There are lots of campsites on this peninsula. We went with our two when they were 3 months and 2 years old respectively. From recollection the journey across the lagoon into Venice is about 40 minutes.

The only downsides of the whole experience were: In Venice itself, lack of seats, other than those you pay for, for breastfeeding, so I ended up sitting on doorsteps down dark alleys and finding on one occasion a complete coachload of tourists walking past me. And from what I could see the boats crossing the lagoon have nowhere near enough lifejackets available for the quantity of people on board - keep your children nearby for the journey. And take your own picnics of course, prices are steep.

Upside was the flexibility to go into the city later in the day, when crowds were reducing. Mornings in Venice are busy, late afternoon and evenings delightful. We nearly missed the last boat home one evening, could have been a costly mistake! Buy a five day roaming ticket or more for the lagoon boats and enjoy the other lagoon islands too.

The facilities on many of the campsites are excellent, with fabulous swimming pools and playgrounds, more attractive than their private on-site beaches.

You should have a fantastic time. There are boats on the move all the time, which fascinates children at this age. Use the vaporetta water bus down the Grand Canal towards sunset and you should get some fabulous views and photos, at a much cheaper price than any gondola ride.