In Rome with kids: what to do, activities and ideas

Planning a weekend in the Eternal City with your family? Here are the must-see attractions for kids in Rome.

Rome is the Eternal City, rich in culture and history, with plenty to see for both adults and children.
Strolling through the historic center, exploring the parks, and enjoying the artistic treasures and museums of our capital is absolutely possible with kids—just take it at the right pace and tailor the experience to their needs.

1) Walk through the heart of Rome with children

You can't visit the capital without planning a walk around the historic center of Rome. Difficult to indicate an itinerary, because every corner of the center really enchanting., but here are some tips:
In the morning go browse the market stalls of Campo dei fiori, then pay a visit to Piazza Navona looking at Bernini's magnificent Fountain of Rivers, so beautiful and imposing that even children will be enchanted.
Then continue to the Pantheon, pass by Montecitorio and look at the magnificent Column of Marcus Aurelius, reach the Trevi Fountain and end the tour, after admiring the shop windows of Via Condotti, in the stunning Piazza di Spagna at the foot of the steps of Trinità dei Monti.
Rome is art under the open sky, every corner has something to discover, and the walks provide evocative and interesting insights. Children will certainly be fascinated by the beauty of the fountains (why not think of a little fountain tour to decree your favorite?) and the grandeur of palaces and ancient buildings.

Ideas for a tour in Rome

Rome's historic center is indeed beautiful, but children may not feel like walking and getting lost in the capital's narrow streets.
So here are three suggestions for touring Rome with kids:

👉1- A guided tour, there are plenty of them of all prices.
A really economical choice is the free tour of Civitatis, it has no fixed cost, at the end of the tour you determine how much to give the guide. Free Tour of Rome.
More expensive, but worth it, are tours with specialized guides to accompany families with children, combining explanations, games and tastings: like this one Rome: fun private tour for families

👉2 - Hop-on Hop-off bus
If the kids are tired of walking, the bus option is perfect for seeing the monuments a little further from the center, such as the Circus Maximus or Castel Sant'Angelo.
Hop-on Hop-off bus is a great option: you can get off and on at the different sights along the bus route, so you can visit the city's attractions at your leisure. In addition, there is a guide on board the bus who will introduce your children to interesting historical information about the places they will visit.
And if you need a translation, many buses also offer an audio-guide service in several languages. In addition, many Hop-on Hop-off buses also offer discounts for children, which is perfect for families with young children. In short, a Hop-on Hop-off bus can be a fun and affordable option for visiting Rome with children.
Here are several suggestions for tours with Hop-on Hop-off buses

👉3 - A treasure hunt
Why not discover the city through a treasure hunt?
There are several and really cheap ones: just download the APP on your mobile phone and with a few euros you can go.
Here are some of them:
- Escape game at Villa Borghese,
- Treasure Hunt with Leonardo da Vinci.

The fountain of the 4 rivers in Piazza Navona in Rome

2) The Colosseum and the Forum

Fascinating for young and old alike and one of the symbols of the city: you can't visit Rome without paying a visit to the Colosseum with children: the largest amphitheater in the world.
The Colosseum is truly grand and deserves a visit inside, with a guide or audio guide to help imagine what the Colosseum was like when it was in operation.It will certainly be fascinating for children to discover that the Colosseum was the stadium of the Romans.

Book tickets to the Colosseum online, you will avoid a long line, especially during spring bridges. There are a thousand kinds of tickets depending on whether you want to visit only the Colosseum, or also the Forums, whether you want to visit the arena or do the multimedia experience as well. here you will find a wide selection of Colosseum tickets.
In particular there are guided tours dedicated to families. Here more info: guided tour of the Colosseum for children and families
Children and young people under 18 have free access to the site.
The Colosseum is open to the public every day (excluding December 25 and May 1)

From the Colosseum, a tour through the Roman Forum between the Palatine Hill and the Capitol and the Imperial Forums can begin to admire the ruins of ancient Rome. The visit is truly fascinating, in the silence of the ruins you can imagine the life of ancient Rome, from the forum, the main square of the city, to the palace of Augustus on the Palatine, you retrace the streets that the ancient Romans trod, and it really feels like you are taking a trip back in time.
The visit to the Roman Forum and Ancient Rome is also suitable for children, especially elementary school children.
The entire tour can be done in two to three hours at a leisurely pace, but it is not easy with a stroller. For younger children we recommend a sling or baby carrier.

To get an idea of what the evolution of Rome has been in the nearly three thousand years of its history, we recommend the interactive, multimedia projection created by Welcome to Rome.

Palace of Augustus on the Palatine Hill

3) St. Peter's and the Vatican

The Vatican is a state within a city, already this will appeal greatly to children and make them curious about the idea of being in a big city and entering another state. But then the Vatican, besides being a very well-kept area, also has a great spiritual appeal that appeals to children and adults alike.
Entering St. Peter's requires some patience especially for the wait (but with a stroller they tend to skip the line, ask and they will let you in right away), but it will certainly be worth it. This imposing and beautiful church undoubtedly leaves you breathless.
Inside you can admire Michelangelo's very famous Pieta.
Admission to St. Peter's Basilica is free, but the line to go could take up to a few hours; a convenient alternative is to purchase a guided tour that allows you to avoid the line. Here are several: guided tour Basilica San Pietro

Vatican Museums can be a bit tricky with younger children, so arm yourself with a fanny pack or backpack so you don't have trouble with the stairs.
For older children, elementary school age and up we recommend taking the Vatican Museums audio guide for children; the visit is organized as a treasure hunt in which children are provided with headphones and a map with the works that they then have to search for along the route throughout the museum.
At the end of the route at the Vatican Museums they get to visit the Sistine Chapel, there may be a bit of a line to get in, but it is absolutely worth it. If the children are tired, there is a cafe before entering the Chapel, it might be a chance to rest and refresh, and then enjoy the Sistine Chapel better.

Book online a few days in advance the tickets for the Vatican Museums., you will avoid very long lines and get in right away, at the time you booked. From the Vatican Museums, you can also access St. Peter's Basilica without standing in line

St. Peter's Square during an audience with the Pope

4) Villa Borghese: between park, biopark and museum

Villa Borghese is worth a visit with children a stone's throw from the center of Rome is a beautiful park in which to relax and play.
Part of the garden is Italianate, in which to stroll and admire the plants, but for the most part it is an English park. like those in London, in which to run around, play with fountains and ponds.
At the end of the villa is the famous Bioparco di Roma, the "zoo of Rome" where you can see 1,200 animals of 150 species including reptiles, mammals and birds. These are all animals born at Bioparco or at other zoological facilities.
For many years, in fact, the concept of a zoo has changed and animals are no longer purchased or taken from their natural habitat.
If like me you have never heard of Addax, Binturong, Agama, Chrysocione, Marabou or Tamarino you will find out what they look like!
Events and workshops are organized throughout the day. Inside the zoo there is a fun and especially convenient little train when children are tired.
Here to buy the Biopark tickets

With children it is great fun to discover Villa Borghese by bicycle. The internal roads are almost all paved and without car traffic. The park is very large and with a bicycle you can visit it all.
At the entrance of the villa you can rent bicycles, rickshaws or a very comfortable golf-car perfect for those who prefer a more relaxing visit Villa Borghese Golf Car Rental

After a nice ride, the gardens of Villa Borghese are perfect for picnicking and playing outdoors.
Equip yourself with towels, balls or other toys to spend a few hours of fun.

Villa Borghese is world-famous for its magnificent museums, including the Galleria Borghese, home to masterpieces by Bernini, Canova, and Caravaggio, as well as the House of Cinema.
Here info and skip ticket for Galleria Borghese .

Villa Borghese park with children

5)For science and technology lovers

For children who love science and technology, Rome offers many opportunities:

Explora Museum

Explora is a museum designed especially for children.
Inside, children can explore, know and learn; they are free to choose which area and which activity to experience.In addition, educational, scientific and creative workshops are offered at Explora Museum. Through play and experimentation, children are made aware of important issues such as rights, sustainability, and food. They will be able to understand the concept of sustainable fishing, healthy and careful eating, choosing and playing to buy products, play in the garden or follow a tactile path.
The Explora museum is located in the center of Rome a short walk from Piazza del Popolo.
Here is all the info on the Explora Museum

Museo Explora: the children's museum

The Museum of Illusions

Playing with math and psychology, Rome's Museum of Illusions takes you to see what isn't there and not see what is!
Both fun and educational at the same time, the Museum of Illusions is perfect for our children and also for teens.
Here info and tickets for Museo Illusioni Roma

Technotown

TheTechnotown is the ideal destination for children fascinated by technology. With a tutor tools such as robots or 3d printers you can do multimedia activities, games and workshops. Different activities kick off every hour, and the daily calendar is really busy and always offers interesting and stimulating initiatives.
Also inside is the first Lego® Education Innovation Studio in central Italy. This is a well-equipped center where with creativity and innovation special skills such as creative thinking, teamwork and problem solving can be fostered.

6) Museums dedicated to Leonardo da Vinci

Although, during his lifetime, Leonardo did not have much luck in Rome, the capital has dedicated as many as three museums to the Florentine genius.
👩‍🎓 The Leonardo da Vinci Museum in Piazza del Popolo, with interactive machines made based on Leonardo's manuscript codices, studies of his most famous Renaissance works, sketches of human anatomy.
Tickets and info for Museo Leonardo da Vinci di Piazza del Popolo,

👩‍🎓 The Leonardo da Vinci Exhibition in the Palazzo della Cancelleria, a stone's throw from Campo dei Fiori,
Here to purchase: tickets for the Exhibition on Leonardo da Vinci at Palazzo della Cancelleria,

👩‍🎓 The Leonardo Experience, a stone's throw from St. Peter's.
Here info to buy: the Leonardo Experience tickets at Via della Conciliazione

7)For sports lovers

Some people love to play sports and some love to watch them, and some love both.
So here are some ideas for our little and big sportsmen and women:

The Olympic Stadium

From the Olympics to the World Cup, the Olympic Stadium has been the venue for the biggest sporting events in Italy.
A visit to the Olympic Stadium gives us the chance to retrace these great events, but also to see up close the locker rooms and the playing field as well as the trophy room!
Here info and tickets Olympic Stadium

Rafting on the Tiber

How about seeing the Dome from the Tiber?
On a raft between paddles, our expert guides will tell stories and secrets of the city on a route from Scalo de Pinedo to Trastevere, passing near Castel sant'Angelo. There will also be rapids to tackle!
Here info and reservations

The activity is allowed only for those over 12 years old

8) The Appia Antica and the catacombs with children

Walking along the Appia Antica is like stepping back in time: the road paved as it was in Roman times, the large pine trees that bring shade even in summer and green meadows.
Countless historical and archaeological evidence can be found on what was called the "Regina Viarum," the queen of roads.
The Via Appia Antica, from Porta Capena (Piazzale Numa Pompilio) to the Locality Frattocchie/Santa Maria delle Mole and is 16 km long.

For the most part, the Appia Antica park is closed to traffic and can be traveled on foot or by bicycle.
You can choose to go on an independent tour by simply renting bikes or take a guided e-bike tour.
👉Appia Antica bike rental
👉group e-bike tour on the Appia Antica

Crossing the Appia Antica you will encounter the area of the catacombs.
In the catacombs early Christians would gather in great secrecy to pray and bury their loved ones. Now many of these catacombs can be visited and you can retrace an intricate, even several kilometers long, network of tunnels, tunnels and niches completely underground. The route is truly fascinating!
The itinerary can take a couple of hours.
👉Info and tickets for the catacombs of San Callisto, among the largest and most important in Rome.

Visiting the catacombs is not feasible in a stroller.
It is necessary to bring a sweater even in summer because the temperature in the undergrounds is lower than outside.

The Appia Antica

9) Discover the world of cinema at Cinecittà and Cinebimbicittà

Leaving the center of Rome you can head to Cinecittà and Cinebimbicittà.
Cinecittà is the birthplace of Italian cinema as well as international cinema, with film sets of productions from all over the world.
There are three exhibition routes through which one can learn about the history of the Studios and Italian and international Cinema. The first route is "Why Cinecittà," which allows people to learn about its birth, architectural design and the figure of Federico Fellini. The second route is "Touring Cinecittà," which leads to the discovery of the most important productions. Third and last is "Backstage," which makes visitors discover the professions related to cinema with four rooms dedicated to: directing, screenwriting, costumes and fiction, respectively.
Inside Cinecittà is also Cinebimbicittà for children from 5 to 11 years old with workshops, events and activities for young and old, the purpose is to bring them closer to the amazing world of cinema from an early age.
Here for tickets to the Cinecittà Studios

Cinecittà with kids

10) Playing in one of Rome's amusement parks

In the immediate surroundings of the capital there are amusement parks, water parks and adventure parks. So why not combine a visit to the monuments with a day at a park?
Among them:
👉 Cinecittà World is the amusement park dedicated to the world of cinema with 27 attractions, 7 shows a day and 6 themed areas inspired by the great movie generics.
👉Zoomarinecombines the fun of a park with a zoo where you can also see animal shows.
👉MagicLand with 38 rides and shows for the whole family. Of the 38 rides, 13 are created specifically for children, 12 for everyone. Among the attractions dedicated to the little ones is "playground" an indoor, heated area.

Here are all the amusement parks, water parks and adventure parks in Rome.

Some fun facts about Rome with children

Although this article is really long, we have left out so many things about Rome--how to tell them all? A book would not be enough!
So a few more little tidbits:
The Mouth of Truth is located on the pronaos of the church of Santa Maria in Cosmedin, legend has it that by sticking your hand in the mouth, it bites those who do not tell the truth...try to believe.
The most famous keyhole in Rome? It is the one at the gate of the Priory of the Knights of Malta on the Aventine Hill. Looking through the hole provides a wonderful view of St. Peter's Dome.
The view of Rome from the Janiculum is fascinating. If you go there at cocktail hour with the children you can enjoy the sunset, perhaps sipping a drink taken from the many kiosks.
The magic gate of Rome is located in Piazza Vittorio and is what remains of Villa Palombara. It is also known as the Porta Alchemica and apparently holds a coded message.

ALSO READ:
Castles to visit with children in Lazio
Amusement parks within walking distance of Rome.
Where to sleep in Rome with children.