Doge's Palace Family Tickets – Visiting with Children
The Doge's Palace in Venice is a memorable experience for families: grand halls, the Bridge of Sighs, and centuries of history. The Fondazione Musei Civici di Venezia (MUVE) offers family-friendly pricing and a dedicated offer for groups with adults and children. This page explains Doge's Palace family tickets: who pays what, the Seniors + Junior offer, and practical tips for visiting with kids so you can plan a smooth and enjoyable day.
Children's Tickets – Free and Reduced
Children aged 0 to 5 have free admission to the Doge's Palace and the other St. Mark's Square museums. No ticket is required for them, but they must be accompanied by an adult. Children aged 6 to 14 qualify for the reduced ticket (e.g. 15 € for the St. Mark's Square Museums ticket). Proof of age may be requested at the entrance. So for a typical family of two adults and two children (e.g. 8 and 10), you would buy two full-price or online tickets for the adults and two reduced tickets for the children, or use the Seniors + Junior offer if conditions are met. See prices and discounts for current figures.
Seniors + Junior Offer – Best Deal for Families
The Seniors + Junior offer is one of the best Doge's Palace family ticket deals. When your group is made of two adults and at least one youth (up to 16 years old), all paying members can get the reduced ticket. So both parents (or two adults) and the child(ren) aged 6–16 pay the reduced rate instead of the full general admission. This can save a significant amount compared to buying two full and one or more reduced tickets without the offer. When booking, select the option that applies to your group and have ID ready if requested. Check the current terms on the official MUVE site.
St. Mark's Square Museums Ticket – One Ticket, Four Venues
The standard St. Mark's Square Museums ticket includes the Doge's Palace, the Museo Correr, the National Archaeological Museum, and the Marciana Library rooms. With a family, you can spread the visit over the day: start with the Doge's Palace (the most popular), then move to the Correr or take a break. The same ticket is valid for all four, so you get good value. Buying online and in advance often gives a lower price and lets you choose a time slot, which helps with queue management when travelling with children.
Secret Itineraries and Hidden Treasures with Kids
The Secret Itineraries and Hidden Treasures tours are guided and involve narrow passages, steep stairs, and confined spaces. The rules state that children under 6 are not allowed on these tours, and the itinerary is not recommended for anyone with mobility difficulties or claustrophobia. If your children are older and enjoy stories (e.g. Casanova, prisons, secret rooms), the Secret Itineraries can be engaging, but be prepared for about 1 hour 15 minutes of walking and listening. For younger or restless kids, the standard Doge's Palace route is usually more suitable.
Practical Tips for Families
(1) Book in advance and, if possible, choose a morning time slot to avoid the busiest periods. (2) Allow 1.5–2 hours for the Doge's Palace alone; more if you add the other museums. (3) Large bags and pushchairs may need to be left at the cloakroom; storage is free. (4) There are toilets and the museum has a café; plan short breaks if visiting with small children. (5) The Bridge of Sighs and the armoury are often highlights for kids—point them out on the way. (6) For the latest on family services and accessibility, check the official Doge's Palace visitor information.
School Groups
School groups can benefit from the official school offer: a set price per student (e.g. around 5,50 €) for entrance from 1 September to 15 March, with teachers and a list of students. This is separate from the standard family visit. If you are a teacher or organiser, contact the MUVE call centre or see the official education pages for booking and conditions.