Venice for Kids-A Family Guide
Venice is a magical city, there is no place quite like it. It’s one of the most iconic places in Europe for good reason. Planning a trip to Venice with kids requires a little extra preparation to navigate the water transportation, crowds, and cobblestones while still enjoying the sights. This family guide to Venice for Kids will give you practical tips, activity ideas, and family-friendly recommendations to help you explore Venice safely and comfortably.
Is Venice worth visiting?
Let me guess, you’ve heard people say Venice is too touristy and crowded? Or you’ve heard that Venice with kids is a nightmare? But the fact that you’re here reading this says, you are still interested. Let me assure you, Venice is worth visiting.
There is a special magic drifting through the canals of Venice. Other cities claim to be similar (“the Venice of…) but they are not the same. Venice is a city that can’t be compared to others. Between the lovely pastel colored buildings, the patina and old world charm, the canals and gondolas, and secret alleyways Venice is nothing short of magic.
There are affiliate links on this post. If you click and buy, I may earn a commission at no extra cost to you, which supports the work that goes into keeping this blog running and free. Thanks for reading! For more info, see disclosures.
Where is Venice?
Venice is located in Northeastern Italy along the Adriatic Sea in the region Veneto. Venice is made up of 118 small islands connected by over 400 bridges. It can be easily combined with other destinations in Northern Italy like the Dolomites and Lake Garda. This area of Italy is also close to Austria and the Istrian peninsula of Croatia if you are looking for other destinations to add onto your Italy itinerary.
Best Time to Visit Venice
I’ll never tell you not to go to Venice, but if possible avoid July and August when it is the most hot and most crowded.
We visited twice in June and found it very manageable and enjoyable.
Fall and Spring visits can be lovely with more mild weather and less people.
You need to come in February if you want to experience the iconic Carnevale season with the most exquisite masks, costumes, and celebrations.
Between October and January, there is more likelihood of experiencing the acqua alta or water rising into the streets in Venice. If traveling at this time you should make sure to pack rain boots, umbrellas, and rain jackets. It sounds dramatic but it is a normal part of life in Venice that shouldn’t stop you from your travels.
Don’t have time to read the whole thing now?
✈️ Find cheap flights
🏨 Get an awesome hotel
🚗 Book a rental car
👉 Find affordable tours & activities
📱Save money on phone data with an esim
Is Venice safe?
Yes, Venice is safe. You’ll want to take the same precautions you would take in any major European city, especially in the most touristic areas like Piazza San Marco and near the Rialto Bridge.
Venice is car-free, so you won’t worry about traffic and kids roaming free, but you do need to be careful about the canal edges when traveling with young children. Overall, Venice for kids is just as safe as most other European cities.
How to Get to Venice
Flying into Venice
Flying to Venice is easy and convenient, with two main airports serving the city: Venice Marco Polo Airport (VCE) and Treviso Airport (TSF). Marco Polo is the closest, just about 20 minutes from the city center. It handles most of the international flights.
Treviso is smaller and mainly serves budget airlines like Ryanair and Wizz Air. From either airport, you can reach central Venice by bus, taxi, or water transport. The most scenic option is by water. The Alilaguna water bus is an inexpensive way to go straight from the airport to popular stops like San Marco and Rialto.
Both airports are stroller-friendly and have family restrooms and cafés for easy breaks. Once you land, consider arranging a private water taxi—it’s faster, avoids crowds, and feels like a fun boat ride to start your Venice adventure. Don’t forget to pack snacks and entertainment for the transfer since the trip from the airport to your hotel can take 30–60 minutes, depending on the route.
Taking the Train to Venice
Taking the train to Venice is one of the most relaxing and scenic ways to arrive in the city. Most travelers arrive at Venezia Santa Lucia Station, located right on the Grand Canal. When you step off the train, you’re already in the heart of Venice.
High-speed trains connect Venice with major Italian cities like Rome, Florence, and Milan, and international routes link from Austria, Germany, and Switzerland. The journey offers beautiful countryside views and saves you the stress of airports and long transfers. We’ve found the Italian train system to be very reliable (contrary to what you might hear).
For families traveling with kids, taking the train is a comfortable option. Italian trains are stroller-friendly, have family seating areas, and often include restrooms on board. Bring along snacks and entertainment for longer rides, as dining options vary by train.
Once you arrive at Santa Lucia Station, you’ll find easy connections to the city’s vaporetto (water bus) stops right outside the entrance—an exciting and convenient way for kids to see Venice for the first time. If you have a lot of luggage or young children, consider booking porters or a private water taxi for a more streamlined trip to your hotel.
Driving a Car to Venice
I am a proponent of having a rental car when traveling with children. I find it to be more convenient and more flexible. Driving in Europe can present challenges at times, but driving in northern Italy is much easier than driving in southern Italy. For families traveling with kids, driving to Venice can be convenient if you’re exploring multiple destinations in Italy. The roads leading to Venice are well-marked and easy to navigate, with plenty of service stops along the way for rest and food.
You can drive a car to Venice but you can’t drive a car in Venice. The islands of Venice are car-free, so you’ll need to park your car and then use public transportation to get onto the islands. The main parking areas are at Piazzale Roma and Tronchetto, both located right at the end of the causeway that connects Venice to the mainland.
Piazzale Roma is closest to the city’s main entrance and offers quick access to buses and water transport, while Tronchetto tends to be a bit cheaper and has a people mover tram or vaporetti that take you into Venice in just a few minutes. Parking fills up fast during holidays and summer months, so it’s smart to reserve a spot online in advance. We parked at Tronchetto and didn’t have any issues. To be safe you should try not to leave any valuables in the car.
How to Get Around Venice
In Venice you basically have two options to get around: by foot or by water.
I recommend using both! Walking, wandering, and getting lost in the small streets of Venice is one of the best activities you can do. That’s because the city is so charming and beautiful and it is really a joy to wander around and see what you find beyond the big tourist attractions.
You’ll also need to use a boat at some point. There are essentially three kinds of boats in Venice:
gondolas
vaporetti
water taxis
Gondolas are fun and I do recommend taking a ride but they aren’t really a form of transportation. It’s more of an experience. It would be quite expensive to try to use them to get around the city. More on the gondola experience below.
Vaporetto (water bus) is the most popular and economic way to navigate Venice. The vaporetto is Venice’s main public transport system and one of the most scenic ways to get around the city. Boats run along the Grand Canal and to nearby islands like Murano, Burano, and Lido.
Tickets can be bought at machines or kiosks near each stop, and it’s often cheaper to get a 24, 48, or 72 -hour pass if you plan to ride multiple times. If you think you’ll use the boats frequently, it can save you some money. You can also pay contactlessly at the docks before you board. Major lines, like Line 1, stop at most attractions, making it easy to reach places such as St. Mark’s Square or the Rialto Bridge without walking long distances. See the map of all the vaporetti lines here.
On your trip to Venice, kids will have fun both running free in back alleys and taking boat rides to get where you’re going.
For families traveling with kids, using the vaporetto is a great way to rest little legs between sightseeing stops. Boats are stroller-friendly, though it’s easiest to fold strollers when boarding during busy times. Try to travel early in the day or later in the evening to avoid crowds, and keep a close eye on young children near the docks and while boarding. The ride itself is like a mini boat tour, even getting from place to place becomes part of the fun!
Water taxis in Venice are the fastest and most private way to get around, especially if you’re traveling with kids or have luggage. The sleek wooden boats can take you directly to your hotel’s private dock or nearest canal stop, offering a comfortable, stress-free, and scenic ride through the waterways.
Prices start around €150 for a one-way trip from the airport to central Venice and at about €80 to get from the train station to a hotel in Venice. For shorter rides within the city, depending on distance, time of day, and number of passengers, you might pay a little less. While more expensive than vaporettos, water taxis are ideal for families wanting an easy, direct, and fun way to get around.
How Many Days in Venice
You should plan 2-3 full days in Venice. 3 days lets you have 2 full days of sightseeing and activities in Venice and 1 day to do a day trip out to some of the other islands.
Best Hotels in Venice
If you’re traveling to Venice in the summer, be sure and check to make sure your apartment or accommodation has air conditioning. Something else to note is that many of the apartments are in historic buildings with either no elevator or a very tiny elevator. You might have to haul all your luggage (and a stroller) up and down the stairs. Another reason to pack light! This is something important to know when coming to Venice with kids, check with the property for specifics.
A final thing you may run into when booking, your room could be in an “annex” meaning it is in a separate building from the main property or where the reception is. This is good to be aware of so you aren’t surprised when you try to check in and still have to walk around the corner to get to your actual room.
I could not find the apartment we booked for our stay. I’m not sure if the name changed or what happened. But I got some other recommendations from families and vetted them online to help you find some good options.
Luxury
Be Mate Ponte Rialto- luxury apartments with a variety of floor plans, rooftop patio, and air conditioning situated a few blocks from the Rialto Bridge. It will give you nice proximity to the big attractions while also providing a more private and serene feeling. This apartment has over 1000 exceptional reviews and scores well with families.
Royal Rialto Apartment- this apartment has a modern, moderate interior but the view from the terrace is more than 5 stars! Imagine waking up and having your morning espresso while gazing at the Grand Canal and the Rialto Bridge. If that sounds like your Italian dream come true, then you need to splurge on this apartment with a luxury view.
Mid-Range
Locanda Ca’ Zose- suite style rooms available with an affordable breakfast buffet option (makes life so much easier traveling with kids) in a more quiet area but with easy access to Piazza San Marco and the main sights of Venice. Over 600 stellar reviews, many mentioning the wonderful staff.
San Teodoro Palace- apartments with various floor plans, rooftop terrace, kitchens, and free cancellation. These apartments are steps away from the Rialto Bridge which means you won’t have to haul your luggage very far after your water transfer. These apartments have great ratings, especially for the location.
Budget
Alberghiera Venezia- aparthotel with a few options of apartment styles in a quieter part of Venice. It is close to the parking garages and walkable to all the main sights of Venice. Book worry-free with over 2,000 top reviews and free cancellation.
Meininger Hotel- this is a hotel chain that’s great for families who want to save money on their travels. This hotel is located in the Mestre area which is on the mainland and not in the more expensive islands of Venice themselves. Get into Venice by driving or taking a bus to Piazzle Roma then jumping on a vaporetto. The travel time is about 35 minutes. The family rooms at Meininger feature bunk beds, free wifi, over 4000 excellent reviews and the price is pretty unbeatable.
Use this map to explore other Venice hotels for your trip:
Venice for Kids Tips
Plan bathroom stops: Public restrooms are limited and often paid (around €1–€2). Sometimes the toilet doesn’t have a seat, just want to warn you. We always make our kids go to the bathroom when we stop at a restaurant, whether they have to go or not. Bring hand sanitizer, spare wipes and or extra toilet paper just in case.
Be careful about canal edges: Venice has lots of open canals, hold young children’s hands and keep strollers away from edges. Consider using a lightweight stroller with good brakes.
Use strollers wisely: Venice has many bridges, steps, and cobblestone streets. A foldable stroller is best, as some bridges require you to carry it up stairs. Baby carriers or backpacks are more ideal than strollers here.
Water transport safety: always keep a close eye on your kids at the docks waiting for water transportation.
Plan for walking: Venice is a walking city; bring comfortable shoes for everyone. Little legs can get tired quickly. Take breaks at cafés or shaded squares, make time for playgrounds like this one.
Avoid crowded times: Early morning or late afternoon is best for major attractions to avoid crowds and long lines.
Bring snacks and water: Cafés can be expensive; keep kids fed and hydrated while exploring. You can stop in a local market or bakery to grab some snacks and bottles of water to keep with you. The water in Venice is safe to drink, so you can also refill water bottles that way.
Use family-friendly accommodations: Hotels or apartments near main vaporetto stops make transfers easier with luggage and strollers.
Engage kids in the experience: Let them help read maps, spot gondolas, or count bridges, it keeps them entertained and involved.
Download your esim before you go: Esims are a budget-friendly way to stay connected as soon as you land. You’ll be able to pull up Google Maps, your translator app, and browse the internet as soon as you get there without waiting in line to buy a sim card or wasting money on expensive international plans.
Things to Do in Venice for Kids
Venice is brimming with interesting things to do. There are many activities that kids will be interested in. If you want to really have a meaningful trip with your kids, consider booking a tour/scavenger hunt designed specifically for families with Venice Kids Tours. Here’s some ideas for things you might want to consider adding to your itinerary:
Piazza San Marco (St. Mark’s Square)
You’ll love the architecture and the history, your kids will love chasing the pigeons that call this square home. Seriously, it always amazes me how entertained my kids are by chasing pigeons. This piazza is home to St. Mark’s Basilica and Dodge’s Palace. The line to get into St. Mark’s Basilica can be long. Booking a tour or skip the line ticket (this one works for St. Mark’s Basilica and Doge’s Palace) can help you skip all the waiting and learn more about what you’re seeing.
Visiting Dodge’s Palace
Doge’s Palace offers a fascinating peek into Venice’s history and is especially fun for older kids who enjoy exploring grand halls and secret passageways. Families can take a guided tour, the palace offers a Secret Itineraries tour and a Hidden Doge’s Treasure Tour. The museum also offers several activities designed for families like a Lion Hunt (scavenger hunt) and a “find the culprit in Dodge’s Palace (combination of tour and mystery).
Rialto Bridge and Market
Avoid this at peak times, but come early or late for less crowds. It’s an icon of the city. You can watch gondolas on the canal and peruse the shops on the bridge Walk to the west side of the bridge and you’ll find the bustling Rialto Market selling all kinds of produce and food items. We find that anything involving food is usually a hit with our family.
Pro-tip: to get the best photo spot, go to one of the gondola docks below the bridge so you can get the bridge in the background instead of taking your family photo on the bridge itself.
Gondola Ride
More details on this below. It’s expensive, but it’s such a memorable experience. I’m an advocate for doing this once in your life.
Visit Mask Shops & Make your own Mask
This is a must-do! I don’t mean the tourist shops selling the cheap masks, I mean the real mask artist shops where each one is a masterpiece. It’s really amazing to see some of the intricate work that can be done in order to make the masks. For an even more memorable experience, sign up for a mask painting class with a local craftsman who can teach you more about the history and techniques used to make Venetian masks. It’s an experience and you’ll have your own mask souvenir to bring home.
Create your own Scavenger Hunt
Decide on a target item that your family will count or look for during your trip to Venice. You can count lions, the symbol of the city or bridges (there’s over 400). Maybe you pick certain kinds of masks that you want to look for. These games will keep your kids more engaged and entertained while you’re walking around the city.
Gelato Tasting Tour
This can be a DIY adventure or consider booking an organized food tour for more in depth information and history. Your DIY tasting tour is basically an excuse to eat gelato morning, noon, and night in search of the best gelateria and the best flavor. If you like the idea of food based tours and experiences, you can also try a cooking class to learn how to make some Italian classics yourself.
Playground & Park
Take the vaporetto to the stop S.Elena-Stadio Penzo "C" to visit Parco Giochi and get some wiggles out. Even though you’re in Venice, kids will still need time to play and run. This is one of the few expansive areas of green-space in Venice and trust me, it pays off to let your kids have time to just play on a playground.
Come before sunset and enjoy the golden light as you catch the vaporetto back to the main part of the city.
Day Trip to Murano, Burano, or Lido
Murano is the glass blowing island. Here you can explore hand blown glass shops and even watch a demonstration. My advice is, if you can’t trust your kids in a shop full of glass items, this isn’t a must do for you. It can be stressful saying, “don’t touch” over and over again to small kids. If you have older kids I think it could be fun to visit. We booked a glass blowing demonstration which was very cool to watch, but with little kids I skipped most of the browsing in the factory shop.
Burano is the brightly colored, lace-making island. I prefer Burano over Murano. The candy-colored buildings and houses are irresistible and a photographer’s playground. We still saw some glass blowing here and in a much more relaxed setting. We combined Murano and Burano into one day trip but if I could do it over, I would skip Murano and spend more time on Burano.
Lido is a beach escape close to the city.Known for its wide sandy beaches and calmer atmosphere, Lido gives you a chance to relax, build sandcastles, and let kids splash in the Adriatic Sea. Families can rent bikes, stroll along the promenade, or enjoy seaside cafés and gelato shops.
Each of these islands is easily accessible through the vaporetto.
Book a Family Photo Shoot
This was one of the best things we did on our trip! It wasn’t the most fun waking up early to do it but having the photos to look back on was 100% worth it. Venice is full of beautiful backdrops and by booking an early morning shoot, you’re up to see it without all the hoards of tourists-bonus! We use Flytographer to book our shoot (we’ve also used them in Cappadocia). They make the whole process super easy and professional with vetted photographers and an easy to use booking platform.
You can use the code: ABROADWIFE to save $25 off your shoot booking or off a giftcard to use later!
Taking a Gondola Ride in Venice
Every trip to Venice should include a gondola ride. It’s touristy but it’s also iconic and so fun. Here’s what you need to know!
Gondola rides are regulated by the city of Venice. The price is set, there’s no negotiating or worry that your gondolier is trying to take advantage of you.
Rates as of 2025:
€90 for a 30 minute ride between 9:00 AM to 7:00 PM
€110 for a nighttime tour between 7:00 PM to 4:00 AM
Gondolas can accommodate up to 5 passengers.
*This is straight from the city of Venice’s website.
There are many gondola stops around Venice where you can board the boats and start your tour. You might want to chat with your gondolier a bit before deciding to hop in with him. Some are more chatty than others, some may be more able to provide you with information about the city or what you’re seeing. Some might be quiet if that’s more your vibe.
Gondoliers go through extensive training to do this job. It used to be a profession that was inherited through the family but now is open to anyone. They must attend a specialized school and pass an entry exam. They are trained in not only rowing, but first aid, swimming, Venice’s history, and foreign languages.
They complete a 6-12 month apprenticeship alongside a longtime gondolier. The final step is to pass a test judged by a panel of 5 gondolier judges. After passing, they become a substitute who can fill in for colleagues and with more experience they can apply for a fixed position.
The price to buy a gondola starts around 50,000 and goes up from there. They can take between 1-2 months to build. So while you might not love the price of the ride, just know that it’s not just a schtick to take advantage of tourists. It really is a piece of living history with the city.
I enjoyed rowing on the small back alley canals more than rowing on the Grand Canal itself. The Grand Canal is big, busy, and choppy. The back alley canals make you feel more immersed in Venice. I would suggest hopping in a gondola that is off the main canal and not right from Piazza San Marco for a more enjoyable ride.
Gondola ride on a budget-Traghetto
If you want to save money and the gondola tour isn’t super important to you, you can take the traghetto across the canal for just a few euros.
The traghetto looks like a gondola, but it is used for transportation from one side of the canal to the other. It sometimes saves you a bit of walking to the next bridge in order to cross. The traghetti are bigger and rowed by two gondoliers instead of one.
It costs €2 per person to ride and the ride will be just a couple of minutes.
Venice with kids is an unforgettable trip! Whatever you’ve heard about crowds or being too touristy, I hope you can take with a grain of salt, use that to set your expectations, and use what you’ve read here to help make your family trip to Venice fun, engaging, and one you’ll talk about for years to come. If you have further questions, drop a comment below!
Stay connected on socials:
Instagram, Facebook, Pinterest
Find my favorite items for travel & daily life:
Browse my recommended tours & activities:
Pin Me for Later:
Hi, I’m Lindsey!
I’m an American expat, wife, mom of three, traveler, photographer, and travel writer. Our family has been living abroad for over a decade in countries like Germany, Ukraine, Georgia, and now Türkiye. We travel every chance we get, taking kids on European road trips, overseas adventures, and day trips closer to home.
On this blog, I share practical tips, itineraries, and inspiration for families traveling in Europe (and beyond). If you’re planning your first big adventure or you’re a well-seasoned traveler you’ll find resources to help your family make memories with less stress. I love connecting with fellow travelers, so follow our latest adventures on Instagram and sign up for my email updates.
I’m happy you’re here!
-
Check out my curated idea lists for different kinds of trips and family life!
-
Here’s where I put my other favorite purchases and deals I catch on other favorite sites.
-
Need some more targeted travel assistance? Head here to see my more in depth resources.
