Visiting Venice with Children: Yes, It's Possible!

At a glance

Discover our best tips for visiting Venice with children. Certain activities will make their stay unforgettable.

In this article, we give you some good tips for organizing a visit to Venice with young children and explain which activities they'll enjoy the most.

Visiting Venice with children might seem complicated or "unsuitable"… Yet, under certain conditions, the Serenissima can prove to be welcoming for families. Between vaporetto rides, Venetian mask workshops and interactive museums, children will find plenty to marvel at. All it takes is a bit of organization to turn this maze of alleys and canals into a playground. Thanks to the tips from the Bonjour Venise website, we explain everything you need to know to enjoy Venice as a family, without stress and with pleasure.

Practical tips for a successful visit

Venice is a fascinating city, but not always easy to explore with young children, especially those under 7. Before setting off on the adventure, it's best to know a few realities.

First of all, keep in mind that the city is made up of narrow alleys, bridges to climb up and down, uneven paving stones… In other words, getting around with a stroller can quickly become exhausting. With toddlers, a baby carrier can be a much more suitable alternative, especially in the busiest areas...
Another important point: places to take a real break (benches, squares, quiet corners) are quite rare in the historic center... And sitting on a terrace isn't always a good alternative: cafes and restaurants are often expensive, even for a simple snack or an ice cream. It's therefore better to favor short outings, with an easy way back to your accommodation. Consider a vaporetto pass to get around more easily and get back quickly.
Finally, the city's popular activities are mostly cultural, focused on art and history, which may not suit younger children. As you'll see, some must-sees are surprisingly welcoming... But follow our tips to avoid disappointment.

That's the essential thing to remember so your trip goes as smoothly as possible, and so you can get the most out of our recommendations. Note, to finish, that you'll find even more ideas, useful addresses and good tips in this Bonjour Venise article dedicated to family visits!

Activities for children

Now that things are clear, you can consider several original activities that children enjoy in Venice: gondola rides, creative workshops, treasure hunts… Here are a few ideas to keep the youngest occupied while discovering Venetian magic.

Gondola ride… the short version!

You can't come to Venice without taking a gondola ride! But to avoid boredom and impatience, it's best to opt for a short version (20 to 30 minutes). Favor the small, quiet canals rather than the Grand Canal... Your children will be delighted.

Venetian mask workshop

There's nothing like a workshop for creating your own colorful carnival mask! Several craft shops, such as Ca' Macana, offer sessions where children can decorate a cardboard mask while learning the history of the Venice Carnival. The activity lasts an hour and is suitable for all children aged 4 and up.

Winged lion hunt

Children love treasure hunts: challenge them to search for the winged lions, symbols of the city. Whether painted or sculpted, they can be found all over the city... Enough to help children get through the moments that aren't specifically aimed at them.

Naval History Museum

The Naval History Museum will delight all children, especially boat lovers and budding pirates. Between model ships and old artifacts, children discover Venice's glorious maritime past without getting bored. Admission costs €7.50 for children and €10 for adults.

A fun visit to the Doge's Palace

It's hard to imagine a visit to Venice without seeing the Doge's Palace... Good news: some tours are designed for families, with activity booklets or themed trails. You could, for example, follow the footsteps of prisoners all the way to the Bridge of Sighs, or imagine what life was like for a doge in the time of the Republic. Fascinating, even for younger children.

"Kids Day" at the Peggy Guggenheim Collection

Every Sunday afternoon, the Peggy Guggenheim Collection organizes free workshops for children aged 4 to 10. These workshops let children discover modern and contemporary art through creative activities while parents visit the museum... Note that these workshops are held in Italian or English.

Leonardo da Vinci Museum

The Leonardo da Vinci Museum lets children discover Leonardo da Vinci's inventions through working models, exhibits on his machines, and even a few hands-on experiments. Perfect for little curious minds! A ticket costs only €6 for children aged 3 to 17. Younger children are admitted free of charge, but the museum isn't necessarily suited to them.

Activities outside Venice: Murano and the Lido

To enrich your family stay, don't hesitate to explore the islands near Venice, particularly Murano and the Lido. Taking the boat to these islands will already be an enriching activity in itself... And once there, you'll easily find ways to keep them entertained.

The Lido Planetarium

Located in the public park of Lungomare D'Annunzio, the Lido Planetarium is the third largest in Italy! Under its dome of more than eight meters, children can admire immersive projections of the night sky and discover the mysteries of astronomy. Free sessions take place on Sunday afternoons from October to May and are open to children aged 6 and up.

The Murano Glass Museum

On the island of Murano, famous for its glassmaking craft, the Glass Museum (Museo del Vetro) displays a vast collection of works ranging from the 15th to the 20th century... But children are mostly fascinated by the glass-blowing demonstrations and workshops on offer! Admission costs €7.50 per ticket for children aged 6 and up.

Practical tips for a successful visit

As you can see, visiting Venice with children can be magical… as long as you organize yourself well! Preferably choose a lightweight stroller (or a baby carrier for the youngest), as there are many bridges. Plan regular breaks in gardens or on shaded squares, and consider a vaporetto pass to get around easily. Try to avoid peak hours around St. Mark's Square as well as the busiest tourist periods.

Article written in collaboration with "Bonjour Venise".
"Bonjour Venise" is a travel blog that shares good tips for Venice and gives practical advice.