Venice with Kids

During our May stay at the Bella Italia campsite in Peschiera del Garda, we decided to take a day trip to Venice. Who knows when we would get another chance like this - just an hour and a half by car and we were in one of the most famous cities in the world.

Getting There and Parking

The drive from Peschiera del Garda to Venice takes about an hour and a half. Near the entrance to the city, there is a large tourist parking lot where we left the car. From there, we took a vaporetto - a water tram - that brings passengers straight into the Venetian canals. The ride itself is an attraction, because the view of Venice rising from the water is impressive every single time.

Walking Through Venice

Venice looks exactly like it does in photos - narrow streets, canals, gondolas, and charming old buildings. We walked around the old town, peeked into side alleys, and admired the architecture. The kids were fascinated by boats floating through the canals instead of cars on the streets.

Stroller vs. Bridges

What we did not expect was the number of bridges and stairs. Venice is a city built on islands connected by hundreds of bridges - and every single one has steps. We had our youngest daughter, Iwonka, in a stroller. How many times did we have to carry the stroller up and down the stairs? Too many to count. By the end of the day, our arms were aching, but no amount of bridges could ruin this trip for us.

If you are planning to visit Venice with a stroller - be prepared. A baby carrier would be a much better choice.

Good to know: since 2024, on selected days in spring and summer (mostly weekends), day visitors to Venice have to register in advance and pay an access fee for the historic centre (contributo di accesso). Children under 14 do not pay. The calendar changes every year, so check it on the city's website before your trip (as of 2026).

Summary

Venice with four kids takes some effort, but it is absolutely worth it. The city amazes you at every turn, and a vaporetto ride along the Grand Canal is an experience for both adults and children. The only thing we would do differently - we would leave the stroller in the car.