From scavenger hunts to finding historic hidden gems, and days spent exploring parks filled with zoos and go-karts, there’s plenty of things to do in Rome with kids. Known for its spellbinding history, the Rome attractions and landmarks are bound to spark the imaginations of your little ones and get them asking all the right questions.
Take a look at our top picks for the places to visit in Rome…
Visit the fountains
While you’re not really allowed to splash around in the Trevi Fountain, throwing a coin in and making a wish is a novel way to keep them entertained. A great place to people-watch or stop for a bite to eat, you might even manage to impress the little ones with just how stunning these works of art are too.
Red Route, Stop: Piazza Barberini/Spanish Steps
Eat all the ice cream
Gelato, as it’s known to the locals, is a Roman speciality. With hundreds of superb ice cream parlours dotted around the city, this is an easy way to keep the kids on side. Try out weird and wonderful flavours like gorgonzola or balsamic vinegar, or stick to creamy cold classics like chocolate and pistachio. It’s all on offer.
Feast on pizza at a piazza
Rome’s car-free piazzas are ideal for letting off a bit of steam. The kids are free to run around safely, and don’t worry about the noise, Romans are renowned for being loud themselves. Head to the Piazza Navona and massive Piazza del Popolo, where they might just learn a thing or two about history too. Of course, all that energy needs replacing, so why not head to the nearest pizza place to top up?
Red Route, Stop: Vatican
Run around Villa Borghese
Kids love parks and chances are they’ve never been to one quite like this before. This huge green space is also home to a zoo, go-karting and an express train. The museums might be a bit advanced, but there’s plenty more in the park to keep them entertained. Pack a picnic to be enjoyed on the garden grounds when they get peckish.
Red Route, Stop: Ludovisi/Spanish Steps
Go on a scavenger hunt
There’s no better way to keep them engaged than to make something a game. Have them look out for fountains or try and find the letters SPQR (Senatus Populusque Romanus, which means The Senate and People of Rome in Latin) which are written all over the city. Keep score and declare the winner at the end of the day. Older kids will have fun trying to find symbols, including dragons, lions and eagles, carved in various places around the city. Gelato makes a nice reward.
Go on a guided walking tour
You can go on various free walking tours when you buy a Big Bus ticket. Guides will explain what exactly the Colosseum was used for, including all the grisly gladiatorial details guaranteed to pique the interest of your little ones. Rome is so full of history it’ll be a shame to miss out on the chance to educate them about it, and who knows, they’ll probably understand more than you think and get hooked.
Red & Purple Route, Stop: Colosseum
Big Bus Ticket
Explore the Vatican
Home to some of the greatest art works in human history, you have to take the kids here. They can’t fail to be impressed by the Sistine Chapel, Michelangelo’s ceiling masterpiece. The fact it took him four years to finish is sure to intrigue young minds. Remember to take plenty of water, put on the sunscreen and take regular breaks – you’ll give the kids an experience they will remember forever.
Red Route, Stop: Vatican
Rome is a very child-friendly city, and Italians love kids. You won’t find many nappy changing places or some of the other conveniences you might be used to back home, but they are more than welcome in restaurants and at all the attractions. Make the most out of our list of things to do with kids in Rome, and when they’re all tired out and off to bed, explore the buzzing Rome Nightlife and Best Bars in the city.
