Murano, Burano, or Torcello? If you are in Venice or spending a few days in the lagoon, one of the most exciting short trips to take is a visit to the Venetian islands. The question always comes up sooner or later: which island should you choose for Venice with kids?
If you ask children directly which is their favorite, the most frequent answer is Murano. The island fascinates them with the magic of glassmaking in ancient furnaces. It is an experience that amazes both adults and children. However, Burano also wins hearts with its lightheartedness, colorful houses, and lace-making traditions. Then there is Torcello, quieter and more mysterious, which piques curiosity with the legend of the Devil’s Bridge and a timeless atmosphere.
If you have already explored the main city, here are our practical tips for organizing a trip to the islands with children. We’ll help you choose where to start and determine which island best fits your family’s needs.
Murano, Burano, or Torcello: Making the Right Choice
Murano, Burano, and Torcello are very different from one another, which is exactly what makes a lagoon trip so wonderful.
- Murano is the island of experience. Watching glass take shape live in the furnaces fascinates even the youngest visitors and is often the most memorable stop.
- Burano is the island of colors and slow strolls. It is perfect for wandering aimlessly, taking photos, and stopping for a traditional snack.
- Torcello is the island of stories and legends. It is less immediate but ideal for slightly older children who love mysterious tales and walking in nature.
Our advice is not to choose just one island, but to plan a balanced day, taking into account the children’s age and the time available.
Our Children’s Favorite Venetian Island
This is the question we asked our 10-year-olds after a day out in the Venetian lagoon. Children’s answers are always spontaneous and unfiltered. This time, the choice was immediate: Murano.
“Because I loved the blown glass demonstration.”
In the end, it doesn’t surprise us. Murano has always been a special stop for us, too, dating back to our own school trips. However, our recommendation remains the same: try to visit all three islands. Each has a different character and a story capable of surprising you.
How to Get to Murano, Burano, and Torcello as a Family
The Venetian islands are easily visited in a single day, regardless of your starting point. Just like in Venice, there are no roads or cars on the islands—only canals and boats.
An efficient network of public vaporetti (water buses) connects Murano, Burano, and Torcello with regular trips throughout the day. You can also use water taxis, but they are often less practical if you are traveling with small children or strollers.
We suggest planning your trip in advance. Check the water bus lines and schedules to optimize your time and enjoy the islands without rushing.
Water Buses for Murano, Burano, and Torcello
Vaporetti are convenient for families. They offer covered seating and standing areas where you can park strollers. Navigation in the lagoon is usually calm since there are no open ocean currents.
Line 12 is one of the most popular routes. It departs from the Fondamente Nove pier in Venice, stops at Murano, continues to Mazzorbo, and arrives at Burano.
The journey takes about 45 minutes, and boats run frequently, roughly every 30 minutes.
To reach Murano, you can also take:
- Lines 4.1 and 4.2, getting off at the Colonna stop.
- Line 12, getting off at the Faro stop.
Water Taxis in Venice
Water taxis are private boats. They are faster but much more expensive. Space is limited, which can be uncomfortable if you have strollers or young children. They are generally only a solution if you are short on time or have very specific needs.
Discover the Venice Pass
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Practical Tips for Your Family Visit
Always bring a light raincoat or “k-way” in case of rain. During the summer, don’t forget sunglasses and sunscreen. Like Venice itself, the lagoon islands are built on water and offer very little shade.
Regarding food and water, the islands have plenty of dining options and are well-equipped for tourists. We recommend carrying a water bottle and some snacks for the kids, but try not to overpack.
Museums, Furnaces, and Bookings
If you plan to visit the island museums, it is best to book in advance, especially during high season. Reservations are also often mandatory or highly recommended for Murano glass furnace demonstrations.
Entry to the furnaces to see glass blowing isn’t always paid. It is helpful to check beforehand to see if a free demonstration is available.
If you want to see both Venice and the islands, consider the Venice City Pass. It includes public transport and museums, making it a convenient Naples with kids style all-in-one solution for families.
What to See and Do in Murano with Kids
Among the absolute best things to do in Venice with kids is watching a glass-blowing demonstration in Murano. Murano has been known for centuries as “the island of blown glass.” Here, glass is still crafted using traditional methods passed down through generations.
Watching glowing glass take shape is a mesmerizing experience for all ages. The demonstration usually lasts about 20 minutes, which is the perfect length for a child’s attention span.
Beyond the demonstrations, you can take guided factory tours or visit shops and exhibitions. Be careful with the fragile glass creations on display, but the visit remains a unique experience.
If you want your children to experience the thrill of seeing a glass object born, visit a Murano furnace. It is a short but evocative experience, ideal for those traveling with children. Discover the Murano glass blowing experience
On the island, you can also find works and collections by great names in blown glass design, from Venini to Barovier, which showcase Murano’s artisanal excellence.
A classic souvenir for kids is the glass rooster, one of the island’s symbols. The rooster represents vigilance and is often shown with a fox (cunning) and a snake (prudence)—a trio of meanings to share with your little ones.
Buy your ticket to the Murano Glass Museum online.
Murano is about 25 minutes by water bus from Torcello and 30 minutes from Burano.
What to See and Do in Burano with Kids
Burano is undoubtedly the most colorful island in the Venetian lagoon. Its brightly painted houses immediately strike first-time visitors and continue to surprise returning guests.
The best family things to do in Venice islands include walking through Burano without a specific destination. Get lost among the colorful streets (calli) and canals. The island is small, and you can discover its most picturesque corners in a couple of hours. The most famous view is at the intersection of two canals where three bridges meet. Burano is a continuous succession of details to observe and photograph.
In addition to the colors, Burano is famous for its ancient lace tradition. You can visit the Lace Museum, which tells the story of the “buranella” technique, passed down from mother to daughter for centuries. Legend says this art was born from fishermen needing to mend their nets.
While not all children are equally fascinated by this delicate art, it is worth observing their reaction to the patience and precision of the lace-makers.
To learn more about the tradition, visit the Burano Lace Museum in the old lace school. It is an interesting stop for older children who can appreciate the meticulous work. Buy tickets for the Burano Lace Museum online
For a tasty break, stop at one of the island’s bakeries to try the typical Burano cookies. They are shaped like rings or the letter “S” and are known as bussolà, bussolai, buranei, or esse di Burano.
They are simple, nutritious cookies—perfect for a post-walk snack. If you want to try making them at home, you can easily find the traditional recipes.
What to See and Do in Torcello with Kids
Among the lesser-known islands to visit with children is Torcello. Yet, it is very close—only 5 minutes by water bus from Burano. It is often skipped because it seems “more serious,” but it is actually the perfect place to change pace and turn the visit into a short story.
From the water bus stop, a ten-minute walk leads to the legendary Devil’s Bridge. During the walk, you can tell the children one of the lagoon’s most mysterious legends involving a girl, a witch, and—of course—the devil. It’s an easy way to keep them walking and engaged.
If you want to see Murano, Burano, and Torcello in a single day, you can choose a ready-made solution, with organized stops and a visit to a glass factory. Book your trip to Murano-Burano-Torcello with visit to a glass factory.
Continuing along the canal, you arrive at the Basilica of Santa Maria Assunta. If your kids like “detective stories” or mosaics, this is a great stop. Inside, you’ll find a massive Venetian-Byzantine mosaic of the Last Judgment.
You can play a game with them: invent a mini-scavenger hunt for details (“who can find the angel?” or “who can find the brightest color?”). Torcello isn’t about immediate “wow” effects; it’s an island that surprises you if you experience it slowly.
Murano, Burano, and Torcello: The Final Family Comparison
If we had to summarize the lagoon island trip in a few words, we would say each island has a different character suited for different moments.
- Murano is the most striking. Seeing glass blowing live is a top experience for children and adults, making it a perfect first stop.
- Burano is the easiest and most relaxing. It’s colorful, flat, and ideal for a slow stroll and a snack.
- Torcello is the quietest. It requires more focus and works best with curious children who love stories and legends.
If you have the time, don’t just pick one. Combine them based on your children’s ages and your own rhythm. The lagoon offers short travel times and ever-changing scenery, perfect for an extraordinary day out.
A day spent exploring Venice with kids through these islands is intense and surprising. You will return home tired, but with the feeling of having experienced something truly special together.
If you only have one day available or if it is your first time in the city, read our guide to Venice with kids to organize your visit perfectly.
