It may seem that Rome, with its ancient sights, exquisite cathedrals and endless museums, can only be interesting for adults. But this is far from the truth. Rome perfectly combines history and modernity. This is a real wonderland where children can explore the world and learn more about it.
Tips for a successful trip to Rome with children
- We recommend spending at least three to five days in Rome before heading out to explore the rest of Italy.
- It is better to come with the kids in late spring, early autumn or at Christmas.
- Try to avoid summer, as it can be too hot for young children in summer.
- You can travel around Rome by metro, bus or tram, using various loyalty programs for tourists. For example, ATAC, Rome’s main public transport system, allows children under 10 to travel for free accompanied by an adult. Of course, it is better to explore the city on foot, but the cobbled Roman streets with potholes make it difficult to use strollers.
You can choose a sightseeing city tour on a large bus (Hop-On Hop-Off) — You will get acquainted with the key attractions, and you will not have to walk a lot. You can even explore Rome by golf cart to make your tour more private.
The best places in Rome to stay with your family
Looking for a family-friendly hotel in Rome? To save time, stop at the Centro Storico (historical center), where most of Rome’s attractions are located. Celio, also known as the Colosseum area, is peaceful and quiet at night. The Lancelot Hotel, for example, offers free breakfasts, friendly staff and spectacular views from the sixth floor terrace. The spacious triple and connecting rooms at the Capo d’Africa are suitable for families of all sizes, and you can enjoy breakfast while admiring the Colosseum.
If you want to be away from the crowds of tourists, stay in the prestigious residential area of Trieste, which is only a 15-minute bus ride to the historical center. There are beautiful green areas nearby where you can walk with children, such as Villa Torlonia and Villa Paganini parks. To make it easier to get to the city center, stay at the Mercure Roma Corso Trieste Hotel — it is located next to the metro station. And the Palm Gallery Hotel is located on the territory of a historic villa with lush palm trees. It is a real oasis away from the hustle and bustle of the center of Rome.
Prati is a quiet and elegant neighborhood located on the other side of the Tiber River, not far from the Vatican. Take a walk along the elite shopping street Via Cola di Rienzo, where there are no such crowds as on Via del Corso. There are also many interesting restaurants in the area. NH Collection Roma Giustiniano is just a five-minute walk from the Vatican. The family rooms have terraces, and if necessary, the hotel provides babysitting services. A Picture of Rome Hotel offers magnificent views of St. Peter’s Basilica. This luxurious but inexpensive bed and breakfast is located in an 18th-century palace.
The best restaurants in Rome for the whole family
One of the most attractive features of Rome for children is the food. You can’t go wrong choosing pizza, pasta and gelato, which are offered all over Rome. But we consider the best restaurants in Rome for the whole family to be those that provide entertainment for children so that you can enjoy your meal in peace.
For example, you can have a snack at Vivi Bistro, located in an old barn in the picturesque Villa Doria Pamphili, where your children can walk among the manicured hedges and intricate statues. If you find yourself in the Campo dei Fiori market, it’s worth checking out Ai Balestrari, a traditional pizzeria with paper tablecloths on which you can draw. Tonnarello is an excellent restaurant with impeccable service, located in the heart of the Trastevere district, serving quality homemade dishes.
Children are very fond of sweets. After a day of walking, reward them with an ice cone at Gelateria Il Dolce Sorriso or Gelateria Valentino — these cafes offer delicious gelato at great prices.
The best entertainment for children in Rome
Become an ancient Roman gladiator for a day
Thousands of years ago, the Romans gathered at the Colosseum to watch the spectacular melee between humans and animals. Get an amazing experience on a guided tour with special access without waiting in line, which starts at the Gladiator Gate and continues all the way to the arena.
And then go to the nearby gladiator school to learn how to become a gladiator. It will be interesting for children to try on traditional gladiator costumes and learn the basics of sword fighting. This first-hand experience is sure to appeal to children from six years old and older, and the younger ones will be able to immerse themselves in the atmosphere of gladiatorial fights from a safe distance on the observation deck.
Visit the children’s Museum
To keep your restless children from getting bored on a rainy day, go to the children’s museums in Rome. The Explora — Il Museo Dei Bambini interactive Museum, created for children of all ages, awakens children’s curiosity about science, the environment and society. The multimedia interactive exhibition Welcome to Rome (Welcome to Rome) will be interesting to visit with the whole family. Holograms, projections and interactive exhibits will provide your children with an exciting journey through the entire history of Rome, dating back 2,700 years.
Test your courage in the crypts and catacombs of Rome
Teenagers or children with nerves of steel will have a lot of fun exploring the dark side of Rome. Although the ancient Via Appia Antica (Appian Way) may seem serene at first glance, during this walking tour you will learn more about its fascinating, chilling history. Along the way, you can explore the sacred catacombs of Santa Maria della Concezione dei Cappuccino. And if it’s not creepy enough for you, then at the end of the tour you will find the Capuchin Crypt, also known as the “bone chapel”.
Cooking lessons
If you are tired of ordering pizza delivery home, take the chance to learn how to cook real Neapolitan pizza and pasta. In this master class, you will have plenty of opportunities to learn the subtleties that will turn you into a real pizzaiolo. This is a priceless souvenir that will stay with you forever.
Inspire your children to try themselves as Roman chefs in this cooking class, where they will teach you how to cook pasta, ravioli and tiramisu. The best part is that you don’t even have to clean up the mess for the children — as soon as you finish cooking, go straight to the outdoor terrace to enjoy the fruits of your labor.
Visit the ancient ruins where stray cats live
Take your children with you to see the real owners of the Torre Argentina Square in fur coats. In these vast ruins, where, as history says, Julius Caesar fell at the hands of Brutus, the Torre Argentina Cat Sanctuary is now located. You will see a lot of stray seals looking for a shady place to take a nap. After completing a walk through the ruins, go underground to the inner shelter, where you can get to know more tame seals and learn about how they are being helped.
Visit Villa Borghese to enjoy the countryside in the city
The extensive gardens surrounding Villa Borghese are simply created for outdoor walks. Swim around the picturesque lake on a rowing boat or go on a bike tour to admire the statues and fountains, including magnificent marble horses, as if jumping out of the Cavalli Marini fountain. And to chat with real animals, visit the Roman Biopark, a small zoo located on the territory of the villa.
Ride around the city on a scooter with a Vespa stroller
A Vespa tour is an effective and exciting way to explore the sights of Rome. In just half a day, you will explore historical monuments such as the Spanish Steps, the Trevi Fountain, St. Peter’s Square and the Pantheon, and your children will be happy to wave their hands to passers-by as you rush through the alleys of the city. And for those who prefer coolness, there are also night excursions during which you can stop and eat gelato.