Growing up in Venice is unlike anywhere else in the world. Imagine living in a city surrounded by water, with no cars, plenty of canals, and a deep sense of tradition. Venetian children experience a life full of charm, challenges, and wonder.
The City Is Their Playground
Venetian children grow up without parks or playgrounds typical in other cities. Instead:
Campos Become Play Areas: Every neighborhood has open squares called campos, where children gather to play soccer, tag, or hide-and-seek. These spaces are safe and car-free, making them ideal for kids.
Adventurous Streets: The labyrinth of narrow alleys (calli) and small bridges becomes an endless maze to explore. Kids enjoy running around, playing games, or simply inventing stories inspired by the old buildings around them.
Canals Add a Twist: While parents teach them to be cautious, canals become part of their daily environment. Children often create games near the edges, tossing sticks into the water and racing them like little boats.
Getting Around by Boat
In Venice, boats are as common as cars in other cities, and kids quickly adapt to this lifestyle.
Daily Rides on the Vaporetto: Children often take the public waterbus (vaporetto) to school, accompanied by parents or older siblings. Watching the city float by becomes a routine, but one that never gets boring.
Rowing Lessons: Some families have private boats, and kids might learn traditional rowing techniques like voga alla veneta, which is rowing while standing.
A Fun and Practical Way to Travel: Trips to visit friends, go shopping, or even attend events almost always involve some sort of boat ride. It feels like an adventure every time.
Swimming Is Second Nature
Surrounded by water, Venetian kids learn early on that swimming isn’t just a skill—it’s a necessity.
Early Lessons: Parents often enroll their children in swimming classes, ensuring they’re comfortable around the canals and lagoon.
Fun in the Lido: During warmer months, families head to the nearby island of Lido, where children enjoy sandy beaches and calm waters. This provides a more traditional childhood beach experience.
Education with a Venetian Twist
School life in Venice has its unique quirks:
Historic Walks to School: Children walk through centuries-old streets and cross beautiful bridges daily, making their commute an experience steeped in history.
Subjects Focused on Local Culture: Schools often include lessons about Venetian history, geography, and traditions. Kids learn about famous landmarks, the importance of preserving the lagoon, and even the dangers of rising tides (acqua alta).
A Tight-Knit Community: With small class sizes and close neighborhoods, children grow up knowing almost everyone their age, creating strong friendships.
Rich Cultural Traditions
From a young age, Venetian children are part of their city’s deep-rooted festivals:
Carnival of Venice: For children, Carnival is a time of excitement, with colorful costumes, masks, and parades. Schools and communities host special events where kids can dress up and participate in traditional games.
Festa del Redentore: Kids look forward to this summer festival, which features fireworks, picnics on boats, and floating bridges that connect different parts of the city.
The Regatta Storica: Children cheer during this boat race, a tradition that showcases Venice’s history. Some even participate in junior rowing competitions.
Traditional Food and Treats
Food is an integral part of Venetian childhood:
Fresh and Local: Kids grow up eating fresh seafood, homemade pasta, and seasonal vegetables. Markets like Rialto become familiar spots where families buy ingredients.
Special Treats: Venetian pastries like frittelle (fried dough with sweet fillings) and baicoli (crispy biscuits) are childhood favorites, especially during festivals.
Gelato on the Go: No childhood in Venice is complete without frequent stops for gelato, enjoyed while strolling along the canals.
A Different Kind of Play
Without bikes or large outdoor spaces, Venetian children adapt their playtime to the city’s environment:
Inventing New Games: Kids often create games involving the canals, such as watching for passing boats and trying to guess where they’re going.
Storytelling in the Streets: Inspired by the city’s mystery, children love to invent stories about the old palaces, imagining ghosts or adventures from the past.
Rowing as a Sport: Older kids might join rowing clubs to practice voga alla veneta, which teaches teamwork and connects them to the city’s traditions.
Challenges of City Life
Despite its charm, growing up in Venice has its challenges:
Tourist Crowds: During peak seasons, streets and bridges can become so packed that children might feel overwhelmed or struggle to find space to play.
Flooding Issues: High tides (acqua alta) disrupt daily life, sometimes flooding schools or homes. Kids learn to adapt by wearing waterproof boots and treating these moments as part of their Venetian identity.
Fewer Families Staying: Many families move to the mainland due to the high cost of living, which means some children grow up with fewer local friends over time.
A Strong Connection to Tradition
Venetian children develop a deep bond with their city:
Understanding Responsibility: They grow up learning the importance of preserving Venice’s unique environment and culture.
Helping with Family Traditions: Kids often assist with family businesses, whether it’s running a small café, crafting traditional masks, or fishing in the lagoon.
Pride in Their Heritage: By the time they’re teens, most Venetian kids have a strong sense of pride in their city and its history.
Growing up as a child in Venice is truly extraordinary. It’s a life where water becomes your constant companion, tradition shapes your identity, and the beauty of your surroundings inspires endless curiosity. While it comes with its challenges, the sense of wonder and pride that comes from living in such a unique city stays with children forever.
