Venice with four kids? yeah or neigh?

[lynnexxxo]

Hi folks!

We are heading off to lake garda in less than a fortnights time. I've always fancied going to visit Venice (who doesn't) but we have four kids aged 6, nearly 4 and 1 year old twins. We would have to take a double buggy, slings are not an option, neither is a single buggy (flying ryanair and are already taking 3 suitcases, double buggy, 4 car seats....)

Should we bother going, all the guide books suggest its going to be hot, and busy and disabled access is not fab (thinking my double buggy is about as wide as a wheelchair.

Any opinions?

Thanks

It's amazing and I'd attempt it but the water taxi could be a problem(getting on and holding onto 4)and it's hellish,hellish,hellish expensive.

Sorry just wincing to myself at the thought of buying 6 ice creams-ouch

I think we had takeaway pizza,don't eat in St Marks Square as even more hellish(did I say hellish) expensive.

Would not go into Venice for the day.

It would take just under 2 1/2 hours each way if you were to travel into Venice for the day from Lake Garda. There's a lot of bridges in Venice and disbaled access is not very good.

No don't do it unless you want to have to re-mortgage your house and be limited by access anywhere with a buggy.

No - with the double buggy it would be rubbish and really busy...theres not that much for the kids to do in one day as well - save it for when they are older and will appreciate it more.

Thanks folks,

I was pretty sure it was a bad idea but you have all confirmed it. I'm pretty sure my 6 year old would moan he was too hot all day, my nearly 4 year old would moan he wanted in the buggy, and my OH, well he would just moan...

Oh well its the kids pool for us (which in contrast will be totally relaxing trying to prevent two 1 year olds from trying to drown themselves!)

No way! it will be too hot, too full of tourists, too expensive, and a double buggy or buggy at all is a nightmare as there are at least 6 steps up and down at every corner and every bridge...

venice is lovely but only from october to easter, as it is less crowded and therefore enjoyable.

We went for the day with 3 children last August. Was the most pointless excursion I have ever been on as, of course, you want to go and see the sights, take in the atmosphere. But it isn't possible.

My two older ones (7 and 5) were miserable from the heat, my youngest fell asleep and we had to carry/bump him in the buggy over about 8 bridges before we just decided to get the kids an icecream go into the back streets and look at overpriced tourist tat while we waited for our return boat.

It was so disappointing. If you go, go either on your own another time or go when your children are much older.

I'll add to the voices crying don't go. We went last year in July. What a mistake. The whole place was heaving with people and dd wa bored rigid. The only thing she enjoyed was the sight of a flattened pigeon on a set of steps. Eye wateringly expensive mediocre food and mozzies the size of melons.

My dcs loved it!!! So did I! We've been 3 times now - all in August! they loved travelling by boat, going on a vaparetto (did the gondola frst year) and they really lked Murano which was a bit quieter. It's not THAT expensive! Icecreams were only 1 euro each - and that was near St mark's Square - which I don't think is too pricey. Just check the prices before you go in anywhere - we went to have a bellini and it was over e10 in one bar with posh seats and tables - e3.50 in the one next door with plastic seats!! Double buggy might be a bit of a nightmare though.
Just wanted to add a positive!!

We are going to Venice in July with 9 yr old. I wouldnt recommend it with four of younger ages. . . .especially with 1 yr old twins. Very very hot there in July . . ALWAYS, and very busy. Wait till they are 10, 8 and 4 or even later. !! sorry. . .hope you find other places more relaxing.