Best Things to Do in Venice with Kids: Workshops, Vaporetto Rides and Practical Tips
- 8 min read
Discovering Venice with kids means stepping into a world made of water, bridges, and wonders. From the magic of St. Mark’s Square to mask-making workshops, from the glass furnaces of Murano to family-friendly museums, every experience turns into an adventure combining play, culture, and amazement. In short, visiting Venice as a family is a unique way to experience the world’s most fascinating city through a child’s eyes.
Venice City Pass all Inclusive 72h
Exploring St. Mark’s Square with Kids: The Magic Heart of Venice
Every trip to Venice with kids inevitably begins in St. Mark’s Square, the city’s beating heart. Little ones are enchanted by the golden mosaics of the Basilica and the sculptures of the four horses overlooking the façade, while adults are captivated by the harmony of the architecture and the reflections of the lagoon.
Entering the Basilica feels like diving into a sea of gold, where every detail tells a story. Even children, who are usually less patient in sacred places, stop here, fascinated by the play of light when the sun filters through the windows.
Climbing the Bell Tower then offers a completely different perspective: from above, Venice looks like a living map of canals and red rooftops. It’s an unforgettable experience because it gives the sensation of embracing the entire city at a glance. In short, St. Mark’s Square is the ideal gateway to present Venice to kids as a stage where history and wonder coexist.
👉 For more insights, explore the other articles dedicated to St. Mark’s.
A Vaporetto Ride on the Grand Canal: Venice with Kids
There’s no better way to explore Venice with kids than by hopping on a vaporetto and cruising along the Grand Canal. Seen from the water, the city reveals its true essence: palaces seem to float, bridges follow one another, and every turn tells a new story.
For children, the experience feels like continuous play. They curiously observe the most unusual boats — the mail boat, the baker’s boat, or even one selling fruit like a floating market. It’s a fun way to help them understand that here everything works differently, yet perfectly in harmony.
Sitting by the railing and watching the city glide by becomes a lesson in geography, architecture, and imagination. In short, the vaporetto is the most authentic and poetic way to cross Venice with kids, without rushing and with wonder always alive.
Tickets for the Bell Tower and the historic gallery of St. Mark's Square
Mask Workshop: A Creative Experience in Venice with Kids
For those who want a hands-on and engaging experience, joining a Venetian mask decoration workshop is one of the most beloved activities in Venice with kids.
Children are guided step by step in creating their own mask, choosing colors, feathers, and decorations. It’s a moment that stimulates creativity and concentration because it lets them get to know one of the city’s oldest traditions up close.
As they paint, they discover that every mask has its own meaning: the Bauta represents mystery, the Colombina grace, and the Plague Doctor legend and fear. The activity becomes a small journey through the history of the Venetian Carnival.
In short, this experience is perfect because it combines art, play, and memory — and at the end, each child takes home a little piece of Venice crafted with their own hands.
Create your own Venice Carnival mask: mask-making workshop
The Art of Murano Glass: An Unforgettable Experience in Venice with Kids
Murano is one of the most fascinating stops to include in a Venice with kids itinerary. Even the vaporetto ride to the island is thrilling: the water opens slowly, revealing the furnaces where the famous blown glass has been created for centuries.
Entering a workshop feels like watching a small magic show. The heat of the fire, the color of the molten glass, and the artisans’ skill capture children’s attention, as they watch in amazement how a glowing mass turns into a horse, a bottle, or a colorful sculpture.
Some lessons even allow participation: kids can try blowing into the pipe to create small glass bubbles under the master’s guidance. It’s a moment of pure wonder because it lets them touch the art that made Venice famous around the world.
In short, a visit to Murano teaches that creativity, when combined with tradition, can become tangible magic.
👉 Want to discover Murano from a unique perspective? The Glass Museum captivates both kids and adults.
Guided Tour: Murano and Burano Boat Tour with Glass Factory visit
Museums and Rainy Days: Perfect Indoor Ideas in Venice with Kids
Even on rainy days or during high tide, Venice with kids never stops surprising. Among the best family destinations, the Natural History Museum of Venice is an absolute must. Located in the ancient Fondaco dei Turchi, a palace overlooking the Grand Canal, it holds wonders that fascinate visitors of all ages.
As soon as they enter, children are greeted by a massive dinosaur skeleton over seven meters high, setting the tone for an adventurous journey. The exhibits tell stories of exploration and discovery with collections of fossils, shells, insects, and exotic animals from around the world. Every display case reveals marine creatures, tropical birds, and ancient fossils that look straight out of a 19th-century travel story.
The museum is designed for kids: along the way there are interactive spaces where they can touch natural materials, learn about lagoon wildlife, and play while learning. As a result, curiosity becomes discovery. Kids learn without realizing it, marveling at the huge suspended whale in the main hall and leaving with new knowledge and wonder.
👉 Want to dive into an extraordinary journey? This museum is full of unexpected surprises.
Venice Natural History Museum Ticket
Getting Around Venice with Kids: Transport and Pass Tips
The vaporetto remains the most practical and fascinating way to move between islands, but there are also traghetti crossing the Grand Canal in just a few minutes. Children love this mode of travel because they can watch gondolas, seagulls, and shimmering reflections up close.
It’s best to plan routes in advance and buy daily transport passes to avoid queues. Choosing less crowded times, such as early morning or late afternoon, helps enjoy a calmer Venice. In short, the city is perfectly manageable even with small children — all it takes is a slower rhythm and a bit of curiosity to let its charm lead the way.
Venice: ACTV Daily Vaporetto Pass
Visiting Venice Safely with Kids
Venice is a safe city, but its unique layout requires a few extra precautions when traveling with children. Bridges can get slippery, especially early in the morning or after rain, and during high tide some areas may flood, making walking routes less accessible. It’s important to always hold children’s hands, avoid letting them run near the canals, and stick to simple, well-marked paths. In busy areas like St. Mark’s Square or the Rialto Bridge, it’s a good idea to agree on a meeting point in case someone gets lost.
With a little care and a few basic safety rules, visiting Venice with kids can be a smooth, fun experience for the whole family.
FAQ – Frequently Asked Questions About Visiting Venice with Kids
1. What’s the best time to visit Venice?
Spring and autumn are the best seasons to explore Venice with kids because the weather is pleasant and the crowds are smaller.
2. Who can enter Venice for free?
Access to the city is free for everyone. However, some attractions require tickets or reservations, so it’s best to check the latest rules before visiting.
3. What activities can children do?
Mask workshops, glass-making classes, vaporetto rides, and interactive museums are among the best things to do in Venice with kids, combining fun and learning.
4. Do children pay for vaporetto rides?
Kids under 6 generally travel for free, while those aged 6–14 often get reduced fares. Always check current conditions before traveling.
5. Is Venice stroller-friendly?
Yes, but it takes some planning. Many bridges have ramps, however, some historic areas can be tricky. Lightweight, foldable strollers and short routes with frequent breaks are recommended.
6. Are there kid-friendly restaurants in Venice?
Absolutely. Many trattorias and bacari welcome families, and some offer kid menus or simple dishes like pasta, pizza, and fresh fish. The neighborhoods of Dorsoduro and Castello are generally quieter.
7. Is Venice safe for kids?
Venice is one of Italy’s safest cities. However, because of the canals, it’s best to always hold children’s hands and be cautious near bridges and water.
8. How many days do you need to visit Venice with kids?
At least three or four days. That way, families can alternate cultural visits, creative experiences, and relaxing moments without rushing.
9. What to see near Venice with kids?
The islands of Murano and Burano are perfect for day trips. Murano fascinates with its glass furnaces, while Burano delights little ones with its colorful houses and traditional cookies like bussolai.