Family-Friendly Activities in Rome
With its mighty monuments, creepy catacombs, and glorious food, Rome is a magical place for families. Romans, like all Italians, love children, and with a little imagination, you’ll find plenty to keep your kids entertained among the city’s ancient streets and historical ruins.
Is Rome Suitable for Kids?
Your children will love roaming around Rome. While child-specific attractions may be limited, tales of gladiators and heroic deeds can make historical sights feel like fantastical playgrounds. Moreover, technology plays a role, with several sites offering smartphone apps, interactive displays, and even VR headsets.
Away from the headline attractions, there are parks to explore and underground treasures to discover. Consequently, the food scene offers gelato and sliced pizza as perfect snacks, while restaurants are generally relaxed about accommodating young diners, often serving a mezza porzione (child’s portion).
However, navigating cobbled streets and out-of-order metro lifts can pose challenges with a stroller. Similarly, facilities like diaper-changing stations and public toilets are scarce.
Best Areas in Rome for Kids
The centro storico and ancient heart of the city harbor many top sights, as well as countless gelaterie and pizza takeaways. Villa Borghese stands out as a premier family-friendly spot, featuring a zoo, a small boating lake, and abundant picnic spots. In the Vatican, families can climb St Peter’s dome, while Via Appia Antica offers a scenic area for bike rides and catacomb exploration.
Exciting Activities for Babies and Toddlers
Fun in Villa Borghese
Villa Borghese, Rome’s central park, is perfect for little ones, offering several open-air playgrounds and a miniature train ride. Older kids can row on the lake and pedal around on bikes available for hire. Additionally, Rome’s zoo, the Bioparco, houses approximately 1200 animals, which guarantees excitement for young visitors.
An Urban Safari
For animal lovers, the colony of cats that roams among the ancient ruins at Largo di Torre Argentina is a must-see. You’ll also discover numerous animal sculptures scattered throughout the city, including an elephant near the Basilica di Santa Maria Sopra Minerva and lions on the Cordonata staircase.
A Rainy Day Museum Adventure
Explora – Museo dei Bambini di Roma, Rome’s dedicated museum for children, offers a colorful and interactive experience for kids under 12. With themed sections, interactive displays, and a play park, it promises to be a hit with your little ones.
Top Attractions for Children
Colosseum Adventures
Visiting the Colosseum is a captivating experience that delights children, especially when stories of gladiatorial combat and ferocious lions are shared. Tours of the hypogeum offer a glimpse of where the lions were caged, adding an exciting element to the visit.
Toss a Coin into the Trevi Fountain
The Trevi Fountain is a delightful spot where you can encourage your kids to toss coins into the water. Legend has it that throwing a coin ensures your return to the Eternal City, making it a fun tradition to practice.
Ascend St Peter’s in Vatican City
Most families will pass through Vatican City, where children can chase pigeons at St Peter’s Square and admire the Swiss Guards’ uniforms. Older children will appreciate climbing St Peter’s dome to enjoy breathtaking rooftop views, with equally stunning panoramas available at the nearby Castel Sant’Angelo.
Test Your Truthfulness at the Bocca della Verità
Tradition states that if you tell a lie with your hand in the Bocca della Verità, the mouth will shut, potentially biting off your hand! Afterward, head to the nearby Circo Massimo for a fun run-around and a picnic.
Engage with Technology at the Terme di Caracalla
If your children enjoy technology, consider a visit to the Terme di Caracalla, where augmented-reality headsets recreate the ancient baths complex as it appeared in the 3rd century. Interactive displays also breathe life into several underground Roman villas nearby.
Recommendations for Teens and Tweenagers
Views from the Vittoriano
Even the hardest-to-please teens will be impressed by the Vittoriano monument, which offers some of the best views in the capital. The 80m-high Terrazza delle Quadrighe provides breathtaking panoramas. To reach the top, take the lift on the western side of the structure.
Explore the Catacombs on the Appian Way
The Via Appia Antica is home to Rome’s best-known catacombs, entombing the early Christians who buried their dead there. Visiting these underground tunnels offers a wonderfully eerie experience, making it an exciting adventure for families.
Attend Gladiator School
Unleash your inner gladiator at a gladiator school in Rome, where young fans can don traditional garb and learn the art of combat under the guidance of experienced instructors.
Football Excitement at the Stadio Olimpico
For an unforgettable sporting experience, take teenagers to a match at the Stadio Olimpico. For a family-friendly atmosphere, opt for the central tribune sections, or explore options for stadium tours if you can’t attend a game.
Planning Tips for Family Trips
When choosing a place to stay, keep in mind that hotels in Rome generally have smaller rooms; however, many offer family-friendly accommodations. Plan and book early to secure the best options.
Public transport is free for children under 10, but be prepared for plenty of walking. A baby carrier is useful for infants, while a robust stroller is essential for toddlers. Additionally, consider bringing a reusable water bottle to refill at the nasoni, the drinking water fountains scattered throughout the city.
