Venice Weekend Activities & Things to Do
Weekend in Venice
This weekend itinerary for families living in Venice offers a delightful mix of free activities and worthwhile ticketed experiences. From meeting Befana and exploring a natural history museum to a unique bookstore adventure and a creative art workshop, there's something to spark joy and curiosity in every child, balanced with opportunities for parents to enjoy the city's charm. Public transport via Vaporetto is key, and comfortable walking shoes are essential.
Friday Evening - Festive Family Fun
Friday, January 2Befana Visit
Kick off the weekend with a special visit to the Venice Christmas Palace where children can meet Befana, the kind old witch of Italian folklore.
There will be opportunities for photos and sweets, offering a unique and festive experience to extend the holiday cheer.
Perfect for all ages, especially 3-12. This magical encounter brings the Befana legend to life. Facilities for families should be available at the event venue. Duration: 1-1.5 hours.
Easily accessible via Vaporetto to a central Venice stop, followed by a short walk. Check specific event location for closest Vaporetto stop.
Cicchetti Dinner
Enjoy a casual, budget-friendly Venetian dinner at a traditional 'bacaro' or osteria.
These local spots offer 'cicchetti' (small snacks similar to tapas), which are perfect for kids to try different things, alongside simple pasta dishes or sandwiches.
Kids will enjoy picking out different cicchetti, and the atmosphere is generally relaxed. High chairs may be limited, but counter seating or small tables are common. Bathrooms available. Near the scenic Squero for a pre-dinner view of gondola repairs. Duration: 1-1.5 hours.
Accessible by Vaporetto to Zattere (line 2, 5.1/5.2, 6) or San Basilio, then a pleasant walk through Dorsoduro. Stroller-friendly paths mostly, with some bridges.
Saturday - Discovery and Play Day
Saturday, January 3Natural History Museum
Explore the interactive exhibits at the Venice Museum of Natural History.
It houses a fascinating collection of archaeological finds, fossils, and scientific displays, including a notable dinosaur skeleton and a marine aquarium showcasing the Adriatic Sea's habitat.
Kids will love the large dinosaur skeleton (Ouranosaurus nigeriensis), the giant crocodile skull (Sarcosuchus imperator), and the hands-on displays. Perfect for ages 5-12. Restrooms and some stroller access available. Duration: 2-3 hours.
Accessible by Vaporetto to San Stae (line 1), then a short walk. Parking is difficult in Venice; public transport is recommended. Paths are generally flat, but some bridges may have steps.
Park Picnic & Play
Enjoy a relaxed picnic lunch amidst green spaces, followed by playtime at one of Venice's well-equipped playgrounds.
This offers a chance for kids to run and burn off energy in a safe environment.
This park features multiple play areas suitable for different age groups (one for older kids, one for smaller kids) with swings, slides, and climbing structures. Shady spots and open grassy areas are great for picnics. Restrooms are usually nearby. Duration: 1.5-2 hours.
Accessible by Vaporetto to Giardini (line 1, 2, 4.1/4.2, 5.1/5.2, 6). The park is right next to the Vaporetto stop. Stroller-friendly paths within the park.
Libreria Acqua Alta
Dive into the magical world of Libreria Acqua Alta, often called the 'most beautiful bookstore in the world.' Books are uniquely stored in gondolas, bathtubs, and canoes to protect them from flooding. Kids will love exploring the quirky aisles, discovering the resident cats, and climbing the famous staircase made of old books.
A truly unique and whimsical experience that captivates children's imaginations. It's an informal, free-roaming environment. Good photo opportunities. Restrooms are not readily available inside. Duration: 1-1.5 hours.
Walkable from Rialto Bridge or San Zaccaria Vaporetto stops. It's nestled in a charming, winding part of Castello.
Gelato Treat & Stroll
Wind down the day with a delicious Italian gelato, a beloved treat for all ages, and enjoy an early evening stroll through a charming Venetian campo (square).
Many flavors to choose from, a perfect reward for a day of exploration. Campos offer open spaces for a brief run or people-watching. Duration: 45 minutes - 1 hour.
Easily walkable from the Libreria Acqua Alta or accessible via Vaporetto to Rialto.
Sunday - Art, Islands & Farewell Fun
Sunday, January 4Murano Glass Discovery
Embark on a Vaporetto adventure to the island of Murano, famous for its glass-making.
Witness a live glassblowing demonstration, a truly mesmerizing experience for children, and then explore the Murano Glass Museum to see stunning historical and contemporary glass artworks.
The Vaporetto ride itself is exciting. Kids will be fascinated by watching artisans transform molten glass. The museum showcases the history and techniques of glass making. Restrooms available at the museum and some factories. Stroller accessibility is good on Vaporettos and main pathways, but some steps might be encountered. Duration: 2.5-3 hours.
Take a Vaporetto (e.g., Line 4.1, 4.2, 12) from Fondamente Nove to Murano Colonna or Murano Faro. The journey offers great views of the lagoon.
Kids Art Workshop
Join the free 'Kids Day' workshop at the Peggy Guggenheim Collection.
Designed for children aged 4-10, these engaging workshops introduce young visitors to modern and contemporary art through interactive activities. Parents can explore the museum's collection.
This is a confirmed, date-specific event for Sunday, January 4, 2026, at 3:00 PM. Advance online booking is required for the free kids' workshop. The workshop is in Italian, but English interpretation can be requested. Parents wishing to visit the museum must purchase tickets. Duration: 1.5 hours.
Accessible by Vaporetto to Accademia (line 1, 2) or Salute (line 1), followed by a short walk. Stroller access is generally good within the museum and grounds.
Traghetto Gondola Ride
Experience a quick, budget-friendly taste of a gondola ride by taking a 'traghetto' across the Grand Canal.
These larger gondolas ferry passengers from one side to the other, offering a unique local perspective for a fraction of the cost of a full gondola tour.
A short, authentic experience. Kids will enjoy standing (or sitting) in a real gondola. It's a quick trip, perfect for a short attention span. Remember to have a few euros in cash. Duration: 10-15 minutes.
Walkable from various points along the Grand Canal. Check which traghetto stations are operating that day.
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