Skip to content

Venice with children

Venice can be a surprisingly family-friendly destination, especially if you combine short visits, open spaces, and hands-on activities.

Here are some ideas that work well with little ones.

  • Stories of Doges, Bridges, and Secret Passages

    To begin, the classic that always piques curiosity: the Doge's Palace, with the Armoury, the Bridge of Sighs, and the Prisons. The tour is engaging even for children, as it seems straight out of an adventure story. If you're looking for something more unique, there are Secret Itineraries (reservations required): you can find updated opening hours and availability on the Venice Civic Museums website.

  • Art to be made, not just looked at

    If you're looking for an activity specifically designed for children, check out the Peggy Guggenheim Collection's Kids Day (usually on Sundays and by reservation): workshops and art activities for children aged 4 to 10. It's a fun way to explore art, without the hassle of a traditional visit.

  • A ride on the water (with two options)

    A gondola ride is always a special experience; however, rides can be expensive, typically starting at €80. If you'd like to experience the "gondola" experience in a simpler and more economical way, there's the gondola traghetto, the type used by Venetians to cross the Grand Canal (about €2). The most convenient boarding points are San Tomà, San Samuele, and Punta della Dogana–San Marco.

Dinosaurs and aquariums: the easy choice

When you need a sure thing, the Natural History Museum is perfect: with aquariums, interactive games, and a dinosaur skeleton, kids are sure to have fun (and adults too).

The islands: Murano, Burano and Torcello

If you have half a day free, it’s worth leaving the center and visiting the islands: Murano, famous worldwide for its glass, Burano, with its colorful houses and lace-making tradition, and Torcello, one of the oldest settlements in the lagoon, with truly evocative historic buildings.

Find out more

Venice with a stroller

Visiting Venice with a stroller is possible, but it’s best to plan ahead.

Bridges and steps are part of the city, so some sections can be uncomfortable, especially in the innermost or crowded areas. Therefore, it’s helpful to choose accessible itineraries and consider traveling by vaporetto (water bus), which can greatly simplify your visit.