Family-friendly activities: Things to do in Rome with kids– what to do with kids
Looking for things to do in Rome with kids? Rome is more than museums and old ruins. Show the kids what old really means. The Colosseum, Palatine Hills, and Forum still stand after almost 2,000 years and the Vatican, Sistine Chapel, and St. Peter’s Basilica are not much younger. However, Rome is not just history.
Rome’s attractions and activities spark imagination and fun. Discover old-fashioned fun at San Carlino’s puppet theater. Learn authentic pizza or pasta making at a local ristorante. Take on a treasure hunt through the Vatican. Imagine flying da Vinci’s inventions at Palazzo della Cancelleria. And after seeing art, create art. Try some papier-mâché sculpting or watercolors at the Galleria Nazionale d'Arte Moderna. There is so much more to try when in Rome for the whole family.
Where can the entire family have fun in Rome?
Journey through fun and learning in Rome and go for more than just the typical attractions.
Visit the Villa Borghese: More than just a park
Rome takes its gardens seriously when it comes to relaxation and fun. More than just greenery and statues, you and your family can walk on the wild side. The petting zoo has peacocks, penguins, and more for the kids to get close to nature. The Casina di Raffaello has toys and costumes for play and dress up. You can even ride a bike as the whole family by renting a two-, four-, or six-seater bike. The park is almost 200 acres, so a bike may be a good idea. Try and find the Secret Gardens or feed the swans from a rowboat.
Visit Explora Children’s Museum: Kids learn through fun
Take a break from history at Explora, and get the kids involved in the real world. Fully interactive, they might not realize they’re learning while they’re having fun! They can operate a train and learn about transport, go grocery shopping and learn to be a bargain hunter, or even go fishing and learn about ecology. Every child must be accompanied by an adult, so you can participate with them. Everyone gets to learn! There are activities suitable for infants to pre-teens (12 years old). Keep in mind that visits are sometimes limited to about 2 hours to prevent over-crowding.
Visit Welcome to Rome: Time travel with the family
Today, you and your family walk by ruins. Take a tour back in time to their heyday and watch history unfold. A multimedia show will enthrall the kids as they learn and see Rome built before their eyes. Then watch it burn and then get rebuilt. Almost 3,000 years pass by in about 30 minutes. Then check out the interactive exhibitions of St. Peter’s, Castel Sant'Angelo, and more. Recommended for 6 years and older, this is ideal for a break from walking or from the heat if you’re there in the summer.
Visit Gruppo Storico Romano: Test fighting skills at gladiator school
After touring the Colosseum, see if you and your kids have combat skills. Put on a tunic and live like a gladiator at Gruppo Storico Romano. There’s nothing like living history to learn about the past! Safely learn sword fighting, then take to the ring. This is recommended for older children and adults, but there’s seating in the arena. Cheer on your favorite fighter and watch them graduate with a gladiator certificate!
Visit the squares of Rome: Search for animals in the fountains
Make strolls through the squares, or piazzas, and fountains a safari. The kids may discover a love for art or at least enjoy the walks a bit more. Turtles and dolphins play at the Fontana delle Tartarughe (Fountain of the Turtles) in Piazza Mattei. The elephant in Piazza di Santa Maria sopra Minerva looks like it has a secret. Lions fill Fontana del Mosè (Fountain of Moses) at the Piazza San Bernardo. And of course, there are the winged horses and sea creatures at the Trevi Fountain. Don’t forget to toss in a coin for good luck!
What should I expect when visiting Rome with my kids?
Rome is very much a walking city, but some of the streets aren’t that stroller friendly. You may want to consider a wearable carrier instead. Museums and other attractions should have coat rooms to store bags and strollers, but you should check with your guide. As you wander through the squares, you may need some, well, relief. Look for a p-spot. Yes, that’s what they are called. These are set up all over the city and for a small fee, you can use the facilities – water fountains, bathrooms, and baby changing stations. They are extremely welcoming and there’s even free Wi-Fi.