Europe: Best family attractions and activities in Venice

This modern art museum offers a unique cultural experience that even young children can appreciate. The Peggy Guggenheim Collection is set in a serene location along the Grand Canal and includes a lovely sculpture garden. Children can enjoy looking at the outdoor sculptures while parents explore the art. The museum also offers family-friendly workshops and activities, allowing kids to engage creatively with the exhibits. A relaxing place for parents and a stimulating environment for children.

The Venice Naval Museum offers an interactive and educational experience for children who are fascinated by ships and maritime history. The museum is home to models of ships, historic artifacts, and uniforms that give a glimpse into Venice’s naval past. Children will love exploring the different exhibits and learning about Venice’s connection to the sea. There are also hands-on activities that engage younger visitors, making it a fun learning experience for the whole family.

A break from the city’s busy streets, Venice Lido is the perfect place for families to relax and play. With sandy beaches and calm waters, children can safely enjoy building sandcastles and swimming. Parents can rent umbrellas and loungers, making it a comfortable day at the beach. The area also has ice cream shops, restaurants, and family-friendly facilities. The Lido is easily accessible by water bus, making it a fun, convenient, and refreshing getaway from the main city attractions.

St. Mark’s Square is the heart of Venice and an excellent place for families with young children to explore. The wide-open space allows kids to run around, chase pigeons, and marvel at the beautiful surroundings. Families can visit St. Mark’s Basilica, which offers stunning architecture, and enjoy a gelato from nearby shops. The Clock Tower also captivates children with its intricate design and mechanical figures. Parents can relax in outdoor cafés while watching their kids enjoy the lively atmosphere of the square.

Known for its brightly colored houses, Burano is a picturesque and family-friendly destination. Children will love exploring the vibrant streets, and parents can enjoy the unique lace-making tradition of the island. Families can take a boat ride to Burano, which adds to the fun of the trip. The island’s small size and peaceful atmosphere make it ideal for children, and the colorful houses make it a wonderful backdrop for family photos. Stop by one of the island’s cafés for a sweet treat.

This charming puppet theatre offers performances that are perfect for young children. The lively shows feature colorful characters, entertaining stories, and plenty of humor to keep kids engaged. The puppet theatre is small and cozy, creating an intimate atmosphere where children can feel like part of the show. Many of the performances are based on Venetian legends or classic fairy tales, making it both entertaining and culturally enriching for kids. Parents will appreciate the light-hearted entertainment as well.

The Venice Biennale is an international art exhibition held every two years, and it’s a great opportunity for families to engage with contemporary art. Many exhibits are interactive and can be enjoyed by children as well as adults. The outdoor pavilions provide plenty of space for kids to explore, and the diverse range of art on display offers something for everyone. Parents can introduce their children to different styles of art while enjoying the creative atmosphere of the event. It’s an educational and fun family outing.

A short boat ride from Venice, San Giorgio Maggiore offers stunning views of the city and a chance to explore a quieter side of Venice. Families can take an elevator to the top of the bell tower for a bird’s-eye view of the city and its canals. The island is less crowded than Venice, allowing children to roam more freely. The green spaces and peaceful atmosphere make it a great place for a relaxing family outing, away from the hustle and bustle of the main city.

Taking a boat ride to the island of Murano is an exciting adventure for young children. Once there, families can visit one of the many glass factories for a live glassblowing demonstration. Children will be captivated by the molten glass being shaped into beautiful creations. Some factories even allow children to try glass art (supervised, of course). Afterward, families can stroll through the island, visit museums, and purchase colorful glass souvenirs to remember their trip.

Taking a gondola ride through Venice’s canals is a magical experience for families. Kids under 10 will love the gentle rocking of the boat and the unique perspective of the city. Gondoliers often share fun facts or sing traditional songs, adding to the adventure. The ride offers a chance to explore Venice’s hidden corners and historic bridges in a way that’s relaxing for the whole family. Consider taking a shorter ride if traveling with very young children to keep them engaged.

Participating in a Venetian mask-making workshop is a creative and fun activity for children. They’ll get to learn about the history of Venetian masks and create their own colorful designs to take home as souvenirs. Workshops are often held in traditional mask-making shops, offering an authentic experience. Kids will enjoy using different materials and techniques to make their masks, while parents can join in or simply enjoy watching the creative process. It’s an entertaining hands-on activity for the entire family.

Located in the Castello district, the Giardini della Biennale is a large, green park that’s perfect for families with young children. Kids can run around and explore the various gardens, sculptures, and art installations. The open spaces make it a great spot for picnics, and the tranquil atmosphere offers a relaxing break from Venice’s crowded streets. The playgrounds and art exhibitions are engaging for kids, while parents can enjoy the peaceful surroundings. It’s a fun and culturally enriching outing.

Doge’s Palace offers a fun blend of history and exploration for families. Kids under 10 will love the secret passageways, grand staircases, and the fascinating stories of Venetian rulers. Children can imagine the palace’s past life while exploring the prison cells and walking across the Bridge of Sighs. The interactive exhibits make history come alive, and guided tours tailored for children offer an exciting educational experience without being overwhelming.

Families can take an elevator ride to the top of St. Mark’s Campanile for stunning panoramic views of Venice. Children will enjoy the exciting ride up, and the view from the top will captivate them. The tower offers a great vantage point to see Venice’s canals, islands, and famous landmarks. It’s a short and easy visit that’s both fun and educational for kids, allowing them to appreciate the city’s unique layout. Be mindful of the bells, which ring periodically and can be quite loud.

The Natural History Museum in Venice is a treasure trove of fun and learning for children. The museum has interactive exhibits featuring fossils, dinosaur skeletons, and displays of local marine life. The museum’s playful layout and engaging activities are designed to captivate young visitors. Children will be thrilled by the life-sized dinosaur models and can take part in hands-on exhibits. The museum is located in a beautiful palace along the Grand Canal, offering a scenic and educational visit for families.

This quirky bookshop is an exciting stop for families with young kids. Books are stored in gondolas and bathtubs to protect them from Venice’s frequent floods. The whimsical layout of the shop, including a staircase made of books, will delight children. Families can explore the various rooms filled with books, postcards, and souvenirs. Kids can even pet the shop’s resident cats. It’s a great place to visit on a rainy day, and parents can pick up unique souvenirs while children are entertained by the unusual setting.

This grand palace-turned-museum showcases Venetian art and life from the 18th century. Children will love the richly decorated rooms, with their ornate furniture and lavish décor. The museum offers kid-friendly tours and interactive exhibits that make the history of Venice’s noble families engaging and accessible to younger audiences. There’s plenty of space for children to explore, and the stunning views of the Grand Canal from the palace windows are an added bonus for the whole family.

Located on the island of Sant’Elena, Parco delle Rimembranze is a large park filled with playgrounds and green spaces, ideal for children to run around and play. The park offers beautiful views of the lagoon and is a peaceful escape from the city. Families can have a picnic, rent bikes, or simply let the kids enjoy the playground. It’s a great spot for families looking to relax and recharge in a kid-friendly environment. The park is easily accessible by water bus from the main parts of Venice.

One of the most iconic sights in Venice, the Rialto Bridge is perfect for families. Children will be fascinated by the stunning view of the Grand Canal, and they can enjoy watching boats and gondolas pass beneath them. Nearby markets offer vibrant colors, fresh fruits, and intriguing souvenirs that will engage young explorers. It’s a great spot for family photos, and the area surrounding the bridge is full of child-friendly shops and cafés where families can rest and refuel.

The Leonardo da Vinci Museum in Venice offers interactive exhibits that allow children to engage with the inventions and ideas of one of history’s greatest minds. Kids can try out models of Da Vinci’s machines, learning about science and engineering in a fun and hands-on way. The museum is small but packed with interesting displays, and many of the exhibits are designed to be touched and explored, making it ideal for younger visitors. It’s a fun and educational experience for the whole family.