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 to do in Venice with kids?
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. And there are lots of parks, water activities, arts and crafts, unique cultural experiences, and other things to do in Venice with kids of all ages.
This utterly beautiful city is like Disneyland for adults, but visiting Venice with kids is just as fun!
These are all of the top activities in Venice, Italy that the whole family will enjoy so you can plan an unforgettable Italian vacation.
Don’t have time to read a bunch of Venice blog posts and reviews? Here are some of our top picks for visiting Venice with kids.
Popular Venice Tours/Activities
- Grand Canal Gondola Ride (the most iconic thing to do in Venice)
- Doge’s Palace & St. Mark’s Basilica Tour (small group or private)
- Lagoon Islands Hop-on Hop-off Boat Tour (easy way to see the islands)
- Street Food Tour (try Venetian food with a local)
- Flytographer photo shoot (they are easy to book are really affordable)
Kid-Friendly Venice Hotels
- Hotel Bisanzio (great location with free WiFi and A/C)
- Hotel Montecarlo (family rooms near St. Mark’s Square with free WiFi and A/C)
- Hotel Palazzo Vitturi (family rooms near Bridge of Sighs with free WiFi and A/C)
- Palazzetto Madonna (family rooms and free breakfast, WiFi, and A/C)
- Hotel L’Orologio Venezia (lots of family rooms with free WiFi and A/C)
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.
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.
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 Venice history for kids interesting. As you walk around these two iconic places, count all the winged lions you can see.
You have to see St Mark’s 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.
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 one recommendation to start you off, head to Gelateria Nico.
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 runs mask-making workshops for adults and mask-decorating workshops for children. These are also super fun Venice souvenirs.
Watch Glass Blowers 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. 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 which was the highest political position in Venice until the 18th century.
Today, the palace is open for visitors and one of the top things to do in Venice for kids is to visit the prisons and dungeons underground.
There is a labyrinth of cellars under the opulent state rooms above and you can even see the cell of Giacomo Casanova. 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.
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.
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!
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. Check the latest admission rates.
Parco Savorgnan
This 2.3-acre park is the perfect place to cool off on a humid summer day as it’s covered in 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.
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. Since the Rialto Bridge crosses the Grand Canal, you can get great family photos from here.
Peggy Guggenheim Museum
While the 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 and is a great family-friendly gallery.
Peggy Guggenheim Museum offers cheap family tickets, tactile tours where you can 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.
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.
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, affordable, AND guarantee that I’ll be in some photos. You can get $25 off if you book through this link or use the code HAWAIITRAVEL.
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.
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 lots of Leonardo Da Vinci museums all over Italy, but the Leonardo Museum is the best for Venice kids’ activities too.
There are exhibits of some of his masterworks, plans, and drawing. 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 there are some local dishes in Venice that 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.
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 covered in soft grass, it’s where the 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.
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, which can make using a stroller difficult. Consider using a baby carrier instead, as it allows you to navigate through the city more easily.
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 attractions that are more family-friendly, such as the Doge’s Palace or the Peggy Guggenheim Collection.
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.
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.
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 are arriving late in Venice with kids or have 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 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 to 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 in Venice, Italy activities 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.
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 a great option for families with young children. The menu features traditional Venetian dishes, as well as 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 family-friendly. 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.
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!
