Lisa

I am travelling with a 10 year old boy during Winter break and was wondering if there is anything extra special to do with him while in Venice. We'll be there for 3 days.

Mark Spitz

Teach him to swim or buy him a very good set of water wings.<BR><BR>Mark

Carolyn

I think he would get a kick out of sloshing around in the flood waters as they cover the streets and Square - you will be there during the right time of the year. Ask your hotel if they have rubber boots you can borrow (many do) and head to Piazza San Marco when the water moves in! Temporary foot bridges are put into place for pedestrians; I found the whole process of dealing with the flood waters interesting. Another poster suggested the following website for flood time tables etc: Veniceword.it.

elaine

Hi Lisa<BR>Venice isn't as easily entertaining for children (other than the boats, that is) as some other cities. It's charms are more grownup. Here are some ideas.<BR>Giardino Papadopoli, vaporetto Ferrovia, open 8am to 5:30 pm. Take one of the bridges in front of the bus station and head toward the trees. There are pathways, benches, and a children's playground.<BR>Travel with children, general and <BR>Venice:<BR>http://goeurope.about.com/library<BR>/venice/aa062397.htm<BR>www.familytravelforum.com<BR>www.f lyingwithkids.com<BR>www.travelwithyourkids.com<BR >www.tinytravelers.net<BR>www.timeout.com/venice/kids<BR>http://travelwithkids.about.com/cs<BR>/italy/index.htm<BR><BR>Books: recommended by readers on Amazon.com-- Vendela in Venice by Bjork and Italy With Kids by Pape<BR>www.travel-italy.com/library/feature_articles/gardaland_italys_disney.html<BR>http://www.travelforkids.com/<BR>Funtodo/Italy<BR><BR>If he has any interest in history, the Ghetto area is fascinating, and there are tours in English<BR>The Secret Itinerary of the Doge's Palace ( an advance-reservations-only tour separate from the standard walk through the Palace) shows more of the prisons and tells a neat story about<BR>Casanova's prison escape. Your hotel can book this for you.<BR>

Mary

I guess it depends on the 10 year old! Try the museum at the Arsenale, its all about the seafaring history and boats of Venice and there are quite a few models - Open mornings only. Take a longish vaporetto trip, go up the campanile, or plan a gelati day sampling as you go!