Get ready for a fantastic family weekend in Venice, Italy! This February 7th and 8th, 2026, the city is buzzing with the main events of the Venice Carnival, themed “Olympus – At the Origins of the Game.” We've found some brilliant, age-appropriate activities for your 3-14 year olds, balancing the magic of the parade with creative workshops and even a special day at the Guggenheim!
See our top picks
Venice Carnival Street Show
Various campi
Wander through Venice and watch amazing free circus and comedy acts all day long!
17th International Kids’ Carnival
Ca' Giustinian
Head to the Biennale's creative house for free, hands-on workshops themed around the Olympics and Carnival.
Toc Toc - La Luna nel letto
Teatrino Groggia
A gentle, early-day theatre performance perfect for children aged 3+ to enjoy some quality stage magic.
· February 7
317TH INTERNATIONAL KIDS’ CARNIVALFREE : The main part of the International Kids’ Carnival kicks off! It focuses on sporting challenges and Venetian tradition with tons of free workshops. It’s a massive, creative deep-dive into the Carnival theme, perfect for sparking imagination.This is the official UNESCO-backed kids' event running all weekend, focused on creativity and play, making it a must-do.
FESTA DELLE MARIE (THE MARIE FESTIVAL) - WATER PROCESSIONFREE : Watch the spectacular procession of the twelve 'Marie' traveling by gondola along the Grand Canal! It kicks off the core Carnival festivities and is a beautiful, traditional water parade to watch.It’s one of the most traditional and visually stunning free events of the opening weekend, right on the water!
VENICE CARNIVAL STREET SHOWFREE : The streets transform into an open-air stage with hundreds of street artists—think circus acts, clowns, music, and Commedia dell'Arte. Wander around and catch spontaneous shows happening everywhere!It offers non-stop, free entertainment that kids can stumble upon throughout the day while exploring.
· February 8
3FLIGHT OF THE ANGEL IN ST. MARK'S SQUAREFREE : The incredible 'Flight of the Angel' takes place where an acrobat flies from the Campanile down to the Loggia! This is a spectacular carnival highlight you absolutely won't want to miss.This is the most famous single moment of the Carnival, a must-see spectacle for everyone.
KIDS DAY: THE HIDDEN LANGUAGES OF COLORFREE : A fun, free workshop at the Peggy Guggenheim Collection where kids explore art by mixing and layering colors to create their own secret visual messages. It includes a short guided visit, too!It's a rare free, dedicated, high-quality artistic activity for younger kids during the busy Carnival weekend.
TOC TOC - LA LUNA NEL LETTO (TOC TOC - THE MOON IN BED) : A gentle theatre show for the little ones, exploring themes through music and imaginative staging. It’s a great way to catch a quality performance that isn't overwhelmingly crowded or late-night.This is a dedicated, early-day theatre performance specifically for the younger end of your age range (3+).
Frequently Asked Questions
What free kids events are on in Venice this weekend?
This weekend (Feb 07-08) there are plenty of free events! Check out the Venice Carnival Street Show happening all over the city, plus the spectacular Festa delle Marie water procession on Saturday afternoon. On Sunday, don't miss the free Flight of the Angel in St. Mark's Square at noon, and the Kids' Carnival workshops at Ca' Giustinian are also free (with reservation).
Is there anything specifically for younger children (3-5 years old)?
Yes! Look for the gentle theatre show 'Toc Toc - La Luna nel letto' at Teatrino Groggia on Sunday at 11:00 AM and 4:30 PM. Also, the 17th International Kids’ Carnival at Ca' Giustinian on both days will have workshops designed for various young ages.
What's the biggest single event happening on Sunday, February 8th?
The main highlight on Sunday is the breathtaking Flight of the Angel, which takes place at 12:00 PM sharp in Piazza San Marco, where a performer flies from the top of the Campanile!
