Venice with Kids
Venice, with its winding canals, historic architecture, and unique cultural heritage, is a wonderland for families. This floating city offers countless adventures that captivate the imaginations of children and adults alike. Our Family-Friendly Venice Tours contains gondola rides to exploring mysterious alleyways. Our Family-Friendly Venice Tours will make you feel like stepping into a living fairy tale. Artviva makes every moment of your Venice visit special with Family-Friendly Venice Tours.
Top Attractions for Families in Venice
Venice is an open-air museum where every turn brings something new and exciting. Must-visit family attractions include the Doge’s Palace with its secret passages, the vibrant Rialto Market, and of course, a gondola ride through the city’s iconic canals. With Artviva’s family-friendly guides, who are skilled in storytelling, these sites become not just stops on a tour but gateways to a magical past.
Best Family-Friendly Restaurants in Venice
Venice offers delightful dining options perfect for families. Enjoy the casual atmosphere at “Osteria Alla Staffa,” where the menu caters to both adventurous and simple tastes, or “Trattoria da GiGio,” known for its welcoming service and dishes that appeal to all ages. Experience authentic Venetian cuisine in a setting that embraces families.
Artviva’s Exclusive Family Tours in Venice
Artviva’s family tours in Venice keep younger audiences engaged. Our unique offerings include interactive treasure hunts through the historic districts, mask-making workshops, and story-filled walks around the lesser-known parts of Venice. These experiences ensure that the city’s history and culture are accessible and enjoyable for children.
Bespoke Family Experiences in Venice
Beyond standard tours, Artviva offers personalized experiences like private boat tours to explore the Venetian Lagoon’s islands such as Murano and Burano, known for glass making and lace making, respectively. Participate in family-oriented workshops where you can learn these traditional crafts directly from master artisans.
Best Family Accommodations in Venice
Choosing the right place to stay is crucial for a family-friendly vacation. Venice has several options, from the spacious “Hotel Danieli,” renowned for its luxurious setting and proximity to major sights, to the charming “Ca’ Sagredo Hotel,” which offers a comfortable and immersive Venetian experience. These hotels provide amenities that cater to families, ensuring a comfortable stay.
Tips for Traveling to Venice with Children
Navigating Venice with kids is an adventure that requires some strategic planning to ensure everyone has a great time. Here are some practical tips to make your family trip smooth and enjoyable:
Choose Convenient Accommodations
Opt for accommodations that are centrally located or have easy access to major attractions. Staying near popular sites like St. Mark’s Square or the Rialto Bridge can significantly reduce walking distances and make it easier to return to your hotel for rest breaks. Many family-friendly hotels offer amenities like cribs, high chairs, and babysitting services, which can make your stay more comfortable.
Utilize Water Taxis
Public vaporetti (water buses) can be crowded, especially during peak tourist seasons. Instead, consider using water taxis, which provide a more private and direct mode of transportation. While they are more expensive, water taxis can save time and offer a less stressful experience when traveling with young children.
Plan Your Day Wisely
Start your days early to beat the crowds and take advantage of the cooler morning temperatures. Many of Venice’s main attractions, such as the Doge’s Palace and St. Mark’s Basilica, open early. Visiting these sites first thing in the morning can help you avoid long lines and large groups of tourists.
Keep Snacks and Hydration Handy
Exploring Venice can be tiring, especially for little ones. Keep a variety of snacks and drinks on hand to keep everyone energized and hydrated. Venice has numerous small cafes and gelato shops where you can take a break and enjoy a treat, but having snacks readily available can be a lifesaver during long walks or boat rides.
Use a Lightweight Stroller or Carrier
Venice’s cobblestone streets, bridges, and narrow alleyways can be challenging to navigate with a heavy stroller. A lightweight, collapsible stroller or a baby carrier is a better option for getting around the city. Be prepared to carry the stroller up and down stairs, especially when crossing the many bridges.
Take Breaks at Parks and Playgrounds
While Venice doesn’t have many large parks, there are several small gardens and playgrounds where children can run around and burn off energy. Giardini della Biennale and Parco Savorgnan are two spots where families can relax and play. These green spaces provide a nice contrast to the urban environment and offer a peaceful retreat.
Engage in Child-Friendly Activities
In addition to visiting historical sites, include activities that cater to children’s interests. Consider joining a mask-making workshop, participating in a treasure hunt, or taking a family-friendly guided tour. These activities can make the trip more engaging for kids and provide memorable experiences.
Prepare for the Weather
Venice can be hot and humid in the summer and cold and damp in the winter. Dress in layers to stay comfortable and pack weather-appropriate gear such as hats, sunscreen, and raincoats. Comfortable walking shoes are essential for navigating the city’s uneven surfaces.
Teach Kids About Venice’s Unique Culture
Before your trip, introduce your children to Venice’s unique culture and history. Read books, watch videos, or tell stories about the city’s canals, gondolas, and famous landmarks. This background knowledge can enhance their appreciation and excitement during the visit.
Safety First
Venice’s canals and waterways require extra vigilance, especially with young children. Always keep a close eye on them near water and busy areas. Explain the importance of staying together and establish a meeting point in case anyone gets separated.
By following these tips, you can ensure a smoother and more enjoyable visit to Venice with your children, creating wonderful memories for the whole family.
Venice promises adventure, mystery, and unforgettable experiences for families. With Artviva, your trip will be filled with enchanting moments tailored just for you and your loved ones. From unique tours to luxurious stays, we ensure that your Venetian holiday is nothing short of spectacular. Ready to explore Venice with your family? Contact Artviva today to plan your magical journey!
Step into the magic of Venice with Artviva’s family-friendly tours and experiences. Visit our enquiry form now to start planning your dream Venetian holiday!
Exploring Venice with Kids: Top Attractions and Fun Facts
The Doge’s Palace
Explore the lavish Doge’s Palace, a symbol of Venice’s wealth and power during the Renaissance. Kids will be fascinated by the secret passages and the grand architecture.
Fun Fact: The Doge’s Palace has a public access bridge called the Bridge of Sighs, which prisoners would cross and sigh at their final view of beautiful Venice before being locked up.
St. Mark’s Basilica
Visit the iconic St. Mark’s Basilica, adorned with vast golden mosaics and treasures collected over centuries.
Fun Fact: The basilica houses the relics of St. Mark, stolen from Egypt by Venetian merchants who hid them in barrels of pork to sneak them past Muslim inspectors.
Gondola Ride
No trip to Venice is complete without a gondola ride through the canals. This traditional mode of Venetian transport provides a quiet escape from the bustling streets and a unique view of the city.
Fun Fact: There are only about 400 licensed gondolas in Venice today, and becoming a gondolier requires a comprehensive apprenticeship of about 400 hours of training!
Rialto Market
Stroll through the vibrant Rialto Market where kids can see and learn about local seafood and fresh produce. It’s a great way to introduce them to the Venetian cuisine and daily local life.
Fun Fact: The Rialto Market has been operating for nearly a thousand years, making it one of the oldest continuous markets in Europe.
Murano Glass Making Workshop
Take a short boat ride to the island of Murano, famous for its exquisite glassmaking. Many studios offer demonstrations and workshops suited for families where kids can see glass being blown and shaped.
Fun Fact: Murano’s glassmakers were once so revered that they were forbidden from leaving the Venetian Republic to prevent their glass-blowing techniques from being shared with the rest of the world.
Burano Lace Making Demonstration
Visit the colorful island of Burano, known not just for its brightly painted houses but also for its centuries-old tradition of lace making. Watch artisans at work and perhaps try a mini workshop.
Fun Fact: Lace making on Burano was once so time-consuming that a single piece could take months to complete, making it incredibly valuable.
Ca’ Rezzonico
Tour the Ca’ Rezzonico, a museum dedicated to the art of the 18th century in Venice, housed in a grand palazzo that faces the Grand Canal. It’s a wonderful way to show kids the opulence of Venice’s golden age.
Fun Fact: The museum displays a quirky 18th-century fresco ceiling by Giambattista Tiepolo, transported and reassembled from a palace in the Veneto countryside.
Venice’s Historic Shipyard – Arsenale
For a touch of adventure, visit the Arsenale, Venice’s historic shipyard and naval depot. It’s less crowded and offers a peek into the maritime might of the old Venetian Republic.
Fun Fact: At its peak, the Arsenale could build a ship in a day, thanks to the efficient assembly line production method, which was revolutionary at the time.
These attractions are not only entertaining but also enriching, making them perfect for a family vacation. With Artviva’s experienced guides to lead the way and share captivating stories, your family can enjoy an immersive exploration of Venice’s rich heritage, ensuring that both kids and adults leave with lasting memories and a deep appreciation for this unique city.
