Looking for the best things to do in Venice with teens?

We visited the floating city with our teen and have recommendations to save you time and ensure unique, teen-approved fun. 

Venice is a postcard, and you might be tempted to do the same thing everyone else is doing in Venice, especially if you are in Venice for just a day or two.

Trust us when we say, do something different. Yes, you should walk through St. Mark’s Square and yes, it will be crowded. However, there is so much more to see in Venice than beautiful squares and hoards of people.

Traveling with teens means looking for unique experiences and fun adventures. Since you are traveling to Venice with your teenagers, our list has hands-one experiences and adventures.

Our list also includes those must-do things, but we have put them at the end of the list so you can decide if they are beat the rest.

We have also included several things to avoid–like a Grand Canal Gondola ride–which is controversial. Read on to hear our take. 

So if you are looking for what to do in Venice with teenagers let us save you time and help you plan an experience that reflects the magic of this city.  

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Best Things to Do  in Venice for Teenagers

1. Kayak Venice

Kayaking Venice is #1 on our list of things to do in Venice with teenagers. We kayak with Real Venetian tours and can’t recommend them more highly. The tour took us through the Carneggio neighborhood.

The Carneggio neighborhood has less traffic so we always felt safe with our local guide who grew up in the area. 

The neighborhood includes the old Jewish quarter. There is so much history to learn here about how the Jewish people were treated in Venice and greater Europe. 

If Real Venetian is booked for your availability there are several 5-star kayaking companies in Venice. Whichever company you choose, we know you will have a great time and see Venice from an entirely different perspective. 

Be aware that kayaking and our next recommendation, Stand Up Paddleboarding, don’t happen in Venice in the winter months. If this is also your #1 thing to do in Venice, avoid December-February.

2. Or Paddleboard

Or if you are looking for more adventurous things to do in Venice why not stand-up paddleboard?

For teens keen on paddleboarding through iconic canals, Venice offers the perfect experience. Embark on a Venice stand-up paddle board tour against the backdrop of historic palaces and churches in the enchanting Cannaregio and Castello districts.

Choosing this adventure on your first day is wise, as it not only immerses you in the canals’ serenity but also comes with a trove of recommendations for your stay. Escape crowds and gain a fresh perspective on the city’s beauty with a stand-up paddleboarding (SUP) experience.

Silently glide through waterways as your guide unveils the rich history of landmarks. The tour will allow you to appreciate the architectural grandeur of palaces and churches, discovering hidden corners accessible only by water.

This environmentally friendly paddleboard offers a unique mode of transportation, allowing you to experience the charm of Venice from a serene vantage point.

While this tour caters to beginners, those with a few paddleboarding experiences will have a much better time. So, trade crowded streets for canal tranquility and let the paddleboarding adventure become a highlight of your Venetian escapade.

3. Blow Glass

Yes, you can go out to day trip to Murano and watch someone else blow glass. Or you can experience it for your self with a Murano Glass Blowing Workshop. 

There are several Murano glass workshop to choose from but our favorite is a 2.5 hour workshop where you actually get to blow the glass yourself. 

The glass blowing workshop is suitable for beginners and teens over 12 can participate in this activity.

Taking home a piece of Venice with some Murano glass is certainly typical, but making that piece with your teen is not.

Having made Murano glass with our own teen, we can tell you from first hand experience that this is a great teen age activities in Venice. 

4. Eat Gelato…Like Everyday

Venice is not only a feast for the eyes but also a delight for the taste buds. Treat your teens to the authentic flavors of Italian gelato, an experience that transcends the ordinary. 

While many gelaterias line the narrow streets, we recommend seeking out hidden gems where local artisans craft their frozen masterpieces.

Encourage your teens to step outside their comfort zones and try unique flavors, such as pistachio, tiramisu, or even a refreshing lemon sorbet. 

Gelato becomes not just a dessert but a cultural exploration, we ate it everyday on our Italian itinerary. And we never, ever regretted it 

5. Make a Venetian Mask

Dive into creativity with a unique Venetian experience for the whole family. Step into a family-run atelier where the staff’s personal touch offers a haven from the hustle and bustle of your trip.

This Venetical mask making workshop invites you to spend some time as an artisan, guided step by step. Real papier-mâché masks, an array of colors, and, with the extended two-hour option, feathers, crystals, and trims are at yours to use.

Beyond the artistic endeavor, the experience is an educational journey through the history of masks, peppered with anecdotes about one of the world’s most captivating Carnivals.

This workshop is led in multiple languages so it is accessible to your family regardless of your preferred language.

If you are looking for a chance to have creative expression and a gain deeper understanding of Venetian culture and mask-making traditions, this this tour is for you.

6. Go to the Beach

While there are numerous beaches accessible within an hour’s ferry ride from Venice, when people refer to “hitting the beach” in Venice, they are typically alluding to Lido, specifically Lido di Venezia.

Lido beach is broken up into two distinct experiences. On one side, you’ll find well-established beach clubs offering chair and lounge rentals. Conversely, the other half presents a more untamed and free-spirited atmosphere.

The primary beaches on Lido include Blue Moon, centrally located near the vaporino arrival point; San Nicolo’ beach, renowned for its picturesque sand dunes; and Alberoni beach, distinguished by its protected status, providing a wilder and more natural ambiance.

For those eager to make their way to Lido beach, ferry lines 5.1 and 6 are available from Piazzale Roma, Santa Lucia Station, and Piazza San Marco. 

So if you are looking for low cost, fun things to do in Venice, why not go to the beach?

7. Learn to Row a Gondola

If your teen isn’t keen on the traditional gondola ride with the ol’ parents, why not offer a fresh twist on this quintessential Venetian activity?

Consider a rowing lesson in the charming Carnegio neighborhood as a delightful alternative. During this 1.5-hour experience, your teen not only gets the chance to row their own boat but also benefits from the insightful knowledge shared by the local guide about the rich history of gondolas in Venice.

This hands-on lesson is designed for adventurers aged 10 and above, making it an ideal and engaging activity for your teen in Venice. 

Not only does your teen get to navigate the waters through this tour, but they also gain a deeper understanding of the cultural significance behind the iconic gondola. 

Learning to row your won gondola is an experience that seamlessly blends fun, education, and the unique charm of Venetian waterways.

This tour is one of the best tours in Venice and often sells out, so be sure to book the experience in advance. 

8. Go to the Guggenheim

One of our  best tips for traveling with teens advises you to limit the amount of museums you put on a teen travel itinerary. 

We never book more than one museum a day and more typically, only choose a single museum experience for a city. 

However, a lot would be lost if you didn’t take your teen to the Peggy Guggenheim. 

Like other small museums we love in cities like Paris, the Guggenheim is a museum that is so accessible. 

The walls are not overly full of art and your teen doesn’t not have to slog through all the time periods to get to the type of art they like. 

Instead, the Guggenheim is full of amazing works for remarkable artists. Use your one museum pass for the Guggenheim and you won’t be disappointed. 

9. Take a Ghost Tour

As the sun sets on Venice and the bustling crowds fade into the night, embark on an eerily captivating Venetian ghost tour to unravel the city’s darkest secrets. 

This devilishly experience takes you through narrow passageways and along blackened, vacant canals, delving into Venice’s haunted history.

Guided by an ghost-hunter, you and your teen will wander through the mysterious alleys as the tales of sinister deeds and tragic fates unfold. 

These stories recount the lives of figures who once tread these very streets, some of whom are believed to linger as restless spirits, eternally tied to the haunting beauty of Venice.

The tour involves more stories of the past and mysterious deaths in Venice than ghosts. But if you are looking for a fun night out in Venice, this is a great choice. 

The tour involves a stop at the Rialto Bridge, if it is on your must see places in Venice. 

10. Get Lost

The first time we went to Venice as a part of our honeymoon. A Venetian recommended that we wake up early–like 4 a.m. early–and just walk the streets and squares, include St. Marks, before the people descended.

We did and it was one of our most important memories of Venice. 

Now, we are not suggesting that you get your teen up at 4 a.m. to walk this city. We travel exclusively with our own teen and wouldn’t even do that ourselves. 

What we are suggesting is that you embrace planned time, I mean real time, not the rushed we need to be at a dinner reservation in 10 minutes time, to get lost.

You and your teen can spend a full afternoon just walking around the city. 

Venice is small. You can walk from one side of the city to the other in around 20 minutes. But getting lost…that takes hours.

While getting lost in the enchanting streets of Venice, make a deliberate stop at T Fondaco dei Tedeschi, home to one of the city’s finest rooftops. Nestled at the foot of the Rialto Bridge, this rooftop is part of a luxury shopping area, offering breathtaking panoramic views.

Though Tedeschi lookout experience is free, reservations are required to relish the spectacular vistas.

An afternoon of walking means slowing down and enjoying the bridges that connect the 118 islands that make up this gorgeous place. 

And if you happen to take that 20 year old advice from that kind, old Venetian, please contact us and let us know. We’d love to hear from you. 

11. Take A Food Tour

We love a street food tour. Let’s be honest food and wine tours can be a bit stuffy. But a street food tour; those are perfect for teenagers.

This Venetian street food tour will  take you through the heart of this canal city. 

You and your teen will wander through picturesque squares, admire impressive churches, and immerse yourself in the lively atmosphere of the Rialto Market. Traverse Campo Santa Margherita, the iconic Grand Canal, the Basilica dei Frari, and the vibrant district of San Polo eating all along the way.

On this culinary journey, you will savor the essence of Venetian cuisine with specialties like cicchetti, buranelli, tramezzini, and the iconic tiramisu. 

Street food introduces you to the authentic flavors of the city, offering a taste of Venetian culture in every bite.

 12. See Dragon Bones

On the island of Murano is the Basilica of Santa Maria e San Donato. The legend, dating back to the 12th century, tells of the remains of St. Donatus and the mythical “dragon” he valiantly slayed.

This tale intertwines myth and history, creating an intriguing narrative that is now part of Venetian lore. 

As you explore the basilica, you’ll encounter relics believed to be those of St. Donatus and the mysterious creature he conquered.

While modern skepticism may suggest the bones likely belong to a large mammal rather than a mythical dragon, the magic  of Venice allows one to suspend disbelief. The ambiance of the city and the Cathedral encourages you and your teen to immerse themselves in the Venetian legends.

Do The Typical Venetian Thing (Or Don’t)

As you plan what to do with Venice with teenagers, there are a couple of quintessential experiences that many families choose to undertake. While these activities are undeniably popular, it’s worth considering the potential drawbacks during the high season, particularly in the bustling summer months when Venice sees a surge in visitors.

13. Visit the Doge’s Palace

The Doge’s Palace stands as a symbol of Venetian opulence and political history. Exploring its grand halls, adorned with masterpieces, and crossing the iconic Bridge of Sighs can provide your family with a journey into the city’s past. 

The intricate architecture and rich artwork within the palace make it a must-visit for those intrigued by Venetian history and culture.

However, during the high season, the palace can be inundated with tourists, leading to long queues under the sun. 

If standing in line isn’t your idea of fun, just enjoy the square and take in the outside of this majestic building. Or if you have more flexibility in your travel, consider visiting during the shoulder seasons (March-May and September-November). If you are there during the summer opt for an early morning tour to beat the crowds.

14. Climb the Campanile at St. Mark’s Square

The Campanile at St. Mark’s Square offers a panoramic view of Venice and its surroundings. Ascending to the top provides a unique perspective, allowing you to appreciate the city’s layout and intricate architecture from above.

Yet, during the peak summer months, the queues to ascend the Campanile can be long. Waiting in line under the scorching sun might not be the ideal family activity. 

If your schedule allows, consider planning your visit during the quieter months or early in the day to make the most of this remarkable viewpoint without the hassle. Or choose the lookout T Fondaco dei Tedeschi in our #10 suggestion.

In the end, whether you choose to embark on these classic Venetian adventures or not, the beauty of Venice lies in its countless hidden gems and unexpected delights. 

15. Take a Gondola Ride on the Main Canal

Embrace the quintessential Venetian tradition with a gondola ride, even if it seems like the ultimate tourist cliché. When we explored Venice with our teen, we couldn’t resist this charming experience, and it truly was lovely.

However, we opted for a more serene route, steering clear of the bustling Grand Canal. Everyone says go on the Grand Canal, but it can it is so busy, especially in the summer, when there is a Gondola traffic jam.

Instead, we sought out quieter canals snaking through peaceful neighborhoods. This decision added a touch of intimacy to our gondola journey, allowing us to soak in the authentic charm of Venice away from the crowds.

Choosing the path less traveled on the quieter canals provided us with a more personal and tranquil serenade, making the gondola ride a cherished memory that felt uniquely ours.

So, while the Grand Canal beckons with its grandeur, consider weaving through the quieter waterways for a more intimate and unforgettable Venetian experience.

How to Get Around Venice

In Venice, where canals replace streets, Vaporettos, the aquatic counterparts to buses, emerge as the city’s lifelines for convenient travel. Opting for these public boats grants you a unique perspective of the city, traversing its waterways and offering a glimpse into the daily life of Venetians.

For cost-effective journeys, consider a multi-day Vaporetto ticket. If you are only in Venice then you will have to pay the steep price. 

A single ride costs nearly 10€. A full 7-day pass comes in under 70€, making a multi-day pass a much more budget-friendly option for exploring the city at your leisure. 

However, the good news of the single ticket. Even if you opt for a single ticket, its valid for up to 75 minutes allowing you to hop on and off, providing flexibility for short explorations.

For families, there’s an added perk – children up to the age of 6 ride the Vaporetto for free, making it an attractive option for those traveling with little ones, and there is a discounted rate for students. 

You can even take the Vaporettos out to Murano and Burano. 

Getting To Venice from the Airport or Train Station

We go to Venice in large part because there are not roads. While this makes the place much more magical, it means navigating an unfamilar sitation to reach your accomodations. 

City Center from the Venice Santa Lucia Railway Station

Let’s start with the train as it is easiest. And even before we go there, we want to stress that the train station you are booking into is Santa Lucia NOT Mestre, which is on the mainland. 

Okay, with that out of the way, let’s go. One of our budget travel tips is to pack light. Packing light means you avoid hidden costs like hiring transportation to move you places that you could get to on your feet. 

So if you are light packers like we are, the easiest way to from the train station to your accomodations is to walk. Most accomodations are within 15-20 minutes walk from the station. 

Walking eliminates the congestion of people watching for public boats and will save you tons of money over a private transfer. We literally arrived, strapped on our backpacks, crossed the first of hundreds of bridges we would cross during our day in Venice and set off. No hassle at all. 

However, if your accomodations are too far or you have a lot of luggage, you can use either public boat or private transfer. There is a Vaporetto station very near to the train station. You will probably take line 2, but the ticket agent can advise you. 

If you choose a public boat, note that are allowed one piece of luggage with your single-ticket. There is a charge for each bag after that. 

If you have a lot of people and bags, you may want to request a private transfer. Howerver the cost for a private boat transfer is quite expensive. 

City Center from the Venice Marco Polo Airport

To travel from Marco Polo airport to your accomodations, you have some options: bus, taxi, water taxi or ferry.

First it is important to note that while Venice is truly without cars, the one exception is Piazzale Roma.  

Piazzale Roma is where people park their cars, and it is also the destinations where budget travelers will arrive when they grab a bus from Marco Polo Airport. Taxis drop off here as well. T

here are two busses that go into Piazzale and the run about every 15 minutes to you shouldn’t have to wait long. Once you arrive at Piazzale Roma you can walk or take a public vaporetto.

If budget is no issue, you can also book a private boat transfer from the airport. Boats pick up just a short walk from the airport. 

A last option is to take the Alilaguna Vaporetto from the airport. Taking the public vaporetto is the most common way to reach the city. You can follow sign to trasporti via d’acqua. Three different lines run from the airport so be sure to ask your hotel what one you should take. 

Where to Stay in Venice with Teens

Venice is a challenge for budget family travelers. Teens need their own space and space is expensive in Venice. And yet, with some good search strategies it is still possible to find the best family accomodations in Venice. 

Venice is broken into 6 main areas: San Marco, home to St. Mark’s square;  San Polo, the oldest district; Canneregio, the second largest sestieri and home to the Jewish neighborhood; The Castello, a quieter more residential part of the city; Dorsoduro, home to universities and art and Santa Croce, the transportation hub of Venice, which is less scenic and less expensive. 

The neighborhoods spiral out from the center, at San Marco, like a snail’s shell.  

You will also see accomodations in Guidecca, which is the island right across from St. Mark’s Square. The beauty of this area is that it is a bit less expensive and just a quick Vaperotto ride from the main island of Venice. 

All of our recommendations have a kitchen or kitchenette and two-bedrooms. Cooking many of our meals is our #1 budget travel strategy so we don’t stay or recommend places that don’t include a place to cook. 

We also only recommend places that have a minimum of 2 bedrooms. Teens need their space after all. 

San Polo Accomodations

Nestled close to the Basilica dei Frari, the Rialto Suite 1602 apartment is centrally located and super clean. The  Rialto Bridge is just a 3-minute walk away. The added convenience of a washer dryer caters to light packers like us.

The apartment’s prime location, merely 100 meters from the nearest Vaporetto stop, ensures easy access to Venice’s water-based public transport system. This air-conditioned haven comprises two bedrooms, a living room, a fully equipped kitchen, and two bathrooms with a bidet and bathrobes.

Unearth this hidden gem, an exclusive find less than a 5-minute walk from the water bus station. Positioned near delightful restaurants and picturesque bridges, Rialto Suite 1602 provides a unique and centrally located haven for your Venetian stay.

Carneggio Accomodation

We love the Carnegio neighborhood and many of the tours we recommend are in this area. If you choose the Ca del Mar Venice Luxury Apartments in the Carneggio this area, you will have a quieter stay, but you are still only 15-minutes from St. Mark’s square. 

The apartment is very close to the Vaporetto station and there is a grocery store very near by. The neighborhood is safe and wonderful for evenings walks with your teen. 

The apartment has a lovely little terrace so you can feel like you are immersed in the city even when and your teen want a night in. 

Conclusion: Venice With Teenagers

Having personally traveled to Venice with our teen, we understand the desire for balance between the iconic and the offbeat. We hope this list gives you the best mix of the touristy and the unique, the cultural and the adventurous.

From the kayak adventures in the Carneggio neighborhood togondola rides along quiet canals, Venice unfolds as a tapestry of unique experiences. 

Venturing beyond the touristy facade, we hope you find some hidden gems like the Basilica of Santa Maria e San Donato and promise us, you will ommit to getting lost in Venice’s labyrinthine streets.

There is truly no greater place to find magic than Venice.