If your kids need a bit of a run around just take them to one of the many “campo” (squares) around Venice and let them play. All the local children use them as their playgrounds so you’ll often find kids playing football, sitting on the wells drawing, painting with chalk on the stone, or whizzing round on scooters. Read more about campo life here.

After school or at the weekend most families take the kids to the “campo” for a play. Italian children are very sociable and will just let anyone join their games even if they don’t know them. Let your kids run or kick a ball around, just make sure they don’t get in the way of too many locals or any waiters working at outside tables. In most squares you are bound to find at least one or more cafes, bars, or restaurants with outdoor seating. So you can grab a coffee or spritz and relax while the kids run free (be careful if there’s water nearby though). Here’s a quick description of just a few of the squares.

Campo Santa Margherita is often filled with young people because the university is nearby but there are also local children playing too. There are lots of cafes and bars with outdoor seating, which makes this a great place to relax.

Campo San Polo has a market at Christmas and even an ice rink. 

Campo S. Giacomo dell’Orio is delightful and almost always full of children.

 Campo Santa Maria Formosa is a great square. It’s large and there’s one area that does not have much foot traffic so children can play freely there. If you are on the side where the canal is make sure to watch your children near the water.

 Campo Bandiera is quite small. During the day it’s often empty but during term-time many local families congregate here after school.

Campo San Stefano has many bars and cafes but it is also very busy as most people pass through here on their way to cross Academia bridge. Children do play here but usually in the corner next to the church away from passers by.

Campo Sant’ Anzelo is quite big. There are a few parts where kids can play without getting the in the way of locals.