosing more family-friendly attractions, such as the Doge’s Palace or the Peggy Guggenheim Collection.
Including a stop at Santa Croce, a quieter neighborhood with fewer tourists and charming streets, can be a welcome break for families traveling with young kids.
Choose Stroller-friendly Areas
While Venice is not the most stroller-friendly city, there are still some areas that are more accessible than others. The main tourist areas around San Marco Square are generally flat and easy to navigate with a stroller.
If you’re staying near Campo Santa Maria Formosa, you’ll find easier walking paths and central access to many top sites, which is convenient when pushing a stroller.
Take Breaks
Younger kids may get tired easily, so make sure to take breaks throughout the day. There are many small parks and squares where you can sit and rest, or grab a snack or a gelato.
Consider a Gondola Ride
A gondola ride is a fun and unique experience for kids, especially very small kids who may not be able to appreciate some of the city’s historical sites. Just make sure to choose a licensed gondolier who follows safety guidelines.
Overall, with some planning and consideration, Venice can be an enjoyable destination for families with young kids.
Things To Do in Venice With Kids FAQs
Is Venice a good place to visit with kids?
Yes! Venice is a great place to visit with kids.
With colorful buildings, lots of boat rides, carnival masks, glass-blowing, and more, there is a lot to see in Venice, Italy, with kids, even just strolling around the city.
Due to the number of canals, visiting Venice with toddlers is a little more challenging than visiting with babies or older children. Plus, using a stroller can get stressful with all the bridges, steps, and narrow streets.
But in terms of Venice kids’ activities, food, and accommodation, Venice is very child-friendly.
Choosing activities that involve eating gelato, visiting parks, or taking short Vaporetto rides ensures that kids stay engaged and excited throughout the trip.
What area in Venice is best with kids?
There are four great areas to stay in Venice with children: Cannaregio, Dorsoduro, Castello, and San Polo.
Cannaregio is close to the train station, which is ideal if you’re arriving late in Venice with kids or need to get up early to travel elsewhere.
Dorsoduro is super central and close to all the main attractions like the Rialto Bridge and St Mark’s Square. However, it doesn’t have the huge crowds that Saint Mark’s has, especially at night, so it’s much quieter.
Castello is close to lots of nice parks, and San Polo is also well-located between the train station and St Mark’s.
Are the Venice Lido beaches good for families?
Yes, the beaches in Venice Lido are generally good for kids. The sand is soft and the water is shallow, making it a safe place for children to swim and play.
There are also a number of beach clubs that offer amenities such as changing rooms, showers, and restaurants, making it a convenient and enjoyable experience for families.
How many days should we spend in Venice with kids?
While there are lots of fun things to do in Venice with children, and it is a kid-friendly city, it can get quite crowded.
Keeping a constant eye on your children so that they don’t accidentally fall into a canal can get quite tiring!
You can see all the must-do activities in Venice, Italy, with your kids in around two days. Schedule three days in Venice if you want to enjoy a beach day at the Venice Lido or take a family trip to Burano or Murano.
When planning for your first time visiting Venice with kids, having a flexible schedule with built-in rest times will make the experience smoother for everyone.
What are some kid-friendly Venice restaurants?
Trattoria da Fiore is a family-run restaurant that has been serving up traditional Venetian cuisine for over 50 years. The menu features all the classics, like pasta, seafood, and risotto. There’s also a kids’ menu with all the favorites, like pizza and chicken fingers.
Osteria al Portego is a casual eatery that is an excellent option for families with young children. The menu features traditional Venetian dishes, along with some more modern options. There’s also a large outdoor patio where kids can run around.
Ristorante Da Fiore is a Michelin-starred restaurant that offers a more upscale dining experience, but it’s still a family-friendly option. The menu features creative takes on traditional Venetian cuisine. There’s also a kids’ menu with smaller portions of adult dishes.
Fun Things To Do in Venice With Kids Wrap-Up
While it might not seem like it, there are tons of things to do in Venice with kids.
Lots of families visit Venice with kids in tow every year and in all seasons. Attractions in Venice, Italy, are very welcoming.
Whether you’re looking for interactive museums, parks, kid-friendly cuisine, or other fun activities, you’ll find plenty of things to do in Venice for families so that everyone has an enjoyable and memorable vacation.
No matter your children’s ages, with a little research and planning, you can discover Venice in a way that’s fun, educational, and stress-free for the whole family.
Looking for more Venice travel resources? Check out our top Venice tips for first-timers, where to stay in Venice with kids, how to spend one day in Venice with kids, how to find affordable photographers in Venice, how to spend 10 days in Italy with kids, tips for visiting Italy with kids, Europe travel tips, and hidden gems in Venice you won’t want to miss!
