Planning a family trip to Rome, Italy, and are thinking about what to do in Rome with kids? Keep scrolling for my list of the best things to do in Rome with kids worth adding to your Italy itinerary!
This list of things to do in Rome with kids was written by family travel expert Marcie Cheung and contains affiliate links which means if you purchase something from one of my affiliate links, I may earn a small commission that goes back into maintaining this blog.
Want to take your family on a vacation to the Italian capital but need to know if there are enough things to do with kids in Rome?
It’s the eternal city! There are endless kids’ activities in Rome for children of all ages.
It’s one of the most popular cities in the world for international tourists. Rome would be seriously behind the times if there weren’t any facilities, child-friendly activities, and museum tours that provided some fun in Rome for children.
No matter which season you’re traveling in, visiting Rome with kids is always a good idea.
This is a list of the top must-do activities and fun things for kids to do in Rome. It includes a mix of museums, top landmarks, fun activities, and Roman adventures that the whole family will enjoy!
Don’t have time to read a bunch of Rome blog posts and reviews? Here are some of our top picks for visiting Rome with kids.
Popular Rome Tours/Activities
- Golf Cart Tour (this is a great way to sightsee without having to walk everywhere)
- Skip-The-Line Colosseum for Families Tour (definitely the way to go)
- Rome Gladiator School (seriously, the best Rome activity for my kids)
- Family Vatican Highlight Scavenger Hunt (great way to keep kids engaged)
- Rome Tour for Kids with Gelato & Pizza (tasty tour for families)
- Flytographer photo shoot (they are easy to book and really affordable)
Kid-Friendly Rome Hotels
- Parlamento Boutique Hotel (easy walk to the Trevi Fountain and has free WiFi and A/C)
- Il Campo Marzio (easy walk to Trevi Fountain and Pantheon and has free WiFi and A/C)
- Charme Spagna Boutique Hotel (they have a family suite and have free WiFi and A/C)
- Hotel Scalinata di Spagna (offers free breakfast, A/C, and WiFi)
- Hotel Manfredi Suite in Rome (great location with lots of family rooms, free WiFi and A/C)
25 Things To Do in Rome With Kids
Kid-Friendly Tour of the Colosseum
Visiting the Colosseum is one of the top things to do in Rome, Italy with kids or without them. This ancient Roman amphitheater is one of the seven wonders of the world and you absolutely cannot visit Rome without seeing it.
First things first, the line for Colosseum tickets can get very long in peak times and seasons. Don’t watch your kids get crankier and crankier standing around in the hot sun.
Either book tickets in advance or book a kid-friendly tour of the Colosseum. These tours are suitable for children aged 6+ and focus on the more exciting stories of the Colosseum’s history concerning lions, fights, and more.
It’s the best way for kids to learn about ancient Rome. Check the latest rates and availability.
Scavenger Hunt Tour of Rome
Walking tours are a great way to learn a lot about a new city in a short space of time. But kids might tune out when the guide starts talking about architectural styles and other less engaging topics.
Another way to explore the city that’s fun for kids in Rome is to follow a scavenger hunt. These are family tours that engage kids of all ages.
You can download maps or an app that will give you clues you need to figure out as a family to hunt down symbols on some of the city’s top landmarks. Check the latest rates and availability.
Castel Sant’Angelo
Wondering what to do in Rome with kids that are already child-friendly without needing special maps or tour guides? Head to Castel Sant’Angelo!
This 2nd-century castle almost never has long lines (especially if you visit later in the day) and your kids can run around as they please. Plus, there are beautiful views from the rooftop. Check the rates for skip-the-line tickets.
Percy Jackson Tour of the Capitoline Museums
If your children love the Percy Jackson books, then you need to book this unique tour of the Capitoline Museums.
You’ll all learn about Roman mythology as well as the mythology of the series and it’s definitely one of the top things to do in Rome with kids. Check the latest rates and availability.
Book a Family Photo Shoot
Whenever we travel, we almost always book a family photo shoot with Flytographer. They are super easy, affordable, AND guarantee that I’ll be in some photos. You can get $25 off if you book through this link or use the code HAWAIITRAVEL.
Museum of Illusions
Another great museum to visit in Rome for children is the Museum of Illusions. Close to Termini Station, this museum has lots of cool, interactive visual and physical exhibits that will blow your mind and bend your reality.
Visit the Pantheon on a Rainy Day
If you need to know what to do with kids in Rome on a rainy day, you should go to the Pantheon. This Catholic church was once a pagan temple dating with a hole in the domed roof so worshippers could see the sun.
This means that when it rains, it pours through the ceiling! Your kids have probably never seen rain indoors before so they might find it pretty cool. Here’s a cheap audio tour.
Skip-the-Line St Peter’s Basilica
Saving a few pennies on advanced tickets is what not to do in Rome. When you’re stood at the back of a 90+ minute line in the baking sun, you’d pay anything to get out of it!
St Peter’s Basilica in the Vatican is one of the largest churches in Europe and a must-see during your Rome vacation.
It’s also free to visit, but it’s well worth booking a skip-the-line tour so you can free up time to do more fun things in Rome. Check out my full guide to visiting the Vatican with kids.
Throw Coins in the Trevi Fountain
One of the top free things to do in Rome is to visit the Trevi Fountain. Yes, it’s always busy but you have to do it and it’s actually quite cool to be standing in front of the actual Trevi Fountain.
Give your kids one coin each to throw into the fountain to guarantee that they will return to Rome someday. This is one of the best kid friendly attractions in Rome that is FREE!
Museum Leonardo Da Vinci Experience
Almost every major city in Italy has a Leonardo da Vinci museum, and Rome is no different.
It’s one of the best things to do in Rome for kids because the famous 15th-century artist and inventor created lots of fun gadgets.
As well as original paintings, there are also replicas of his machines your kids can try out in this museum. Check museum entry rates.
Explora (Children’s Museum)
Yes, there is an actual museum that is full of children’s activities in Rome! Almost all of Explora’s exhibits are interactive and it encourages hands-on learning.
Plus, you won’t have to worry about your kids running too fast or being too loud because it’s completely expected at the Explora Children Museum.
Visit a Cat Colony
Do you keep furry friends at home or do your children love animals? There are tons of cat colonies around the city including the Torre Argentina Cat Sanctuary where your children can attempt to stroke the cats.
This site is also where Julius Caesar was killed, so it’s a historical place as well as one of the best things for kids to do in Rome.
Pizza-Making Class
One of the best things for kids to do in Italy, not just in Rome, is to go to a pizza-making class. This isn’t just one of the fun things for kids in Rome but for adults too.
This cooking class is a great way to bring a piece of Italian culture home with you as you’ll be able to make pizza after your vacation. Check the latest rates and availability.
Watch a Soccer Game at Stadio Olimpico
Do your kids play soccer or just love sports? One of the most amazing things to see in Rome with kids is a soccer game at Stadio Olimpico.
Soccer games are super safe to attend in Italy. Italians are far more likely to end up in a bakery after a game than in a bar, especially an afternoon game.
Plus, your kids won’t be able to understand Italian curse words that fans might like to shout at other teams! Win-win.
Roman Gladiator School
Without a doubt, one of the best Rome kids’ activities is attending gladiator school. For a few hours, your kids will go through gladiator ‘training’ and get their own gladiator name. Check out our review here.
There’s also a super cute graduation ceremony and they get a certificate too. Plus, your kids can brag that they are Roman gladiators! Check the latest rates and availability.
Private Family Tour of the Vatican Museums
The Vatican Museums are a must-visit for anyone visiting Rome (especially the Sistine Chapel) but the buildings are absolutely huge. And yup, you guessed it, the lines can be ridiculous without advance tickets.
Book a private family tour of the Vatican Museums to avoid some of the chaos and see exhibits that are more interesting for kids rather than wandering around aimlessly. Check the latest rates and availability.
Visit Children’s Bookshops
Rome has lots of adorable bookshops with children’s books in English. Visiting them is one of the best things to do in Rome with toddlers as they offer some quiet respite from the bustle of the city.
Two great children’s bookshops in Rome include The Little Reader and Otherwise Bookshop.
Rome Zoo at Villa Borghese
Villa Borghese is a beautiful hilly park offering stunning views across Rome and The Vatican. It just so happens to be where you’ll also find the Rome Zoo.
There are elephants, komodo dragons, and other exotic species. They even offer summer camps for children as well as animal feeding sessions. Check the latest rates and availability.
Eat Gelato at Il Gelato di San Crispino
One of the unmissable, top fun things for kids to do in Italy is to sample as much gelato as possible. Well, that’s fun for anyone, not just kids.
Attempt to steer them away from artificially-colored gelato to homemade and fresher gelato in silver bowls. Il Gelato di San Crispino is one example of a great gelateria in a touristed place (by the Trevi Fountain) that sells fresh gelato.
Day Trip to the Beach
Wondering what to do in Italy with kids when it’s just too hot to explore a city? Do what you would do at home and head to the beach.
Ostia is the closest beach to Rome and where a lot of Roman families visit on the weekends. There’s a promenade, lots of bars and restaurants, and it’s very family-friendly.
Tiber River Cruise
Walking tours tire out young kids but river cruises are perfect Italy activities for kids of all ages.
Hop on a cruise of the River Tiber that flows through Rome and see the beauty of Rome from a new perspective. Check the latest rates and availability.
Planetario di Roma
Located in the Museum of Roman Civilisation is the Rome Planetarium. You and your kids can learn about the stars, constellations, and how the Ancient Romans used the stars in their everyday life.
Mosaic Workshop
Mosaic is an art form that has been utilized for thousands of years and most prominently by the Ancient Romans. Your arty kids can learn more about this historic art and even create a piece of mosaic themselves.
Don’t book a workshop for the last day of your trip! The mosaic needs time to set so you’ll have to wait one day before you can pick it up. Check the latest rates and availability.
Luneur Amusement Park
Sometimes, nothing is more fun for kids than a good old-fashioned amusement park. Luneur is just a metro ride south of the city and boasts water slides, a Ferris wheel, and rollercoasters for kids of all ages.
Picnic at Villa Doria Pamphili
Eating at restaurants for every meal can get a little exhausting (not to mention expensive!) when you have young kids.
One of the best places to eat in Rome with a toddler or pre-school-aged kid is the garden at Villa Doria Pamphili.
You can pack a picnic and enjoy walking along a nature trail afterward.
Art and Seek Workshops and Tours
Art and Seek is a cultural organization in Rome that plans workshops, art tours, and activities for children in Rome. They cater to local kids as well as international visitors so check their schedule to see if they have anything fun planned while on your vacation.
Things To Do in Rome With Kids FAQs
Is Rome a good place to take kids?
Absolutely! Rome is a great place to take kids. Many of the top things to do in Rome, Italy are already child-friendly and exciting places to take your kids.
Some of the fun family things to do in Rome include family-specific museum and attraction tours. There are also lots of open spaces and the food in Rome for kids is perfect for even the pickiest eaters.
Yes, it is a big city with lots of cobblestone streets and it might be difficult to get around Rome with toddlers and babies with a stroller.
But as long as you don’t overplan your itinerary, you can visit the city at your own pace. And if you have older kids, you can use the metro or even hop on the electric bikes or scooters you’ll find everywhere to get around.
What area in Rome is best with kids?
Two of the best neighborhoods to stay in Rome with children are the Pantheon and Piazza Navona in the Centro Storico (historic center).
Both of these neighborhoods are located to many of the main landmarks so you won’t have to spend precious time getting in and out of the city. Plus, you’ll avoid a lot of the late-night noise from neighborhoods like Travastere.
How long do you need in Rome with kids?
If you want to visit Rome with kids but don’t want them to get bored of exploring, three days in Rome is about the right amount of time.
Three days means you have enough time to do all the awesome fun things to do in Rome like explore the Vatican, see the Colosseum, throw a coin in the Trevi Fountain, and hit up a museum or two.
It also gives you time for a wild card, like attending gladiator school or a gelato-making class.
You could book four days in Rome if you wanted to take a day trip.
What are some free things to do in Rome with kids?
Rome offers plenty of free family friendly activities that are both fun and educational for kids. You can do a scavenger hunt for animal statues, see the Spanish Steps, throw coins in the Trevi Fountain (the most famous fountain in Rome), walk around St Peter’s Square, and so much more!
Is Rome or Paris better for kids?
Personally, we love doing family trips to both cities. School age kids who are learning about Ancient Rome will get a kick out of visiting Rome. It’s easy to bring Roman history to life by visiting ancient ruins, seeing statues of historical figures, and walking around the Rome city center.
Paris is fun for younger kids who want to ride on carousels and older children who want to see impressionist art. Plus, you can visit Monet’s gardens at Giverny, see the Palace of Versailles, check out the Louvre, and so much more.
How do I plan a trip to Rome with kids?
Planning a trip to Rome with kids can be both exciting and challenging. Look for hotels or apartments that offer family rooms, cribs, or extra beds.
Rome is full of amazing historic sites and cultural attractions, but not all of them are suitable for children. Consider visiting child-friendly attractions such as the Colosseum (an ancient Roman stadium), the Roman Forum, the Vatican City, or the Explora Children’s Museum.
Is Borghese Gardens kid friendly?
Yes, Borghese Gardens, also known as Villa Borghese, is a great destination for families with kids. It has a cool playground, a zoo, and a place to rent rowboats.
Is there a place for rowing boats in Rome?
Yes, there are several places where you can rent rowing boats in Rome. One of the most popular locations is the Lake in Villa Borghese, a beautiful park in the heart of Rome.
Are Rome’s catacombs kid friendly?
Visiting Rome’s catacombs can be a unique and educational experience for kids, but it’s important to keep in mind that the catacombs may not be suitable for all children. The catacombs can be dark, narrow, and cramped, which may be frightening or uncomfortable for young children.
Are the Vatican gardens worth seeing with kids?
Yes, the Vatican Gardens are worth seeing with kids. The gardens cover an area of about 57 acres and are home to many beautiful fountains, sculptures, and plants. Some of the highlights of the Vatican Gardens that kids might enjoy include the Pigna Fountain, the Sphinxes, and the Belvedere Courtyard.
Can kids climb St. Peter’s Dome?
Yes, kids can climb St. Peter’s Dome. The climb is not strenuous, but it is a bit of a challenge for younger children. The stairs are narrow and winding, and there are a lot of them. And kids must be at least 6 years old.
What are some family friendly restaurants in Rome?
Emma Pizzeria is a popular and delicious family-friendly restaurant in the heart of Rome. Trattoria Sora Lella is a casual, family-friendly restaurant in the Trastevere neighborhood. Osteria dell’Angelo is a charming, family-friendly restaurant in the Piazza Navona.
What are some filming sites from Roman Holiday?
Roman Holiday is a classic romantic comedy film that was released in 1953, starring Audrey Hepburn and Gregory Peck. The movie was set in Rome and featured many iconic landmarks and filming locations such as the Spanish Steps, the Colosseum, the Mouth of Truth, and Castel Sant’Angelo.
Things To Do in Rome With Kids Wrap Up
No matter whether you’re traveling for three days, five days, or even longer, there are plenty of things to do in Rome with kids.
Italians also love children so you’ll have no problems taking them into restaurants or cafes either.
And when those little legs get tired, you can just take the metro!
Though visiting Rome with kids isn’t without its challenges, the exciting attractions mean the pros of traveling to Rome with children far outweigh the cons.
Looking for more Rome travel resources? Find out the most Instagrammable spots in Rome, my top Rome travel tips, how to spend 3 days in Rome with kids, how to book a Rome photography session, where to stay in Rome with kids, best Rome day trips, is it worth visiting the Vatican with kids, how to become a gladiator for a day, best Rome tours for kids, what Italy is known for, how to spend 10 days in Italy with kids, Europe travel tips, tips for visiting Italy with kids, and secret spots in Rome Italy!
