What to do in Venice with children?

When we think of a trip to Venice, in the Veneto region, we immediately imagine canals, couples in love taking a gondola ride, having a very romantic experience and, of course, the “Carnival of Masks”. We rarely, if ever, imagine that this is a city to take the kids to. 

But in our special post, What to do in Venice with kids? You will get some great tips for taking a family trip and having a great time! Stay with us and make the most of the country of the boot! Here at Italy’s Dream Tourism you can make the trip of your dreams come true!!! Also check out our Accommodation in Italy Section – Tips for your Vacation!

Our Introduction

The city of gondolas fascinates and enchants everyone! In fact, since we were little, we have heard about this city that has canals instead of streets, and that is full of “little boats” that take people here and there.

Venice manages to catch everyone’s attention because of its characteristics that are unique in the world. Contrary to what many people think, Venice is not a city just for adults; our boys and girls can have a lot of fun in the many attractions that the city has to offer!

PAY ATTENTION TO THE OPENING HOURS OF MUSEUMS AND OTHER ATTRACTIONS! BEFORE YOUR VISIT, CHECK THE OFFICIAL OPENING AND CLOSING HOURS ON THE WEBSITE, BECAUSE SOME PLACES CHANGE THEIR OPENING HOURS ACCORDING TO THE SEASONS (ESPECIALLY THOSE WITH OUTDOOR ATTRACTIONS)!

1) What to do in Venice with kids? GO BACK MILLIONS OF YEARS IN TIME BY WALKING THROUGH THE MUSEUM OF NATURAL HISTORY!

Every child, without exception, goes through a phase of immense curiosity about our beloved prehistoric animals: dinosaurs! Whether it’s clothes, birthday parties, toys, everything has to involve the theme. And between us, it’s really cool, as well as very important, because after all, in order for us to get where we are, a lot of evolution had to happen since then.

Regardless of whether your children are at this stage or not, one trip that you can’t miss when you’re in Venice is the Natural History Museum. The place makes us feel as if we have entered a time machine and seems to take us back millions and millions of years, and follow an incredible journey, with a rich collection of fossils and marks left by the first living organisms that existed on Earth, until the “arrival” of Homo sapiens. Children go crazy when they see in front of them a dinosaur skeleton that is almost 7 meters tall. It is guaranteed fun!

Useful Information

I will leave you with some information about visiting the Natural History Museum of Venice, but always be aware that changes may occur without prior notice, so check the Official Website.

Opening Hours

• Closed every Monday;

• October 1st to May 31st: 9:00 am – 5:00 pm;
• June 1st to September 30th: 10:00 am – 6:00 pm.

Tour Prices

• Full price: 10.00 euros;
• Reduced price: 7.50 euros (children and young people aged 6 to 25 and adults over 65);
• Free for children up to 5 years old.

Address

• Santa Croce, 1730.

2) What to do in Venice with kids? ADMIRE THE CANAL GRANDE ROUTE BY VAPORETTO!

Arriving at Santa Lucia Train Station, you will probably catch the beloved Vaporettos, Venice’s “buses”, to take you to your destination. They are the city’s public transport and have 6 lines that cross the city.

Line 01 is the most used by tourists, but since we want to have fun from the moment we set foot in the “city of water”, I suggest using line 02, as on this route you will be able to admire the main tourist attractions, such as St. Mark’s Square and the famous and oldest bridge in the city, the Rialto Bridge! A very complete demonstration of the wonders that await you on your trip! Oh, and the entire route is along the Grand Canal, which is Venice’s main canal. Read also: How to use the Vaporetto in Venice?

Useful Information

I will leave some information to make it easier to catch the Vaporetto, but always confirm the information, as it may change without prior notice.

Main Lines

The Vaporettos run on four main lines: 01, 02, 03, 07, 10 and 18:

• Line 01: It runs slowly along the Grand Canal from the Piazzale Roma bus station to Lido Island; it stops at some tourist attractions such as St. Mark’s Square and the Rialto Bridge.

• Line 02: As mentioned above, line 2 shows the main tourist attractions of the city, that is, it is ideal for having a general overview of the wonders of Venice.

• Line 03: Connects Piazzale Roma with Murano Island.

• Line 07: Connects St. Mark’s Square with Murano Island.

• Line 10: It is the fastest of all to get from St. Mark’s Square to Lido Island.
• Line 18: Connects the islands of Lido and Murano.

Tour Costs

The ticket costs 7.50 euros, but if you just want to get to the next stop and cross the Grand Canal using line 1, you can buy a ticket for 4 euros, but I suggest you skip the Vaporetto and use a traghetto instead.

Tour Duration

The entire journey takes approximately 75 minutes.

3) What to do in Venice with children? THE FAMOUS GONDOLA RIDE!

Many adults dream of this trip, but children will also have a lot of fun. Strolling through the canals that run through the city will be a memory that will last a lifetime!

As there are several points where you can “catch” the gondola, remember to ask about the route that will be taken and ask the gondolier to include the smaller canals, as these are the only places where gondolas go, and it will certainly give an even more special touch to the trip. Read also: Everything about gondolas in Venice.

Useful Information

I will leave some information to help you organize your Gondola ride, but always confirm the information, as it may change without prior notice.

Ride Prices

As of November 1, 2023, the fixed rate has increased to 90 euros during the day and 110 euros at night.

Ride Duration

On average 30 minutes.

Some Gondola Stops

• Bacino Orseolo;
• Consorzio Gondolieri – San Marco;
• Dogana – Calle Vallaresso;
• Ferrovia – S.Simon Piccolo;
• Piazzale Roma;
• Riva Carbon Rialto;
• San Marco Molo;
• San Tomà – Cannaregio;
• Maria del Giglio;
• Santa Sofia – Cannaregio;
• Trinità – Campo S. Moisé.

4) What to do in Venice with children? BE AMAZED BY PIAZZA SAN MARCO!

What child doesn’t like to run around? A postcard of Venice, this square, well-known among city lovers, allows children to run around with a certain amount of freedom, due to its size and also because there are no cars passing by, meaning one less thing for parents to worry about.

In addition, the square is a true architectural work of art, and will certainly catch the attention of the little ones with its splendid Basilica of San Marco, built over 1,000 years ago.

There are numerous bars and restaurants around the square, so you can enjoy a coffee while the children have fun in the middle of this wonderful square.

Useful Information

I will leave some information for visiting the square, but always be aware that changes may occur without prior notice.

Opening Hours

The square is public and open every day.

Tour Prices

Free, there is no charge to enter the square.

How to Get There?

Venice is a city that allows us to walk around very easily. Piazza San Marco is 2.1 km away from the Santa Lucia Train Station, a distance that takes approximately 26 minutes to walk.

5) What to do in Venice with children? ENJOY THE BEAUTY OF VENICE FROM THE TOP OF SAN MARCO TOWER!

When you are in Piazza San Marco, and the children are feeling free, running and playing from one side to the other, take advantage of this moment to climb the San Marco Tower, which is located in the square itself.

The tower is the first building that comes to mind for those arriving in Venice by sea. The tower is approximately 98.6 meters high, but don’t worry, because to go up, a fast elevator will take you to the bell tower, which is 60 meters above the ground. The children will certainly love going up in the elevator, enjoying the speed and the height, not to mention the beautiful view of the city that you will have from up there.

Useful Information

I will leave you with some information about visiting the Natural History Museum of Venice, but always be aware that changes may occur without prior notice, so check the Official Website.

Opening Hours

Every day: 9:30 am – 9:15 pm.

Tour Costs

• Full price: 10.00 euros;
• Free for children up to 6 years old.

Address

• San Marco, 328.

6) What to do in Venice with children? BE AMAZED BY THE VIEW FROM THE TERRAZA DEL FONDACO DEI TEDESCHI!

So far, we have given you ideas for seeing the beauties of Venice, both on dry land and on the “delicious” Vaporetto and Gondola rides. But since the city is enchanting from every angle, one place you won’t regret going to is the Terraza Del Fondaco Dei Tedeschi! This place allows us to have a beautiful panoramic view of the city! A true spectacle!

The terrace is inside a luxury shopping center, which is very beautiful by the way and adds even more beauty to the tour. And to go up to the terrace, you must book a few days in advance and this booking is done entirely online and free of charge. Read also: The most beautiful panoramic views of Venice.

Useful Information

I will leave you with some information about visiting the Terraza Del Fondaco Dei Tedeschi, but always be aware that changes may occur without prior notice, so check the Official Website.

Opening Hours

Open every day from 10:15 am to 6:00 pm.

Tour Prices

Free, open to the public, but remember to schedule a visit.

Address

• Calle del Fontego dei Tedeschi, practically on the Rialto Bridge.

7) What to do in Venice with children? DISCOVER THE SECRETS OF THE DUCAL PALACE!

What child isn’t captivated by stories of secret paths and passages that lead to places that in the past only the most trusted and important people could enter?

In addition to admiring the beautiful architecture of the Doge’s Palace, you can enjoy a guided tour, with a maximum of 25 people, through the internal passages that exist within the site, including access to the Bridge of Sighs and the entrance to the palace. You will also have access to places that were once the scene of important moments in the Venetian administration, archives and even a torture chamber. 

Useful Information

I will leave you with some information about visiting the Doge’s Palace, but always be aware that changes may occur without prior notice, so check the Official Website.

Opening Hours

• Open every day;

• From April 1st to October 31st: 9:00 am – 7:00 pm;
• From November 1st to March 31st: 9:00 am – 6:00 pm.

Tour Prices

• Ticket price: from 20.00 euros per person. Visit the Official Website here or buy your ticket with our partner Get Your Guide, a secure website, click Here! Don’t waste time and buy your ticket in advance, skip the lines and save time on your trip.

Address

• Piazzetta San Marco, 1.

8) What to do in Venice with children? VISIT LIBRERIA DELL’ACQUA ALTA!

There is no other bookstore like this in the world and its ambiance will make adults and children fall in love! You must be thinking of a traditional bookstore with lots of books, old and new, piled up on its shelves! But that’s not all!

Between November and December, the phenomenon of the High Water occurs, which is when the tide rises and invades the streets and shops of Venice, especially those in the lower part of the city. That’s why the owner of the bookstore came up with a beautiful solution, organizing books systematically in gondolas, basins, and little boats. It’s so beautiful that it makes us feel like we’re in an enchanted story.

There’s also a staircase made entirely of books and an emergency exit that “faces” a canal. We often see gondolas passing back and forth from inside the bookstore! And if you love cats, you might find one wandering among the books, the “cats” are quite frequent visitors to the place! Books, cats, gondolas and Venice, simply magical! 

Useful Information

I will leave some information so that you can plan ahead and visit the bookstore, but be aware that changes may occur without prior notice, so check the Official Website.

Opening Hours

• Open every day from 9:00 am to 7:15 pm.

Address

• Longa Santa Maria Formosa, 5176b.

9) What to do in Venice with children? ENJOY A MODERN ART GALLERY!

If you think that Venice is all about its past, you’re wrong! How about taking your kids to see a modern art gallery? In Venice, you can take them to the Bel-Air Fine Art gallery, an international group that represents the concept of contemporary art and has branches in several major cities around the world, such as Paris, Miami and London. The exhibition is very interesting!

Sculptures of animals and cartoon characters, paintings with optical art, those that, depending on the angle you look at them, seem to be in motion, photos of famous people, all in a modern style! I’m sure that the kids will enjoy it and have fun, 20-30 minutes is enough to visit the place!

Useful Information

I will leave some information so that you can plan ahead and visit the gallery, but be aware that changes may occur without prior notice, so check the Official Website. Oh, and there are 3 Bel-Air Fine Art spaces in Venice.

Opening Hours

• Monday to Sunday, 10:00 am – 1:30 pm and 3:00 pm – 7:00 pm (the opening hours are the same for all three galleries).

Address

• Venice San Marco I: Calle del Spezier, 2765;
• Venice San Marco II: Calle del Spezier, 2769;
• Venice Dorsoduro: Dorsoduro Neighborhood.

10) What to do in Venice with kids? HAVE A COFFEE IN ONE OF THE OLDEST COFFEE SHOPS IN THE WORLD!

We always feel like eating something between tours! And during your tour of Piazza San Marco, after the kids have run around and played a lot, how about visiting a coffee shop that opened in 1720? Caffè Florian is a charming place with 6 rooms where you can enjoy a coffee. The price is not very cheap, but the beauty of the place makes up for it. Read also: What are the best coffee shops in Venice?

Useful Information

I will leave you with some information to help you plan your coffee, but be aware that changes may occur without prior notice, so check the Official Website.

Opening Hours

• Monday to Sunday: 9:00 am – 12:00 am.

Address

• Piazza San Marco, 57.

11) What to do in Venice with children? ENJOY ONE OF THE BEST TIRAMISU IN THE WORLD!

How about sweetening up your stay in Venice a little? Sweet and children are two words that go together perfectly! And since we are in Italy, Tiramisù is the “hot item”! A sweet treat made with sugar, coffee, cocoa and Mascarpone cheese. Enjoy one of the most famous Italian desserts at I Tre Mercanti.

A place created by 3 friends who decided to open a business selling wines, olive oils and spices, but who also had the brilliant idea of ​​including this sweet treat that marked their childhood, in the list of products offered by the restaurant. They wanted both visitors and locals to have a place to enjoy a quality Tiramisù with magnificent flavor.

Useful Information

I will leave you with some information to help you plan your visit to the place, but be aware that changes may occur without prior notice, so check the Official Website.

Opening Hours

• Monday to Sunday: 11:00 am – 7:30 pm.

Address

• Castello, 5364.

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Conclusion

What to do in Venice with children? Well, if you thought that Venice was a city only for couples in love, I believe that after our post, you have changed your mind a little and can now start organizing a trip to the city of water with your little ones!

Do you feel insecure traveling?

If you need help organizing your trip, do not hesitate to contact me! I would love to help you make your dream trip to Italy.

Did my post help you, or do you still have questions? Leave your comment below, and I’ll get back to you!

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