Exploring Venice with kids is an adventure filled with history, culture, and unforgettable experiences. The floating city offers a ton of activities that are perfect for a family trip, making it an ideal destination for both young kids and older children.Â
From interactive classes to private tours that dive deep into Venetian traditions, there’s something for everyone to enjoy. Here’s your comprehensive guide to making the most out of your time in Venice with kids.
Why Venice is Great for Kids
Venice is a dream destination for families, offering what feels like a giant playground full of discoveries. With no cars in sight, you can explore the city safely on foot, making every turn through the narrow streets and across the small bridges an adventure for young children.
Gondola rides and water taxis aren’t just a way to get around—they’re fun experiences that light up kids’ imaginations.
The city’s rich history comes alive through interactive exhibits at museums, treasure hunts in hidden squares like Campo Santa Margherita, and hands-on fun at mask-making workshops.
Whether it’s your first time in Venice or you’re back for another family trip, this city effortlessly combines education with fun, making it an ideal spot to soak in its unique charm.
Where to Stay in Venice with Kids
Choosing the right accommodation is crucial when traveling with kids. Venice offers a variety of family-friendly hotels that are close to major attractions like St. Mark’s Square and the Rialto Bridge.
Hotel Ai Cavalieri: Located just a short walk from St. Mark’s Square and the Rialto Bridge, this hotel provides easy access to Venice’s best attractions. The family-friendly atmosphere and spacious rooms made our stay comfortable and enjoyable.
The Gritti Palace: For those looking to splurge, The Gritti Palace is a great option. This historic hotel offers stunning views of the Grand Canal and is a perfect place to relax after a day of exploring. The luxurious rooms and excellent service ensure that even young kids are well taken care of.
St. Regis Venice: Another great option for families seeking a luxurious stay is St. Regis Venice. Its location along the Grand Canal makes it a perfect spot for exploring the city, and the hotel’s services cater specifically to families, ensuring a memorable experience.
What to Do in Venice with Kids
Venice is a treasure trove of kid-friendly activities that will make your family holiday truly special.
Here’s a roundup of some must-do experiences:
Gondola Rowing Lesson with Row Venice
For a fun way to experience Venice, we signed up for a gondola rowing lesson with Row Venice. This non-profit organization, run by passionate women, teaches the traditional Venetian rowing style known as Voga Alla Veneta.
Unlike a standard gondola ride, this lesson allowed us to take control of the boat, navigating through the narrow canals ourselves. The kids loved the challenge, and it provided a fascinating insight into Venetian culture. It’s one of the best things we did during our trip.
Read more about our gondola rowing adventure.
Mask-Making Workshop at Ca’ Macana
A highlight of our trip was the mask-making workshop at Ca’ Macana. Famous for its Venetian carnival masks, this workshop allowed our kids to create their own Venetian masks using traditional techniques.
It was a great, fun experience that gave us a deeper connection to Venice’s cultural history. Plus, we left with unique souvenirs that will always remind us of our time in Venice.
Check out our full experience at Ca’ Macana.
Glass-Making Workshop on Murano Island
Our visit to the island of Murano was another highlight of our trip. Known worldwide for its glassmaking, Murano offers a glass-blowing demonstration followed by a workshop where you can create your own glass pieces. The kids were captivated by the live demonstration and thrilled to make their own glass mementos. This activity is perfect for children of all ages and is a great way to combine learning with fun.
Read about our time on Murano Island.
Private Walking Tour and Scavenger Hunt
Leave the guidebook behind and dive into Venice with a guide who knows how to make the city exciting for kids and adults alike. We tried to book a private walking tour that included a scavenger hunt for the kids, but like anything great, they were sold out. I do recommend booking ahead in busy months, as this one is highly rated and I can say from experience that it will sell out. They allow you to customize your day with an itinerary that fits your family’s interests and ages, covering both famous landmarks and off-the-beaten-path treasures.Â
Cooking Class with a Local Chef
A standout experience was a cooking class where we learned to make traditional Venetian dishes.Â
Join a local chef for a hands-on experience where you’ll learn to craft traditional “Pasta Fresca” from scratch, paired with a fresh, seasonal sauce. Finish off with Italy’s iconic dessert, Tiramisù. After the cooking class, sit down to enjoy a three-course meal featuring the dishes you’ve created, accompanied by local wines and carefully selected beverages. This experience is ideal for friends, families, or even team-building events, offering a delicious way to bond over great food.
Explore St. Mark’s Square
St. Mark’s Square is the heart of Venice and a great place for families. The piazza is always bustling, and the kids enjoyed chasing pigeons and seeing the stunning architecture.
We climbed the St. Mark’s bell tower for breathtaking views of the city, although we had to be mindful of the crowds. The square’s atmosphere is a must-experience, even if it means paying a bit extra for a coffee at one of the cafés. It’s also a great way to take a break and soak in the Venetian ambiance.
While we did do a private tour of the Doge’s Palace, I ultimately don’t recommend it for kids. There was very little of interest for my kids (ages 8 and 10 at the time) and even the overlay of a scavenger hunt with an engaging private guide wasn’t enough to impress my boys. Skip this one or limit your visit to an hour if you just have to see it. Kids will have much more fun just checking out the square.
Visit the Acqua Alta Bookstore
The quirky Acqua Alta Bookstore is a hidden gem perfect for families. Famous for its staircase made of old books, this bookstore is a fun stop for both adults and kids. The kids loved exploring the tight aisles filled with interesting finds, and we all enjoyed seeing the iconic book staircase. It’s a unique place to pick up a souvenir and a great option to take a break from sightseeing. I found several old books to add to my new tradition of buying an old book in each new location.
I will say that the book staircase is way overblown at this point and ruined by social media…there is an employee who keeps things moving quickly, making it difficult to take a picture or do anything other than quickly go up and down the stairs. Aim for the beginning of the day outside of peak tourist times if you want to get a good photo.
Take a Boat Ride on the Canals
No trip to Venice is complete without a boat ride through the canals. We took both a water taxi and a gondola ride, each offering different perspectives of the city. The kids were particularly excited about going under the small bridges and seeing famous landmarks like the Grand Canal from the water.
While the water taxi was crazy pricey (like $100 for a 10 minute ride), it provided a direct and comfortable way to get around, especially with little kids.Â
For a more affordable option, the Vaporetto system is also a good option to explore Venice from the water. I did find the Vaporetto system to be super confusing and we missed our boat more than once, so get there early, ask questions, and pack your patience.
Natural History Museum
A visit to Venice’s Natural History Museum is a great option for families looking for an educational experience. The museum is filled with interactive exhibits that engage both younger children and older kids alike. It’s also a perfect spot to take a break from the heat or the crowds, providing a quiet space to learn about the natural world.
Giardini Pubblici
If your kids need a break from sightseeing, the Giardini Pubblici is a perfect place to relax and let them run around. This large public park is located near the Arsenale and offers plenty of green space, play areas, and shaded spots for a picnic. It’s one of the best places in Venice to unwind and enjoy some downtime in a beautiful setting.
Practical Tips for Visiting Venice with Kids
Here is some practical guidance for someone visiting Venice for the first time with kids:
First off, Venice and strollers don’t exactly mix. The city’s narrow streets, countless steps, and uneven walkways can turn what should be a leisurely stroll into a bit of a workout. If you’re traveling with infants or toddlers, ditch the stroller and go for a baby carrier instead.
Trust me, it’s the best way to navigate Venice’s charming, but not-so-stroller-friendly, corners without the hassle of lifting a buggy over every bridge.
Then when it comes to eating out, we quickly learned that the best meals weren’t found right on the Grand Canal.
Instead, the real culinary gems are tucked away down the quieter side streets. Wander off the main drag, and you might just find a spot where the food is not only delicious but also much more reasonably priced.
These hidden gems often offer a more authentic taste of Venice and a relaxed atmosphere that’s perfect for families.
As for getting around, deciding between water taxis and Vaporettos really comes down to what you’re after.
Private water taxis are definitely more expensive, but they’re worth it for the stress-free convenience, especially with young kids in tow. They’re perfect when you need to get somewhere quickly or want to avoid the crowds.
But if you’re up for an adventure and want to save some cash, the Vaporetto system is the way to go. Just be ready for some crowds and make sure you’ve got cash on hand since not all water taxis take cards.
Venice is an incredible destination for a family trip, offering a blend of history, culture, and unique activities that cater to all ages. Whether it’s your first time in the city or you’re returning for another visit, Venice’s charm and the variety of experiences it offers make it a great place for families.
From gondola rowing lessons and cooking classes to exploring historic squares and hidden bookstores, Venice provides countless opportunities for creating lasting memories.
Don’t miss out on the interactive exhibits at the Natural History Museum, or let the kids blow off some steam at the Giardini Pubblici—a perfect spot to unwind.
Explore the Rialto Market to introduce your children to fresh Venetian produce, or enjoy a scoop of gelato from Gelateria Nico as you stroll through the San Marco area.
Remember to make the most of the water buses for a leisurely and scenic way to get around the city. Whether you’re crossing the Grand Canal or heading to the island of Murano, the Vaporetto system is both efficient and budget-friendly, though you may want to opt for a water taxi for a quicker and more private experience.
While Venice may seem overwhelming with its winding, narrow streets and abundance of cultural sites, it’s actually a perfect destination for families. With a bit of planning and a sense of adventure, you’ll find that Venice is not just a city for lovers but a playground of discovery for young kids and older children alike.
Make sure to take your time, enjoy the great fun that comes with exploring this historic city, and create those unforgettable experiences that will make your family holiday in Venice truly special.
