I will be in Venice for 5 nights in August with twin 5 year olds- am looking for fun things to do either in Venice or in the surrounding areas- the beach in Lido is at the top of the list but the rest of the time is wide open- what did your kids love to do?
Posted by
victoria, Canada
11507 posts
My 12 yr old thought Venice was pretty,, but not much to do really . We are not big shoppers either. She did enjoy the Costume Musuem, but I think 5 yr olds would be bored by it.. it is not very large and it was not crowded, so maybe an option. I kind of think 5 days in Venice for kids that young is pushing it... I mean, Venice is not exactly known for its playgrounds and kiddie amusuments,, more of a sitting around a cafe and admiring the beauty type of place..
In August it will likely be very hot,, so I imagine you will spend quite a bit of time on the beach anyways, so you have that at least.
PS Daughter thought sitting outside on water buses was fun, but when it was hot we tried to find shade alot..
Posted by
Baudette, MN, United States
163 posts
I just spent a day and an overnight in Venice. I have little kids, but they were not with me (and I'm glad, I think they would have gotten bored). Others may not agree, but I think I would have been bored in Venice after about 2-3 days. They say that Venice itself is the main attraction....and that is so true. Did a lot of research on the city before we went, and i don't recall coming across much that would be great for kids. Good luck, I think I'd concentrate on the beaches!
Posted by
Portlandia
3313 posts
Our 4 year old loved Venice. First of all, no cars or motor scooters so she could run around much more freely than in other cities.
There is a great little park just behind the Lista de Spagna near the train station. Swings, etc.
She loved chasing pigeons in the piazze. In Venice you can hang out at an outdoor cafe and let your kid run ragged around a piazza. San Polo is good.
Go to the fish market near the Rialto in the morning. All kinds of gross stuff. Then go look for the Gobbo in the nearby square.
There's a book called Lizzie in Venice - that we found there - that mentions a lot of this stuff.
Posted by
victoria, Canada
11507 posts
So Doug,, you were able to fill 5 days in Venice with one park,, your child sounds like an angel.. LOL
Posted by
Florida, USA
12172 posts
Our kids seemed to enjoy places like Venice and CT more because we didn't have a lot on the schedule other than just wandering around. We did the Doge's tour, saw Duomo San Marco, rode the Vaporetto and Traghetti. Ate decent food off the beaten path and shopped a little. We went to two museums, the Duomo and a music museum that had some unusual medieval and rennaissance instruments.
Posted by
Portlandia
3313 posts
Pat - Well there are at least two playgrounds!