What can one say about a city that has existed for thousands of years? The Eternal City of Rome, Italy, fits our criteria for an outstanding, educational family travel adventure that combines art, history, architecture, food and culture. Our ‘must see’ top 11 things to do in Rome with kids will help guide your stay. Whether you’re spending just a few days on your trip to Rome or an entire month exploring the glory of Italy’s capital. You’ll leave amazed and enlightened by this wonderful, mad city.
11 Phenomenal things to do in Rome with kids
1. The Colosseum
Gladiators! Christians! Wild beasts! My children’s imagination ran wild as we walked through the ancient viewing galleries of the most iconic ruin in Rome, the Colosseum. Peering down onto the subterranean caverns where animals and prisoners would have been kept and led up (using an ingenious pulley system) to their (violent) deaths was an incredible experience. The scale of this stadium is impressive. Even more so when we consider that it still stands today – a testament to the Roman Empire’s engineering and architectural prowess. [Tip: When visiting the Colosseum, take the kids’ photos with the modern Romans in ancient costume vying for your tourist dollars. YEs, it’s kitschy, but it’s priceless.]
The area around the Colosseum includes the Arch of Constantine, the Palatine Hill and the Imperial Roman Forum. I highly recommend a good half-day visit to appreciate the magnificence of the Ancient Rome Empire. The scale of the ruins is incredible, and the kids will have some freedom to explore and stretch their legs. When people ask me for advice about what to do in Rome with kids, I always recommend spending time in the Forum and Colosseum area. It’s one of our favorite places in Rome for kids and families. First time travellers to Italy will also find this guide useful in planning their trip.
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2. The Pantheon
Saved from destruction through its consecration as a Christian church in the 7th century, the ancient Pantheon temple built first by Agrippa and then by Hadrian is an architectural and historical jewel. The dome and oculus, the bronze doors and royal tombs, and the original portico are marvels of the ancient world. A visit to this structure is an excellent beginning to anyone’s architectural education, whether young or old. It’s one of the best things to do with kids in Rome.
I recommend a visit to the Pantheon when it’s raining. It’s magical watching the rain fall through the oculus into the middle of the building. If you’re inclined, learn more on an audio tour of the Pantheon. Also, try to avoid the hawkers in the square outside the Pantheon. If you’re need of espresso or gelato to revitalize yourself, there’s a few great choices just around the corner from the Pantheon.
3. Campo de’ Fiori
This lively market square is bustling with vendors of fresh produce and flowers (hence its name fiori), but also with stalls of clothing, jewelry, toys and trinkets. You can spend a wonderful few hours exploring the kiosks for gifts for home. Kids will love it if you give them some Euros to spend in the market. It’s one of the best things to do in Rome with kids. The price for an Italia or Roma soccer jersey may be cheaper here than on more high-brow streets in other neighbourhoods. If you’re wondering about prices in general, check out my friend Tamara’s article on the cost of a family trip to Italy.
Read more > Where to enjoy the best cappuccino in Rome
4. Ostia Antica
Ostia Antica is the site of Rome’s ancient sea port. It’s situated 40 minutes outside the city by commuter train. It’s one of the lesser known Rome attractions for kids, but well worth the visit. The ancient town-site makes for an outstanding day trip to see the well-preserved ruins of a Roman town. Ostia Antica was rediscovered and dug out from centuries of sand burial. The ruins showcase an amazing, sophisticated society, complete with baths, bakeries, gyms, temples and latrines. The kids may love learning about the ‘sponge sticks’ in the communal toilets. It was certainly good for a laugh. Keep in mind that the site is large and requires a lot of walking. Also, the ancient stone road isn’t that stroller-friendly. We recommend a visit here if your children are 8 years and older.
5. Trevi Fountain
You’ll have to battle the crowds to get a photo at the Trevi Fountain, but it’s the most magnificent fountain in Rome, and very much a must-see. Don’t forget to turn your back and throw your pennies in the fountain to ensure a return to the city (as the story goes). It’s a really fun thing to do with kids in Rome, and a must do when spending a few days in Rome!
6. Vatican Museums and St. Peter’s Basilica
We’ve documented in great detail our Vatican tips on how to plan a visit to the Vatican Museums. A guided tour of the Museums should be on your list of things to do in Rome with family. As part of your itinerary at the Vatican, plan to reserve an entire day if possible. Your family should also visit St. Peter’s Basilica to feel the immensity of the space and admire the many great works of art, particularly Michelangelo’s masterpiece, the Pieta.
If you feel up to it, use the 350 steps to climb to the top of the Dome. The view will be worth it, even if the slope and height freaks you, and the kids, out. If you have older children and teens, they’ll probably love the climb and the selfie vantage points too. [Tip: Your kids may get a big kick out of seeing the Pope’s Swiss Guards in their fancy 16th century uniforms. Posing with them was one of my children’s Rome trip highlights.]
7. San Clemente Church
The San Clemente Church is within walking distance of the Colosseum, and is worth the visit to descend 60 feet underground and view the many layers and 2,000 years of Roman history on this one site. The stunning tile works, paintings and ongoing archaeological work underground are fascinating, and also a little bit spooky and claustrophobic. It’s a bit off the beaten path, but adventurous families should add this to their list of things to do in Rome with a 7 year old or older.
8. Trastevere Neighbourhood
When determining how to plan a trip to Italy and Rome, the itinerary must include a visit to one of our favorite Roman neighborhoods, Trastevere. It’s a real, family-friendly area with great, affordable restaurants, cool and quirky shops (with less mark-ups than other more touristy areas), the beautiful Santa Maria church, and a short but uphill walk to the Gianicolo for more fabulous views of the city and the Seven Hills of Rome. Architectural (and LEGO-building) fans will want to find the Tempietto, a perfectly proportioned, small 16th-century temple, found on the Gianicolo hill.
9. Pincio and Borghese Gardens
Rome is not a lush, green city. The predominant colours are brown and beige, and trees (and shade) can be very hard to come by in the heat of summer. If you’re visiting Rome with kids, the best place to be for a leisurely stroll in landscaped, green gardens is the Pincio and Borghese Gardens. The Gardens overlook the large Piazza del Popolo and are also home to the Villa Borghese. You can bring a picnic to enjoy on the grounds, rent bicycles, and visit the Gardens’ small fun fair, which is great for small children. The views of Rome are also superb from this higher vantage point.
10. Spanish Steps
Conveniently located near one of the best high fashion shopping streets in Rome (Via Condotti), the Spanish Steps and Piazza di Spagna are magnificent in spring and early summer when the flowers are in full bloom. The sinking boat fountain (La Barcaccia) sits at the foot of the steps and was designed in this amusing way due to the area’s low water pressure. A lovely spot to stop for a break and enjoy a snack or gelato.
We only scratched the surface during our two weeks in the Eternal City. Rome is an incredible destination in which you could spend a lifetime exploring. Even if you only have five days in Rome, you can still get a taste and feel for Roman life.
Bonus: 11. Testaccio Food Tour
If you’re travelling with older kids and teens, think about booking a food tour in Testaccio. This vibrant Roman ‘hood in the southern section of the Eternal City has all the elements of a fantastic night out, including tastes of local Roman specialties like pasta alla gricia, oxtail stew, arancini/supplì (friend rice balls) and gelato. You walk, you eat, you sip great wine, what’s not to love?
Extra: Rome with Kids Travel Tip – Get a Roma Pass
The magic of Rome for families is always made better by saving money. Buy a Roma Pass Card for each family member at the Airport or at a tabacchi upon arrival in the city. It will allow you entrance into the Coliseum and Forum areas (as well as other Museums and sites) without having to line up. The Pass also includes free Metro transportation for three days. However, if your children are under six or ten years of age, we’d advise checking out the site entrance rules ahead of time. There may be free entrance or reduced fees for younger children.
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Photo Credits: Claudia Laroye
Have you visited Rome? What were your favorite sites? Share your comments below.
