Gondola ride with a toddler safety

[singhstyrecranbourne]

We are traveling to Venice with our 3-year-old. He's very active and I'm a bit nervous about the gondola. Are they stable? Do they provide life jackets for kids? I really want the photos, but I don't want to be stressed the whole time that he might jump out or the boat might tip. Any parents here who have done it?

[Sherri]

We took our 4-year-old last spring and it was totally fine! Gondolas are actually very heavy and surprisingly stable; they don't tip easily at all.
The gondolier was great with our son and made him feel like a little captain. They don't usually provide life jackets as it's a very slow-moving boat, but if you keep them seated in the middle, it's very safe. You can find family-friendly options for Gondola Rides in Venice https://alle.travel/en/venice/category/gondola that are a bit more private, which is better if your kid gets wiggly. Just bring a small toy or snack to keep him occupied while you enjoy the views. It was a highlight for our kids!

[singhstyrecranbourne]

That makes me feel much better! I was picturing a tiny canoe, so "heavy and stable" is exactly what I needed to hear. I'll look for a private tour for us.