Rome for Kids: The Complete Guide

Traveling with kids can be a challenge at the best of times. However, we know it’s enriching and rewarding to see the looks on their faces when they encounter something amazing. But not all attractions are suitable for kids of certain ages. It could be because they’ll get easily distracted and bored, or the content just simply isn’t designed with them in mind. Therefore, if you’re traveling to Rome with kids and looking for kid-friendly attractions to keep the whole family happy, our handy guide here to help. We’ve curated this list of the best things to do in Rome for kids. From theatrical performances to bike rides and beyond, check out our ideas, including...

• Colosseum
• Big Bus Hop-On Hop-Off
• Horseback Ride
• Museo delle Cere
• Welcome to Rome Show
• Vatican Museums
• And more!

Historic Attractions

While some kids might find reading about history a bit dry, nothing compares to seeing the awe-inspiring places where historic events happened. Check out these historic Rome attractions to teach your kids about the past.

• Colosseum: Take a guided tour of the Colosseum to see this impressive gladiator arena alongside the ruins of buildings at the Roman Forum and the mythologically-focused Palatine Hill. Kids will love to learn the stories of how Rome was founded and how it rose to prominence as a cultural and military power. Plus, it’s just a delight for them to run around in this historic attraction.
• Vatican Museums & Sistine Chapel: Probably best suited for older children (or kids with a great attention span who can maintain a respectful quiet tone indoors), the Vatican Museums and the Sistine Chapel are two of the more elite places in the world to view art from across history. They (and you!) will never forget looking up at the famed Sistine Chapel ceiling, to name just one example.
• Museo delle Cere: This exciting wax museum recreates the likenesses of famous figures from the history of Rome and those whose lives have touched Rome in some significant way. You’ll see figures from classical antiquity, popes, painters, actors, musicians, and other historical figures at the Museo delle Cere.

Tours

Since most people probably aren’t regular visitors to Rome, a tour is a great way to introduce the whole family to this astonishing city. Take a bus tour, a walking tour, and more to see the best of the historical and cultural hotspots the Italian capital has to offer.

• Big Bus Hop-on Hop-off Tour: This classic one-day tour from Big Bus Rome is a nice hop-on hop-off option. There are eight major stops, including the Colosseum, the Piazza Venezia, Trevi Fountain, and more. Use it to get around to the big attractions you want to see for a fun commuting experience. You also have access to several walking tours, all an hour-long (and conducted in English).
• Spherae Virtual Tour: Kids are completely attuned to technology these days—so why not help them learn in the way they know how with a virtual tour of Roman historical sites? These stunning Samsung VR components will bring the sites of Ancient Rome to vivid life through their imaginative projections.
• Welcome to Rome Show: This is not technically a tour per se. But this immersive show will highlight the best of Roman architecture, culture, and art through marvelous projections and 3-D imagery alongside informative audio commentary. The Welcome to Rome Show is 30 minutes long, and also comes with a handy map of the must-visit sites, serving as an invaluable introduction to the city. Kids under 6 are free!

Outdoor Activities

It’s always good for your kids to spend more time outside. So get them into the outdoorsy spirit with a few of these fun Rome attractions.

• Full-day Bike Rental: Explore the historical sites and verdant greenery of Appia Antica Park on this full-day bike rental. This is not typically a major destination for tourists, so it’s a good way to explore one of the lesser-known sides of Rome while keeping the kids out and active. Enjoy peeking at centuries-old monuments and snap some great photos with the kids on the cobblestone paths.
• Horseback Ride: What little kid doesn’t adore horses, at least at some point in their lives? Take your kids on an unforgettable, two-hour horseback ride through Appia Antica Park. They’ll get to marvel at the historic sites from atop their very own horse (well, theirs for two hours at least!). There are minimum age requirements for this attraction.
• Kayak Tour: This kayak tour of Castel Gandolfo is a delightful family activity. Kids will need to be over a certain age to participate, but your children are sure to love the chance to sightsee via kayak. You’ll get to observe fantastic historic homes, marine infrastructure, and even a submerged building.

Tips & More Ideas for Traveling to Rome with Kids

• Pack snacks and bring plenty of water. While you’ll find places to purchase these essentials, they’ll be expensive in most tourist centers.
• Check age requirements on attractions before you visit or attempt to book. Some activities may not permit children under a certain age to participate for safety reasons.
• Be sure to expose the kids to famous Roman foods – pizza, pasta, and gelato, of course! If they’re old enough, check out a gelato-making class together.
• Spend some time playing in a park. The Villa Borghese is a major public park in Rome. It has plenty of kid-friendly stuff to do like ride bikes and paddle boats.
• Many of the streets of Rome are paved with cobblestones or other historic materials. Ditch the stroller, if possible, to avoid trying to navigate rocky terrain.
• Kids must understand how to behave in certain attractions, like the Sistine Chapel or the Vatican. Explain to them the importance of maintaining a respectful attitude.
• Work in some fun little things like throwing money into Trevi Fountain for good luck. The Mouth of Truth (at the foot of the Aventine Hill) is another great place for kids to explore.
• Consider a visit to Explora, a museum just for kids located a short walk from the Flaminio metro station.

Save on Admission to Kid-Friendly Rome Attractions

Taking your kids to Italy and hoping to make the most of your time in Rome? Grab a few Go Rome passes and save up to 47% on attraction admission. You’ll get admission to these and many other top things to do in Rome, from tours to museums to historical sites.

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