Venice is one of Italy’s most iconic cities—and it’s also a fantastic place to explore with kids. With no cars, plenty of bridges to cross, and canals instead of streets, Venice offers a uniquely fun experience for the whole family.
From learning to row a gondola and spotting lion statues around the city to exploring palaces, bell towers, and the famous St. Mark’s Basilica, there’s no shortage of things to do. Add in a day trip to see glassblowing demonstrations in Murano, and you’ve got a city that’s both fun and full of wonder.
This guide shares our favourite kid-friendly activities, practical tips, and fun ways to make the most of your family visit to Venice.
Take a Gondola Ride — or Try Rowing One Yourself
A gondola ride is the quintessential Venetian experience, offering a unique way to see the city’s canals. But if you’re looking for something truly memorable and hands-on, why not try your hand at rowing?
Our boys loved learning to steer and balance the gondola themselves—it was by far their favourite part of Venice!
Learn More: Becoming Gondoliers: Learning to Row a Gondola in Venice
If you prefer the classic ride, keep in mind that Venice’s canals can be busy with power boats, making the experience noisier than expected and sometimes smelly.
Tips for a better gondola ride:
• Book on a Sunday when work boats (like delivery and garbage boats) aren’t running, making the canals quieter.
• Consider shorter rides to keep kids happy and engaged. A typical 30-minute ride costs about €100.
Explore Piazza San Marco
There’s no better place to start your Venice adventure than in the heart of the city: Piazza San Marco. This grand square is home to three of Venice’s most famous landmarks:
• Basilica di San Marco
• Campanile di San Marco (Bell Tower)
• Doge’s Palace
Basilica di San Marco
Located on the east side of the piazza, this basilica is dedicated to the patron saint of Venice and was once the Doge’s private chapel. Its golden domes and intricate façade are striking, adorned with the famous Lion of Saint Mark and the bronze Horses of Saint Mark (Triumphal Quadriga), looted during the Fourth Crusade.
Make it a Game: You’ll spot lions all over the city—as statues, on flags, and even door knockers. Turn it into a game to see how many your kids can find!
Inside, the basilica is jaw-dropping. Millions of tiny mosaic tiles—covering over 85,000 square feet—create glowing biblical scenes that shimmer in the light, seeming almost to move.
Dress Code for Churches: When visiting churches or basilicas in Italy (including the Vatican), conservative dress is required. Shoulders and knees must be covered for men, women, and children.
Campanile di San Marco (Bell Tower)
Standing 323 feet tall, this is the tallest structure in Venice. Initially built in the 12th century, it has been rebuilt multiple times due to lightning and fire, and fully reconstructed after collapsing in 1902.
Take the elevator to the top for incredible panoramic views of the city and the surrounding lagoon.
Doge’s Palace
This grand Gothic palace was the home of the Doge—the ruler of Venice when it was a Republic. Today, you can tour the courtyard, the grand chambers, and the prison cells below. An audio guide is available for purchase.
Our boys were captivated. After climbing the Scala dei Giganti (Giant’s Staircase) and spotting marble statues of Mars and Neptune, standing guard, they eagerly searched for Roman mythology references in paintings and sculptures throughout the palace.
The ornate rooms, including the gold-detailed Scala d’Oro (Golden Staircase), were stunning. But their favourite part? Descending into the dark prison cells and crossing the Bridge of Sighs.
Discover the Bridges of Venice
Venice is home to more than 400 bridges—some grand, others tucked away on quiet canals. Crossing bridges is part of the adventure here, and kids will love trying to spot the most famous ones.
Make it a Game: Count how many bridges you cross in a day or spot different styles.
Bridge of Sighs
Just around the corner from Doge’s Palace is the Ponte dei Sospiri. With its arched frame and lattice-covered windows, the Bridge of Sighs is one of the most recognizable bridges in Venice. It connects the palace to the prison and earned its name because as prisoners crossed the bridge and glimpsed the waters of Venice one last time, they were said to sigh at the view.
You can admire the bridge from the Ponte della Paglia and walk across it as part of the Doge’s Palace tour.
Rialto Bridge (Ponte di Rialto)
The oldest and most famous of the four bridges spanning the Grand Canal, the Rialto Bridge was completed in 1591. Built entirely of marble, many believed it was too ambitious to last—but over 400 years later, it remains one of Venice’s greatest architectural feats.
Markets and small shops surround the bridge. You’ll find vendors selling souvenirs, jewelry, and Murano glass—though the crowds can be thick, its dramatic span and stunning views of the Grand Canal make it a photo-worthy stop.
Academy Bridge (Ponte dell’Accademia)
While the Rialto Bridge gets most of the attention, the Academy Bridge is another beautiful spot to admire the Grand Canal. Made of wood and iron, this pedestrian bridge offers one of the best panoramic views of Venice, especially at sunset.
Located near the Gallerie dell’Accademia art museum, it’s a quieter crossing than the Rialto and a perfect place to snap a photo or watch boats float beneath you.
Scalzi Bridge (Ponte degli Scalzi)
Located right next to Santa Lucia Train Station, the Ponte degli Scalzi is often the first bridge visitors cross when arriving in Venice. Built from white Istrian stone in 1934, its name means “Bridge of the Barefoot.”
Though not as ornate as the Rialto or Accademia, the Scalzi Bridge offers beautiful views of the Grand Canal’s busy entrance and is one of the best spots to see the Vaporetto lines crisscrossing the water.
Get Lost in Venice (On Purpose!)
Venice is a city made up of over 100 islands connected by bridges, with no cars, no straight lines, and no grid to follow. As we walked, we marvelled at the maze-like alleyways, colourful storefronts, and sun-drenched piazzas filled with people enjoying gelato, pasta, and wine.
Getting lost in Venice isn’t a problem—it’s part of the fun. Wander away from the main sights and let the kids help “lead the way.” You’ll stumble upon quiet canals, tiny bridges, hidden courtyards, and local shops you might never find otherwise.
Savour Some Sweet Treats
Exploring Venice can work up an appetite—and luckily, the city is full of sweet temptations. Chocolatiers, pastry shops, and gelaterias tempt from every corner.
Some of our favourites:
- Suso Gelatoteca: Expect a line, but it’s worth the wait.
- Venchi Chocolates: A must-visit for any chocolate lover.
Visit Basilica di Santa Maria della Salute
We stumbled upon this beautiful church while walking along the Grand Canal. The interior is peaceful and airy, with an octagonal layout and eight chapels surrounding a central dome.
Fewer tourists venture here, making it a quiet and calming place to visit. The broad staircase in front is perfect for sitting and watching gondolas float by.
Get Caught Up in Carnivàle
Carnevale di Venezia is one of Italy’s largest festivals, held during the two weeks leading up to Lent. But signs of the celebration are visible all year in the form of mask and costume shops scattered across the city.
Peek into the windows to see beautifully crafted masks. Our boys loved the long-nosed Zanni mask, while I was drawn to the delicate Colombina.
For an interactive experience, head to the San Polo District to watch a mascherari (mask maker) demonstration or make your own at Tragicomica.
Admire the Art of Glassmaking
Take a Vaporetto to Murano Island to learn about the ancient art of Venetian glassblowing.
Glassmaking has deep roots in Venice, dating back 1,500 years. By the 13th century, it became so vital to the economy that glassmakers were forbidden to leave Murano without permission.
Today, you can tour the Murano Glass Museum, watch live glassblowing demonstrations, and browse exquisite works in the many glass shops.
Learn More: Murano Island
See the Sights by Water
No trip to Venice is complete without exploring the city by water. While gondolas are the traditional choice, the Vaporetto—Venice’s public water bus—is a fun, affordable, and very Venetian way to get around.
You can buy a one-way ticket or choose a 24-hour pass (€21), which allows unlimited rides and makes it easy to hop on and off at different stops.
For a scenic route, ride Vaporetto Line 1, which winds slowly along the Grand Canal, offering fantastic views and stops at major landmarks like the Rialto Bridge and Piazza San Marco. It’s a great way to get your bearings—or sit back and enjoy the ride.
Tip: The Vaporetto can get hot! Grab a seat outside for the best views and a breezy adventure on the water.
Wander Venice at Night
As the sun sets, Venice transforms. Restaurants spill into open piazzas, music drifts through the air, and monuments glow under golden lights.
One of our favourite ways to experience a city is to walk at night. Venice is no exception—familiar sights like the basilica and bridges look brand new when lit up.
Whether you’re sitting at a café or enjoying takeaway pasta from We Love Italy, don’t miss Venice after dark.
Tips on Making the Most of Venice with Kids
Stay Central: While accommodations in Venice can be pricey, staying on the main island (rather than Mestre or further out) improves walkability, saves you the logistics of Vaporetto crossings, and allows for quick breaks with little ones.
Use Landmarks as Navigation Points: Venice is famously confusing to navigate due to its maze-like streets. Use major landmarks like the Rialto Bridge or San Marco Piazza to help get your bearings. If using Google Maps, download before you head out, as signals can be patchy in narrow streets.
Wear Comfortable Shoes: Even though Venice looks small on the map, you’ll do a lot of walking. Bring sturdy shoes for kids—and yourself.
Look for Public Water Fountains: Venice can be hot and crowded, especially in summer. Public fountains (look for “acqua potabile”) are scattered around the city and offer safe drinking water to refill water bottles.
Start Early or Stay Late: Popular sites get crowded fast. Visit places like San Marco Basilica or the Rialto Bridge early in the morning or after 5 PM for fewer crowds and better photos.
Prepare for Smells (and Bugs): Some canals can smell in the heat, and mosquitoes are common in summer. Pack insect repellent and prepare little ones for the occasional whiff—it’s part of the Venice experience!
Turn sightseeing into a game: Challenge kids to count how many bridges they cross in a day, or look for lion statues, masks, or gondolas of different colours to keep walks interesting.
Book skip-the-line tickets: Especially for the Basilica, Doge’s Palace, and Campanile. In August, we saw people turned away by late afternoon due to crowds.
Consider the Venice Museum Pass: It offers excellent value if you plan to visit several sites, including the Doge’s Palace, and is available in family bundles at a discounted rate. The pass includes many of the city’s top museums and attractions. Check the official Venice Museum Pass site for the current list of included sites and pricing.
A Memorable Start to Italy
Venice is unlike any other city. Built entirely on water and connected by hundreds of bridges, it offers a one-of-a-kind experience for families.
From visiting grand cathedrals to rowing a gondola or spotting lion statues, there’s plenty here to capture kids’ interest, without needing a packed itinerary. With a bit of planning (and plenty of gelato), Venice turned out to be the perfect place to begin our Italian adventure—beautiful, walkable, and full of wonder around every corner.
Ready to Explore Italy?
Check out these related posts to help plan your trip:
• 4-Day Itinerary in Rome with Kids
• Becoming Gondoliers: Learning to Row a Gondola in Venice
• Inside the Colosseum: Touring Ancient Rome with Kids
• The Vatican with Kids: What to Expect & How to Plan
• Roaming Around Rome: A Walking Tour for Families
