Rome, a city brimming with mighty monuments, creepy catacombs, and glorious food, holds a special magic for children. Just like all Italians, Romans adore kids, and with a bit of imagination, you’ll find countless ways to keep your little ones entertained amidst the city’s tumbledown ruins and ancient streets.
Let your children wander through the heart of history – the city itself becomes a fantastical playground when you weave tales of gladiators and heroic deeds. Many sites are embracing technology to enhance the experience, offering smartphone apps, interactive displays, and even virtual reality headsets.
Exploring Rome’s Hidden Gems
Beyond the iconic landmarks, Rome offers a world of exploration for kids. Parks invite adventure, while underground treasures await discovery. And then there’s the food! Gelato and pizza are perfect for quick snacks, and restaurants are generally welcoming to families. While kids’ menus might be rare, most eateries are happy to serve smaller portions for little ones.
However, a word of caution – the city’s cobblestone streets and out-of-order metro lifts can pose challenges for strollers. Additionally, nappy changing facilities are limited, and public restrooms can be scarce.
Top Spots for Family Fun
Rome’s ancient heart offers a plethora of attractions for kids, including countless gelaterias and pizza takeaways. Villa Borghese, the city’s central park, is another must-visit, boasting a zoo, a boating lake, and numerous picnic spots. In the Vatican, you can climb the dome of St Peter’s, while Via Appia Antica is perfect for bike rides and exploring catacombs.
Fun for Babies and Toddlers
Villa Borghese is a haven for toddlers, with open-air playgrounds and a miniature train ride. Older kids can row on the Giardino del Lago or cycle around on bikes available for hire. Rome’s zoo, the Bioparco, is also located within the park, and with over 1200 animals, it’s a surefire hit for kids.
Animal lovers can also find a colony of cats residing amongst the Roman ruins at Largo di Torre Argentina. Scattered throughout the city, you’ll encounter a menagerie of animal sculptures – an elephant near Basilica di Santa Maria Sopra Minerva, lions on the Cordonata staircase, and a wolf in the Capitoline Museums.
Explora – Museo dei Bambini di Roma is Rome’s only museum dedicated to children under 12. This colorful, hands-on space features thematic sections, interactive displays, a fire engine, and a free play park. It’s guaranteed to be a hit with your little ones.
Adventures for Older Children
Everyone wants to see the Colosseum, and it certainly doesn’t disappoint, especially when paired with stories of gladiatorial combat and ferocious lions. For a behind-the-scenes peek, consider a tour of the hypogeum, the network of underground corridors beneath the main arena.
The Trevi Fountain is a place where you’ll encourage your kids to toss a coin – according to tradition, it guarantees a return to the Eternal City. Join the crowds, which thin after dark, and throw in your pennies to secure a comeback.
While not explicitly designed for kids, the Vatican can be a fun experience. Toddlers can chase pigeons in St Peter’s Square and marvel at the Swiss Guards’ uniforms. Older kids might enjoy climbing the dome of St Peter’s for breathtaking rooftop views. Similar panoramic vistas await at the nearby Castel Sant’Angelo.
A Tale of Truth and Lies
The Bocca della Verità, an ancient marble disc with a carved face, is said to bite off the hand of anyone who tells a lie while holding it. Try it out with your kids, and then head to the nearby Circo Massimo for a run-around and a picnic.
For tech-savvy kids, the Terme di Caracalla offers augmented-reality headsets that bring the ancient bath complex to life. Multimedia displays at Le Domus Romane di Palazzo Valentini add a touch of magic to several underground Roman villas.
Teen Appeal
While teens can be a tough crowd, even they’ll be impressed by the Vittoriano. This colossal white monument boasts some of the capital’s most spectacular views, including a breathtaking panorama from the Terrazza delle Quadrighe. To reach the top, take the lift on the structure’s western flank.
The catacombs on the Appian Way offer a spooky and fascinating experience. These underground tunnels were used by early Christians for burial. After exploring the depths, enjoy a bike ride along Via Appia for a fresh breath of air.
Give your inner Spartacus free rein at Rome’s gladiator school. You and your young warriors can dress up in traditional garb and learn gladiatorial combat under the guidance of instructors from the Gruppo Storico Romano.
For an unforgettable sporting experience, take your teens to a match at the Stadio Olimpico. Hardcore fans fill the Curva Nord (Lazio) or Curva Sud (Roma), but for a more family-friendly experience, try the central tribune sections. If you can’t catch a game, stadium tours are also available.
Planning Your Trip
While Roman hotels tend to have small rooms, many offer at least one family-friendly option. Booking in advance is key to securing your choice.
Public transport is free for children under 10, but you’ll still be doing a lot of walking. A carrier is a must if you’re traveling with a baby, while a robust stroller is essential for toddlers. For long days out, a reusable water bottle is useful for filling up at the city’s drinking water fountains, known as nasoni or ‘big noses’.
