9 Family-Friendly Things To Do in Venice

No entrance to Venice is as spectacular as the Grand Canal, and a cruise down its palazzo-lined length is unforgettable for the entire family. There are endless options for boat transfers from the airport or train station, as well as cruises and boat tours, including private gondola or motorboat cruises, group boat tours, and even kayaking excursions for families with teens. Stick to the magnificent Grand Canal to take in headliners such as the Rialto Bridge and Ca’ d’Oro, or explore the picturesque (and quieter) side canals, which are especially atmospheric when gliding along on a traditional gondola.

One of the easiest Venice family vacation ideas is a leisurely stroll through the warren of tiny calli (alleys) and campi (squares) in one of the city’s six central sestieri—San Marco, San Polo, Cannaregio, Castello, Santa Croce, and Dorsoduro—to discover its hidden nooks and crannies. Before setting off on your own, however, get the lay of the land by joining a private sightseeing tour that covers the main attractions with a guide specialized in capturing and holding the attention of young travelers. Top family tours in Venice include skip-the-line explorations of St. Mark’s Basilica and the Doge’s Palace as well as scavenger hunt-inspired walking tours through the heart of the city.

Venice has a rich artisan culture, with ateliers turning out everything from gondolas and glass to paper mache masks crafted by hand. Break up your touring time in the city and learn more about Venetian traditions by adding an interactive craft experience to your family’s itinerary. Older kids can try their hand at glass blowing at a local studio under the watchful guidance of a master artisan, while younger kids can decorate an elaborate Carnevale mask, one of the symbols of the city. Take your creations home at the end of the class as a one-of-a-kind souvenir from your time in Venice.

Even the most curious and active families need an occasional day off from the cultural overload that is Venice. Luckily, the city has its own beach just a short vaporetto (water bus) ride from St. Mark’s Square: Venice Lido (Lido di Venezia). Largely overlooked by international visitors, this long, narrow island is home to the best beaches for families in Venice, with soft sand, clean water, and a full range of services from umbrella and sunbed rental to snack bars and restaurants.

The island’s parks and nature reserves are ideal spots for nature walks with children in Venice, and the beaches offer stand-up paddleboarding outings, snorkeling and diving excursions, and more outdoor adventures for kids in Venice.

Venice is beautiful from the water, but the city view from above is fascinating for visitors of all ages. There are several excellent panoramic points to take in the dozens of islands that form central Venice and its web of canals, beginning with St. Mark’s Bell Tower.

Book timed tickets in advance or join a tour that includes prebooked tickets to avoid a long line to board the elevator to the top. Marvel at other crowd-pleasing views of the Floating City from the Bovolo Staircase, St. Mark’s Clock Tower, and the top of the bell tower at San Giorgio Maggiore, which sits just across the lagoon from central Venice.

Traditional Venetian rowing (known as voga) is an art form in this city built on the water. Kids—and grownups—can discover the secrets to guiding a classic Venetian boat through the canals with a rowing lesson in the quiet Cannaregio district of Venice, far from the boat traffic on the Grand Canal.

Begin with a tutorial to pick up the basic techniques, then set off with your instructor to hone your rowing skills as you glide past historic palaces and churches. Ideal for active families who want to enjoy an outdoor activity in the center of Venice, rowing lessons are either private or with small groups, so young passengers have plenty of time to steer the boat.

Unless your family is passionate about art, many of the city’s museums may be a bit overwhelming for younger visitors. There are a few exceptions, however. The Leonardo da Vinci Museum in Dorsoduro—where there are also some of the most family-friendly accommodations in Venice—has scale models of several Leonardo inventions, some of which can be operated by little ones. Kids also enjoy the Natural History Museum, with its immense whale skeleton, dinosaur fossils, and other treasures. The Peggy Guggenheim Collection engages young art lovers with family events and educational activities for kids in Venice.

The bustling Rialto Fish Market is one of the liveliest corners of the city, and kids love checking out the variety of fish and seafood plucked from the lagoon each morning. Pair a shopping excursion here with a kid-focused cooking class in Venice for a fun and engaging way to learn about Venetian cuisine. Though some classes focus on seafood dishes, others teach the basics for preparing more approachable staples such as pizza or fresh pasta and tiramisù. Classes end with a relaxed lunch or dinner featuring the dishes you’ve prepared as a family, a creative way to break up the endless restaurant meals when traveling.

The crowds surrounding the top sights in central Venice can put your tots to the test, so take a breather by cruising to the lagoon to visit the outlying Venice islands. Murano is the most popular, and also sees its fair share of crowds. It’s worth braving the throngs to watch the master artisans at work in the island’s historic glass-blowing workshops, however.

Colorful Burano delights kids with its technicolor houses and waterfront park, and is less crowded than Murano. Torcello is the quietest option, said to be the oldest inhabited island in the lagoon and overlooked by most visitors to Venice. Choose one island to visit by vaporetto or join a tour that includes stops at all three islands—the cruise through the lagoon is half the fun!