Exploring Murano with kids is a must when visiting Venice. Known for its world-famous glassmaking, Murano Island offers a unique mix of history, art, and hands-on fun that the whole family can enjoy.
During our recent trip, we toured the island of Murano, attended an engaging glass-blowing demonstration, and even tried our hand at making our own Murano glass creations. Here’s how our day unfolded and why it’s one of the best things we’ve done as a family.
Exploring Murano and trying your hand at glass-making is a highlight of any Venice trip. For more tips on making the most of your family visit, head over to my guide on visiting Venice with kids—it’s your go-to resource!
Getting to Murano from Venice
Our adventure started from the heart of Venice. We hopped on a water bus, or Vaporetto, and made our way to Murano Island.
The Vaporetto ride was scenic, giving us time to take in views of the Grand Canal, Rialto Bridge, and the iconic Venice canals. The 30-minute boat ride was just right for the kids—long enough to enjoy but short enough to keep them engaged.
For those planning a trip for the first time, the Vaporetto is one of the best ways to travel to Murano. It’s affordable and offers a true Venetian experience as you glide past some of the city’s most famous landmarks.
Alternatively, for those looking for a more private option, a water taxi can take you directly to the island, but it comes at a much higher cost. If you have older children, you might also consider taking a private boat tour for a more personalized experience.
Glass Blowing Demonstration
Upon arriving at Murano Island, our first stop was the glass-blowing demonstration at the Santa Chiara Glass Furnace. This demonstration is a fantastic introduction to the history of Murano glass. Watching the artisans expertly shape molten glass into intricate objects was a mesmerizing experience for both the kids and adults. The demonstration is perfect for young children and older kids alike, as it brings the ancient craft of glassblowing to life.
We visited in early July, and even though it was fully high season, it was a nice respite from the crowds of Venice. Murano island was less crowded than Venice itself, allowing us to enjoy a more personalized experience.Â
The artisans not only showed us how to watch glass being shaped but also shared insights into the long history of Murano glass, making it both educational and entertaining. Seeing the bright colors of the glass as it took shape was truly magical.
Do note that it was pretty hot in the demonstration area (it is molten glass, after all!)
Murrina Glass Making Workshop
After the demonstration, we headed to Ferro Toso, a small workshop where we participated in a murrina glass-making activity. This hidden gem, located just off the main path, is one of those best-kept secrets that offers a hands-on experience…something I’m always looking for in our travels.Â
Pricing for the workshop varies depending on what you choose to make; our creations cost about 25 Euros each—a small price to pay for such a unique keepsake.
The kids absolutely loved this part of the day. They sorted through colorful murrine (small pieces of colored glass) and carefully arranged them into patterns to create their own glass designs. It was fun to see how these tiny glass pieces transformed into beautiful pendants and keychains after being melted in the kiln.
The artisans were incredibly patient and provided clear instructions, making it easy for the whole family to participate, even the young children. We found this to be a great place to explore creative interests in a hands-on way.
We designed our creations as we liked, and then we got to go to the back and see how they got melted down into our final shapes. I chose a pair of earrings and my kids and husband each made a keyring.
Each creation was transferred to a graphite dome and placed not in a kiln (which I was expecting) but rather into…a microwave! The graphite superheats the glass and melts it down. We got to check on the progress – it was amazing to see our pieces glowing orange and red from the heat.
Once they were done heating, we needed to wait about an hour for them to be cool enough to handle, so we wandered around, got lunch, and did some shopping. Definitely plan this one for early in your day so that you aren’t stuck waiting around for your pieces to be done.
Our Experience on Murano Island
After the workshop, we had plenty of time to explore the island’s narrow streets and pretty canals. We wandered through charming glass shops showcasing everything from delicate jewelry to intricate chandeliers, each one a testament to Murano’s rich glass-making tradition.
The island’s slower pace was a welcome change from the hustle of Venice proper, making it a perfect spot for a half-day trip with the family.
We also took a break for a nice lunch at a small café by one of the canals, where we could relax and admire the island’s beauty.
The kids were thrilled with their new glass creations, and we spent some time reflecting on the day’s activities before making our way back to Venice.
On the return trip, we all agreed that this was one of our favorite family adventures, combining learning, creativity, and fun in the most beautiful setting.
Final Thoughts on the Murano Glass Demonstration and Workshop
Visiting Murano with kids is a fantastic way to immerse the whole family in the rich artistic traditions of the Venetian Lagoon. Watching the artisans at the glass furnace during the glass-blowing demonstration and then creating our own pieces in the hands-on workshop at Ferro Toso made for an unforgettable experience. Murano is more than just a tourist stop—it’s a place where history, art, and family memories come together.
So, next time you’re in Venice, be sure to add Murano Island to your itinerary. It’s the perfect day trip to learn, create, and experience the magic of Venetian glassmaking with the whole family.
Whether it’s your first time or a return trip, exploring the small island of Murano is a great way to see one of the best places in the Venetian Lagoon.
Afterward, if you have plenty of time, consider a gondola ride or visit the nearby lace museum in Burano for a full Venetian experience. Take a boat ride along the Grand Canal, cross the small bridges, and explore the hidden gems of Venice proper, like the Peggy Guggenheim Collection, or enjoy a nice lunch by the pretty canals.
Murano, with its glass shops and unique workshops, is a cool place that will quickly become a personal favorite for anyone exploring the islands of Venice.
