Things to Do in Venice With Kids

Venice is often seen as a romantic destination, but it’s also an incredible place to explore with kids! With its maze of canals, beautiful bridges, hidden alleyways, and unique activities, Venice offers a magical experience for families. From riding a gondola to hunting for lions and dragons in the city’s architecture, children will love the adventure that Venice brings.

Best Attractions in Venice for Kids
Fun Activities for Kids in Venice

Best Attractions in Venice for Kids

Venice is full of exciting sights and activities that will capture the imagination of children. From grand palaces and towering bell towers to colorful islands and quirky bookstores, there are plenty of places that make Venice a fantastic destination for families.

St. Mark’s Square & Basilica

St. Mark’s Square is the heart of Venice and a great place for kids to explore. They can chase pigeons, admire the stunning architecture, and soak in the lively atmosphere. Inside St. Mark’s Basilica, children will be amazed by the shimmering golden mosaics and the grand interior. The terrace of the basilica offers a fantastic view of the square below, and kids will love spotting the famous bronze horses, which were once taken as war treasures from Constantinople.

Location: Piazza San Marco, 328, 30100 Venezia VE, Italy
Hours: Open daily from 9:30 AM to 5:15 PM
Cost: Entry to the basilica is free; additional fees for museum and terraces start from €5
Features: A stunning example of Byzantine architecture, famous for its golden mosaics and historical relics.

Doge’s Palace & the Bridge of Sighs

A visit to the Doge’s Palace feels like stepping into a fairy tale. This grand Gothic palace was once the home of the rulers of Venice and is filled with magnificent halls, dramatic paintings, and secret passageways. The highlight for kids is the secret tour, where they can discover hidden dungeons, ancient prisons, and secret staircases. The visit ends with a walk across the famous Bridge of Sighs, where prisoners took their last glimpse of Venice before being led to their cells.

Rialto Bridge & Market

The Rialto Bridge is one of Venice’s most famous landmarks, and kids will love crossing it while watching gondolas and boats pass underneath. Right next to the bridge, the Rialto Market is a fun place for families to explore. The market is filled with stalls selling fresh fruits, seafood, and local delicacies. It’s a great way for children to see the daily life of Venetians and try some traditional snacks.

Exploring the Canals by Boat

Venice’s canals are like roads, and the best way to explore them is by boat. A Vaporetto ride along the Grand Canal offers stunning views of the city’s palaces and bridges. For a more traditional experience, a gondola ride through the quiet back canals can be a magical adventure for kids. Another exciting option is learning to row a traditional Venetian boat with a rowing lesson, where children can feel like real Venetian sailors.

Location: Various locations along Venice’s canals
Hours: Vaporetto operates daily from 6:00 AM to midnight; Gondola rides can be arranged throughout the day
Cost: Vaporetto tickets starting from €7.50; Gondola rides starting from €80 for 30 minutes
Features: Stunning views of Venice's palaces and bridges; Gondola rides through quieter canals provide a magical, traditional experience, and kids can also enjoy learning how to row with a local lesson.

Burano – The Colorful Island

Burano is one of the most picturesque places in Venice, famous for its brightly colored houses. Kids will love walking through the rainbow-like streets and spotting the most colorful homes. The island is also known for its lace-making tradition, and families can visit a lace workshop to see artisans at work. Burano has a peaceful and relaxed atmosphere, making it a perfect place for a family day trip.

Location: Burano Island, Venice
Hours: Open daily, accessible by Vaporetto
Cost: Free to visit the island; additional costs for workshops
Features: Famous for its brightly colored houses and lace-making tradition; a peaceful island perfect for a family day trip, with colorful streets and opportunities to see artisans at work in lace workshops

Murano – Watching Glassblowers at Work

Murano is world-famous for its glass-making, and visiting a glass factory is a fascinating experience for kids. They can watch skilled artisans create delicate glass objects by blowing and shaping molten glass. Many workshops offer live demonstrations, where children can see how glass animals, vases, and ornaments are made. Some places even allow kids to decorate their own glass souvenirs, making it a memorable experience.

Location: Murano Island, Venice
Hours: Workshops typically open daily from 9:00 AM to 6:00 PM
Cost: Free entry to the island; workshop demonstrations from €5 per person
Features: Watch skilled artisans create delicate glass items; children can participate by creating their own glass souvenirs under supervision.

Hidden Bookshop – Libreria Acqua Alta

One of the quirkiest places in Venice, Libreria Acqua Alta is a bookshop unlike any other. Books are stacked in bathtubs, boats, and even a full-sized gondola to protect them from flooding. Kids will love climbing the book staircase at the back of the store, which offers a fun view of the canals. The shop also has friendly cats wandering around, making it a cozy and unique place to visit.

Climbing the Bell Towers

For the best views of Venice, climbing one of the city’s bell towers is a must. St. Mark’s Campanile is the most famous, offering a breathtaking panorama of the entire city. Another great option is the bell tower of San Giorgio Maggiore, which has fewer crowds but equally stunning views. Kids will enjoy spotting famous landmarks from above and seeing Venice from a different perspective.

Carnival Masks & Workshops

Venice is famous for its carnival masks, and kids will love trying on different designs in mask shops across the city. Many workshops allow families to paint and decorate their own masks, creating a fun and creative experience. Learning about the history of Venetian masks and their role in past celebrations makes the activity even more interesting for children.

Palazzo Exploration

Many of Venice’s grand palaces, or palazzi, are open to visitors, giving families a chance to explore the city’s rich history. Some, like Ca’ Rezzonico, have exhibitions and interactive displays that make learning about Venetian life more engaging for kids. Others, like Palazzo Ducale, transport visitors back to the time of Venetian rulers with their impressive halls and artwork.

Location: Ca’ Rezzonico, Dorsoduro 3136, 30123 Venezia VE, Italy
Hours: Open daily from 10:00 AM to 6:00 PM
Cost: Entry from €10 for adults; discounted tickets for children
Features: A historic Venetian palace with exhibitions and interactive displays; children can explore Venetian life through art and history, with guided tours that engage kids.

Gelato & Italian Treats

A trip to Venice isn’t complete without tasting gelato. The city has some of the best gelaterias, offering endless flavors for kids to try. Another favorite treat is the thick, rich hot chocolate, which is perfect for colder days. Families can also stop at bakeries to try traditional Venetian pastries like frittelle or zaleti.

Fun Activities for Kids in Venice

Venice is not just a city for adults to admire—it’s also a playground full of exciting and fun activities that children will enjoy. Whether it’s sailing through the canals, participating in creative workshops, or hunting for Venice’s famous lions, there are plenty of ways to keep young visitors entertained and engaged.

Gondola Ride Adventures

One of the most iconic experiences in Venice is a gondola ride, and kids will love the thrill of gliding through the narrow canals. Gondolas offer a unique perspective of the city, passing under bridges and alongside beautiful old buildings. For added fun, families can opt for a short, inexpensive traghetto ride—Venice's version of a gondola ferry that crosses the Grand Canal at certain points. Kids will enjoy the quick trip and getting a close-up view of life on the water.

Mask-Making Workshops

Venice is world-famous for its elaborate carnival masks, and one of the most enjoyable activities for kids is attending a mask-making workshop. In these hands-on sessions, children can paint and decorate their own traditional Venetian masks, choosing from a wide variety of designs, from colorful clowns to elegant cats. It's not only a fun activity but also a creative one, and children will have their own handmade souvenir to take home.

Location: Various mask studios around Venice
Hours: Workshops are usually held in the afternoon
Cost: Workshops starting from €20 per child
Features: Kids can paint and decorate their own Venetian carnival masks; a fun, hands-on activity that also teaches about the cultural significance of masks in Venice.

Hunting for Lions and Dragons

A fun and engaging way for kids to explore Venice is by going on a scavenger hunt for the city’s famous lion statues. The lion, a symbol of Venice, can be found in many places around the city, from door knockers to sculptures and flags. Some statues even feature other mythical creatures, like dragons. This treasure hunt helps children stay engaged and gives them a sense of adventure as they explore the city’s winding streets and squares.

Exploring the Bridges of Venice

Venice is crisscrossed by hundreds of bridges, and children will have fun exploring the different styles and sizes. The famous Rialto Bridge is an obvious must-see, but there are plenty of smaller, lesser-known bridges that are fun to discover. Some are covered, others have intricate designs, and a few offer beautiful views of the canals below. It’s an entertaining way for kids to learn more about Venice’s architecture and geography while enjoying the city’s charm.

Location: Various bridges across Venice, including the Rialto Bridge
Hours: Anytime, as the bridges are open to the public
Cost: Free
Features: Explore Venice’s many bridges, ranging from the famous Rialto Bridge to smaller, lesser-known ones with unique designs and beautiful canal views. A great way for kids to learn more about Venice’s architecture and geography while enjoying the city’s charm.

Glassblowing Demonstrations in Murano

A trip to the island of Murano to see the traditional glassblowing workshops is a mesmerizing experience for children. Watching skilled glassblowers transform molten glass into intricate shapes and designs is truly captivating. Some workshops even allow kids to participate by creating their own small glass items under the supervision of an expert. It’s an educational and fascinating activity that will leave a lasting impression on young visitors.

Rowing Lessons with Row Venice

For a more active adventure on the water, families can sign up for a rowing lesson with Row Venice, where children can learn how to row a traditional Venetian boat. Kids will love the feeling of being in control as they navigate through the quiet back canals under the guidance of experienced instructors. It’s not only a fun activity but also a great way for kids to learn about Venice’s unique boating traditions.

Visit to the Peggy Guggenheim Collection

Although Venice’s museums may not seem like the most exciting place for kids, the Peggy Guggenheim Collection offers special workshops and activities designed for families. The museum’s family-friendly programs encourage children to explore modern art in creative and interactive ways. The beautiful sculpture garden is also a great place for kids to roam while learning about the art on display.

Location: Dorsoduro 701, 30123 Venezia VE, Italy
Hours: Open daily from 10:00 AM to 6:00 PM
Cost: Entry from €15 for adults; discounted rates for children
Features: A modern art museum with family-friendly workshops and activities; a beautiful sculpture garden where kids can roam while exploring contemporary art in interactive ways.

Exploring Campo San Polo

Campo San Polo is one of Venice’s largest squares and provides a perfect open space for kids to run around and play. While parents relax in one of the nearby cafés, children can have fun in this lively square, which often hosts local events and gatherings. In winter, it even transforms into a public ice-skating rink, providing an extra dose of fun for families visiting during the colder months.