I knew we were in trouble the second my husband said, “But we can just walk everywhere in Venice.” Then he saw the first bridge with a stroller. Boat trips aren’t just a fun extra in Italy—for families, they’re often the only way to get where you’re going. And the good news? Kids tend to remember them more than any museum.
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Venice: The gondola vs. the vaporetto debate
Let’s start with the obvious one. A gondola ride in Venice runs about $80 to $100 for 30 minutes, and honestly? It’s worth the splurge for the memory. Kids see the city from water level, under bridges, past palazzos—it feels like a storybook. But you don’t need to do it every day.
The vaporetto (water bus) is the practical alternative. A single ride costs around $9.50, and a 24-hour pass is about $25. Kids under 6 ride free. For a family of four, the math works out fast if you’re planning to cross the Grand Canal more than once. The vaporetto also gives you a proper tour of the canal without the price tag.
One thing nobody warns you about: Venice has over 400 bridges, and most have steps, not ramps. A baby carrier backpack works much better than a stroller here. If you’re traveling with a toddler, pack one—it saves your arms and your sanity.
Island hopping from Venice
A half-day boat trip to Burano is one of those things kids talk about for months. The houses are painted in rainbow colors—bright pinks, yellows, blues—and the ferry ride itself is part of the experience. Murano, famous for glassblowing, is closer and offers demonstrations where kids can watch molten glass being shaped. Both are easy to reach by vaporetto from Venice’s Fondamenta Nove stop.
Mask-making workshops in Venice also pair well with a boat day. Many are near St. Mark’s Square, so you can combine a gondola or vaporetto ride with a hands-on activity. Workshops run around $45 per person for 90 minutes.
Book your gondola for late afternoon, when the light is softer and the canals are less crowded. The ride feels more private, and kids aren’t baking in the midday sun.
Amalfi Coast boat trips: Capri and beyond
The Amalfi Coast is stunning to see from a boat. A private boat day from Positano or Amalfi to Capri lets you swim in sea grottoes, jump off the boat into turquoise water, and explore the island without fighting the ferry crowds. Ferry rides between towns also double as sightseeing—the view of the coastline from the water is better than any photo.
If you’re based in Sorrento or Castellammare di Stabia, the train-ferry combo works well. Take the local train to Sorrento, then a taxi to the port for the ferry to Capri. Just don’t book tight connections—one family traveler learned the hard way when a train delay cost them €200 for replacement ferry tickets. Buy tickets at the port if you can, or leave a buffer of at least an hour.
For families with older kids (10 and up), a boat trip to Capri is ideal. Younger children struggle with the steep terrain on the island itself, but the boat part—wind in their hair, water splashing—keeps them happy. The chairlift in Anacapri is a hit with all ages.
Lake Como: ferries and private boats
Lake Como has become increasingly popular with families, and for good reason. The public ferry from Bellagio to Varenna takes about 15 minutes and costs just €4 to €6. It’s a cheap way to see three towns in a day without moving your luggage. The ferry system connects most villages, though schedules thin out after 6 p.m.
If you want more freedom, private boat rental runs €80 to €150 for two hours, depending on the season. Book three to seven days ahead in summer—walk-up availability is rare. A private boat lets you head to the quieter eastern shore near Varenna, where the water is cleaner for swimming and there’s less boat traffic.
One thing to know: Lake Como’s water temperature sits around 22°C in July. The bottom drops off quickly, so weak swimmers need a life jacket. Water shoes are useful too—the shoreline is mostly pebbles, not sand.
Lake Garda: ferries and theme parks
Lake Garda is a different beast. It’s bigger, busier, and has a theme park—Gardaland—right on its shores. The ferry system here is extensive, connecting towns like Sirmione, Lazise, and Riva del Garda. Kids love the boat rides because they can see the lake’s dramatic scenery without the effort of hiking.
The southern shore around Sirmione has flat lakeside promenades and calm, clear water perfect for paddling. If you’re staying at a family resort like Quellenhof Luxury Resort Lazise, you can combine a ferry day with resort amenities. The resort has a dedicated children’s pool with water slides and is only 6 km from Gardaland.
Italian Riviera: boat trips from Sestri Levante
For a coastal holiday in northern Italy, base yourself in Sestri Levante. It has two bays—one calm and sheltered (Baia del Silenzio) and a longer beachfront. From here, you can take a ferry to Cinque Terre or Portofino. The ferry doubles as transport and sightseeing, so you don’t need a separate boat tour.
Just know that Cinque Terre’s five villages are steep and crowded. Pick one or two for a day trip rather than all five. The train between them is faster and easier with young children, but the boat ride gives you the iconic coastal view.
Seasickness can hit on the Amalfi Coast and Lake Como when the water gets choppy. Stick to smaller passenger boats rather than car ferries if anyone in your family is prone to motion sickness. Ginger chews or Dramamine for kids are worth packing.
What to pack for a day of boat trips
A few items make boat days smoother. A lightweight waterproof jacket is essential even in summer—lake and sea microclimates shift quickly. Sturdy water shoes help with pebbly beaches and wet docks. And if you’re planning to swim, pack towels and a change of clothes in a dry bag.
For toddlers, a child carrier backpack is far more practical than a stroller on boats and in narrow village streets. A compact travel stroller can work in flatter towns like Sestri Levante or along Lake Garda’s promenades, but it’s nearly useless on hiking trails or stairs.
Making boat trips work for your family
Boat trips in Italy aren’t just for postcard photos—they’re how families actually get around in places like Venice, the Amalfi Coast, and the lakes. Kids love the novelty of riding on water, and parents love that the kids are seated and entertained for at least part of the day. The key is matching the boat type to your kids’ ages and energy levels.
For toddlers, a short public ferry ride (15–30 minutes) is plenty. For school-age kids, a half-day private boat with a swimming stop is a highlight of the trip. And for teenagers, a boat trip to Capri or a ferry across Lake Como feels like an adventure, not another museum visit.
One family travel expert put it simply: kids remember the gondola and the gelato long after they forget which paintings were in which gallery. Boat trips give them stories to tell—and that’s the whole point.
Sources and further reading
Endless Travel Plans. “Italy with Kids: Complete Family Guide.” 2026. 🔗
Emily in Italy. “Young Travelers Find Unique Adventures in Italy’s Lake Como.” 2025. 🔗
Little Brits Abroad. “Family-Friendly Italy Itinerary with Kids.” 2025. 🔗
Global Mouse Travels. “Week’s Trip Northern Italy with Kids: Verona, Venice, Italian Lakes.” 2024. 🔗
Related reading on Emily in Italy
The Reason These Lemons Dwarf Every Other Lemon in Italy — A deep dive into Amalfi Coast lemons, perfect for pairing with a boat trip to the region.