Things to do in Rome with kids

From opportunities for littles one to unleash their inner gladiator, to creepy catacombs and activity-packed parks, Rome is loaded with fun things to do with kids of all ages. That said, it takes a little planning to make the most of your time in the city in ways that’ll keep everyone happy. Read on to discover how to do exactly that in our guide to things to do in Rome with kids.

Is Rome suitable for kids?

Offering a huge variety of activities and attractions that cater to different age groups, Rome is a wonderful place to travel with kids — from energetic toddlers, to tricky-to-please teenagers.

If you're thinking of taking a family trip to the Eternal City, you’ll be pleased to know that when it comes to the essentials, Rome deliveries on every front. 

First up — accommodation. You can take your pick from hotels equipped with the likes of family rooms, cots and high chairs, or apartments with multiple bedrooms, cooking facilities and a washing machine. 

When it comes to eating out, Rome’s cafés and restaurants are typically very welcoming of kids, with stacks of family-run pizzerias and trattorias.

We share more general tips for travelling with kids in Rome later. In the meantime, dive into our run-down of the best things to do in Rome with kids of different ages. 

Fancy taking a trip to the Eternal City with your family? For inspiration, read up on the best things to do in Rome, and browse our customisable itineraries

Rome with infants and toddlers

Chances are, if you’re travelling to Rome with infants and toddlers, you’ll be mindful of the fact they need space to explore and unleash their energy.

So, be sure to include Villa Borghese in your trip itinerary. This beautiful large park is perfect for little ones to run around. It has playgrounds, a boating lake, and plenty of shaded areas for picnics.

Add to that Rome’s zoo, a miniature train ride, and mini bikes available to hire, and Villa Borghese amounts to an all-round child pleasing part of town.

With epic views and a wonderful traditional outdoor puppet theatre, Gianicolo Hill is another great place to go with younger kids. 

Back on the streets of the centre of town, Piazza Navona is spacious and lively, with fountains and street performers to entertain young children.

Rome with pre-teen kids

Being a veritable living outdoor museum of thrilling ancient history, of all age groups, pre-teen kids might just get the most from visiting Rome.

For example, you could book a fun family-friendly tour of the Colosseum that includes engaging stories and hands-on activities. Or how about enrolling them on a gladiator school experience?

Exploring the Roman Forum and Palatine Hill is another top way for kids to get up close to the past and imagine what life was like in ancient Rome. It’s also a beautiful open space with space for them to let off steam.

If the weather takes a turn for the worse, visit Time Elevator Rome — a fabulous 5D cinematic experience that takes visitors on a virtual journey through Rome’s history — or The Children’s Museum of Rome. This hands-on museum boasts a bounty of interactive exhibits that are fun and educational.

Finally, for something to please everyone, you could take a gelato-making class, or simply enjoy sampling different flavors at local gelaterias.

Rome with teenagers  

When it comes to the best things to do in Rome with teenagers, taking a Segway tour is a fun way to see the city, no matter where their interests lie. You can glide through historic sites, including the Vatican, with its stunning architecture and art collections.

The same goes for exploring the Roman catacombs. Here, beneath the bustling streets, a labyrinth of burial chambers, tunnels, and crypts reveal the city's early Christian heritage in creepy style.

But Rome’s not all about the past. Teenagers might also love cool neighborhoods like Trastevere and Ostiense — expect vibrant cafés, shops, and street art.

Meanwhile, sporty teenagers could kayak the Tiber or watch a footie match at the Stadio Olimpico. If you can’t get a ticket or aren’t in town when a match is on, you could always opt for a stadium tour.

Where to stay in Rome with kids

When it comes to deciding where to stay in Rome with kids, you’ll want to consider areas that offer easy access to family-friendly attractions, parks, and convenient transportation options. 

Here’s an overview of the best areas to stay in Rome that deliver on all those fronts.

Centro Storico 

If you opt to stay in the Centro Storico, you’ll be within walking distance of many major attractions, among them the Pantheon, Piazza Navona, Trevi Fountain. and Campo de' Fiori.

This area is also packed with cafes, restaurants, and gelaterias that cater to families, and also has lots of pedestrian zones.

• Rhome Colosseum: Rhome Colosseum offers accommodation in Rome, a 13-minute walk from Palatine Hill and half a mile from Cavour Metro Station. The air-conditioned apartment is an 8-minute walk from Santa Maria Maggiore.
• Lilium Boutique Hotel: Hotel Lilium is located on the third floor of an elegant building from the early 20th century. All its air-conditioned rooms are uniquely decorated with flowers. Termini Train Station is a 10-minute walk away.
• Hotel Giolli Nazionale: Hotel Giolli offers spacious rooms, friendly service and a 24-hour front desk. A buffet breakfast is served in the dining room with panoramic views. Staff can organize airport shuttle services and book tickets to museums.

Trastevere

A picturesque neighborhood with cobblestone streets and vibrant culture, Trastevere is close to the botanical gardens, Gianicolo Hill and Villa Farnesina, all of which offer kids open spaces. 

It’s also a great place for family-friendly restaurants and cafes, many of which offer outdoor seating.

• Tree Charme: Hotel Tree Charme is located in central Rome, on the banks of the Tiber River, directly opposite Piazza Trilussa. It offers free WiFi throughout, a terrace, and elegant rooms.
• Home in trast II: Home in trast II apartment is just a 19-minute walk from Piazza Venezia and 0.8 miles from the Great Synagogue of Rome. The apartment is 0.9 miles from the city center and a 5-minute walk from Piazza di Santa Maria in Trastevere.
• Intra' Residenza in Trastevere: Located on the main pedestrian street Via Lungaretta in Rome's historic Trastevere district, this hotel offers modern rooms with free internet access. The hotel is non-smoking.

Monti

A central, hip-and-happening neighborhood with a mix of history and trendy spots, Monti is especially recommended if you’re travelling with teenagers. 

It’s close to major attractions like the Colosseum and Roman Forum, with plenty of cafes, gelaterias and cool boutiques.

If you have younger kids, note that local gathering spot Piazza della Madonna dei Monti provides a safe place for kids to play while grown-ups relax.

• Colosseo Stylish Penthouse: Featuring a terrace and city views, this spacious apartment offers 1 bedroom, a living room, an equipped kitchen and 1 bathroom. The apartment comes with towels and bed linen and has an outdoor dining area.
• Residenza Santi ai Monti: This 1-bedroom apartment features a flat-screen TV, a washing machine and a fully equipped kitchen with a dishwasher and an oven. Towels and bed linen are provided in the apartment. For added privacy, the apartment has a separate entrance.
• B&B San Martino ai Monti: The air-conditioned apartment consists of 2 separate bedrooms, a living room, a fully equipped kitchen with a dishwasher and an oven, and 2 bathrooms. The apartment provides towels and bed linen and is non-smoking.

Want more family travel ideas? Discover more of the best family holiday destinations.

Recommended Rome itineraries with kids 

While you’ll want to adapt your plans depending on how long you have in Rome and how old your kids are, here’s a suggested five-day itinerary that covers a range of bases in terms of getting to see top attractions, and pleasing a broad range of ages. 

Devote your first day to exploring Ancient Rome, kicking off with a family-friendly guided tour of the Colosseum. Next, explore the Roman Forum and Palatine Hill. Being adjacent, these are easy to combine.

Book an early morning tour of the Vatican Museums for your second day before exploring Castel Sant’Angelo in the afternoon. Next, stroll to Piazza Navona, where kids can enjoy street performers and tuck into gelato.

Mix things up by allocating day three to the great outdoors, by which we mean visiting Villa Borghese park and Bioparco zoo in the morning, before enjoying a picnic lunch in the park. You could also consider visiting The Children’s Museum of Rome in the afternoon.

On day four, rise early to visit the Pantheon early before the crowds descend, before strolling to the Trevi Fountain to let kids throw a coin into the water for good luck.

Depending on how much energy you and your little ones have left, spend your last day wandering charming Trastevere, or heading up Gianicolo hill for panoramic views. If you’re there at noon, you'll get to see (and hear) the traditional cannon firing.

Alternatively, you could visit Villa Doria Pamphili. Less crowded than Villa Borghese, it offers plenty of space for picnics and play.

Thinking of a shorter stay? Read our suggested itineraries for spending four days in Rome, and three days in Rome.

Practical tips for travelling to Rome with kids 

Our number one tip is to remember that Rome can be overwhelming, so plan regular breaks in parks or cafes to rest and recharge.

We also suggest choosing accommodation in central areas to minimize travel time to major attractions. 

Talking of which, these can be very, very crowded, so it’s best to book skip-the-line tickets in advance, and to visit early in the day.

Travelling in summer? Rome can get very hot, so ensure everyone stays hydrated, use sun protection, and plan plenty of gelato pitstops.

Getting around 

In terms of getting around, across its metro, bus and tram networks, Rome’s public transport system is pretty extensive. Just be aware that some stations aren’t terribly accessible for strollers, so plan your routes accordingly.

Also be aware of the prevalence of cobbled streets in the city’s historic areas — tricky to navigate on wheels.

Find out more about getting around Rome.

How many days to spend in Rome with kids

Given that Rome can be pretty hectic, we recommend spending up to seven days in Rome with kids, perhaps a maximum of days if your kids are younger.  

In this time, you’ll get to see a stack of top attractions while (hopefully!) maintaining everyone’s interest and energy levels.

On the other hand, given that tonnes of cool day trip trips can be taken from Rome, including trips to stunning seaside towns, you might want to extend your trip to enable you to max out your time in the area.

Alternatively, if you’re up for moving bases and fancy mixing immersive city experiences with the beaches, history and epic scenery of Italian southern coast, see our Wonders of Rome and the Amalfi Coast itinerary. 

As well as covering key attractions in the Italian capital, it includes Naples, Pompeii, and the magical island of Capri. 

Not set on Rome? Read up on the best places to go with kids around the world.

To help you plan your trip, read our travel tips for Rome, and get your hands on The Rough Guide to Rome. 

Not keen on planning? Talk to our local experts about customising our Italy itineraries to forgo the hassle of planning.