Venice with children under 7?

[onedev]

Anyone got must see / hints / tips for Venice with 3 boys ages 7, 5 & 3?

We 're shortly going to Union Lido Venice & I want to do a few day trips into the city but not sure what's good for children to see & do there so all recommendations greatly appreciated!

Bump

The city might be tricky within children. Lots of walking and up and down steps for bridges. I did it when pregnant 8 weeks and was exhausted!

I want to take them in to experience it, otherwise we might as well be anywhere but not sure where to take them that they'll enjoy! They're great walkers though & no prams anymore so hopefully they'll be fine with the bridges

We took DC last month - loved it, but one day of sightseeing was enough (for them)
I got them this book in advance to know what to expect:
www.amazon.co.uk/dp/0789312239/ref=pe_385721_37038051_TE_dp_2
The best bit for them was getting the taxi/vaporetto from the airport. They adored that - you couldn't not.
We pointed out and counted the bridges and the squares, (we wanted to go up the er wahtsitsname column there, that's meant to be great, but it wasn't open). We had fab ice cream and pizza/pasta. We got a gondola - I found it a bit excruciating, but they liked it.
We walked and walked and walked. Hope you have a good time.

That's great, thank you!

Was in Venice for two hours in May with my 2.5 year old and can honestly say it was hell! I think at 7 it'd be better, but there's just too many people and too many canals without railings for a toddler who likes to run off. Had a buggy too and it was a hassle with all the steps.

Ordered the book & it arrived today so thanks for the recommendation John - my 7 yr old was reading it earlier & really enjoying it

Ah good, I'm sure you'll have a lovely time.

I forgot, There are also mask shops everywhere you look. Dc might enjoy those too...could pick them up for £10 each-Ish.

Hi again onedev! Im not stalking you.... The day we went to Venice with our lads we arrived early and went straight to a fancy hotel in the city centre for a slap up breakfast. Once we were full and relaxed with steady blood sugars we hit St Marks, unfortunately queues were huge at that stage (10am) so we left the line after 1/2 hr and climbed up the St Marks Campanile across the square - small queue, lots of steps but fantastic views. We wandered around venice for roughly 2/3 hours, the streets are cobbled and some are very narrow, can't imagine trying to attempt Venice with a buggy. We spent a fabulous hour on a gondola you really get a feeling for the city and it kept our boys happy as they were bored with the aimless wondering. We didn't attempt any museums as they would have had kittens if we suggested any further cultural endeavours, ALL they want on holidays is swimming pools, grrrr. Venice is fab, not sure if it is overly child-friendly though. Myself and dp will go back some day without the children as I feel we didn't see city properly. The boat /ferry trip into Venice is lovely too.

Brill, thanks all!

We went with dd1 when she was 2.5 (and 8wks pregnant with dd2) and had a great time. It is a lot of walking, but we dondered about with lots of cafe/ice-cream breaks and she had the occasional shoulder ride from dh. Boat rides are a highlight - use the river crossing gondola's for a cheaper version of the experience (2-3 euros to cross the river) you can do several times. Plenty of squares to run about and let off steam when not by canals. Main issue was with toilets, they were scarce in the little cafes we stopped at.

I recently had dd2 and as a joke put dd1 (now nearly 4) in the mai-tai sling I bought. It actually was pretty comfy as a hands free piggy back support, and I immediately wished I had thought of bringing one to Venice (I did see people with prams but it looked a nightmare). Might be worth considering if you think your 3yr old might want a carry occasionally.

Number one highlight for me was the garden in the Peggy Guggenheim museum - such a place of tranquillity.

Thank you

It's years since I went to Venice, but we took the circular vaporetto (water bus) which goes all the way round Venice. You see some bits that you can't see if you are just walking so I would definitely do this.

Pickpockets are a pain in Venice and they tend to target people on the crowded vaporettos so keep a close eye on your belongings.

When eating out bear in mind that all restaurants have a cover charge even before you order anything. Also everything is charged for separately so if you wanted a steak chips and salad you would have to order them all. If you order a steak you will just get a steak and nothing else.

In Venice I would go to a bakery and buy some slabs of pizza/sandwiches/pastries and find somewhere to sit (which might be difficult) to eat them.

It was October when we went and it was busy so be prepared for the crowds.

www.amazon.com/gp/aw/d/8887528047?pc_redir=1405188027&robot_redir=1 this book is written by an Venetian lady who I stayed with the first time I went.
It's aimed at kids and is a really lovely book.
There is a LOT of walking but if you get a vaperetto ticket, you can jump on and off.
Eat out of the main areas. Much cheaper!! Having said that, there's a lovely "American" bar (still very Italian!!) under the clock tower in at marks square that is reasonably priced.

Agree with the suggestion of using the vaporetto - comfier and way way cheaper than gondolas and does go loads of places just like a bus.

We spent hours exploring the little alleyways and hidden piazzas just off the main thoroughfares too and found some better value shops and cafés as a result.

Take lots of money. It's outrageously expensive.

We did the secret tour of the Doges Palace with DS who was about 6. Great tour, fascinating , intimate and utterly unsuitable for children.
Doges Palace in general is great and will probably interstb your eldest but I'm guessing rammed this time of year.

I'd agree with the others and stick to the canals.

We went today & had a ball - loved it (& the kids generally enjoyed it too!) so thanks all

Hadn't realised about the secret tour so we didn't do that - is there a recommended way to do it or just via their website? Likely we'll go back again although next time might be just me & my eldest so don't need to worry about the younger 2!