Rome with Kids

Welcome to Rome: The History of Rome in 3D

A fully interactive museum about the history of Rome. 3D projections show how the city grew over the centuries, and you’ll see what the Roman Forum and the Colosseum once looked like.

With the mix of video, light and sound effects, visitors of all ages can follow the transformation from a small village into today’s Rome over 2700 years.

It’s best to visit the museum right at the start of your trip, before heading to the archaeological sites around the Colosseum. That way, the ruins will make much more sense for kids too.

Book your ticket for Welcome to Rome

Throwing Coins at the Trevi fountain

The Trevi Fountain is one of the must-see sights in Rome and a favorite stop if you’re in Rome with kids. Little ones especially enjoy tossing coins into the water and making a wish.

Legend has it that if you throw a coin over your right shoulder, your wish will come true. Toss two coins, and you might just fall in love with a Roman!

By the way: all the coins are collected regularly and donated to charity — so it’s not only fun but also a good deed.

Child Friendly Tour of the Vatican Museums

Museums can be tough with kids, which is why many parents skip them on family trips.

But the Vatican Museums offer special guided tours made for families.

You skip the line at the entrance, and kids are introduced to the artworks with pop-up books, iPad games and even a treasure hunt. It’s a playful way to keep them engaged while seeing world-famous art.

The family tour is best for children aged 6 and up.

Book the kid-friendly tour of the Vatican Museums

Climbing the Dome of St. Peter's Basilica

St. Peter’s Basilica is so grand and impressive that even kids will be amazed.

First things first: Entry to St. Peter’s Basilica is free! That makes it one of the best free things to do in Rome with kids. There’s usually a line to get in, but it moves fairly quickly.

The real adventure is climbing the dome. The entrance is to the right of the main doors, so you’ll need to step outside again to reach it.

You start with an elevator ride, but after that there are about 300 steps to the top. A perfect counting challenge for kids!

From nearly 100 meters up, you’ll have an incredible 360-degree view over Vatican City and all of Rome. On the terrace there are also restrooms and a small snack bar.

Keep in mind: strollers can’t be taken up because of the steps after the elevator.

Our tip: Kids are often up early, which works in your favor in Rome. Head to St. Peter’s Basilica first thing in the morning to get inside without long waits.

Try out Leonardo da Vinci's Inventions

Even though Leonardo da Vinci spent most of his life in Florence and Paris, Rome is home to an interactive Leonardo Museum that’s all about his genius.

This museum is one of the most family-friendly museums in Rome and is fun for both kids and adults. Around 65 models have been built from Leonardo’s sketches, and visitors can actually try them out.

The museum isn’t very big — you’ll see everything in about an hour — but it’s a great stop and perfect for escaping the midday heat in Rome with kids.

Visit Secret Passages in the Castel Sant'Angelo

Castel Sant’Angelo was first built as the mausoleum of Emperor Hadrian, then later turned into a fortress in the Middle Ages.

Inside you’ll still find catapults, cannonballs, weapon collections and even a prison — exciting discoveries for young knight fans!

There are hidden passages, spiral staircases and an amazing terrace café with one of the best views in Rome. It’s also usually less crowded than the Vatican or the Colosseum, making it a great thing to do in Rome with kids.

The castle sits in Parco della Mole Adriana, where you’ll also find a playground.

Children up to 18 years can enter for free.

Cycling & Biopark at Villa Borghese

This huge park in the center of Rome is full of meadows, fountains and shady paths. You’ll find a carousel, several playgrounds and you can even rent rowboats at the little lake near the Temple of Asklepios.

At the entrance by Piazzale Brasile is the bike rental Pincio, where you can rent children’s bikes, e-bikes or even 4-seat go-karts. Perfect for exploring the park in a fun way.

A mini train also runs through the park: the ride takes about 25 minutes and costs 3 euros per person.

Villa Borghese is also home to Rome’s biopark zoo, which has around 200 species of animals.

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Explore the Calixtus Catacombs

The Calixtus Catacombs are among the most important in Rome and lie just outside the city. Since the 3rd century AD, about 500,000 Christians have been buried here, including 16 popes.

You can only visit on a 45-minute guided tour, and there’s often a line at the entrance. That’s why this is best with older kids who don’t mind waiting. Exploring the underground chambers and tunnels is both eerie and fascinating.

Our tip: It’s always cool underground, so bring a sweater even on hot summer days.

Read more about the Catacombs in Rome

Relax at Ostia Beach

Building sandcastles and playing in the Mediterranean is the perfect change of pace after sightseeing.

The best spot for this is Ostia, the coastal district of Rome. From the city center you can get there in under an hour by metro and regional train.

Ostia beach is well set up for families: there are umbrella rentals, playgrounds right on the sand, beach bars, changing rooms and showers. So if you want a simple, stress-free beach outing, this is the easiest day trip from Rome with kids.

From Rome Termini, take metro line B, change at Piramide to the regional train, and get off at Stella Polare station. From there it’s just a 5-minute walk to the beach.

Taste the Best Ice Cream in Rome

There are countless gelato shops in Rome, but for the absolute best, with great value for money, head to Gelateria Fassi — the city’s oldest ice cream parlor.

All the flavors are homemade, the servings are generous, and they add whipped cream for free. There are tables inside where you can sit and enjoy, plus a drinking fountain where you can refill your water bottle at no cost.

Take a Tour with the Hop-On Hop-Off Bus

One of the easiest ways to see the main sights without tiring the kids is by hopping on the classic Hop-On/Hop-Off bus.

The red double-decker bus with its open roof is always fun for kids, and it passes all the major attractions. If you need a break, just hop off, visit a playground or grab a snack, and then continue the tour on the next bus.

Children under 5 ride for free, and there’s space for strollers too.

To the ticket for the Hop-on/Hop-off bus

Extra Tip for a Break from Sightseeing: The Explora Children’s Museum

If you’d like to give your kids a fun break from sightseeing in Rome, head to Explora.

This hands-on children’s museum near Villa Borghese Park is designed for ages 0 to 12. Kids can try out experiments, explore science, and learn about physics, chemistry, and architecture in a playful way. There are also activities about emotions and teamwork.

For the youngest ones, there’s a cozy baby corner with toys made just for them.

The museum has an outdoor playground and a spacious restaurant with free Wi-Fi, which makes it a great option on a rainy day or when kids just need to burn off energy.

It’s best to book your Explora tickets online in advance. If possible, plan your visit on a weekday, as it tends to be quieter then.

How to Prepare for Your Family Trip to Rome

To make sure your trip goes smoothly, here are a few tips to keep in mind before you go:

#1 Get a children’s book about Rome

A great way to prepare: get your kids excited about the city with a book!

There are plenty of fun children’s books about Rome that explain the city’s history and culture in a way that kids can easily understand. This builds excitement and lets them decide what they want to see most.

We recommend these children’s books about Rome:

• Children’s travel guide “City Trails – Rome” by Lonely Planet – for ages 9 to 12. Packed with quirky facts, fun illustrations, and stories about food, history, and culture. Easy to read and not too text-heavy.
• Kids’ Travel Guide – Rome – for ages 6 to 12. Helps kids become little Rome experts with challenges, tips, coloring pages, and quizzes. It also highlights the best parks, piazzas, and family-friendly sights.
• Rome in a Weekend with Two Kids – for parents. A step-by-step guide with clear itineraries, family activities, and practical tips. Perfect if you’re short on time and want a stress-free way to explore the city.

#2 Pack sturdy shoes and a stroller with big wheels

Rome’s sidewalks can be uneven and full of potholes. Comfortable, sturdy shoes are a must, as sandals can make it easy to twist an ankle.

The same goes for strollers: lightweight travel strollers with large air-filled wheels handle cobblestones much better than ones with small plastic wheels. A baby carrier is also a good alternative.

#3 Bring a thermos bottle

Rome has plenty of drinking fountains where you can refill bottles for free. That’s especially helpful in summer when kids get thirsty quickly. With a thermos, the water stays cool longer and you don’t have to buy bottled water all the time.

#4 Fly into Fiumicino

Rome has two airports: Fiumicino and Ciampino. Fiumicino is far better connected—you can get into the city center in just 30 minutes with the Leonardo Express train. That’s much easier when traveling with kids and luggage.

From Ciampino, you’ll need to take a shuttle bus, which usually means holding babies or toddlers on your lap. The more mobile your kids are, the more tiring that ride becomes.

#5 Where to stay in Rome with kids

Deciding where to stay in Rome with kids can be tricky. Should you go for a hotel or a vacation rental? It often depends on the number and age of your children.

Aparthotels are a great middle ground: you get space to cook and play, while still enjoying hotel perks like reception, cleaning, and breakfast service.

Here are a few family-friendly aparthotels in Rome we recommend. They’re central, close to main attractions, and offer good value:

Trianon Borgo Pio Aparthotel – Apartments for 2 to 6 people between Castel Sant’Angelo and the Vatican. Includes a fitness area and breakfast room.

Incentrum – Stylish apartments with frescoes, balconies, or terraces, right in the historic center and just minutes from the Spanish Steps.

Or, if you prefer hotels with family rooms, these are also a good fit:

Meininger Hotel – Spacious family rooms with bunk beds, located near Termini train station. Easy to reach from the airport, and all rooms are barrier-free.

These were our tips for Rome with kids

Have you already visited Rome with your family? How did you get your kids excited about the Eternal City? Share your tips with us in the comments!