Top 10 Family Activities in Rome

Rome is a city not just for adults but for children too. The city has something for everyone. Delicious cuisine for food enthusiasts, art for art lovers, and a lot of history for history buffs. And it's packed with fun for families, too. Families traveling with curious toddlers or adventurous teens can find plenty of family activities in Rome to enjoy.

Keeping your little ones entertained in the city of ruins and ancient streets is no more a hassle. Instead, Rome becomes a magical playground for children, and they love it. Here's a list of 10 kid-friendly activities you can enjoy in Rome.

1. Visit the Colosseum with a Kid-Friendly Guide

The Colosseum is one of the top Rome family attractions. And that's for a very good reason. Book a Colosseum Ticket & Digital Audio Guide that is kid-friendly. The right tour brings the gladiator days to life for the children. On the tour, they get to listen to and learn exciting stories and facts. Kids love pretending they’re ancient warriors, and grown-ups get a fascinating peek into Roman history.

Children find it exciting to see where the lions were caged. Make sure you book a tour that includes the underground tour to see where the animals were kept and lifted from. The second floor shows how the Colosseum was before the damage happened. You and your kids can enjoy stunning views with a lot of fascinating history.

Tip: If your kids don't mind staying out late, then explore the Colosseum in Rome at night. The Colosseum has special openings, and the tours at night are engaging, and the vibe is great!

2. The Trevi Fountain Ritual

The Trevi Fountain is a beautiful landmark in Rome. It's magical. Its structure and the history behind it make it a must-visit spot in Rome. There's a famous legend behind it that tossing a coin over your shoulder ensures you'll return to Rome someday. Making a wish is a big part of childhood. The whole experience feels like it's out of a fairy tale. You can make a quick stop at the Trevi Fountain and ensure your return to the Eternal city.

Interesting Fact: Every year, the coins are collected and donated to charity. The coins add up to a million euros!

3. Explore the Vatican with a Family Tour

The Vatican Museums are a great place for kids to explore. The place has a welcoming and family-friendly vibe. Strollers are permitted within the museums. If you're looking for family activities in Rome, then tours that include scavenger hunts and storytelling keep young visitors engaged. Take your kids to see the Sistine Chapel and get your St. Peter's Basilica tickets early to skip the lines.

Tip: Opt for a St. Peter’s Basilica audio guide to enjoy the art and history of the historical Roman landmark.

4. Visit the Explora Children's Museum

One of the best children’s museums in Rome is Explora Children's Museum. Children who love science, trains, and tiny tots will love this museum. It's ideal for children aged 0–12. It's a great place to take a break from all the history and ancient ruins. The museum focuses on interactive exhibits that are age-appropriate and ensure that children of all ages can enjoy their visit.

Note: The museum operates on a timed-entry system. The limited time is 1.45 hours.

5. Play in Villa Borghese

Villa Borghese is one of the most beautiful Rome parks for kids. It's more than just any park. It's a historical villa and the home to the wonderful Borghese Gallery. You can enjoy, play, run, and eat. And if you want to take your romance to a whole new level, it's a perfect place for a proposal. Borghese gardens are a usual spot for a walk and a relaxing afternoon.

Tip: To explore the Villa Borghese, you can find tours that are designed for families to explore the art collection, making it a fun and engaging experience for children.

6. Enjoy a Pizza-Making Class

Italy is the home of Pizza. There are several cooking schools in Rome that offer pizza-making classes. It's one of the best family activities to enjoy in Rome. Kids can roll dough, add their favorite toppings to it, and, most importantly, learn about Italian cuisine. It's tasty, messy, and memorable. The perfect meal for a great afternoon.

Idea: You can enjoy a pasta-making class, too!

7. Time Travel at the Time Elevator

For families that want a different experience can try the Time Elevator. It is a machine that takes visitors through the history of Rome. It's a unique 5D experience that will leave you breathless. The show includes the story of Romulus and Remus, the murder of Julius Caesar, and the roles of Nero and Michelangelo in building the Sistine Chapel. You can also see a virtual reconstruction of remarkable landmarks like the Colosseum, the Temple of Vesta, and the Baths of Caracalla, along with the beauty of Renaissance and Baroque Rome, and much more!

Interesting Fact: It combines 3D movie technology with a mobile platform and special effects to immerse visitors in a 45-minute exploration of ancient Rome.

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8. Tour Castel Sant’Angelo

Castel Sant'Angelo is part castle and part museum, but full of adventure. Children can enjoy spiral staircases, secret rooms, and ancient weapons. Enjoy a rooftop view of the city. Touring Castel Sant'Angelo is one of the best family activities in Rome. During your visit, you can walk along castle bastions and take a look at the castle's secret passage that leads to St. Peter's Basilica. You can also see the cannons and cannonballs that were used to protect the fortress.

Fact: Castel Sant'Angelo served as a prison for many years, housing notable figures like Benvenuto Cellini.

9. Wander Through Trastevere

Trastevere is a charming and vibrant neighborhood ideal for a leisurely walk. The cobblestone paths, quaint shops, and bustling squares are full of character. Families can wander around at their own speed, take breaks for snacks, and watch street performers. Numerous restaurants provide outdoor seating, allowing parents to unwind while their children play nearby. It’s one of the most laid-back and family-friendly spots in the city.

Interesting Fact: Trastevere has a unique character shaped by its multicultural history, which attracts both immigrants and foreign residents.

10. Enjoy a Roman Gelato

Having ice cream is one thing all kids simply adore in Rome. No trip is complete without a good ice cream. And it's the perfect ending to your child's Roman adventure. The best flavors to enjoy are pistachio, vanilla, and chocolate. Or if your kids want a wild adventure, flavors like lavender are worth a try.

Good to Know: Gelato is a treat that locals and tourists in Rome enjoy as a sweet after-dinner treat.

Conclusion

There are so many family activities in Rome that can help your child have the trip of a lifetime. It just takes good planning and an open mind to make the trip unforgettable. Explore the Colosseum, laugh over the pizza class, or simply be in the moment at a local park; make the whole trip about taking good memories home. No matter how old your children are, these will be fun activities and the best places for families in Rome.