11 phenomenal things to do in Rome with kids

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The Eternal City of Rome, Italy, has fascinated visitors for thousands of years. This glorious Italian capital city of history, architecture, food and culture is an ideal family vacation destination for an outstanding, educational family travel adventure. Whether you’re spending just a few days in Rome or an entire month exploring the glory of Italy’s capital, our list of the top 11 things to do in Rome with kids will help guide your stay to this phenomenal city. 

kids posing with gladiators in rome
Reliving past glories with Roman Gladiators at the Coliseum

11 phenomenal things to do in Rome with kids

Visit the Colosseum

Gladiators! Early Christians! Wild beasts! My children’s imagination ran wild as we walked through the ancient viewing galleries of the most iconic ruin of Ancient Rome, the Colosseum. Peering down onto the subterranean caverns where wild animals and prisoners would have been kept and led up (using an ingenious pulley system) to their violent deaths is an incredible experience.

The scale is impressive, even more so considering it still stands today – a testament to the Roman Empire’s engineering and architectural prowess.

The area near the Colosseum includes the Arch of Constantine, Piazza Venezia, the Palatine Hill, Circus Maximus (an ancient Roman chariot racing stadium) and the Imperial Roman Forum. I highly recommend a good half-day visit to appreciate the scale of the magnificent structures of the Ancient Roman Empire.

It’s a great place to wander and the kids will have freedom to explore and stretch their legs. Look for the statue of Julius Caesar nearby, often decorated in wreaths of laurel leaves, especially around the Ides of March.

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 and best places in Rome for kids and families. First time travellers to Italy will also find this guide useful in planning a trip for the whole family.

When visiting the Colosseum, take the kids’ photos with the modern ‘Ancient Romans’ in imperial costume lingering outside. Yes, it’s kitschy, but priceless.

Go to gladiator school

If your family is gaga about gladiators, check out the Gruppo Storico Romano. It operates a gladiator school that offers a unique opportunity to experience the ancient art of gladiatorial combat. Situated in the picturesque Parco degli Acquedotti, this school provides an immersive experience where participants can learn about the techniques and equipment used by gladiators.

Led by experienced instructors, students can train in various combat styles, including sword fighting and hand-to-hand combat, using replica weapons and armor faithful to the period.

Use the map below to search for hotel and short-term rental options

Experience the Pantheon

Saved from destruction through its consecration as a Catholic 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.

As of summer 2024, there’s a 5 Euro fee to pay to enter the Pantheon. You can purchase the ticket on site or online prior to your arrival.

Tip: 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.

the pantheon in rome
Look up in amazement at the oculus of the Pantheon. Credit: Shutterstock

Enjoy Campo de’ Fiori

The lively Campo de’ Fiori market square is bustling with vendors of fresh produce and flowers (hence its name fiori). There’s also 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

Take a day trip to 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 very stroller-friendly. We recommend a visit here if your children are 8 years and older.

ostica antica faces
The many faces of Ostia Antica’s Amphitheatre Statues

Visit the 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. Go early in the day to avoid the worst of the crowds and the heat.

Don’t forget to turn your back and throw your pennies over your left shoulder into the fountain. As the story goes, doing so will ensure a return to the city. Visiting Trevi is a must do when spending a few days in Rome!

Another great historical place to stroll near both Trevi and the Pantheon is Piazza Navona. It’s built on the site of the Stadium of Domitian, built in the 1st century AD, and follows the form of the open space of the stadium. If you wake early from jet lag after arriving in Rome, come here to enjoy blue hour, just before the sunrise.

trevi fountain in rome

Tour the Vatican Museums and St. Peter’s Basilica

We’ve documented in great detail our Vatican City tips on how to plan a visit to the Vatican Museums. A guided tour of the Museums and Sistine Chapel should be on your list of things to do in Rome with family. We employed a tour guide for our family’s time in the museum, and she made the art and sculptures come alive, especially for our young kids.

Remember that the Vatican Museums are huge, and while you won’t be able to see everything in one visit. Plan to reserve at least half a day for this excursion, if you can.

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. This immaculate sculpture of the Virgin Mary holding a dying Jesus is a must see.

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.  Keep an eye out for the Pope’s Swiss Guards in their fancy 16th century uniforms. Posing with them was one of my children’s Rome trip highlights.

boys hugging in st peter's basilica in rome italy

Explore San Clemente Church and the Appian Way

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 children 7 years and up.

Appia Antica, also known as the Appian Way, stands as one of ancient Rome’s most iconic and historically significant roads. Constructed in 312 BC, its creation marked a monumental feat of engineering, stretching over 350 miles (563 km) from Rome to Brindisi, facilitating trade and military movements throughout the Roman Empire.

The Way is lined with monumental tombs, ancient ruins, and lush countryside, and offers a fascinating glimpse into the past. Today, visitors can stroll along its ancient cobblestones, passing by remnants of grandeur such as the Circus of Maxentius and the Tomb of Cecilia Metella.

The Appia Antica Regional Park preserves its heritage, providing a serene escape from the bustle of modern Rome while inviting exploration of its rich history and scenic beauty. The Park is located between the Aurelian Walls of the city of Rome and the town of S. Maria delle Mole, in the district of Marino

Spend time in the 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 very family-friendly area with great, affordable restaurants and cool and quirky shops (with less mark-ups than other more touristy areas). Visit the beautiful Santa Maria church and take a short walk to the Gianicolo. It’s a great place to enjoy 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.

view of the inch and borghese gardens
Incredible views make a visit to the Pincio and Borghese Gardens very worthwhile

Visit the 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 Villa 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 kids of all ages. The views of Rome are also superb from this higher vantage point.

Enjoy the 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: Take a 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. Food stops will include 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?



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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 to skip the long lines into the Coliseum and Forum areas. It’s also good to access other Museums and attractions.

The Pass also includes free Metro public transportation for three days. However, if you have young children 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.

Craving more Europe? Check out these articles.

Where to eat in Florence, Italy

The top 6 things to do in Bruges for Families

10 Entertaining Things to do in Bern with Kids

Essential Tips for Driving in Europe

22 Swiss Food Products to try in Switzerland

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Photo Credits: Claudia Laroye

Have you visited Rome? What were your favorite sites? Share your comments below.

Claudia Laroye
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