Best Family-Friendly Things To Do In Venice With The Kids

With its canals, waterways and bridges, Venice is a marvel for the whole family. Navigating on the water, crossing bridges and staircases is like no other city and is a playground for the kids. While admittedly, there are some unique challenges, including being difficult to navigate with a stroller, there is a way around everything.

Things to be in mind when visiting Venice with the kids

Due to the city’s many staircases and navigating by gondola or water taxi, a stroller is a grueling option for parents of little ones. If your children are unable to walk yet, rather use a baby carrier to make life easier.

Also, Venice’s public toilets do mostly have baby-changing facilities, but you would need good timing to be able to use them. Rather carry a portable changing mat for a quick diaper change, wherever you are.

Moreover, there are a limited number of parks and playgrounds for the kids, but you can find them in a few neighborhoods, namely Castello’s Parco delle Rimembranze and Canereggio’s Parco Savorgnan and Castello’s Parco delle Rimembranze.

However, one thing that is guaranteed in Venice, and Italy as a whole, is that kids are genuinely welcomed by the family-friendly locals.

Best things to do in Venice for the kids

Vaporetto ride on Grand Canal

Things an adult might take for granted can be a magical experience for the little ones. For instance, a Vaporetto ride on the Grand Canal is great fun. Taking line 1, the family gets to see the full length from Piazza Roma to Piazza San Marco, while gazing at beautiful palaces along the way.

Head to the beach

The Lido was Europe’s first-ever beach resort and while the last thing you might think of is the beach in Venice, it can be fun for the family. However, bear in mind that reservations are required for a free spot on the sand.

Take a gondola ride

The iconic gondolas of Venice are a must-experience for anyone visiting the city and will definitely be a hit with the kids. However, bear in mind that no life vests are available, which might be a turn-off for parents of younger children.

Child-friendly museums in Venice

Venice has some fascinating museums, including the Natural History Museum, Peggy Guggenheim Collection and the Leonardo da Vinci Museum. Each one offers fun, interactive exhibits, perfect for keeping the younger kids occupied. Meanwhile, the Peggy Guggenheim Collection also offers Sunday workshops which are a huge hit with the kids.

While exploring, head to Venice’s towers for amazing views over the whole city. Both San Giorgio Tower and St. Mark’s Campanile are sure to be a hit with the whole family.

Enjoy a picnic in the park

There’s nothing like a picnic to bring the whole family together and green spaces like the Giardini Pubblici, are perfect for an al fresco meal. On the way, visit some of the city’s gourmet self-service places like WEnice La Gastronomia Veneziana and picnic Italian style.

Let the kids make colorful Venetian masks

Venice is renowned for its amazing Carnevale (carnival), but you don’t have to visit at that busy time as kids have the opportunity to make their own Venetian mask. Head to Ca’ Macana, which offers family-oriented workshops to make Venice’s famed masks. While in the area, explore the vibrant and colorful Rialto Market with amazing things for the whole family to browse.

Things to do in Venice for the older kids

Explore the palaces

Teenagers (and parents of course) will appreciate a visit to Venice’s extravagant palaces. Make sure to visit Palazzo Ducale with its gilt stucco work.

Art Museums of Venice

Meanwhile, the older kids will likely appreciate the city’s art museums, including the Gallerie Dell’Accademia. Alternatively, make an excursion to the island of Murano with its glass-blowing wonders, perfect for sharing on Instagram.

Out on the water

For parents with teenagers, Venice Kayak is a wonderful, family-friendly option to paddle around the inner and outer lagoons. Meanwhile, Row Venice offers lessons to voga, the stand-up rowing technique used by the gondolier on the city’s canals, which is great fun for the whole family.

Enjoy a family visit to Venice in Italy this year with plenty to do for parents and kids alike.