Venice is a beautiful city that offers unique experiences for people of all ages. However, it can be challenging to plan a family trip to Venice with kids. With its narrow streets, winding canals, and historic buildings, it can be challenging to find activities that will keep children entertained. But fear not, there are plenty of fun things to do for kids in Venice! Here are some ideas to help you plan a kid-friendly itinerary for your next family vacation.
Explore the Canals
Venice is famous for its canals, and taking a boat ride is an excellent way to experience the city. Children will love the novelty of traveling by boat and seeing the city from a unique perspective. You can hire a private water taxi or take a public vaporetto, which is a waterbus that travels around the city. Kids will enjoy watching the gondolas go by and spotting the different bridges and landmarks along the way.
Visit the Islands
There are several islands near Venice that make for great day trips. Murano is famous for its glassblowing, and you can watch artisans create beautiful glass objects. Burano is known for its brightly colored houses and lace-making tradition. Torcello is a quieter island with beautiful churches and a peaceful atmosphere. Taking a boat ride to the islands is a fun adventure for kids and a great way to see more of the Venetian lagoon.
Take a Gondola Ride
No trip to Venice is complete without a gondola ride. While it may seem like a touristy thing to do, it is an excellent way to experience the city and its canals. Kids will love the novelty of traveling by boat, and it’s a great opportunity to see some of the city’s most famous landmarks, such as the Rialto Bridge and St. Mark’s Square. You can even bring along some snacks and drinks to enjoy while you float along the canals.
Visit the Museums
Venice has several museums that are perfect for kids. The Peggy Guggenheim Collection features modern art and sculptures that will intrigue children. The Natural History Museum has exhibits on animals and the environment and is a great way to learn about the world around us. The Naval History Museum has exhibits on seafaring and Venetian naval history, and kids will love seeing the boats and artifacts on display.
The Leonardo da Vinci Museum
The Leonardo da Vinci Museum is an interactive museum that allows visitors to explore the inventions and ideas of this famous artist and inventor. Kids will love the hands-on exhibits, including models of da Vinci’s flying machines and mechanical devices. The museum also has workshops and activities that are perfect for children.
The Palazzo Ducale
The Palazzo Ducale, also known as the Doge’s Palace, was once the political center of Venice. Today, it is a museum that showcases the art and history of the city. Kids will enjoy seeing the magnificent rooms and learning about the history of Venice. The highlight of the museum is the Bridge of Sighs, which connects the palace to the prison and offers stunning views of the city.
Enjoy the Outdoors
Venice has several parks and outdoor spaces that are perfect for families. The Giardini della Biennale is a beautiful park that hosts the Venice Biennale, an international art exhibition. The park has sculptures and art installations that kids will enjoy, as well as plenty of open space to run and play. The Parco delle Rimembranze is another park that offers stunning views of the city and is a great place for a picnic or a game of frisbee.
The Lido Beach
The Lido Beach is a popular destination for families, with its long stretch of sandy beach and calm waters. Kids will love playing in the sand and swimming in the sea. There are also several beach clubs and restaurants that offer food and drinks, making it a great place to spend a day in the sun.
The Riva degli Schiavoni Promenade
The Riva degli Schiavoni Promenade is a beautiful walkway that runs along the waterfront and offers stunning views of the city and the lagoon. Kids will enjoy watching the boats go by and spotting the different landmarks along the way. There are also several cafes and restaurants where you can stop for a snack or a drink.
In conclusion, Venice is a city that offers a range of activities for kids, from exploring the canals and visiting the islands to exploring the museums and enjoying the outdoors. With a little planning, you can create a kid-friendly itinerary that will keep your family entertained and create memories that will last a lifetime.