With such a rich and diverse cultural history, many would think that Venice would be a dull holiday destination for kids. But on the contrary, this beautiful canal city offers its younger visitors plenty to see and do.
Obviously, a ride on one of the famed gondolas will be a memorable experience for children of all ages, and highlights are guaranteed to include spotting the fire fighters' boat, the ambulance craft and more. While parents are admiring the architecture in St Mark's Square, be sure the kids have enough breadcrumbs to feed the hundreds of pigeons this square is known for.
Kids will also enjoy the Peggy Guggenheim Collection, as there is lots of space to run around outside, and Parco delle Rimembranze is probably the best-suited park for children in Venice. It's a great place to head for a picnic or a stroll, while for outdoorsy families, a hike or walk in the Po Delta Natural Park is a must.
On rainy days, visit some of the museums this historic city has to offer, such as the Naval Museum or the Museum of Natural History. Kids will love the Museum of Natural History, which is home to the skeleton of an Ouranosaurus excavated in the Sahara Desert by a Venetian palaeontologist in 1973. The museum also features an aquarium where children will be able to view and learn about marine life living off the Venetian coast.
Talking about the water, Venice's Naval Museum is also a great place for kids to explore, displaying intricate models and, in many cases, the real-life thing. A trip to the nearby island of Murano is also a must, where children will be mesmerised by the glass-blowers and their incredible creations.