Last Updated on August 4, 2026 by Themigonikitchen

Top 9 Things to Do in Venice with Kids (That Parents Will Actually Enjoy Too!)

Venice is one of the most magical cities in the world, but if you’re traveling with kids, it can also feel a little daunting. Between the maze-like streets, the endless bridges, and the lack of traditional playgrounds, you might wonder if a trip to the Floating City is worth the effort with little ones in tow.

Planning your Venetian getaway? Choosing the right home base makes all the difference. Check out our comprehensive guide: Best Place to Stay in Venice with Kids: Why We Picked Murano!

The short answer? Absolutely. The secret to conquering Venice with kids is skipping the stuffy museum lines and focusing on the city’s built-in magic. From chocolate fountains to chasing pigeons, here are the top 9 things to do in Venice with kids that will keep the whole family happy.

Quick Parent Hack for Exploring Venice: Want an easy, screen-free way to keep your kids engaged while walking between sights? Grab our printable Venice Family Bingo & Scavenger Hunt Digital Download on Etsy! Print it out at home or load it onto a tablet so kids can check off gondolas, masks, bridges, and gelato stops as you explore.

1. Watch a Glass Blowing Tour in Murano

If you want to blow your kids’ minds, take a quick water bus (Vaporetto) ride out to the island of Murano. Watching a master artisan transform a glowing blob of 2,000-degree molten glass into a delicate horse or vase in a matter of seconds is pure theatrical magic. It’s fast-paced enough to keep even toddlers captivated (the tour we did was about 30-45 minutes).

• Parent Tip: Murano is significantly quieter and easier to navigate with kids than central Venice! This is why we actually decided to stay there instead of the main island!

2. Take a Private Gondola Ride

You can’t come to Venice and not ride a gondola. While it feels touristy, kids view it as a real-life amusement park ride. Opting for a private gondola ride is worth every penny with a family—you don’t have to share space with strangers, you can go at your own pace, and the gondolier can tailor the route down quieter, more fascinating side canals.

• Parent Tip: Skip the stress and pre-book your private family gondola ride online here.

3. Seek Out the Cats at Libreria Acqua Alta

This might be the most unique bookstore in the world. Because Venice is prone to flooding, the books here are famously packed into bathtubs, canoes, and even a full-sized gondola. Kids will love climbing the staircase made entirely of old encyclopedias out back, but the real highlight for little ones is spotting the friendly resident cats who roam freely across the stacks.

• Parent Tip & Book Recommendation: While browsing the children’s section inside the store, we stumbled upon 👉 this amazing Venice comic & scavenger hunt book. Our daughter was obsessed! It breaks down Venetian history into fun comic strips, includes stickers, and even comes with a fold-out punch-out carnival mask. You can snag it at the store, but we recommend ordering it ahead on Amazon so your kids can get excited during the flight over!

4. Make Daily Gelato Stops

When legs get tired and complaints start brewing, it’s time for a gelato emergency. Make it a family rule to try a new gelateria every single day. Let the kids try classic Italian flavors like stracciatella (chocolate chip) or fior di latte (sweet cream) while you enjoy a rich pistacchio.

5. Walk Across the Iconic Rialto Bridge

The Rialto Bridge is the grandest and most famous bridge in Venice. Walking across it gives kids a perfect elevated view of the chaotic Grand Canal—watching the water taxis, police boats, and delivery barges zip around is better than any TV show.

• Parent Tip: Go early in the morning or later in the evening to avoid the massive midday crowds.

6. Sip Espresso While Kids Chase Pigeons in St. Mark’s Square

Piazza San Marco is Venice’s ultimate open-air living room. While long lines for the Basilica might not fly with kids, running around the massive square chasing the hundreds of pigeons is pure joy for them. Grab an outdoor table at a café, order a proper Italian espresso (or a glass of prosecco!), and enjoy a rare moment of relaxation while letting the kids burn off some energy.

7. Go on a Hunt for the Lion Statues

Venice’s symbol is the winged lion, and they are everywhere. Turn walking through the city into a giant scavenger hunt. Have your kids count how many lion statues they can spot carved into the walls, sitting on columns, or guarding buildings. The two red marble lions just to the left of St. Mark’s Basilica are the perfect size for kids to sit near for a photo op.

8. Introduce the Kids to Venetian Cicchetti

You don’t need to sit down for a long, formal three-course dinner every night. Instead, eat like the locals and go on a cicchetti crawl. Cicchetti are bite-sized Venetian tapas served at local bars (bacari). Kids love the novelty of picking out small snacks from the glass display cases—think mini toasts topped with all types of cheese, salami, and seafood. It’s cheap, fast, and incredibly kid-friendly.

9. Witness the Chocolate Fountains at Nino & Friends

Before you leave Venice, you must stop by Nino & Friends. You’ll probably smell it before you see it! Right in the front window, they have mesmerizing, giant chocolate fountains with chocolate continuously flowing down the walls. Step inside for some free chocolate samplings—their chocolates are delicious but they also have some outstanding liqueurs to sample for adults (they had a delicious creamy limoncello liqueur)! They also make great gifts.

Ready to book your lodging? Read exactly why we bypassed the crowded city center and why the Hyatt Centric Murano Venice is the absolute ultimate hotel for families!

And if you are exploring more of Italy than just Venice, be sure to check out our 10 day Italy with kids itinerary!