Venice & Veneto

Venice & Veneto offers one of the world's most unique travel experiences. Venice itself is a magical, car-free environment where boats replace buses and ambulances. For children, the novelty of taking a vaporetto (water bus) down the Grand Canal never wears off. The city is a labyrinth of alleyways and bridges; while getting lost is part of the fun, it is notoriously difficult for strollers. Families with toddlers should bring a baby carrier. Visiting the island of Murano is a highlight, where free demonstrations show glass masters turning molten blobs into intricate sculptures—just keep small hands in pockets in the gift shops!

The neighboring island of Burano is famous for its brightly colored fishermen's houses, creating a rainbow backdrop that is perfect for photos. Venice can be very crowded, so many families choose to stay in the nearby beach resort of Lido di Jesolo, which has sandy beaches and pools, and commute into Venice by ferry for day trips.

Inland, the Veneto region has much more to offer. Verona is a wealthy, elegant city dominated by the Arena, a Roman amphitheater older than the Colosseum that is still used for opera and concerts. Kids can run around the wide Piazza Bra or visit the "House of Juliet" (mostly a myth, but a popular one). Near Verona is the Parco Natura Viva, a large zoo and safari park.

Food in Venice includes cicchetti (small tapas-like snacks) which allow for grazing rather than sitting for long meals. The region is safe, but in Venice, always keep an eye on children near the canal edges as there are no railings. High water (Acqua Alta) can occur in autumn/winter, flooding the streets, which kids might find fun (bring rubber boots!) but makes walking slow.