Rome with Kids | Things to do in Rome | Walks of Italy

Rome may be known for ancient ruins, Renaissance art, and centuries of history, but it’s also a great destination for families. From thrilling stories of the Colosseum to parks, interactive museums, and hands-on cooking classes, the Eternal City offers plenty to keep kids entertained while giving parents an equally-as-memorable trip. 

The key to visiting Rome with kids is planning ahead. Since some experiences are better suited to families than others, we’ve put together a guide to help you make the most of your Roman getaway. 

Whether you’re traveling with toddlers, school-age children, or teenagers, read on and uncover the best ways to explore Rome with kids.

The mix of impressive and interesting architecture, art and stories of Rome´s past keeps all ages entertained

Which Experiences in Rome Are Most Family-Friendly?

Rome is packed with famous landmarks, historic sites and cultural experiences, but some are much easier to do with children than others. These family-friendly picks offer a mix of history, outdoor spaces, and interactive activities that will keep travelers of all ages engaged:

Discover Ancient Rome at the Colosseum

For many families, the Colosseum is the highlight of a trip to Rome, and the best way to visit the Colosseum with kids is by hopping on a kid-friendly tour. Led by expert guides who know how to keep younger visitors engaged, they’ll weave together fascinating facts, myths, and interactive moments that will help both kids and parents alike imagine what life was like nearly 2,000 years ago. 

Whether it be a more general tour or a tour that helps you experience the Colosseum like a gladiator, there are many options to choose from. If you’re planning to check it out, it’s worth taking some time to ensure that you get the right Colosseum tickets for your visit, as different ticket options include access to areas like the Roman Forum, Palatine Hill, and the Arena Floor. 

Parents also benefit from having someone else handle the logistics and provide historical context, making the visit more enjoyable for the whole family.

Kids will love discovering the Colosseum, and the stories of gladiators and wild animals that were part of the show!

Explore the Vatican Museums

At first glance, the Vatican Museums might not seem like the most obvious destination when you’re doing Rome with kids. But with the right approach, a visit to the Vatican can be one of the most memorable experiences of your trip. When visiting the Vatican with kids, focus on a handful of highlights that can spark children’s curiosity. 

Some of our favorites include:

• The Gallery of Maps – A large corridor with enormous hand-painted maps of Italy, which can feel like stepping into a giant storybook
• Gregorian Egyptian Museum – Complete with mummies and ancient artifacts, it’s often a hit with younger travelers
• St. Peter’s Square – The Vatican’s iconic square, where kids can spot the famous colorful Swiss Guards and enjoy the open space 
• Sistine Chapel – Michelangelo’s famous ceiling; even kids who aren’t art enthusiasts are often amazed by its enormous scale of Michelangelo’s famous ceiling 

Local expert guides know how to grasp the attention of younger visitors and enthral them with fun facts and stories

Unwind at Villa Borghese

If your family needs a break from Rome’s ancient ruins and busy streets, head to Villa Borghese, the city’s largest landscaped park. Just a short walk from the Spanish Steps, this green oasis is one of the best spots to check out in Rome with kids.

Once at Villa Borghese, there’s no shortage of family-friendly activities. Rent bikes to explore the park’s paths, or take a rowboat ride across the lake beneath the picturesque Temple of Aesculapius. 

You’ll also find several playgrounds, shaded picnic areas, cafés, and plenty of open space where kids can simply run around between sightseeing stops.

The park is also home to the renowned Borghese Gallery, which houses masterpieces by Bernini and Caravaggio. Even if your kids aren’t too fond of the museum, the gardens themselves are reason enough to visit.

Row row row your boat, on the lake in the Villa Borghese Gardens

Insider Tip: Villa Borghese is also home to Casina di Raffaello, a children’s activity center offering creative workshops, storytelling sessions, and hands-on activities for younger visitors. 

Meet Wildlife at the Bioparco di Roma

Also located within Villa Borghese, Bioparco di Roma is one of Europe’s oldest zoos and a favorite stop for families visiting Rome. Home to more than 200 species, it combines conservation and education with opportunities for kids to see their favorite species up close.

Here, kids can spot giraffes, elephants, lions, tigers, monkeys, reptiles, and colorful birds as they explore the spacious grounds, while interactive exhibits introduce them to wildlife conservation in a fun and engaging way.

The fortress of Castel San Angelo is a great historical playground for kids

Climb Castel Sant’Angelo

Part fortress, part castle, and part papal residence, Castel Sant’Angelo is one of Rome’s most family-friendly historic attractions. 

Kids can wander through tunnels and corridors, climb spiral staircases, explore ancient ramparts, and learn about the secret passages once used by popes escaping danger from the Vatican via the Passetto di Borgo.

Once you make your way to the top, you’ll find panoramic views over Rome, including St. Peter’s Basilica, the Tiber River, and many of the city’s renowned landmarks. It’s one of the best viewpoints in Rome and a great spot for family photos.

The Tiber River runs through Rome and offers more open space for kids to explore in the city

Make Your Own Roman-Pizza or Pasta

A pizza or pasta making class is a fun activity for the whole family, giving kids the chance to stretch fresh dough, create their own pizza, and learn the basics of Italy’s most iconic culinary traditions.

Many family-friendly classes are designed to keep younger participants engaged with simple, interactive steps that allow everyone to get involved. 

In our Mini Pizzaiolo experience, children and adults alike learn the secrets behind authentic Roman pizza, from shaping the dough to choosing their favorite toppings before watching their creations bake in a traditional pizza oven. 

Kids will love making their own pizza in a special Mini Pizzaioli class

How Do You Keep Kids Engaged While Sightseeing?

The key to sightseeing in Rome with children is balancing history with hands-on experiences. Rather than visiting museums all day, alternate iconic landmarks with parks, playgrounds, cooking classes, or gelato breaks. 

Family-friendly guided tours are another great option, as guides tailor stories and activities to younger travelers instead of overwhelming them with dates and historical facts. 

If you’re planning to visit the Colosseum, check out our guided tour options to bring ancient Rome to life through stories and interactive experiences kids will actually enjoy.

Gelato is a delicious treat for the big kids too!

Practical Tips for Exploring Rome with Kids

A little planning goes a long way when visiting Rome with kids. Keep these tips in mind to make sightseeing smoother for everyone:

• Start early: Head to popular attractions in the morning to avoid the biggest crowds and the midday heat, especially during summer.
• Plan regular breaks: Alternate museums and historic sites with parks, cafés, or gelato stops to give kids time to recharge.
• Bring water and snacks: You’ll find plenty of public drinking fountains (known as nasoni) throughout the city where you can refill your water bottle for free.
• Book tickets in advance: Reserving timed-entry tickets or guided tours helps you skip long lines. Check out our Rome tours and book ahead of time for a smoother, stress-free visit.

Head out in the morning to enjoy the piazzas when they are less crowded

FAQs – Rome with Kids

Is Rome stroller-friendly?

Rome is generally stroller-friendly, but do beware that many of the city’s historic streets are paved with cobblestones, and some older sites have uneven surfaces or stairs. A lightweight, foldable stroller is your best bet, especially if you plan to use public transportation

How many days do you need in Rome with kids?

Three to four days is ideal for most families. This gives you enough time to visit major sights like the Colosseum and Vatican Museums while leaving room for slower-paced activities such as exploring Villa Borghese, or taking a Roman cooking class.

What’s the best age to visit the Colosseum with children?

The Colosseum can be enjoyable for children of almost any age; younger children can also have a great time on a family-friendly guided tour, where interactive storytelling and games help bring the ancient amphitheater to life.

Join in a fun cookery class and your family will take home more than just recipes!

Whether your kids want to run around in a park, visit the zoo, pretend to be gladiators, or make their own pizza, Rome has something to delight every young explorer. Plan ahead and book a tour in advance to ensure that you get the most out of your visit to the Eternal City.