Venice with kids: what to see and do between museums, workshops, and gondola rides

  • 9 min read

Venice is a city like no other, a place that seems suspended between land and water, where streets are canals and means of transport become gondolas and vaporetti. Many parents wonder whether it is a destination suitable for children as well. The truth is that Venice with kids can turn into a holiday full of emotions, discoveries, and unforgettable adventures. After all, the city is not only synonymous with art and romance, but also offers engaging activities and attractions designed to spark children’s imagination and curiosity.

Venezia con i bambini

From artisan workshops where they can create colorful masks or glass artworks, to interactive museums and parks where they can run and play, Venice is a family-friendly destination that surprises with its ability to combine culture, fun, and relaxation. Additionally, exploring the lagoon islands or boarding a gondola becomes an adventure that children will live as if it were a real fairy tale.

Visiting Venice with kids: creative workshops

Venice with kids: create your own Carnival mask

Carnival is one of Venice’s most famous traditions, and there is no better way to let children embrace the spirit of the city than by allowing them to create their own personalized mask. Many ateliers in the heart of the historic center organize dedicated workshops, where little ones can learn traditional decoration techniques and unleash their imagination with feathers, bright colors, glitter, and all kinds of materials. Not only do they have fun, but children will also take home a unique souvenir, crafted with their own hands, that will keep alive the memory of a special family moment.

Venice with kids: workshop to create your own glass art

Another must-do experience for those visiting Venice with kids is the glass workshop in Murano. The island is world-famous for the mastery of its artisans, and some studios open their doors to younger visitors as well, guiding them in creating simple objects with colored glass. Admittedly, working with glass requires caution and safety, but under the expert eye of master glassmakers, children can watch live demonstrations and try small creative activities. Accordingly, it becomes a unique opportunity to get closer to an ancient art and to understand the skill and dedication behind the splendid works displayed in Murano’s shop windows.

Venice with kids: fun Venetian cooking class

If your children love getting their hands dirty in the kitchen, a cooking class is the perfect idea to spend a few hours of pure family fun. Several Venetian schools and restaurants offer culinary workshops designed for both kids and parents, where it is possible to prepare typical dishes such as gnocchi, traditional cookies, or even homemade pasta. After that, taking part in a cooking class means not just learning a recipe, but also living an authentic experience in touch with local culture. Children will feel like little chefs and will proudly enjoy the dishes they prepared with their own hands.

Gondola or Vaporetto ride not to be missed

A trip to Venice cannot be considered complete without a gondola ride. For children, boarding this traditional boat means diving into an enchanted world: the historic palaces mirrored in the water, the low bridges to pass under, and the narrow calli suddenly opening onto picturesque views make the experience memorable. Certainly, the gondola is not the cheapest option, but above all, it is worth indulging in at least once, especially to see the city through the eyes of children filled with wonder.

As an alternative, the Vaporetto represents the “popular” version of the gondola. These public boats cross the Grand Canal and connect all the main attractions, allowing kids to enjoy the thrill of traveling on water as if it were a special bus. Additionally, moving around by Vaporetto is not only convenient for parents, but also becomes an integral part of the holiday, a way to explore Venice with kids effortlessly and with great fun.

What to see in Venice with kids: the most fun museums in Venice

When visiting Venice with kids, it is important to alternate walks and outdoor activities with cultural experiences that can spark their curiosity. Museums, often perceived as “serious” places reserved for adults, can actually turn into spaces of play and discovery. Venice preserves treasures that enchant both parents and children, offering interactive exhibitions, fascinating settings, and stories that come alive through objects, artworks, and collections. Here are some museums not to be missed during your family holiday.

Natural History Museum
Located in the ancient Fondaco dei Turchi, this museum is a must-see for children passionate about dinosaurs and animals. Here they will find giant skeletons, fossils, natural specimens, and an impressive whale that leaves everyone speechless. Additionally, thanks to multimedia paths and interactive installations, the Natural History Museum turns science into a game, perfect for stimulating children’s curiosity.

Ca’ Rezzonico – Museum of 18th Century Venice
Ca’ Rezzonico is a sumptuous palace that tells the story of noble families in the 18th century. For kids, it is like stepping back in time: entering frescoed and furnished rooms, they feel as if they were reliving the splendor of a colorful and elegant era. After all, little ones will be fascinated by sparkling chandeliers, period furniture, and art collections that seem to come straight out of an illustrated history book.

Ca’ Pesaro – Gallery of Modern and Oriental Art
If your children love vivid colors and unusual shapes, Ca’ Pesaro is the museum for them. Here they will find modern artworks, sculptures, and paintings capable of stimulating their imagination. Not only that, the Oriental art section, with samurai armor, ceramics, and precious fabrics, transports both adults and kids on a journey to the other side of the world. All in all, it is a museum that blends the charm of art with the ability to surprise even those who are new to exhibitions.

Glass Museum (Murano)
A trip to Murano is not complete without visiting the Glass Museum. Here children can admire up close the works of glass masters, from the simplest to the most complex, discovering the magic behind this ancient craft. Seeing how such a fragile material can become art arouses wonder and admiration, opening children’s minds to the value of manual work and creativity.

Lace Museum (Burano)
In Burano, the island of colorful houses, lies the Lace Museum. Albeit it may seem more suitable for adults at first sight, it actually fascinates children as well, who are enchanted by the patience and precision of lace-makers. The museum tells stories of ancient traditions and allows visitors to admire exquisite embroidery up close, turning a nearly lost art into a vivid and engaging experience.

Excursion to Murano and Burano with kids

Exploring Venice with kids is not just about strolling among calli and bridges, but also about discovering the beautiful islands surrounding the lagoon. Murano is famous for glass and captivates children with live demonstrations by master glassmakers. Burano, instead, looks like it came out of a fairy tale: its colorful houses mirrored in the canals enchant both young and old, making a walk on the island a true joy for the eyes.

Those seeking a quieter atmosphere can visit Torcello, a less crowded island with wide green spaces, perfect for relaxing or enjoying a picnic. After that, exploring the islands becomes a way to experience a different Venice, far from the crowds of the historic center, and to give children a day filled with discovery and wonder.

Visiting Venice with kids: discovering the most beautiful and fun parks in Venice

Although Venice is often imagined only as a maze of calli and canals, the city also offers several parks and gardens where children can play freely. The Biennale Gardens are among the most famous and provide shaded avenues and wide spaces, ideal for a relaxing walk. Savorgnan Park, located near Santa Lucia station, has equipped play areas where little ones can have fun in complete safety.

Another hidden gem is the Royal Gardens, recently restored and located just steps from St. Mark’s Square. Here, away from the tourist crowds, families can enjoy a regenerating break, while children run among well-kept lawns and centuries-old trees. Accordingly, these green spaces are precious because they offer the perfect balance between cultural discovery and the natural need of children for movement and freedom.

FAQ about Venice with kids

  1. Is Venice suitable for strollers?
    Yes, albeit you need to consider the many bridges with steps. It is advisable to use a light and foldable stroller to move around more easily.
  2. What is the best time to visit Venice with kids?
    Spring and early autumn are ideal seasons: the climate is mild, and the city is less crowded compared to summer months.
  3. Where to stay in Venice with kids?
    The best choice is to stay near a Vaporetto stop, thus minimizing long walks. Many hotels and apartments are equipped to host families.
  4. Are there beaches near Venice?
    Yes, the Lido di Venezia offers long sandy beaches perfect for families, with facilities and areas dedicated to children.
  5. How long does a gondola ride last?
    Generally, a standard ride lasts about 30–40 minutes, but you can agree with the gondolier on a different duration based on your family’s needs.
  6. Are there family-friendly restaurants in Venice?
    Of course, many restaurants offer kids’ menus and are used to welcoming families with young guests.
  7. Is Venice child-friendly?
    Absolutely yes! We had wonderful days in the city, and Venetians proved to be very welcoming with children. Italians love little ones and often give them special attention. It is important, however, to keep some caution, especially near canals and water areas.
  8. How much time do you need to visit Venice with kids?
    Ideally, at least three to five days. This way you have time to explore not only the historic center but also some of the fascinating lagoon islands, without rush and with a family-friendly pace.
  9. Is Venice small enough to walk around?
    Yes, Venice is not very large, and you can easily explore it on foot. After two or three days, you will feel familiar with it, even though every corner always hides new surprises.
  10. Is it worth visiting Venice with very young children?
    Definitely yes! Venice is beautiful and suitable even for families with toddlers. Among all Italian cities we visited, it was one of the favorites of our youngest child, who loved its colors, canals, and fairy-tale atmosphere.