Touring Venice with Kids - yes, it can be done!
Consistently listed as one of the five most amazing cities in the world, Venice is well-known for its monuments and unique construction on water. Admittedly, traveling through Venice can be challenging, and traveling through Venice with children may seem downright impossible. But, touring Venice with children is not only possible, but also a rather incredible experience.
The trick is to know what to visit, what to avoid, and how to build a smart and effective itinerary. For that you will need our guide book, "Venice, Verona, Lake Garda and the Dolomites with Kids".
If you are traveling as a family, this vital guide is guaranteed to save you time, money and hours of stress. It offers valuable information about the best kid-friendly sights, museums and attractions, transforming your Venice trip into a once in a lifetime family adventure! It also provides step-by-step tips on how to visit those places, plan a budget-smart vacation, and avoid tourist traps.
While online guides and reviews can be a useful source of information, they are rarely enough. A good guidebook, written by a local expert with over a decade of experience under her belt, can provide you with the right tips and tricks and make your vacation planning so much easier :)
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"Helpful, well written, perfect for families" G, amazon.co.uk
"Thumbs up! Highly recommend this guide. Very easy to read and follow giving excellent information and details", S.K, amazon. co.uk
"Great travel guide for families in northern Italy...This book was also very helpful in giving very good practical information. If you are heading to these parts of Italy with kids, you can't go wrong with this book." R.h, amazon.com
In the meantime, here are five secrets we would like to share with you about touring Venice with kids:
1. How to Visit Venice with Kids? Slow down and do not over pack your day
We have never seen a town as slow as Venice. Since this lovely city is built on water, the only way to get around is by walking a narrow maze of endless alleys or by taking a boat. And neither of those options is particularly quick!
With kids in tow, give in to this slow pace and schedule less per day to avoid frustration. It is also important to travel light, and check extra luggage at the train station or at your hotel room.
2. How to Visit Venice with Kids? Choose attractions with a WOW factor!
Venice contains both stunning and subtle churches. However, kids tend to be most impressed by those attractions that pack a WOW factor. A good example is St. Mark’s Basilica in Piazza San Marco, featuring completely gold clad walls that will impress even the easily-bored. Once in Piazza San Marco, children will also love taking the elevator up to the top of the Campanile (bell tower). Check the special section in our guidebook on how to make the most of your visit to this world-famous piazza.
Next, hundreds of gondolas traverse Venice’s waterway, why not hop on one? Gondola rides are an iconic Venetian attraction, and make for a lovely family activitiy. Do you have some extra time? Add guided tours at the Ducal palace and a fun cooking class or mask-making workshop to the mix, and you have a winning recipe for family vacation. For details and specific recommendations, check the "special activities" section at the end of each chapter in our guide, listing the best kid-friendly activities not just in Venice but in every city.
3. How to Visit Venice with Kids? Mix things up!
Every successful family vacation has something for the parents as well as the kids, so mix things up with your itinerary. Each day, make sure you combine kid-friendly attractions with your adult activities. For instance, you may spend an hour and a half admiring beautiful art, but by that time, your kids will be fresh out of patience! Therefore, schedule something fun for the kids right after your adult activity: take a boat from mainland Venice to the beach at Lido or to the family-friendly beaches in Jesolo, go exploring on Burano island, or head to the science museum, where kids are welcome to touch the exhibition!
With good timing, you can also visit a squero (gondola garage). And if your kids just need a break, head to one of Venice’s many gardens and let them run around and burn off some energy. The Venice chapter of our travel guide features a detailed list of gardens in Venice as well as a full list of family-friendly events.
4. keep everyone happy and refreshed with extra ice cream and cold treats
This may sound like simple advice, but it is always a hit with kids. And when it comes to touring Venice in the summertime, ice cream is no longer a treat -- it's a necessity!
Traveling in the Venetian heat is physically stressful, and the summertime guarantees you large crowds of people just about everywhere you go. Keep your kids (and yourself!) hydrated and happy with a combination of water, fruit granitas and delicious italian gelato. Because we know how important gelato is, we have listed recommendations for excellent gelato spots in Venice, Verona and Lake Garda throughout our guide! :)
5. How to Visit Venice with Kids? Learn about Venice in advance
Venice has a rich, fascinating history and several interesting traditions that have been around for centuries. Thus the more you learn about Venice in advance, the better your experience will be when you visit this marvellous city. If you'd like to read about Venice’s time as the strongest maritime republic in the world, its world famous churches, and the crazy adventures of Venice’s rulers, you don't need to do any additional research -- we've got you covered!
With its information-rich “Kids Corners,” our guide is an excellent resource for fun facts, stories, and anecdotes for kids and adults alike. The fascinating bite-size facts and anecdotes about everything from how a gondola is built to pirates to Murano’s treasured glass making history will keep your kids intrigued!
Read these stories in advance to share with younger children during your trip. It will make your kids feel more involved as well.
For more information on the best hotels, restaurants, activities, sights and festivals for families visiting Venice, Verona, Lake Garda and the Dolomites, check out our popular travel guide: