Rome with kids: the best things to do

In short: Rome is a giant open-air history book, perfect for children who love gladiators, emperors and legends. Book the Colosseum and the Vatican, put your hand in the Mouth of Truth, hire a pedal cart in Villa Borghese, and reward every visit with a gelato. The secret: one big sight a day, no more.

The Colosseum and ancient Rome

The Colosseum fascinates children: tell them about the gladiator fights and the wild animals that came up from below ground. The ticket includes the Roman Forum and the Palatine, the emperors’ hill, where umbrella pines give some shade. Book a time slot, arrive early and bring water: there is little shelter from the sun.

The Mouth of Truth and the Circus Maximus

Under the portico of the church of Santa Maria in Cosmedin, the Mouth of Truth is a large marble mask: legend says it bites the hand of liars. Nearby, the Circus Maximus, the great ground where chariot races were held, lets children run around.

The Pantheon, Piazza Navona and the Trevi Fountain

• The Pantheon and the hole in its dome, through which the rain falls.
• Piazza Navona, with its fountains, artists and toy sellers.
• The Trevi Fountain, where you throw a coin over your shoulder to make sure you return to Rome; since 2026, access to the edge of the fountain has been charged.

Villa Borghese

The large Villa Borghese park is the playground of Roman families: bike and pedal-cart hire, a small lake with rowing boats, playgrounds and the Bioparco, Rome’s zoo. The Borghese Gallery, which must be booked, suits older children best.

Explora, the children’s museum

Explora, near Piazza del Popolo, is a museum designed for children: they play at the market, the city and different jobs. Visits are by session: book ahead.

Castel Sant’Angelo

A former fortress on the Tiber, Castel Sant’Angelo has everything of a real castle: a spiral ramp, ramparts and a terrace with views of St Peter’s. It is linked to the Vatican by a fortified passage, visible from the terrace.

The Vatican with children

The Vatican Museums are huge: with young children, head straight to a few rooms (the Gallery of Maps, the marble animals, the Sistine Chapel) rather than trying to see everything. Book an early-morning slot. St Peter’s Basilica and its square come next; clothing covering shoulders and knees is required.

Outside the city

• Ostia Antica: a whole Roman town, with its streets, theatre and houses, free to explore and calmer than the Forum. The sea is close by.
• The Appian Way by bike and the catacombs, for children who are not afraid of the dark.

Pizza, gelato and supplì

Children love Rome at mealtimes: pizza al taglio sold by weight, supplì (fried rice balls with a mozzarella heart), pasta and, of course, artisanal gelato. Choose gelato shops with covered tubs and natural colours.

Practical tips

• One big sight a day, in the morning; a break in the shade or at your hotel in the hottest hours in summer.
• A water bottle to refill at the nasoni drinking fountains.
• A baby carrier rather than a big pushchair.
• Tell the stories before the visit (Romulus and Remus, the gladiators): children see the ruins differently.
• From Fiumicino, the Leonardo Express train runs to Termini station; a private transfer saves carrying luggage onto the train.

Areas and month-by-month weather are on our Rome page. See also: Things to do in Rome, Where to stay in Rome and Rome in 3 days.