Venice, Florida offers a family-friendly getaway with a sparkling shoreline, Italian Renassance architecture, shops, and so much more. It’s also a perfect spot for kids to play and explore some of Venice’s best treasures. Here’s how to spend the week with kids in tow.
Venice Beach
Celebrated as the Shark Tooth Capital of the World, Venice, Florida offers unparalled opportunities to hunt for treasure. Grown-ups and kids alike can stroll Venice Beach for some of the best opportunities to find shark teeth. Head to Venice Beach, Casey Key, or Manasota Key to look for impressively large fossilized shark teeth. There’s even an annual Shark Tooth Festival in Venice with art, live music, food, drinks, games, and family-friendly fun.
Caspersen Beach Park
Caspersen Beach Park is also prime for shark teeth discovery, as well as shelling for beachcombers. Take an easy 20-minute walk along Caspersen’s nature trail with saltwater marshes, tidal flats, and mangroves. While you’re here, explore the boardwalk and stop at the ADA children’s playground before exploring the trails.
Centennial Park
Take a break from shark teeth hunting and head to the heart of downtown Venice, Florida at Centennial Park. An ADA-accessible gazebo, picnic tables, Veterans memorial and restrooms are available for visitors. But the real draw is the Children’s Interactive Splash Fountain where kids can splash and play in the water from 9:30 a.m. to 9:30 p.m. daily to cool off from the hot summer heat. Centennial Park also hosts special family friendly events and concerts under the stars.
Shamrock Park & Nature Center
Escape to the 80-acre Shamrock Park & Nature Center for a kids’ playground, picnic area and grills, and basketball courts. Then discover the charming butterfly garden full of colorful winged creatures dancing along 1.2-miles of multi-use trails winding through the park.
One of the best parts about Venice, Florida is its laid-back vibe and welcoming atmosphere. Let the kids explore and bring back their favorite treasures from shark teeth to selfies with the butterflies.