Venice with Kids — A Fun, Family-Friendly Guide from Local Experts
Venice might be famous for romantic gondola rides and Renaissance art, but don’t let that fool you — it can be a magical, exciting place to explore with kids! Between colorful boats, mysterious alleys, and endless chances to eat gelato, Venice with kids is a fun adventure — if you know what to do (and what to avoid).
As local guides who work with families every day, here’s our honest, stress-free guide to Venice for kids: what to see, what to eat, and what to skip — plus a few secret spots only locals know.
👨👩👧👦 Is Venice Good for Kids?
Yes — but with a twist.
Venice doesn’t have playgrounds on every corner, and there are lots of bridges and no cars. But that’s exactly what makes it fun. It’s like a giant outdoor maze of canals, boats, pigeons, towers, and surprises waiting to be discovered.
💡 Tip: Venice is best for kids age 4 and up, when walking longer distances and listening to stories becomes part of the adventure. For parents, it helps to read our Venice 101: 15 Smart Tips Americans Should Know Before Their Trip — full of practical advice that applies perfectly to family travel.
🛶 What to See in Venice with Kids
1. Take a Private Boat Ride Around the Canals
Don’t just walk — get on the water! Kids love the idea of riding boats, and in Venice, that’s how you get around. You can:
- Take a private wooden boat tour to glide quietly through hidden canals.
- Hop on the vaporetto (water bus) on Line 1 down the Grand Canal — a mini-cruise for the price of a ticket.
Want to see Venice from the water without crowds? Check out our Venice walking vs. boating tips for the best mix of both worlds.
2. Visit the Peggy Guggenheim Collection (Yes, Really!)
Why? Because this modern art museum is small, colorful, and full of surprises. The sculpture garden gives kids space to explore, spot animal-shaped statues, and even find Peggy’s dogs’ gravestones. Plus, it’s right by the Grand Canal — perfect for a quick snack stop after.
If your little ones love stories and imagination, read our Venice Contemporary Art Scene to discover how art in Venice can be fun and inspiring for all ages.
3. Watch a Mask-Making Demonstration (or Make One!)
Venetian masks aren’t just for Carnival — they’re a hands-on way for kids to dive into local tradition. You can watch a live demo at a traditional workshop or join a mask-making experience where everyone gets to paint their own masterpiece to take home.
It’s creative, cultural, and messy fun in all the right ways. To understand where these traditions come from, don’t miss Venetian Craftsmanship: Glass, Lace & Masks — it’s all about visiting artisans the right way.
4. Climb the Bell Tower of San Giorgio Maggiore
Skip the long lines at St. Mark’s Campanile and take the vaporetto to San Giorgio Maggiore instead. The island has peaceful gardens, wide open spaces, and a fun elevator ride to the top — no endless stairs!
Same breathtaking view, no waiting, and plenty of room for kids to run around safely.
5. Explore the Islands: Murano & Burano
Murano is where real glassblowers work their magic — a must for curious minds. Some studios even offer kid-friendly glass demos with colorful animal figurines. Burano, meanwhile, is a child’s dreamland of bright colors and quiet bridges. It’s perfect for wandering and snapping family photos.
Plan your mini island escape with our guides to Murano vs. Burano and Burano & Torcello for more ideas.
🍦 What to Eat in Venice with Kids
Venice is a great city for young (and picky) eaters. Here’s how to keep the little ones fed and happy:
1. Gelato, of Course!
There’s gelato everywhere, but some spots stand out:
- Gelatoteca Suso (near Rialto) — famous for inventive flavors.
- Gelateria Nico (Zattere) — try the legendary gianduiotto in a cup.
- Grom (San Marco) — safe, creamy, and classic.
🍦 Challenge: try one new flavor each day! For inspiration, check our foodie favorite The Sweet Side of Venice: Best Pastries and Gelato Spots.
2. Pizza and Pasta
- Antico Forno — huge pizza slices near the Rialto.
- Rossopomodoro — reliable, kid-friendly sit-down pizzeria.
- Osteria Alla Staffa — cozy spot for family pasta night.
For more tasty finds, read The Ultimate Guide to Venetian Cuisine — it’s a lifesaver when choosing family restaurants.
3. Cicchetti for Adventurous Eaters
Venice’s famous small bites are perfect for kids — think mini sandwiches, fried mozzarella, and polenta snacks. Parents can enjoy a Spritz while the kids sample finger foods. It’s casual, quick, and authentically Venetian.
Our guide Venetian Cicchetti 101 explains exactly what to order (and where to go) for the best family-style bacaro experience.
😬 What to Skip in Venice with Kids
- Long Museums with No Breaks: Aim for short, engaging visits (45 minutes max). Check out our article The 10 Best Museums in Venice You Shouldn’t Miss — several are perfect for families.
- Peak Heat Hours (12–3 PM in Summer): Take a gelato break or go indoors. Our Venice in the Rain guide has tons of indoor ideas for hot or rainy days.
- High-Traffic Tourist Streets: Crowds + narrow alleys + kids = stress. Stay in quieter neighborhoods like Sant’Elena and San Pietro di Castello or Dorsoduro for more breathing room.
✨ Bonus: Secret Kid-Friendly Activities
- Feed a few pigeons in Piazza San Marco (just a few crumbs!).
- Draw what you see — bring sketchbooks and colored pencils.
- Go lion-hunting — Venice’s symbol is everywhere! Read What Is the Symbol of Venice and Why? before you start.
- Count bridges — how many can your kids find in one day?
✅ TL;DR: Venice with Kids — The Essentials
| Do | Eat | Skip |
|---|---|---|
| Private boat ride | Gelato daily | Overcrowded museums |
| Mask workshop | Pizza & cicchetti | Midday heat |
| San Giorgio tower | Pasta & pastries | Main tourist streets |
💼 Traveling to Venice with Kids? Let Us Make It Easy.
At Tour Leader Venice, we specialize in private, flexible, and family-friendly Venice experiences — from creative workshops and island adventures to stress-free walking tours (with snack stops included, of course!).
Before you pack, don’t miss The Ultimate Venice Packing List and our guide to Where to Stay in Venice — both packed with local insights for traveling families.
👉 Book Your Family-Friendly Venice Tour Todayice that applies perfectly to family travel.
🛶 What to See in Venice with Kids
1. Take a Private Boat Ride Around the Canals
Don’t just walk — get on the water! Kids love the idea of riding boats, and in Venice, that’s how you get around. You can:
- Take a private wooden boat tour to glide quietly through hidden canals.
- Hop on the vaporetto (water bus) on Line 1 down the Grand Canal — a mini-cruise for the price of a ticket.
Want to see Venice from the water without crowds? Check out our Venice walking vs. boating tips for the best mix of both worlds.
2. Visit the Peggy Guggenheim Collection (Yes, Really!)
Why? Because this modern art museum is small, colorful, and full of surprises. The sculpture garden gives kids space to explore, spot animal-shaped statues, and even find Peggy’s dogs’ gravestones. Plus, it’s right by the Grand Canal — perfect for a quick snack stop after.
If your little ones love stories and imagination, read our Venice Contemporary Art Scene to discover how art in Venice can be fun and inspiring for all ages.
3. Watch a Mask-Making Demonstration (or Make One!)
Venetian masks aren’t just for Carnival — they’re a hands-on way for kids to dive into local tradition. You can watch a live demo at a traditional workshop or join a mask-making experience where everyone gets to paint their own masterpiece to take home.
It’s creative, cultural, and messy fun in all the right ways. To understand where these traditions come from, don’t miss Venetian Craftsmanship: Glass, Lace & Masks — it’s all about visiting artisans the right way.
4. Climb the Bell Tower of San Giorgio Maggiore
Skip the long lines at St. Mark’s Campanile and take the vaporetto to San Giorgio Maggiore instead. The island has peaceful gardens, wide open spaces, and a fun elevator ride to the top — no endless stairs!
Same breathtaking view, no waiting, and plenty of room for kids to run around safely.
5. Explore the Islands: Murano & Burano
Murano is where real glassblowers work their magic — a must for curious minds. Some studios even offer kid-friendly glass demos with colorful animal figurines. Burano, meanwhile, is a child’s dreamland of bright colors and quiet bridges. It’s perfect for wandering and snapping family photos.
Plan your mini island escape with our guides to Murano vs. Burano and Burano & Torcello for more ideas.
🍦 What to Eat in Venice with Kids
Venice is a great city for young (and picky) eaters. Here’s how to keep the little ones fed and happy:
1. Gelato, of Course!
There’s gelato everywhere, but some spots stand out:
- Gelatoteca Suso (near Rialto) — famous for inventive flavors.
- Gelateria Nico (Zattere) — try the legendary gianduiotto in a cup.
- Grom (San Marco) — safe, creamy, and classic.
🍦 Challenge: try one new flavor each day! For inspiration, check our foodie favorite The Sweet Side of Venice: Best Pastries and Gelato Spots.
2. Pizza and Pasta
- Antico Forno — huge pizza slices near the Rialto.
- Rossopomodoro — reliable, kid-friendly sit-down pizzeria.
- Osteria Alla Staffa — cozy spot for family pasta night.
For more tasty finds, read The Ultimate Guide to Venetian Cuisine — it’s a lifesaver when choosing family restaurants.
3. Cicchetti for Adventurous Eaters
Venice’s famous small bites are perfect for kids — think mini sandwiches, fried mozzarella, and polenta snacks. Parents can enjoy a Spritz while the kids sample finger foods. It’s casual, quick, and authentically Venetian.
Our guide Venetian Cicchetti 101 explains exactly what to order (and where to go) for the best family-style bacaro experience.
😬 What to Skip in Venice with Kids
- Long Museums with No Breaks: Aim for short, engaging visits (45 minutes max). Check out our article The 10 Best Museums in Venice You Shouldn’t Miss — several are perfect for families.
- Peak Heat Hours (12–3 PM in Summer): Take a gelato break or go indoors. Our Venice in the Rain guide has tons of indoor ideas for hot or rainy days.
- High-Traffic Tourist Streets: Crowds + narrow alleys + kids = stress. Stay in quieter neighborhoods like Sant’Elena and San Pietro di Castello or Dorsoduro for more breathing room.
✨ Bonus: Secret Kid-Friendly Activities
- Feed a few pigeons in Piazza San Marco (just a few crumbs!).
- Draw what you see — bring sketchbooks and colored pencils.
- Go lion-hunting — Venice’s symbol is everywhere! Read What Is the Symbol of Venice and Why? before you start.
- Count bridges — how many can your kids find in one day?
✅ TL;DR: Venice with Kids — The Essentials
| Do | Eat | Skip |
|---|---|---|
| Private boat ride | Gelato daily | Overcrowded museums |
| Mask workshop | Pizza & cicchetti | Midday heat |
| San Giorgio tower | Pasta & pastries | Main tourist streets |
💼 Traveling to Venice with Kids? Let Us Make It Easy.
At Tour Leader Venice, we specialize in private, flexible, and family-friendly Venice experiences — from creative workshops and island adventures to stress-free walking tours (with snack stops included, of course!).
Before you pack, don’t miss The Ultimate Venice Packing List and our guide to Where to Stay in Venice — both packed with local insights for traveling families.
