Are you planning a trip to Venice, Italy with your kids? Not all touristy activities are fun for kids (trust me, I know). The last thing you want during your family vacation are tired and cranky kids! I’m sharing with you things that I did with my kids while we were in Venice. Here are kid-friendly things to do in Venice.
Gondola Ride
Go on a Gondola Ride with the kids. One of the most classic and iconic experiences in Venice is taking a gondola ride through the canals. My kids loved it! It’s a unique and fun way to see the city from the water and learn a bit about its history.
Water Taxi Ride
Venice is famous for its gondolas, but they can be pricey. Water Taxi rides are less expensive than a gondola ride. It’s a fun and fast way to get around the city, and kids will love feeling like they’re in a speedboat. It’s also a great way to see the city from the water and avoid the crowds on land.
Island of Murano
Visit the Island of Murano with your kids. This island is famous for its glassblowing and is a great destination for families who want to see something unique and beautiful. My kids enjoyed watching the glassblowers create beautiful pieces of art right in front of us! The Island of Murano is not in the mainland, you can take Vaporetto (waterbus) to the Island of Murano or you can ask your hotel concierge to see if they can get you a free water taxi ride to the Island of Murano. My kids had a blast going on the water taxi ride to the Island of Murano!
Piazza San Marco
Take a Stroll through Piazza San Marco or St. Mark’s Square. This famous square is one of the most popular tourist spots in Venice, and it’s also a great place for kids to run around and burn off energy. My son loved chasing after the pigeons at Piazza San Marco! This is a great time to take photos, you will have the stunning St. Mark’s Basilica as your backdrop! There are also lots of restaurants on Piazza San Marco, you can ask to be seated outside on the square. It’s great for people-watching!
Doge’s Palace
Visit the Doge’s Palace with your kids. It’s the most famous attraction in Venice and if you have time, you should try to see it. My kids loved learning about the history of the palace and exploring the beautiful rooms and courtyards. We also loved seeing the famous Bridge of Sighs, which connects the palace to a nearby prison. My son loved the medieval armor collection! The only downside with visiting the Doge’s Palace is that it is the most famous Venice attraction which means the line is extremely long! If you have little kids, you may want to skip the Doge’s Palace because of the long line!
Gelato Break
Treat your kids to Italian gelato! Italian gelato is famous for its creamy and delicious flavors, and my kids loved trying different flavors during our trip to Venice. There are plenty of gelaterias around the city, so it’s easy to find a place to treat the kids. Gelatos are great if you are in Venice when it’s hot- it’s a welcome break from the summer heat!
Island of Lido
You can give your kids a beach day and visit the Island of Lido. You can take a Vaporetto (waterbus) ride from Venice to Lido (my son loved the Vaporetto ride!) It’s a great place to escape the crowds since Venice can get really crowded with tourists in the summer! There are long sandy beaches, plenty of gelato shops, and even a movie theater. It’s a fun day trip for families who want to relax, enjoy the sun and spend the day at the beach.
Peggy Guggenheim Collection
Visit the Peggy Guggenheim Collection with the kids. This modern art museum is housed in a beautiful palazzo on the Grand Canal and is perfect for families with kids who love art. The works on display are colorful, interesting, and easy for kids to understand. Plus, there’s a beautiful garden on the museum premises that’s great for a picnic or a break from the art. If you can time it, go to the Peggy Guggenheim Collection during their family workshop days. The museum hosts free family events for kids- you should check their website to find out when it is and get tickets!
Venice Natural History Museum
Visit the Venice Natural History Museum with your kids. This museum is a great place for families with kids who love science and nature. There are exhibits on geology, botany, and zoology, as well as interactive displays that will keep kids entertained and engaged.
Island of San Giorgio Maggiore
Spend an afternoon visiting the Island of San Giorgio Maggiore with your kids. This small island is located just across the water from St. Mark’s Square and is home to a beautiful church and a peaceful park. My kids loved exploring the church and running around in the park, and the views of Venice from the island are stunning. It’s easy to get to, you can take the Vaporetto (waterbus), to the Island of San Giorgio Maggiore.