How to visit Rome with kids – from small to teenagers

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Travel to Rome with kids takes some planning. Depending on their ages, it's best to alternate a museum or cathedral with the zoo, lots of gelato, a street art tour or an amusement park.
Feel free to add your own experiences in the comments and help other families on vacation experience Rome to the fullest!

This is a long read with dozens of tips for visiting Rome with kids. We have divided it into:

• Tips for very small children
• Tips for 5-11 year olds
• Tips for teenagers
• Address list of amusement parks, theme parks and playgrounds
• Address list for toy stores, fashion for kids, specialty stores
• Address list for eating out with kids
• Address list for miscellaneous things to do

Rome with kids: Tips for TINY TOTS

When traveling to Italy, just know that the youngest of kids want to chase pigeons in the piazzas (squares), play in the parks and eat gelato – not necessarily in that order. So, we like to suggest our favorite spots for kids to romp. But that doesn’t mean they can’t be escorted into a museum and enjoy some of the sights there as well.

Parks in Rome

Villa Borghese - Our number one child-friendly destination! Especially just above Piazza del Popolo on the Pincio Hill…Here, you’ll find a merry-go-round, a rowing pond, pedal carts for the whole family, and the Zoo. There’s even a sort of “train” to take you around.

Villa Celimontana - Not only hosting jazz music every night during the summer, with light food and drinks – during the day, you’ll find a luscious park with a children’s play area and pony rides, too.

Not far is another playground nearer the Colosseum that is also fun for Rome with kids.

Or for those staying right in town, the Circus Maximus is a great space to let your kids roam in Rome. Our favorite hotel, Hotel Kolbe has a private garden where kids can play safely, just a stone’s throw from the Circus Maximus. And if you're there in May, you can have a stroll through the lovely Rose Garden right nearby.

Kids' activities

Explora is a hands-on learning center located close to Piazza del Popolo

In the heart of Villa Borghese is the Casina di Raffaello, a tidy villa where you’ll find toys and activities, too.  A good place to go on a rainy day.

Up above Trastevere on the Gianiculum Hill, aside from getting a glorious viewpoint, there’s a small puppet theater where kids can enjoy old-time antics.

Tips for visiting Rome with kids ages 5-11

Public Transportation

Yes, you read that right. Some children fall in love with the transportation options going around the city. Here are our favorites (forget the city buses, which are an adventure in itself for some, but generally, I don't recommend them):

Tram No. 03 - Takes you pretty much “everywhere” if your kids are in for a ride for a loop around town.

City Sightseeing or Bus 110, Hop-on / Hop-off buses - This is a terrific way to see the city, getting off at all the major sights and covering a lot more terrain without having to drag your kids from place to place. The ticket also gives you free transport on public buses (!) and the metro (subway) system. But don’t bother with the tiresome audioguides - they barely work anyway - and just sit back and enjoy the sights.

Tiber (Tevere) Boat - This operates off of Ponte Sisto near Trastevere, going down to Ostia, with other ad hoc operators offering short trips running toward the Castel Sant’Angelo. The problem is…no one fully knows when they’re actually in operation. So, Caveat Emptor!

Train to Ostia Antica - Always a favorite with kids and in just 20 mins you’re there, leaving from the Ostia Lido station right near the Pyramid. Tickets are just €1.50 for anyone over 12. From there, the beach is nearby with beach clubs you can enter for the day (or access public beaches, but no umbrellas and lounge chairs) if you get off at Ostia Lido or Castel Fusano.

Activities in Rome Center

Leonardo Da Vinci Exhibition of all his machines and more! Near Piazza Navona / Campo dei Fiori in Piazza della Cancelleria

Cat Sanctuary in Largo Argentina (also close to Pantheon)

Castel Sant' Angelo - Go up on the roof and down in the dungeons (extra ticket needed) for some good fun around Emperor Hadrian’s Mausoleum turned Castle. Fun place for Rome with kids.

Multimedia Rome Experience Show -A new show near Piazza Navona, but we haven’t seen it just yet (stay tuned for our review) located on one of the main streets of Rome, Via Vittorio Emanuele.

And newly opened! The Circus Maximus Experience - right in the place of the same name...! Virtual tour in 7 languages

Pyramid Tour - Tours offered rarely, but well worth it. Not so far from Circus Maximus • Ask us to book tickets This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

Villa Borghese - Up on the Pincio Hill, you can find go-carts and Segways and bicycles for rent!

Activities on the Appian Way (Via Appia Antica)

Yes, this is Rome, too, and an ideal adventure for relaxing out of the heat of Rome with kids.

Slightly outside the city walls, it’s a wonderful way to get out of the hustle bustle of Rome with kids and enjoy a different Italian experience.

Museo della Mura - Here, you can venture inside the actual walls of Ancient Rome, to what was once a fortified defensive post protecting the city. From here, you can walk up the Appian Way (or grab a quick bus - be sure to download the Citymapper app) and you’re on your way! You can eat at trattorie along the way, or just stop in a cool garden for a cold drink.

Gladiator School - Always book in advance

In Spring and Summer, you may be able to catch a glimpse of an Ancient Roman village setting up in the Circus of Massenzio (Massentius) along the way! Especially on April 25, the day we choose to celebrate Rome’s founding.

The Catacombs - There are various options here: San Domitilla • San Sebastiano (very small) • San Calisto (organized group tours in your language)

Renting bicycles / horseback riding

Further out:

The Butterfly House https://www.lacasadellefarfalleonline.it/info

Aqueduct Park: See the ancient aqueducts - a lovely place for a photo shoot! [Ask us to set up a sunset shoot for your family!]

Rome with kids: Tips for teenagers

Aside from visiting museums and gaining some knowledge and enthusiasm on life in ancient Rome, or the artists and patrons who made it great over time, there are some older kid-friendly things to do in and out of Rome. Be sure to look at the listing above, too, as we have many overlaps!

Dome of St. Peters - Not for the faint of heart! But climb up and enjoy the view….

Catacombs (see above)

Cappuccini Monks chapel - Also not for the faint of heart…Right on the Via Veneto, you can see the skeletons of thousands of friars put to use as interior décor…

Bike rental in Villa Borghese or on the Appian Way (We never recommend bike / cart rentals in the Rome City Center)

Riding down the Via Appia or down by Ponte Marconi along the Tiber River

Multimedia light show at Trajan's Forum  Shows nightly starting at 9pm lasting 40 minutes.

NEW! Rome's premier Skate Park with a backdrop of the Colosseum. Built for the World Street Skateboarding competitions, you can have every photo an amazing shot. Located on the Colle Opio, one of the 7 hills of Rome and just in front of the Colosseum, opening days/times are still an unknown. But it's there and we can't wait! 

Activities outside of Rome

EUR Adventure Park (Metro Subway accessible) https://www.eurpark.it

EUR Lake  boat rentals, gelato, good eateries and a public pool (Piscina delle Rose) and more!

EUR Lunapark amusement park

Cinecittà World amusement park / movie studios

Rainbow Magicland (Valmontone)

Tivoli Terme • Acque Albule Rome Thermal Baths - large cool pools to spend the day and really chill out! 

ASK US! To book a day out or a MOSAICS LAB or COOKING COURSE • VISIT an ART RESTORATION Lab • Do a Sketch Tour or Photography lesson around Rome | This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. 

Special dates when in Rome with kids

• April 25 - Rome birthday celebrations
• June 29 - Fireworks display in front of Castel Sant’ Angelo to celebrate the Feast Day of Saints Peter & Paul
• Estate Romana - All summer long you'll find free concerts, shows, and stalls and eateries extending along the Tiber River and on the Isola Tiberina (Tiber Island) 

Theme parks and playgrounds

Magic Rainbowland (Valmontone): Located in Valmontone, a city just outside of Rome. Open: 10 months a year. Admission: €49.90 Website: www.magicland.it Book online in advance.

Oasipark:  Open daily from 9:30 - 20:00, closed between 13:00 - 15:00 on weekdays. Admission free. 5000 m2 Fun for the whole family.

Hydromania:, Large Water Park near Rome. Open: daily from May - September.

Ancient Rome Park: Visit the website (which is a bit cluttered and only partially in English) to find out what's on the program. You can also book for the Gladiator school here.

Bioparco: The Rome Zoo is located in Villa Borghese Park is one of the oldest zoos in Europe and houses over 1,000 animals.
Open: daily from 9 to 17.00 (winter) and 18.00 (summer). Admission from €13.50 for an adult and €11.50 for children over 12 years of age or taller than 1 meter. Children shorter than 1 meter are free.
Book in advance to get better rates. At the box office (last minute and space available) tickets cost €9 and 65+ year-olds on Wednesdays pay only €9.

V.le del Giardino Zoologico, 20, 00197 Roma RM

Tiber Village: Rome with kids is good for the "Urban Beach," an artificial beach along the banks of the Tiber near the Ponte Sant'Angelo called Tiber Village. Open: mid-June to mid-September between 10:30 and 20:00. The pool closes at 6:30 pm but the bars and restaurant remain open for the popular "happy hour". Ideal for escaping the heat of the city. (Not known if this will reopen in 2022). Just don't try going in the river! It is extremely dangerous.

Concerts for children: The Auditorium Parco della Musica sometimes offers special concerts for children.

Casina di Raffaello: Located in Villa Borghese, especially for young children (ages 3-10) a paradise to play outside and inside (if it rains) with a theater and other creative workshops. Open: Daily (except Monday) from 10 to 19.00. Outside free, inside 3 € entrance.

Cinecittà World - Italy's 'Hollywood on the Tiber' studio grounds and amusement park doesn't disappoint. And this year, they've added a new area, Aquaworld  where, when the temps go into the hundreds (or hit 40ºC) you can have fun cooling off.

Toy stores, fashion for kids, specialty shops

Polvere di Tempo: A store in the Trastevere neighborhood full of curiosities, like a warehouse for Harry Potter movies. A paradise for small (and big) globetrotters.

Campo dei Fiori: In the Piazza Campo dei Fiori, daily except Sunday from 8am to 1pm. Open air market of vegetables, fruits, clothes, cheese, flowers and masses of Italians all ready to admire your kids and/or dogs.

Pinco Pallino: Via Vittoria (closed) This is the ultimate store for little princesses but it has unfortunately closed due to the pandemic. The brand is still available in outlets and online.

Al Sogno: a historic toy store in the capital. The store is located in one of the most beautiful and famous squares in the world, Piazza Navona, in the beating heart of Rome, a destination for every tourist and visitor. In the store, time seems to have stood still. You will be taken into an enchanting and amazing world, a world inhabited by dolls, fairies, gnomes and fantasy figures. You can visit the museum and the doll and toy hospital, which are open non-stop from May to October from 10:00 to 22:00.

A.S. Roma: Football fans, this is the official online store of A.S. Roma

Eating in Rome with kids

Il Forno: On the Campo dei Fiori, next to the La Carbonara restaurant, one of the best pizza (and delicious bread) bakeries in Rome.

Buccianti's: near the Pantheon, one of Rome's most famous ice cream parlors. A visit to Rome is not complete without an ice cream at this gelateria.

Tre Scalini: restaurant & gelateria in the center of Rome on the famous Piazza Navone, especially known for its desserts and ice cream menu (or for parents - truffle dishes).

Other attractions in Rome

Largo Argentina cat sanctuary: Petting and viewing cats, English-speaking volunteers explain. Donations appreciated.

Colosseum: Of all the many sights, we will just mention this one, the list would get too long for this article. Many families prefer to admire it from the outside.

Roma Archaeologica Card: Rome with kids can still turn out to be financially challenging, but buying a multi-ticket for most of the sights in advance will save money and you won't have to stand in line. (Check if it is again available on line). 

Fountains: Other than the Trevi Fountain, there are masses of fountains that children love. But remember, no matter how hot you are, it is strictly forbidden to put your feet (or fingers!) in the water – and there is a hefty fine if you get caught.

Christmas in Rome: If you're in Rome with kids in December, be sure to take them to see the most beautiful nativity scene in St. Peter's Square.

Or Piazza Navona's market in the city center

Take in an extraordinary light show at the Botanical Garden or in the Villa Borghese park! But be sure to book in advance.