Venice with Kids: Family Friendly City Guide

Venice, a city that for over a millennium was the capital of the Republic of Venice, attracts thousands of tourists every year from all over the world. This fantastic city, which is only waiting to be discovered by you and your little ones, is sure to leave you breathless (in a positive way, obviously). The houses, the colours, the canals, the gondolas (always very popular with kids), the Venetian masks, the calli (the typical streets of the city), and the food are all elements that will fascinate the whole family! After coming here once, you will definitely want to come back.

This unique city is a must-visit at least once in a lifetime, even with kids. In fact, if at first glance Venice may seem like a city not suitable for families, with a little patience and a few more preparations, visiting La Serenissima is still possible. To give you an extra hand, you can always rent the baby equipment for your vacation directly from our Babonbo providers in Venice. Keep on reading to discover your new family-friendly guide for your next trip with babies on board to Venice!

Baby-Friendly Activities

Palazzo Ducale
If you plan to go to Venice, you cannot visit this city without planning a stop at the Palazzo Ducale. This building is, in fact, the heart of the city, a symbolic place and, as if this weren't already enough, the greatest representation of Venetian civilization. It was founded back in 814 and it once was the place where the Doge, the Head of State of the Republic of Venice, used to live. The Palazzo Ducale we can all see today is not the one originally built, meaning that, through the centuries, the building was renovated and enlarged multiple times. Here, you will be able to visit and walk through the palace prisons, the Bridge of Sighs, which is the bridge prisoners crossed before being tried for their crimes, and the "secret itineraries", which are the areas where, in the past, the Doge used to carry out essential and delicate activities to administrate the State. In addition, your little ones can take advantage of the guided tours and workshops designed specifically for them so that they will also appreciate and discover this wonderful building!

Peggy Guggenheim Collection
Fascinating for both adults and kids, the Peggy Guggenheim Collection is the most important museum in all of Italy for European and American art of the XX century. Here you can admire works of art by different authors, including Picasso, Pollock, Kandinsky, Mirò, and Dali. The entire museum is child-friendly, and on Sunday afternoons, dedicated to children, thanks to events called Kids Day, you can participate in several workshops specifically designed for families and their kids. Furthermore, if you want to stop and eat in the Museum Cafè, you can find a children's menu that your little ones will surely appreciate.

Murano
Another stop we recommend you visit with your kids during your vacation in Venice is the island of Murano, famous all over the world for its glass production. This island has a somewhat original history. It was born in 1291 when all furnaces where the glass was worked were moved to a separate dedicated place as they represented one of the main causes of fires in Venice. When visiting Murano, you can admire the glass masters at work in their furnaces. They can create anything from a glowing ball that can then be transformed into a lamp, a small animal, a vase, a statue, and much more. The ending results are real works of art made of glass, super colored, and rich in details! Both you and your kids will be amazed by the beauty of these creations. In addition, if you want, on the island of Murano, there is the Glass Museum that you can visit to find out more about the subject.

Family-Friendly Places To Eat

Magna Bevi Tasi
A few minutes from the Basilica of San Marco, we recommend this typical bacaro to enjoy to the fullest your vacation in Venice. The bacaro is a typical Venetian tavern where people meet to have a drink before meals (usually before dinner). They are small but very characteristic places where they serve glasses of wine and spritz (not for kids) and the famous cicchetti, similar to tapas and finger food. Magna Bevi Tasi has tables outside the building, ideal for families. Coming here, to taste more cicchetti, you can ask for the tasting platter. Good luck deciding which cicchetto is your absolute favorite! Here you can also find sandwiches and soft drinks for your children. Even if you have kids, there is nothing more Venetian than stopping for an aperitif in one of the island's bacaro.

Laguna Libre
If you are looking for a mix of Venetian tradition and cosmopolitan creativity, Laguna Libre is the ideal place for you. In this restaurant, they focus on enhancing the products of the Venetian territory, and all the raw materials are of high quality and organic. If you come here on a Saturday, you can enjoy the family-friendly brunch they organize, which also consists of entertainment and workshops for kids. The restaurant menu is designed to satisfy everyone's tastes, meaning you will leave with a full and happy belly!

Ca’ D’Oro alla Vedova
Finally, we recommend to you a typical Venetian tavern where, even in this case, you can taste the typical dishes of the tradition. At Ca' D'Oro alla Vedova, you can completely immerse yourself in the world of Venice's taverns. You will be spoiled for choice between fish appetizers, the tasty baccalà mantecato (creamed cod), spaghetti with fish or clams, fried fish, and many other traditional dishes. We also recommend that you try the typical Venetian meatballs, which are super tasty, and we are sure your kids will like them too (maybe a bit too much)!

Family-Friendly Hotels

If, on the one hand, Venice is a beautiful city and a destination that all families should visit at least once in their life, on the other, it can become a nightmare for the moms and dads who do not know the city well. So here we come to your rescue! Below you can find some suggestions on where to sleep and stay during your family vacation in Venice. As we well know, if the kids sleep well, the rest of the family can also rest peacefully!

Hotel Abbazia
Housed in an ancient convent in the heart of Venice, this hotel has several family rooms. The extra touch is given by the internal garden where kids can have fun. It is located near the station and the stop of several vaporetto lines so that most of the main tourist destinations are easily accessible.

Hotel L’Orologio
In this hotel, you will have the opportunity to have rooms overlooking the Grand Canal. You can also choose between family rooms and small apartments if you want to be more independent or if your vacation lasts longer. It is located in the historic center of Venice, within a few minutes walking distance of Piazza San Marco, the Rialto Bridge, and La Fenice Theater.

Hotel Rio
Here you will find large rooms perfect for hosting the whole family. The hotel is very close to Piazza San Marco, Palazzo Ducale, Rialto, and many other tourist locations. If you plan to come to Venice between May and October, by staying in this hotel, you will be able to admire different pavilions of the Biennale (a famous exhibition of modern art). Additionally, the hotel is well connected to Piazzale Rome and the Venice train station.

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