Venice is a city steeped in charm and mystery; myths and legends can be read within the walls, along the canals, across the bridges, and in the pages of this city's history. Visiting Venice with kids can turn into a real adventure.
Just go beyond the usual tourist destinations and try something different, something that appeals to both adults and young people. Choose stimulating activities that spark curiosity. Venice isn't just a city for romantic couples or art lovers: the Serenissima can also captivate teenagers with unique experiences that blend history, adventure, and modernity.
Traveling is already one of the most stimulating activities for kids, while for older kids, traveling together and seeing things from a different, more interactive, engaging, and fun perspective is certainly a new experience. Because traveling together is even more wonderful. So we've rounded up some of the most interesting places to visit for a trip to Venice that will delight both adults and children.
The Naval History Museum of Venice: Visit to the Submarine
Who hasn't dreamed of becoming a pirate and sailing the seas? Who hasn't imagined life aboard the Nautilus? At MUNAV , the Naval History Museum of Venice , you can relive those nostalgic memories or take a dream journey. Yes, because the Naval Museum, located within the Arsenale, boasts 6,000 square meters and 42 rooms brimming with the maritime stories of the Serenissima. It is the most important naval museum in the world, bringing 1,600 years of Venetian maritime history to life through model boats, historical artifacts, and innovative navigation technologies.
The true star of the tour is the Enrico Dandolo Submarine , one of the most famous submarines designed during the Cold War, which can now be visited inside the Arsenale. Climbing aboard a real submarine allows children to enjoy an immersive experience, walking through narrow corridors, observing the control mechanisms, and imagining the lives of the crew. The tour includes a multilingual audio guide, making the experience even more engaging.
At the Padiglione delle Navi , a 3,000-square-meter space housed in the former oar-works, you can admire historic gondolas, lagoon fishing boats, warships, and even the engine from Guglielmo Marconi's motorboat Elettra. Additionally, for families with children aged 8 to 14, MUVE Education organizes special tours by reservation, featuring hands-on activities and surprises to take home.
Leonardo da Vinci's interactive museum
The genius of Leonardo da Vinci never ceases to amaze, discover it at any age at the Leonardo da Vinci Museum in Venice . With its machines and projects, the interactive museum showcases the Master's great works in a hands-on, interactive experience. Here, children can touch and experiment with working reproductions of Leonardo's inventions: flying machines, self-supporting bridges, gears, and hydraulic devices that come to life before their eyes.
The Leonardo da Vinci Interactive Museum also offers educational workshops that allow students to understand and delve deeper into Leonardo's genius through play and hands-on experience, stimulating teenagers' scientific curiosity. Exclusive family discounts and activity bookings are available online.
Murano and Burano: craftsmanship and colours
You've chosen a city on the water, so it's time to take to the sea and set off. No trip to Venice with kids is complete without a visit to the lagoon islands . Murano is a fascinating island, primarily for the live demonstrations in the furnaces, where kids can watch master glassmakers shape molten glass at 14,000 degrees Celsius and create a work of art in just a few minutes —a spectacle that captivates everyone.
The visit can continue at the Murano Glass Museum , which tells the story of glassmaking with an interactive tour revealing all the secrets of this fascinating art. Don't miss a stroll through beautiful Burano , with its brightly colored houses reflected in the water. Here, kids can take photos, visit the Lace Museum, or choose a nature tour.
Kids Day at the Peggy Guggenheim
Every Sunday, starting in the early afternoon, the Peggy Guggenheim offers free workshops for children aged 4 to 10. These workshops are designed to encourage children to express themselves by introducing them to art in an engaging and accessible way. Little ones will have fun experimenting with different drawing techniques and thematic areas . They will learn to look at and observe the works on display and then rework the aesthetic impressions they receive from the visit, thus enjoying a dual experience: both manual and creative.
Children's participation in Kids Day is free, with mandatory online reservations. Parents can visit the museum in the meantime.
The Venice Carnival: Magic and Tradition for the Whole Family
The Venice Carnival transforms the city into an open-air stage where children can immerse themselves in a fairytale atmosphere, seemingly lifted from a storybook. Wearing a traditional Venetian mask allows little ones to feel like protagonists of a celebration rooted in the Middle Ages.
There's no shortage of events: the streets fill with jugglers, acrobats, and musicians, all dressed in period costume. There will also be mask-making workshops at artisan workshops and many other events to enjoy together, including the boat parade on the Grand Canal and countless culinary delights to sample.
Tips for a trip to Venice with kids
Fun is certainly key to entertaining the little ones, but so is the opportunity to take strategic breaks or have a comfortable base to return to when tired. Discover how the Venice Museum Pass can help you plan your vacation with kids while saving money. For your weekend in Venice, consider a short-term rental in the city center: an apartment gives you personal space for everyone, freedom of movement, and a lot of independence. This way, you can freely manage your short break and have all the necessary comforts within easy reach.
What are you waiting for? Book one of our apartments in Venice.
