Family
The charm of Venice is contagious and children are not immune. Its canals are crisscrossed by every style of bridge while beneath local transporters glide through the waters next to the traditional gondolas, heading towards the magnificent Piazza San Marco, the colourful Rialto Market or its traditional squares (called campi by the locals) where children still gather to play, undisturbed. These are just some of the features that make Venice so unique and special.
This is a city where ancient traditions survive, with festivals and celebrations that are part of the city’s fabric: Carnival, the Festival of the Redeemer, the Historic Regatta as well as the Feast of Saint Martin when children go house to house to receive sweets and gifts, signing songs and banging on old pans.
Although the many bridges can make it hard for strollers, Venice offers many opportunities for families and children of all ages.
A picturesque gondola ride, a visit to the Watchtower in Piazza San Marco, the many museums or a tour of the lagoon islands are just some options for families in Venice.
The Fondazione dei Musei Civici Veneziani, which includes 11 important museums, including Palazzo Ducale, the Museo Correr, the Museo del Settecento Veneziano, the Galleria Internazionale d’Arte Moderna and the Museo di Storia Naturale offer a wide range of events and activities for families, for example, with special tours that pair fun and education so even the youngest visitors can discover the world of art and culture.
The Peggy Guggenheim Foundation and the Biennale also offer workshops and events for children while various associations offer city tours for children.
At the imposing Arsenal, there are Venetian rowing courses for children age 8 and up and glassblowing demonstrations on the island of Murano.
It isn’t just the magic of Venice that makes this an unforgettable holiday. It is also the sites full of tradition where children can run and play outdoors – without worrying about cars and hazards – in one of the most beautiful cities in the world.
