Fifteen kilometres of golden Blue Flag sand? Attractions for all ages? Bars and restaurants to suit all budgets? Venice’s beachy neighbour, Lido di Jesolo, has got the family-holiday formula just right. And if you’re wondering what you and your brood can get up to, you’ve come to the right place…

Action-packed attractions

You’ll never hear the kids complain “I’m bored” here. Look in any direction and there’s something to do. Spend a few hours on the wacky fairground rides of New Jesolandia. We’re talking everything from bumper cars to game stalls. And next door, the Pista Azzurra go-kart track calls all daredevils. Over at Caribe Bay, super-high waterslides step the tempo up a gear. Test your bravery on Spacemakers – one of the world’s tallest waterslides. Prefer something a little more low-key? You can get up close and personal with 400 different animal species at the Tropicarium Park.

Italian feasts

Even the pickiest eaters will find it difficult to resist the country’s classics. Thinly rolled, wood-fired dough is the first stamp of a fine Italian pizza. And when it’s smothered in rich tomato sauce, draped with melted mozzarella and garnished with a sprig of basil, it’s irresistibly moreish. Anyone tempted by tiramisu or cannoli for afters? For the freshest produce, you can’t beat the weekly farmer’s market.

Linger on the lido

Pitch up by the shore and you’ll be greeted by a long stretch of stripy sunbeds and parasols. At the eastern end of the beach, there are regular sandcastle-building competitions and heaps of water sports on offer. Windsurfing? Kitesurfing? Wakeboarding? You name it, you can try it here. Towards the west, it’s more laidback, perfect if you just want to sit back and soak up the rays.

Fresh air fun

If you’re craving a break from the beach, there are plenty of ways to get active. There are nearly 100 miles of cycle paths in and around Lido di Jesolo, so grab your helmet and whizz around on two wheels! Most of the routes are super flat and safe – ideal for youngsters. Take in the scenery as you pedal along rivers and canals and through forests, then, when you’re ready to refuel, a pizzeria pit stop is just the ticket.

Venetian visits

Double-up on the days of discovery by taking a trip over to the famous Floating City. Venice’s Bridge of Sighs and St Mark’s Square will spark the imaginations of the tiniest travellers. Hungry? Be sure to try some cicchetti – tasty tapas which is served in many of the local restaurants. You can’t beat colourful Murano for a good stretch of the legs too.