15 Best Things to Do in Rome with Kids
Planning a family trip to Rome? From the Colosseum and Vatican Museums to gelato stops, Villa Borghese, and fun family-friendly activities, here are the best things to do in Rome with kids.
Table of Contents
- The Colosseum
- Vatican Museums
- Gelato Stops
- Villa Borghese
- Castel Sant’Angelo
- Pantheon
- Trevi Fountain
- Roman Forum & Palatine Hill
- St. Peter’s Basilica
- Sistine Chapel
- Traditional Pizza Cooking Class
- Torre Argentina Cat Sanctuary
- Pasta and Tiramisu Making Class
- Appian Way Bike Ride
- Explora Children’s Museum
Top 15 Best Things to Do in Rome with Kids
These attractions have been tested and approved by countless families. Each one offers a balance of discovery, fun, and just enough structure to keep both kids and parents engaged.
Quick Family Facts
1 The Colosseum
The Colosseum is where Rome really clicks for kids—gladiator stories bring it to life. A family-friendly guided tour helps skip lines and makes the experience fun and easy to understand.
Our Top Pick
Colosseum, Roman Forum & Palatine Hill Guided Tour
A top-rated Colosseum tour lets you skip the lines, walk onto the arena floor, and explore with an expert guide who makes the history engaging for both kids and adults.
★ 4.7 · GetYourGuide · Includes Roman Forum & Palatine Hill
2 Vatican Museums
The Vatican can be overwhelming for kids, so keep it short and focused. A small-group guided tour helps you see the highlights—like the Sistine Chapel—without exhausting everyone.
Our Top Pick
Rome: Vatican Museums, Sistine Chapel & Basilica Tour
Experience the Vatican Museums and Sistine Chapel with skip-the-line entry, an expert guide, and a curated route. You can also upgrade to include St. Peter’s Basilica and add a self-guided Dome visit for the best views.
★ 4.7 · GetYourGuide · 2–4 hours · Flexible duration perfect for families
3 Gelato Stops
Gelato becomes part of the daily routine in Rome—and a great motivator for kids. Regular stops keep energy up and make exploring more fun.
Galleria Borghese
It's one of Rome’s most beautiful, family-friendly museums. Next to a large park, it offers a short, manageable visit for kids filled with impressive art (Bernini, Caravaggio, Raphael). Book in advance—spots are limited!
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Bioparco Zoo
If your kid is tired of seeing Roman ruins, directly next to the villa you can find the oldest zoo in Italy, with more than 1100 animals and 222 species.
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Boat Ride in Villa Borghese
Families can rent boats and enjoy the lake. You can see swans, ducks and even a family of turtles. A fun activity for all.
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Bike Rental
There are a lot of ways to discover the huge park. One of the best ways is with bikes or pedal carts. Great for avoiding tired little legs while still exploring with fun.
Little Train
Hop on the small tourist train to explore Villa Borghese effortlessly — ideal for younger kids and tired legs.
4 Villa Borghese
Villa Borghese is easily one of the best places to visit in Rome with kids, combining open space, relaxing activities, and family-friendly attractions in one area. From boat rides and bikes to the Bioparco Zoo and Galleria Borghese, it’s perfect for a slower and more flexible day in Rome.
There’s just so much to see in this underrated gem. Here’s a more in-depth guide to Villa Borghese.
5 Castel Sant’Angelo
Castel Sant’Angelo feels like a real fortress adventure for kids. Exploring the ramps, tunnels, and terraces keeps things exciting, and the views over Rome from the top are a big reward.
6 Pantheon
The Pantheon is quick, impressive, and easy to visit with kids. The massive dome and open oculus spark curiosity, and it’s a great short stop between gelato breaks.
7 Trevi Fountain with family
Throwing a coin into the Trevi Fountain is a simple but memorable moment for kids. Visit early in the morning or later in the evening to avoid the biggest crowds and make it more enjoyable for the whole family. Then you can wander in Trastevere for a little food tour walk!
8 Roman Forum & Palatine Hill
These ruins feel like a giant outdoor playground for the imagination. With the right storytelling or a guided tour, kids can picture ancient Rome coming to life.
9 St. Peter’s Basilica
St. Peter’s Basilica impresses kids with its sheer scale. For families with older children, climbing the dome adds a fun challenge and one of the best panoramic views in Rome. Although it is one that requires more planning, it can be overwhelming and tiring for both parents and children.
10 Sistine Chapel
The Sistine Chapel is a highlight of any Vatican visit. Keep it short and focus on Michelangelo’s ceiling—kids are often amazed once they know the story behind it.
11 Traditional Pizza Cooking Class
A traditional pizza cooking class is a great way to experience culture with kids! Learn to prepare authentic dough and discover classic Italian techniques. A hands-on experience that’s fun, relaxed, and suitable for all ages.
12 Torre Argentina Cat Sanctuary
A hidden gem in Rome where ancient ruins meet rescued cats lounging in the sun. Right in Torre Argentina, it’s a calm, feel-good stop between major sights. Easy, affordable, and surprisingly memorable—an instant hit for curious kids and cat lovers alike.
13 Pasta and Tiramisu Making Class
This one is probably the best cooking class for all! Rated 4.9 with 5,000+ reviews, it's a great way to experience culture in a unique and interactive way while getting to taste delicious food.
14 Appian Way Bike Ride
The Appian Way offers a quieter escape from the city center. Biking along ancient roads is both fun and educational, especially for older kids who enjoy adventure and open space.
15 Explora Children’s Museum
Explora is perfect for younger kids who need a break from history-heavy sightseeing. Interactive exhibits and play-based learning make it one of the most kid-friendly indoor attractions in Rome.
Tips for Visiting Rome with Kids
Start Early
Visit major sights in the morning to beat crowds and avoid the hottest part of the day.
Plan Food Breaks
Regular snack, pizza, and gelato stops make long sightseeing days much easier.
Mix Busy + Relaxed Stops
Pair iconic landmarks with open spaces like Villa Borghese to keep the pace balanced.
Book Ahead
Timed-entry tickets and guided tours help avoid long lines and keep kids engaged.
- Choose one major attraction in the morning and one easy activity later in the day.
- Keep museum visits short and focus on highlights.
- Always build in time for gelato, rest, and playground breaks.
- Use guided tours when a place needs storytelling to come alive for kids.
Planning Rome with Kids?
Here is our selection to build your itinerary around Rome’s most fun, flexible, and family-friendly experiences.
Plan Your Family Trip







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