Verona is a great alternative to Venice. The city centre is small and full of historic sites. the carnival starts off in Piazza Bra and circulates then around the historic centre and eventually ends up at San Zeno where certain tributes are paid to the King of Gnocci outside the historic Basilica San Zeno.
You can mingle with all the people in fancy dress as they pause along the way.
Its great fun and the costumes are great. Well worth taking the kids along, and donot forget to bring a camera!