What to do in Venice with kids:
family-friendly activities & workshops
Venice is not only about walking and sightseeing (which you can explore in our What to See in Venice with Kids post): it’s a city that can be experienced, played, created, and lived, even with children. From hands-on workshops to outdoor adventures, here are our favourite family-friendly activities in Venice, perfect for curious kids and relaxed parents.
VENICE VIEWED FROM THE WATER
Seeing Venice from the water is a must — and the best way to understand the city.
- Gondola ride: the classic experience and a magical way for kids to see palaces, bridges, and hidden canals from a different perspective (see practical info in our post).
- Vaporetto ride: an affordable and fun option to explore Venice independently while cruising the Grand Canal (see practical info in our post).
- Private water taxi: a comfortable and exciting choice for families who want to move easily and enjoy the ride without crowds. It’s not inexpensive, but it’s definitely a memorable experience (we can organize it for you with our Venice stone and water tour).
VENICE VIEWED FROM ABOVE
Kids love climbing towers — and Venice offers some of the most spectacular views.
- St Mark’s Bell Tower: an elevator makes it easy even with younger children.
- San Giorgio Maggiore Bell Tower: less crowded and offering the best panoramic views in Venice.
- Scala Contarini del Bovolo: a beautiful outdoor spiral staircase that feels like a fairytale.
- Loggia dei Cavalli at St Mark’s Basilica: always fascinating for children.
KID-FRIENDLY MUSEUMS IN VENICE
Venice has several museums that offer kid-friendly activities, either at specific times or all year round:
- Peggy Guggenheim Collection: Venice’s most important museum of modern art
- World of Potential: a spacious and interactive venue in St Mark’s Square. Read this other post for more information.
- Fondazione Querini Stampalia: a blend of Venetian tradition and modern design
- Palazzo Grimani: mythology and stories from the ancient world
CREATE AND LEARN: HANDS-ON WORKSHOPS
Creative activities are a wonderful way for kids to connect with Venetian traditions.
These are our favourite workshops for children in Venice:
- Carnival mask-making workshops: free your imagination and paint your own Venetian Carnival mask – one of kids’ favourite activities! Read this other post for more information.
- Glass or murrina workshops, a safe and educational introduction to Murano glassmaking and the traditional murrina technique (see practical info about Murano in our post).
- Marionette workshops
- Painting lessons
LIVE LIKE A VENETIAN
Let your children experience everyday Venetian life through authentic activities.
- Rowing lessons on traditional Venetian boats
- Family-friendly cooking classes, where kids can get hands-on and taste what they create
(You’ll surely cook some delicious dishes, but if you’d like to keep exploring Venetian flavors, try our favourite kid-friendly restaurants in Venice 😉)
In winter, if you’re visiting during the colder months, don’t miss:
- Ice skating in Campo San Polo, a seasonal favorite for local families
In summer:
- Head to the beach at the Lido or rent a bike for a ride
And all year round:
- Playtime in Venetian parks, perfect for a break after sightseeing
FRAME YOUR MEMORIES
Venice is the perfect backdrop for unforgettable family moments.
- Family photo shooting sessions to capture your memories in iconic or hidden corners of the city
EXPLORE AND LEARN WITH FUN
Last but not least, one of the most recommended family-friendly activities in Venice is joining our kid-friendly tours with VeniceKidsTours, because learning is even better when it feels like a game.
- Scavenger hunts in Venice, designed for families and adapted to different ages, combining discovery, learning, and fun.
All in all, Venice can be an incredible playground for children when experienced in the right way. If you organize a private tour in Venice with us, we’ll be happy to share the contacts of our trusted local partners for family-friendly activities and workshops and help you create a perfect tailor-made experience for your family.
