BEST THINGS TO DO IN ROME WITH KIDS

INSIDE: Roam the Gnome’s Guide to the Best Things to Do in Rome with Kids. Updated 2024

If you are looking for things to do in Rome Italy with kids, you have come to the right place.

Rome, Italy’s capital, is a gorgeous cosmopolitan city full of history, culture, and legend.

It is the epicentre that paved the way, in more ways than one, for the world we live in today.

See Roman architecture and bold works of art and sculpture, plus visit some of the most famous buildings in the world, all on one day – the Colosseum is a must do.

Check out our list of Rome attractions below and click the links to add these family friendly ideas to your list of top things to do in Rome.

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Image credit: Jimmy Harris via Flickr CC BY-2.0

Table of Contents

BEST THINGS TO DO IN ROME WITH KIDS

Correct at time of publication on Roam the Gnome. Please check with venue for updates. We apologise in advance if there have been any changes we are unaware of. All prices in euro, unless otherwise stated

We LOVED the Rome Explora Children’s Museum, and highly recommend a visit. Book ahead to secure your time slot, or you might miss out.

We also found the BEST shopping street in Rome to buy leather goods and leather handbags.

Take a peek here.

When on a Rome vacation, you’ll be immersed in 3,000 years of globally influential art, architecture, sculptures, stories, and culture.

Visit ancient ruins such as the Roman Forum, the Colosseum, the Pantheon, Circus Maximus (the ancient Roman chariot racing stadium), and the tens of Piazzas.

Other places you must visit in Rome with kids include:

Castel Sant Angelo
the Vatican museums
our favorite Villa Borghese Gardens

RELATED: Best Gifts and Souvenir Ideas from Rome (UNIQUE!)

No.1: Villa Borghese bike rental

Our other favourite thing to do in Rome on our last trip was to jump onto one of the electric pedal-powered cars in Villa Borghese Gardens to explore the place thoroughly.

Hot tip: Be sure to have cash on you if you want to hire a bike too. They don’t take cards.

Read all about this bucket list adventure here.

A number of hire carts in the grounds offer Segway scooter transport.

For those with older children, Segway cruising might just be a notch cooler than family travel on an electric pedal car.

If hiring an electric pedal car or segway is not your thing, jump onboard the Villa Borghese train for a spin around the grounds.

Operating daily from 10.30am until sunset, board at one of three stops around the park.

We recommend riding the Miniature Diesel train around the Rome Villa Borghese at least once to check out all the views without the stress of navigating!

Image credit: Sakena

No.2: Make a wish at the Trevi Fountain

Make your very own wish at the Trevi Fountain before you leave this historical city.

It’s said to guarantee you’ll one day return to this ancient city.

The Trevi fountain is a must see in Rome.

No.3: Explora Museum Rome

If are looking for things to do in Rome with kids, you MUST visit the unparalleled children’s museum, Explora Il Museo – Dei Bambini Di Roma, in Rome.

This is our family travel favourite of the tourist attractions in Rome for kids.

This gigantic children’s museum is filled with hands on activities for the kids and you don’t need to speak Italian to enjoy it.

The Rome Explora Children’s Museum is huge, with two levels of hands-on activities plus a playground outside too, and it’s still growing!

But do make a booking as soon as you can.

It’s very popular with local families.

The Explora museum has a bundle of thematic exhibition stations and rooms to explore.

Exhibitions are created for all the various age groups, so there are some things better suited to older kids, and some for the younger.

Toddlers won’t care though. They’ll have a go at most things.

Hot tip: Check the symbol charts on each activity at Museo Explora for suggested ages for each exhibit or area.

A bonus is that there’s a FREE children’s garden with a water play station, and sandpit outside the main building.

Children can play here while waiting for their session to begin.

The absolute highlight, and the one things you should not miss, is the Water Games Tub which dominates the building!

Here you and the kids can play with water:

join pipes to make the water run
swirl vortexes
pour and catch water, and
experiment with this fluid substance.

Must Do Activity at Explora Roma: ‘Economiamo’

There’s a super dooper fun interactive exhibition on the sensible use of money – spending, saving, and donating.

Register for the game (with English subtitles)
Receive a printed paper ID wristband which loads and collects your points as kids complete ‘jobs’ (eg filling up a petrol tank).

In doing the activities, kids earn money to save or spend at the pretend “café” or “shops” stations in the game.

Here’s a quick overview of some of the exhibits you’ll find for all ages.

No.1: Pari

An interactive journey and game throughout 11 game stations and physical activities focused on three themes:

stereotypes
rights and duties
equality and uniqueness

No.2: Made in Explora Maker Space

Made in Explora is a maker space that offers educational activities for all kids, including the younger age group 3-6 years.

Kids can learn about science, technology and art through a hands-on approach, which concentrates learning on experience through observation and experimentation of different materials.

Take a look at the windows of the Explora Museum when you walk in to see some of the creativity and inspiration made inside these walls.

No.3: Team Play

A colossus Archimedes screw sits in the centre of this contraption.

Kids can:

move the conveyor belt, and
twist the cranks to move containers of ball bearings up AND down AND around to complete the loop.

Working alone is futile. Kids must help one another in self managed “teams” to operate all of the instruments and make this thing happen!

As Ned will tell you, it’s epic fun!

No.4: That Strong Wind

Discover the forces of the wind in this interactive play space.

No.5: Be a Firefighter

Dress up in real fireman’s outfits and jump in the driver’s seat to explore this life-saving profession

No.6: Next Stop Explora

Become the driver of the Explora ‘train’ and learn all about the age of train travel

No.7: What I Eat – I choose, I discover, I buy

A play-based supermarket experience giving the children an opportunity to explore what it means to eat a balanced diet in a fun way.

No.8: Play Kitchen

A play based pretend kitchen asking, “What shall we cook today?”

Kids can play with lots of loose parts and props to ‘cook’ and ‘bake’.

No.9: Weights and measures

Children can develop their skills in maths and science through fun games, activities, and exercises.

Like this cube challenge above.

No.10: Step inside the Bionic

A giant insect-like contraption sits on one side of the building on floor level.

It’s the place to learn how scientists look at structures and processes in nature in order to obtain technological solutions applicable in the technical field.

No.11: In the garden

In the Garden is an opportunity to play ‘gardens’ and growing play fruit and vegetables, with play props.

It’s a chance to find out what grows where around the world.

No.12: Zipline & Play in the Outdoor Green Area

When the session finishes, let the kids expel any excess leftover energy on the climbing frame, and a zip line outside.

The Explora Garden is open to all and free of charge.

Throughout the Children’s Museum, find:

construction toys
wooden cubby houses and wooden animal shapes to hide in
costumes and dress ups, and
musical instruments to play.

There’s also places to hide, places to craft, and places to explore.

It doesn’t matter if you don’t speak Italian.

Most staff have a grasp of English and can help you out, or try and interpret the symbols on the signs at each activity.

Most activities are fairly self explanatory, and when you can’t work it out, laugh at your efforts!

Roma Explora also has a dedicated Small Explorers area dedicated to those under 3.

There’s soft block play, light box play, mazes, puzzles and more.

Explora Museum Cafe in Rome

There’s a delicious and cheap family-friendly café on site in the foyer of the museum.

Staff are super helpful and there’s fun food options for the kids including:

simple sandwiches kids love
cakes
muffins
tarts
chips and crisps
fruit selections

Explora Pizza restaurant

If you’re hungry for something more substantial, there’s also the Roman headquarters of the Antica Pizzeria da Michele restaurant.

Eat pizza to your heart’s content.

Rome Explora Museum Opening Hours, Location and Tickets

Address: Explora is in Via Flaminia 80/86, in the centre of Rome. It’s just a few minutes walk from Piazza del Popolo.
Telephone: + 39 06 3613776
Email:[email protected]

Ticketing: [email protected]
Facebook: Click here
Website: Click here

There are four ‘shifts’ each day from January to July, and again from September to December. Book your session online to avoid missing out. Places fill quickly.

1st session: 10am – 11.45
2nd session: 12:00 – 13.45 (1.45pm)
3rd session: 15:00 (3pm) – 16:45 (4.45pm)
4th session: 17:00 (5pm) – 18:45 (6.45pm)

Note August openings (winter) have three sessions only, starting at 12pm.

The museum is closed Mondays (see website for details), Christmas Day, New years day, and for winter break.

The Rome Children’s Museum may be closed on other days – check website for details.

Rome Explora Tickets

Babies 0-12 months FREE
Toddlers 1-2 years – 6,00 Euro
Children 3+ years – 9,00 Euro
Adults 18+ years – 9,00 Euro
1st Thursday of the month, excluding holidays – 7,00 Euro per person from 3+ years

The admission price includes 1 hour and 45 minute session.

It is not permitted to leave and re-enter the museum during this time.
Children must not be left unsupervised in the museum.

As this is the best thing to do in Rome with kids, we suggest booking your tickets as early as you can.

How to buy Explora Tickets

Book your Explora Museum Tickets here

Purchase Explora museum tickets ahead of time to secure your spot.

Pre-purchase booking of your tickets is:

recommended on weekdays,
mandatory on Saturdays and holidays

Bookings are kept up to 10 minutes from the time of entry.

If you do not show, your tickets will be voided, and they may be resold to a walk in customer.

Please be on time, or call if you are running late.

No refunds will be made.

Change to reserving tickets for sessions at Explora Museum

It’s no longer possible to make a reservation booking ahead of time, and pay for these tickets at the ticket office in the building on the day.

The ticket office remains open for purchase of last minute tickets during the opening hours from 11.00 to 19.00 from Tuesday to Friday, subject to availability of seats.

If there are spots available for you to purchase tickets at the ticket office on the day, a link will be sent via SMS to your cell phone.

This allows you to download the electronic ticket (the data provided, including the mobile number, is used only to provide the ticket issuing service).

Kitchen Workshops

WORKSHOP IN KITCHEN is a special workshop that takes place in a space adjacent to the exhibition pavilion on Saturday, Sunday and holidays from October to June.

Workshops run for 50 minutes and cost €10 euro per person.

For children the entrance fee to the museum combined with the cooking workshop is 7.00 euros.

Check the calendar for vacancies. Reservations required.

How to get to Explora Museum in Rome?

By Car

Explora has a reserved parking for visitors in via Flaminia 86, with access from Via DA Azuni or Via Flaminia.
The parking lot is open from 8am to midnight, 7 days
If you use the browser, you can type “Via Domenico Alberto Azuni, 1” and proceed straight until you enter the car park.
Details here.

By Foot: Explora is a short walk from Piazza del Popolo

By Tram: 2, 19

By Train: Rome-Viterbo – p.le terminus Flaminio

By Metro: Line A – stop Flaminio

Facilities include toilets, baby change table, and water fountains.

No.4: Vatican Museum & Sistine Chapel

If you are travelling in Rome with kindergarten or school aged children, visit Vatican City.

Visit the headquarters of the Roman Catholic Church, to see Michelangelo’s Sistine Chapel frescoes and St. Peter’s Basilica too.

Worried about the queues and the crowds at the Vatican?

Take this skip-the-line family tour of the Vatican and Sistine chapel.

This private tour has been designed with kids in mind, and includes games and fun facts.

Bring the former Roman Empire to life through tours, stories and experiences such as these.

No.5: Piazza del Popolo

In the north of the city lies the glorious Piazza del Popolo, a gigantic open-air public square whose name means ‘People’s Square” .

The Piazza Del Popolo is situated on the northern gate of the old city, at Porta Flaminia.

The size of this piazza draws those visitors and locals alike who wish for a bit of breathing space from the narrow crowded Roman streets, or to find somewhere the kids can let off some steam.

Piazza del Popolo is one of Rome’s centre hubs for street art and street entertainment too, and we highly recommend a visit.

Check out the street entertainment in the Piazza del Popolo on your way to the Rome Children’s Museum.

(It’s just a few hundred metres away).

Piazza del Popolo is less touristy than many of the other sites in Rome, and definitely more of a local’s hangout. The space is welcome too – kids can let off steam here without worrying about annoying anyone or running into traffic.

We love this Rome piazza.

Here’s a bunch of Piazza del Popolo facts & interesting titbits about Ancient Rome creations.

No.1: Piazza del Popolo History

The Piazza del Popolo is the starting point for Via Flaminia, the road that leads to modern day Rimini.

Before public transport became readily available, travellers en-route to Rome would take their first glance of the city right here at the Piazza del Popolo – and what a view!

No.2: Piazza del Popolo Obelisk

The 76 feet Flaminian obelisk, placed here in 1589, is one of Rome’s most spectacular features.

This Egyptian Obelisk is of 13 ancient obelisks in the city, and the second oldest one.

Read all about it here.

No.3: Piazza del Popolo Church

Standing on the north side of the square, the Parish Basilica of Santa Maria del Popolo church was the first church that travellers from outside Rome came upon after their journey towards the city.

Visit this Augustinian church to check out the ornate decoration of the two chapels, one of which was built and designed by the artist Raphael.

Fun Fact: The church is home to two canvases by Caravaggio from 1600.

There’s another church next door, Church of Saint Mary in Montesanto, and together they are often called the Twin Churches.

No.4: Piazza del Popolo Statues & the Rome Piazza del Popolo fountain

Take a look at the ancient statues and fountains in the square.

Fontana del Nettuno, the Fountain of Neptune, can be found on the west side of the square.

This statue is of Neptune, with his trident, flanked by two tritons.

Four mini fountains, with a lion on each pillar, sit in the centre of the square.

This is called the Fontana dell’ Obelisco.

More Things to Do near Piazza del Popolo

Piazza del Popolo in Rome is just a few hundred metres from the Spanish steps.

This piazza in Rome is within walking distance or a short taxi ride to:

Sistine Chapel & the Vatican Museum
Roman Forum and Colosseum
Piazza Navona

It’s also an uphill climb away from the gorgeous Villa Borghese gardens.

We highly recommend visiting Villa Borghese with children.

Piazza del Popolo Location, Entry fees and Opening hours

Address: The square is located between via del Corso and Piazzale Flaminio.
Opening Hours: Open all hours
Entry Fees at the Piazza del Popolo: Free entry.

How to get to Piazza del Popolo

On foot:

The Piazza del Popolo lies at the northern end of Via del Corso.
It’s a 30-odd minute fast-paced walk or a longer stroll from the Trevi Fountain. But if you like shopping in Rome, it’s going to take you a little longer!

By Metro: Metro line A: Stop ‘Spagna’ or ‘Flaminio’

By Bus: Bus No. 88, 95, 117, 119, 490 or 495

By Taxi or Uber: Piazza Del Popolo is easily accessible by taxi or Uber.

How long is it from Piazza del Popolo to Trevi Fountain?

It’s a 16 minute walk via the busy Via Del Corso, the main shopping street in Rome, but only if you browse the store windows!

Our favourite open air square in Rome, but it’s almost as if this is one Rome tourist attraction that didn’t make the memo!

We adore the Piazza del Popolo, and can’t wait to head back to Rome with the kids to visit again!

No.6: Spanish Steps Street Artists

Walk up these steps and you’ll find a row of Roman street artists, all painting scenes of this beautiful Roman capital for tourists to purchase as gifts.

You may even see a caricature artist or two!

Pick up a miniature painting as an authentic souvenir from Rome.

Image credit: Andres Gomez Garcia via Flickr CC BY-2.0

No.7: Villa Borghese Gardens

The Villa Borghese Rome was an unexpected hidden treasure on our last trip to Rome!

Not that finding the entrance was very easy…

Although we could SEE the walls of the Rome Villa Borghese from the Explora Children’s Museum, we wandered half the city trying to find our way up to an entrance gate!

But what awaited us when we arrived at Park Villa Borghese, more than made up for the detour!

The Villa Borghese is a hotspot of Rome museums and cultural institutions, and is often referred to as “Museum Park”.

Adults can enjoy sculptures, art galleries, and the Globe Theatre but it’s the kid’s stuff we love.

If you’re wondering where to go in Rome with kids, take a look!

Adults and kids may appreciate the Villa Borghese Museum or want to purchase Borghese Gallery tickets

Or join a tour of the gallery and gardens with Skip the Line tickets.

There’s quite a bit to see at Borghese Gallery for kids, including taking a look at masterpieces by famous Italian artists including Bernini, Raphael, Titian, Correggio and Caravaggio.

Look out for the mosaics of gladiators in battle!

It helps if you have a personal interest in Roman and Greek mythology, as well as the history of Rome during the Ancient and Modern times, so you can share lively stories with the kids to focus their attention.

Hot tip: There is NO Villa Borghese Gardens entrance fee. Pay only for tickets to the Museum, Gallery, Cinema and rides etc.

Image credit: Douglas Lara

No.1: Villa Borghese playground

Visit the Villa Borghese playground near the Edicola Della Musa building.

(Map ref. 26)

Image credit: Michael McRoberts

This playground on the corner of Viale J.W. Goethe and Viale del Museo Borghese is surrounded by trees and has:

two sets of swings
rocker swings for toddlers, and
one central timber castle-like playground with two turret-style platforms.

Image credit: Lalupa via Wikipedia CC BY-3.0

No.2: Watch a Movie at the World’s Smallest Cinema

Take in a film at the world’s smallest cinema, the Cinema dei Piccoli, at Villa Borghese Park in Rome.

Find this tiny freestanding building near Villa Borghese’s southern entrance during the day, and be treated to a children’s film.

Arrive in the afternoon or evening, and the films showing are more likely to be for grown-ups.

No.3: Villa Borghese Arcade Games

Step back in time at this unexpected retro arcade game hall, Piccolo Slalom, in Park Villa Borghese, Rome.

A smallish hall filled chocka-block with retro-style pinball machines, and coin-operated amusement rides, all surrounding a miniature electric-powered car racetrack.

My seven year old was in heaven!

Be sure to have LOTS of Euro.

Attractions and rides in the Games Arcade are pay-per-play or pay-per-ride.

They only take cash, although are happy to exchange the cash for the tokens you’ll need to ride and play.

The hut is open every day from 10:30am to sunset.

Piazzale Napoleone I. Piccolo Slalom is located across from Cinema dei Piccoli,

Villa Borghese rides for kids

Give in this time, and let the kids try out a few of the coin-operated amusement rides.

There’s all kinds of vintage Italian rides to have a go on, restored and ready for kids to try them out.

The rides are located at the same old fashioned game parlour as above.

No.4: Visit Casina di Raffaello ~ Ludoteca “Playroom” Recreation Center.

Stop by the Rome attraction, Casina di Raffaello ~ Ludoteca “Playroom” Recreation Center.

It’s at No. 22 on the map.

There’s a:

toy library
reading room
play areas
creative rooms where you can draw and paint and dress ups.

Outdoors, there’s a wooden playground village with cubby houses, a gigantic seesaw, and a life size musical instrument (wood flute) to play.

Tickets are 7 Euro for adults, and 5 Euro for reduced tickets.

Open daily from 9.00am to 19.00 for children from 3 years old.

Call 060608 for bookings. Address is Viale della Casina di Raffaello (Siena square)

Find all the current details of opening hours, days of operation, price changes etc here.

Another mode of transport for the kids inside Villa Borghese.

It’s a lovely spot to get up close with a Shetland.

Find the ponies on Viale J.W. Goethe.

This activity operates on Saturdays and Sundays from 10:30am to sunset.

Image credit: Yannick Carer via Flickr CC BY-SA 2.0

No.5: Visit the Labyrinth Maze at Villa Borghese Gardens?

There is said to be a labyrinth maze in the park, but unfortunately, the location cannot be determined.

Please let us know if you find it, so we can add it to the list.

Image credit: Antonia Felipe via Unsplash

Villa Borghese Location, Entry fees and Opening hours

Address: Piazzale Napoleone I, Rome

Entry points:

Via Aldrovandi
Via Raimondi (2 inputs)
Via Pinciana (2 inputs)
Piazzale San Paulo
Piazzale Flaminio
Piazzale Cervantes

Telephone: Servizio Giardini 06 6710 9312 – 06 6710 9315

Villa Borghese Gardens Opening Times:

The Villa Borghese Rome is always open.
Some gated areas close at sunset.

Villa Borghese Entry fees

Admission to the Villa Borghese Rome is free.
Some attractions within the Villa grounds attract a fee, for example bike hire, zoo entry, Villa Borghese gallery entry.

How to get to Villa Borghese Gardens

On foot: 5 -10 minutes walk uphill from the Spanish Steps, and Piazza Del Popolo.

By Metro: Metro Line A (Flaminio and Spain) stops

By Train: FS station (Rome-Viterbo) to Piazzale Flaminio

By Bus:

Bus stops in via Fiorello La Guardia and square S. Paulo: 490,495,89,160,61
Bus stops in via Pinciana height Galleria Borghese: 223, 910, 53, 63, 83, 92, 360.

By Taxi or Uber: Villa Borghese is easily accessible by taxi or uber.

Image credit: Vanessa via Unsplash

The closest gelateria to Villa Borghese is Bellamia Gelateria on Corso d’Italia, 33.

Head out the gates at Porta Pinciana and turn left, then walk 500 metres.

It’s a five minute walk.

Their all natural gelato is worth it.

Choose from creamy gelato in flavors such as chocolate, coffee, pistacchio, and stracciatella, or fruity flavours such as lemon, mango, and strawberry.

They also sell a soft coconut yoghurt, and granita drinks in lemon or strawberry too.

Buy kids size, medium scoop and large scoops in either cup, cone or tub.

Find directions here.

Image credit: Francisco Anzola via Flicker CC BY 2.0

No.8: Piazza Navona

One of the must-do tourist attractions in Rome is the Piazza Navona.

Built on the Stadium of Domitian back in the 1st Century AD, this piazza is an example of Baroque architecture with three famous fountains in the open space in the centre of the stadium-like piazza.

While it’s definitely a cultural hotspot and an architecture lovers dream destination, this square is interesting enough for kids, especially on a sunny day! (Unlike the day we visited)

Read these fun facts about Piazza Navona as you plan your Rome itinerary.

Roman Statues and fountains are so much more fun, when you know a little of their history!

Piazza Navona Fountains

See the second most famous fountain in Rome!

The main Piazza Navona fountain in the centre of the square is the world-famous Fontana dei Quattro Fiumi or “Fountain of the Four Rivers”

The statue was built in 1651 by the sculptor, Gian Lorenzo Bernini.

The Bernini Fountain of the Four Rivers fountain at Piazza Navona is topped by the Obelisk of Domitian, and is a sight to see.

Piazza Navona Statues

There are two other Famous Roman Statues at Piazza Navona

No.1: Fontana del Moro

The fountain at the southern end is the Fontana del Moro.

There’s a basin and four Tritons sculpted by Giacomo della Porta (1575).

To which, in 1673, Bernini added a statue of a Moor, or African, wrestling with a dolphin.

No.2: Fountain of Neptune Piazza Navona

The fountain at the northern end of the Piazza is the Fountain of Neptune (1574).

Also created by Giacomo della Porta.

The Statue of Neptune, by Antonio Della Bitta, was added in 1878 to create a balance with La Fontana del Moro.

Image credit: Sarah E. Bond via Flicker CC2.0

See the Stadium of Domitian Piazza Navona underground

Explore the only stadium ever built from masonry in Ancient Rome.

Take a skip-the-line audio guide tour of the ruins of the Stadium of Domitian, a Unesco World Heritage Site.

See amazing reconstructions of the former site of the ancient Olympic Games, located 5 meters beneath the square.

Click here to book.

When was Piazza Navona built?

It is built on the site of the Stadium of Domitian in the 1st century AD.

Name the famous Piazza Navona movies

According to IMDB, a total of 39 movies have been filmed in Piazza Navona. These are the most popular.

James Bond Spectre (2015)
John Wick: Chapter 2 (2017)
American Assassin (2017)
Angels & Demons (2009)
The Talented Mr. Ripley (1999)
The Way of the Dragon (1972)
The Great Beauty (2013)
Hudson Hawk (1991)

Image credit: Maria Eklind via Flickr CC2.0

There’s Street Entertainment Galore

Be prepared for lots of street entertainment, including:

buskers
portrait painters
silent human statues

The square is filled with stylish people to watch so grab yourselves a gelati icecream cone and find a seat.

Piazza Navona Location, Entry fees and Opening hours

Piazza Navona Address: Piazza Navona, 00186 Roma, Italy

Opening Hours at Piazza Navona

Open all hours

Entry Fees:

Entrance to the Piazza is free.

How to get to Piazza Navona

On foot

Walking is the best option.
You can do a fab tourist loop by starting at the Piazza del Popolo, down to the Spanish Steps, walk to the Trevi Fountain, and arrive at the PN square via the Pantheon.

By Metro: There are no Metro stations nearby.

By Bus: From the Termini, take bus 64, 70 or N15 and alight at the C.So Vittorio Emanuele/S. A. Della Valle stop.

By Taxi or Uber: The square is easily accessible by taxi or Uber.

Click here for detailed directions

Image credit: Seanfoneill via Flicker CC2.0

Piazza Navona Christmas Market

If you happen to visit Rome on a family vacation during December and up to the first week of January, you’ll be delighted by the Christmas Market in Piazza Navona and the atmosphere there.

Go for the Christmas food and the vibe, and you won’t be disappointed by the lack of original art, or the array of cheap Chinese imports.

The kids will love picking out a Christmas souvenir or two though!

No.9: Rome Colosseum with Kids

The Colosseum, or Coliseum, is Rome’s Number One rated attraction.

This monstrous oval amphitheatre (the world’s largest), built of concrete and sand, is situated in the centre of the city of Rome, was built back in 70 AD, and officially opened in 80 AD Fact.

Here’s a fact for you.

The Colosseum is the largest amphitheatre EVER BUILT.

If you are wondering what to do in Rome with young kids in tow, the best Rome attractions are usually NOT the major tourist destinations.

Especially if the Rome attractions require visitors to be quiet and/or peaceful.

In fact, sometimes it’s easier to avoid the large-scale or popular landmarks and Rome tourist attractions, or postpone a visit to the most popular Rome attractions ‘till the kids get older’.

No sane person wants to deal with a child’s full blown tantrum in one of those historical and magnificent places.

(I definitely don’t want to become the spectacle for the crowd!)

That’s when a family friendly tour of the Colosseum can help.

Take a Family Friendly Roman Colosseum Tour for Kids

A tour guide can get you in quickly, and keep you moving when there’s bottlenecks of crowds.

But more importantly, a good tour guide has the ability to capture the kids attention and draw them in, keeping them engaged and busy at this ancient Roman empire tourist attraction.

A lively tour guide, who has the heart and soul of a storyteller, can share the stories and the Roman Colosseum facts for kids in a way that makes them feel what it must have been like to sit in the audience.

A good storyteller can help kids experience what it would have been like for Gladiators in the maze of holding rooms down below, as they prepared for battle against giant beasts like lions and panthers, knowing their freedom and indeed, their life depended on the outcome of the next few minutes.

A good tour with a lively tour guide is gold, and worth every cent.

It’s definitely the best way to see Colosseum with young ones.

Best Colosseum Tours for families

Looking for a Roman Colosseum tour for kids?

Here’s a few of the best Colosseum tours for kids on offer through Get your Guide.

Tour Option 1: Book this Skip-the-Line COLOSSEUM for Families Tour with GELATO!

Tour Option 2: Skip the Line Colosseum Tour for kids 6-12 years, with role-playing, games, imagination, visuals, and challenges

Tour Option 3: Best Selling Best of Rome and Colosseum adventure for kids

Image credit: Navin75 via Flickr CC BY-SA 2.0

More Rome Colosseum Tour Options

Looking for more of the best Colosseum tours?

Take a look at our picks of these Rome tours with kids.

Rome: Skip-the-Line Colosseum and Arena Floor Guided Tour

Skip the Colosseum entrance line and take a 1.5-hour tour of this iconic Roman landmark. Access the usually off-limits arena floor, and see where the gladiators once stood.

Book this tour here.

Rome: Colosseum Skip-the-Line Guided Tour

Only have an hour? Join this guided tour where you’ll explore the 1st and 2nd tier of the mighty Flavian Amphitheatre.

Book this tour here.

Colosseum Tickets Skip-the-Line (own pace)

Want to wander at your own pace but don’t want to stand in the long queues to get in to see this iconic landmark?

This is the ticket for you.

Image credit: Sonse via Flickr CC BY-2.0

Visiting the Colosseum by Night Tour

Just for something different, why not visit the Colosseum on a night tour, and see the Colosseum from a different perspective?

This VIP Colosseum Underground and Arena Tour by Night lets you experience the Colosseum with absolutely no crowds in a small group with your own personal expert guide to share all the gory stories.

Best Tour in Rome for kids? Gladiator School in Rome

The best tours in Rome are immersive experiences that can help you visit iconic historical places in a way that captures the kid’s imaginations.

We prepared for our Colosseum visit by joining a “Gladiator School Training” session at the Gladiator School of Rome, complete with a visit to the Gladiator museum and a lesson in Colosseum history for kids.

We personally vouch for it.

The Gladiator school in Rome is about 10 minutes walk from the Colosseum on the historic Appian Way.

The whole Rome Gladiator experience remains in our TOP 5 THINGS TO DO WITH KIDS AROUND THE WORLD.

We’ll NEVER forget it.

Visiting the real life Gladiator School is not the cheapest guided tour in Rome, but it is THE BEST way to make Ancient Roman history come alive for kids. We HIGHLY recommend it.

We visited the Colosseum after a morning well spent on a tour, experiencing what it was like to be a real life Gladiator.

Gladiator Tour in Rome

This is the link to the Get your Guide Tour we did.

This Rome tour is the only way to access this experience unfortunately.

Heads up: The Gladiator School tour in Rome costs a small fortune for one person but the price per person does get cheaper when you book for two, or three, or four.

For us, it was so worth every cent, as our Gladiator school tour ended up as a PRIVATE TOUR, with only our family in the group.

Hooray for small wins!

Roam the Gnome, Ned, Jack and I followed up our epic morning of Gladiatorial combat with a trip to the Colosseum later in the day.

To SEE the look of wonder on Ned’s face when he realised THIS PLACE was THE PLACE where those Gladiatorial battles really happened…

THAT was a pinch-me moment.

It’s for moments like this that I take the kids travelling far and wide, despite the expense.

Nothing can beat it.

FAQ about the Colosseum in Rome

Where is the Colosseum located?

The Piazza del Colosseo is in the centre of Rome, close to the Roman Forum and Palatine Hill.

It’s a 21 minute walk from the Trevi Fountain, a 25 min walk from the Pantheon, a 16 minute car trip from Piazza del Popolo, and 20 minutes by car from the Vatican.

What is the Colosseum?

It’s a monumental 3-tiered Roman amphitheater, where they once held Gladiatorial battles to the death.

What are the Rome Colosseum hours of opening?

It opens daily at 8.30am.

For details on closing times, see the INSIDE SCOOP below.

Image credit: Matt Brisher via Flickr CC BY-2.0

Visit the Colosseum Arena Floor

Access the arena floor through the gladiators’ gate.

Feel what it would have been like as they waited to enter the arena in front of thousands of people waiting for a gory show.

Image credit: Matt Brisher via Flickr CC BY-2.0

See the Colosseum dungeons

Check out the view of the dungeons.

This is where the gladiators waited for their turn to battle.

It’s also where the wild animals were held.

You can even see the recreation of the elevator that lifted the animals into the arena. (Pictured above)

Best Rome Colosseum Facts for kids

Here’s a few history insights and interesting facts about the Colosseum for kids.

No.1: What was the Colosseum used for?

The Colosseum was used for gladiator fights and hunting simulations involving ferocious and exotic animals.

No. 2: How many people can fit into the Colosseum in Rome?

70,000 people could fit into the Colosseum at the height of its fame.

That’s more than the Ascot Racecourse, and only slightly less capacity of the amount of people who fit in the Old Trafford in Manchester.

No.3: Why was the Colosseum built?

The Colosseum was built to both entertain AND distract the population and so entry was FREE!

No.4: What are the special features of the Colosseum?

There was an underground theatrical system that used hoists, ramps and trapdoors to surprise the audience with the unexpected appearance of the animals, gladiators and scenery props

Image credit: Sean MacEntee via Flickr CC BY-2.0

No.5: How long did it take the Romans to build the colosseum?

It took the Romans less than 10 years to build.

That’s an epic feat considering they only had primitive tools and machinery.

No.6: Who designed the Colosseum architecture? How old is the Colosseum?

According to Wikipedia, construction began under the emperor Vespasian in AD 72 and was completed in AD 80 under his successor and heir, Titus.

No.7: Who built the Colosseum? How long did it take to build the Colosseum?

60,000 Jewish slaves were called in to build the Colosseum using marble and limestone for the ornate outside walls of the amphitheatre.

It took them between 6-8 years to finish.

No.8: Why is it called the Flavian Amphitheatre?

The emperors of the Flavian dynasty were the instigators of this huge undertaking.

No.9: How big is the Colosseum?

According to Wikipedia, the Colosseum is 189 meters (615 ft / 640 Roman feet) long, and 156 meters (510 ft / 528 Roman feet) wide.

The round arena floor base is 6 acres, or 24,000 square metres .

No.10: Live Cam Rome Colosseum

Here’s a fun thing to have a look at before you arrive.

The LIVE cam of the Rome Colosseum!

Image credit: Sean MacEntee via Flickr CC BY-2.0

Colosseum Location, Tickets, Opening hours

Address: Piazza del Colosseo, 1, 00184 Roma, Italy
Telephone: Switchboard: 06 7740091

Colosseum Official Website

Click here for the official Colosseum website. (It’s hard to find!)

Image credit: Sean MacEntee via Flickr CC BY-2.0

Rome Colosseum Hours

The Rome Colosseum Opening Hours are as follows:

The Coliseum opens daily from Monday to Sunday at 8.30am.

The Coliseum closes according to the following schedule:

8.30 am – 4.30 pm
from January 2nd to February 15th
last entry at 3.30pm

8.30 am – 5pm
from February 16th to March 15th
last entry at 4.00pm

8.30 am – 5.30 pm
from 16th March to the last Saturday in March
last admission at 4.30pm

8.30 am – 7.15 pm
from the last Sunday in March to August 31st
last entry at 6.15pm

8.30 am – 7.00 pm
from September 1st to September 30th
last entry at 6.00pm

8.30 am – 6.30 pm
from October 1st to the last Saturday in October
last admission 5.30pm

8.30 am – 4.30 pm
from the last Sunday in October to December 31st
last entry at 3.30 pm

The Coliseum is closed on January 1st and Christmas Day, December 25th.

However, we recommend to always check the official website for temporary closures before planning a visit.

Rome Colosseum Tickets

Is colosseum free for under 18?

Yes, there’s free entry to the Roman Colosseum for kids under 18 (EU and non-EU)

Reduced rate: EU citizens between 18 and 25 years of age in possession of a valid form of photo ID

Colosseum, Forums and Palatine ticket

Full rate € 16.00; Reduced rate € 2.00

Ticket valid for 1 day with 1 entrance to the Colosseum and 1 entrance to the Roman Forum / Palatine / Imperial Forums archaeological area.
Admission to temporary exhibition/s included.

Forum Pass SUPER ticket

Full rate € 16.00; Reduced rate € 2.00

Ticket valid for 1 day with 1 entrance to Roman Forum / Imperial Forums / Palatine archaeological area and SUPER sites (subject to daily maximum visitor capacity).
Admission to temporary exhibition/s included.

Full Experience ticket

Full rate € 22.00; Reduced rate € 2.00

Admission to Colosseum with Arena or Underground levels, Roman Forum, Palatine, special SUPER Sites and Imperial Forums.
Ticket valid for 2 days with 1 entrance to the Colosseum and 1 entrance to the Forums and Palatine area.
Admission to temporary exhibition included.

Image by Martin Hudec via Pixabay

When is the low season at the Colosseum?

The high season is usually in:

April
May
June
September
October
December
weekends.

Low season times are:

January to March
July
August
November

Tips for Visiting the Rome Colosseum for Kids

We strongly advise pre-planning your visit and booking your tickets before you go. This is not a skip-the-line ticket. You will have to wait in the entry queue.

Estimated Colosseum wait times without skip-the-line tickets are about an hour and a half, especially during the weekends and holidays.

If you are travelling with kids, take a look at the tour options and skip the line Colosseum tickets above or below.

Walk up entry tickets can also be bought at the ticket offices of the Palatine in Via di San Gregorio n.30, or in Piazza Santa Maria Nova 53 (200 meters from the Colosseum).

Colosseum Discount Tickets with Roma Pass

The cheapest way to enter the Colosseum is with a Roma Pass for either 48 or 72 hours.

The Roma Pass also gives you free use of the city’s public transport system, and discounts on services and activities.

Please note Roma Pass holders must now make a reservation to enter the Colosseum.

This costs €7.50

Buy your Roma Pass here.

Image credit: Joe Anderson via Flickr CC BY-2.0

Colosseum Free Entry

There’s free entry on a few days a year, thanks to the Italian Government.

That’s free entry for all visitors to the site during opening ordinary times. It is not possible to book this ticket.

Free admission days are posted on this website.

Map of the Colosseum (Coliseum)

How to get to the Colosseum in Rome

By Metro: Line B stop Coliseum
By Bus: Number 75, 81, 673, 175, 204
By Tram: Number 30

Where is the Colosseum Entrance?

Hot tip: Follow the crowds!

Access & Facilities at the Rome Coloseum

The Rome Coliseum is accessible to visitors with disabilities, pregnant women, strollers and elderly.
The entrances to the monument, placed along Via dei Fori Imperiali are equipped with ramps.
The ground floor Amphitheatre is accessible to all. The first floor is accessible via elevators.
Two wheelchairs are available, one for the ground floor and the first floor.

There are bathrooms on site as well as vending machines for hot and cold drinks.

Photography and videography is allowed without flash or lights.

Where to eat at the Colosseum with kids?

Save your hunger and make your way to Pizza Florida after your visit for a taste of the best pizza in Rome!

Hot tip: DO NOT buy exorbitantly priced ice cream from any of the ice cream stalls near the Colosseum. It’s daylight robbery.

Walk a few hundreds metres in any direction to find a local gelateria and pay half the price!

Security at the Colosseum Rome

Please note: for security reasons it is strictly forbidden to enter with:

backpacks
camping gear
bulky bags
luggage or trolleys.

Medium and small size backpacks are allowed but must be screened by metal detectors, as any other bag.

All bags must be opened and visually inspected by the Urbe Security Institute, responsible for the entrance inspection.

Due to new security measures, it is necessary to arrive at least 30 minutes before the reservation at the ticket desk.

FUN THINGS TO DO IN ROME WITH TEENAGERS!

Here’s a list of the top 10 things to do in Rome with teens that won’t bore them to death.

Whether you have 5 days in Rome with teenagers, or just two, there’s LOTS of teenage friendly attractions in Rome if you know where to look.

The best way to visit the busy tourist attractions such as the Piazza Navona, Sistine Chapel, the Vatican museums or the Spanish steps with teens is to book a fun Rome tour for kids, that involves some kind of hands on activity such as cooking, or searching for graffiti art, or a unique underground tour.

There’s something cool about doing stuff that others aren’t.

Another cool idea is to make a bucket list of the best foods to try in Italy, and hunt them down each trip.

Hot tip: Book them into this best selling pasta and tiramisu cooking class in Rome!

Hot tip: Reward their joyful participation in family activities with a visit to the video game museum in Rome at the end of the day.

Main image credit: Vigamus

No. 1: Vigamus Video Game Museum in Rome Italy for teenagers

This is the video game place in Rome.

Teenagers who love gaming will adore this place. It’s more arcade than museum.

Spend a few hours playing vintage, old school video games like Pacman and Space invaders on retro consoles.

Plus, find:

Atari
Nintendo
Sega

There’s arcade games, and current generation games here too.

Plus take a wander through history seeing the extensive collection of old gaming machines on display.

There’s a VR room too.

Address: Via Sabotino, 4, 00195 Roma

Image credit: Jakub Hałun (CC BY-SA 4.0)

No.2: Join a 2 hour Seqway Tour of Ancient Rome sights

Explore the centre of ancient Rome and see sights including:

the back alleys of the Celio Hill
Circus Maximus.
views over the baths of Caracalla
Marcello Theatre
Altar of the Fatherland
ride down the entire length of the legendary Roman Forum, Rome’s most important archeological park.
travel the length of the car-free Imperial Forum road
the Colosseum.

BOOK NOW: Ancient Rome 2 Hour Segway Tour around Colosseum

No.3: Become a ‘student’ at Gladiator School

THIS is the best experience in Rome, and we can personally vouch for it.

Gladiator Training School for teens is the most fun you can have in Rome.

Train to be a gladiator on the Via Appia Antica in Rome
Learn the skills of sword fighting
Wear the Gladiator tunic
Train your fitness in preparation for battle
Hear about life for gladiators in Ancient Rome
Visit the Rome Gladiator museum and see a stuffed lion head!

BOOK NOW: Gladiator School in Rome for Kids and Adults

No.4: Old Distillery Escape Room Experience

Escape rooms are the perfect rainy day activities for teens in Rome.

This Escape room in Rome is set in an old distillery.

Solve clues and puzzles in an hour or less, and open the door before the distillery explodes!

No.5: VIP Seating at Hard Rock Cafe

Need a break from pizza and pasta, and all that Ancient Rome history?

Hard Rock Cafe is a worldwide institution, with:

classic American food
fun sounds, and
awesome music memorabilia.

Skip the line to enter with this prepaid meal voucher.

Address: Hard Rock Cafe Rome is at Via Vittorio Veneto, 62 a/b 00187 Rome.

Metro stop Barberini, on line A.

No.6: Climb St Peters Dome

Tour majestic St. Peter’s Basilica and see the city from the summit of Michelangelo’s magnificent Dome.

Climbing the dome requires effort and a level of energy teens possess!

Check latest prices here.

NB: Shoulders and knees must be covered as part of Vatican dress code.

No.7: Take an underground tour of the Colosseum

Take this tour to gain exclusive access to the restricted areas underground the Colosseum.

Check out the dungeons, and the recreation of the elevator that lifted the animals into the arena.

The views from down here are incredible, and not one that many people get to enjoy.

It’s one for the gram!

Image credit: Hydromania

No.8: Spend a day at HYDROMANIA Water Park in Rome

Hydromania water park is Rome’s answer to Wet’n’Wild with wave machines, slides, and extreme water rides

With the exception of Hydromania, the rest of Rome’s theme parks remind me of a travelling carnival fair, now permanently set up at a fixed address in the suburbs of Rome. They have the same kind of atmosphere.

Each one is a random eclectic gathering of vintage coin-operated rides, arcade games, jumping castles, inflatables, dodgem cars, and the odd roller coaster.

Fun for kids, but without the polish or price tags of Disneyland or Universal studios.

Hence the charm!

Ride the extreme water rides:

race friends on the toboggan slide
go down the black hole slide with a friend
ride the Big River
descend for 3 seconds down the K2 slide
spin down the dual spin bowl
freak out on the uphill wave ride
battle the wave pool
plus, play soccer and volleyball or do laps in the olympic pool

Visit at Vicolo del Casale Lumbroso, 200, 00166 Rome

Click here for details

MORE OF THE BEST THEME PARKS IN ROME

Luckily, Rome does have quite a number of ‘theme parks’.

You can easily fill in three days in Rome with kids with a few sightseeing adventures coupled with a theme park or two.

We haven’t been to any of these Rome attractions yet, but they are on our list of fun theme parks to visit in Rome next trip.

See below for details.

No.1: Oasi Park

Another small Roman theme park that won’t break the bank.

A fun place for a few hours time out from the history and artefacts for the kids.

Image credit: Eden Park

No.2: Eden Park Amusement Park Rome

Eden Park is a Children’s amusement park with roller coaster, trampoline & bumper cars, plus a playground & cafe.

There’s water boats, mini rollercoaster, pirate ship, shows and entertainment, ball pits, dodgem cars, arcade games, playground equipment, and slightly dodgy looking dressed up characters!

No.3: EurPark Energy and Adventure

EurPark is the amusement park for outdoor sports in Rome.

Adventure Park has:

acrobatic paths on the trees
a 4-sided climbing wall
an archery range
free games (table tennis, table football, petanque, volleyball, etc.)

Energy Park has:

an inflatable that doubles as a human table football field, and a place to play soapy football
a tactical field dedicated to fights for LaserTag and Soft Archery
two Pump Track slopes (for children and adults)
a wave to practice Surf Skate
an open-air gym, and
a “marines” training course.

No.4: Rainbow MagicLand Amusement Park Rome

Rainbow MagicLand theme park in Rome is about a 20 minute train ride from Termini station.

This one is one of the biggest theme parks in Europe.

Find:

a Virtual Reality Time machine ride
Europe’s largest planetarium
a haunted hotel
rollercoasters
Jungle Camp (the largest playground in Italy!)
ride on cars driving school for kids, and
Tonga Land for the kids with a water park and magic spinning cup rides!

Open Friday to Sunday 10:00 am – 6:00 pm

No.5: Parco Scuola del Traffico (Fun Traffic park)

Parco Scuola del Traffico is a park where kids can drive ‘cars’ throughout the driving courses. Kids over 12 can ride ‘motorcycles’ too.

They need to navigate through all the normal traffic signage and follow the road rules.

There’s also stops to fill up their ‘cars’ with petrol and more.

Address: Via Delle Tre Fontane, corner of Via Romolo Murri

No.6: Parco Neverland

Parco Neverland is a local children’s amusement park with:

coin operated rides
jumping castles
dodgems, and
play equipment

No.7: Baby Luna Park Rome

Baby Luna Park is another indoor amusement park, similar to the one above.

There’s an indoor swing carousel, jumping castles, inflatables, indoor trampoline park, a quad riding track and a games arcade.

No.8: Gnomilandia

Gnomilandia is an indoor childrens play centre for toddlers and young kids on the outskirts of Rome.

You’ll find inflatables and party rooms here.

Find it at via Prenestina 1500, 00132 Roma.

No.9: Il Fantastico Mondo del Fantastico

A neighbourhood version of Disneyland, in a castle!

No.10: Parco Morelli

This Family Park, 18 minutes from the Pantheon via taxi, has:

swing chairs
inflatables
dodgem cars
small roller coasters
coin operated rides, and
playground equipment.

A great place to meet the locals.

WHERE TO SHOP IN ROME

The Best Things to Buy in Rome?

One of our most visited pages is our guide on what to buy in Rome for souvenirs and gifts

If you are wondering what to buy in Rome, or ideas for unique Rome souvenirs, this is the guide you need.

Then take a look below too.

No.1: Leather Shopping in Rome

Remember this?

The best Rome Shopping Street to find:

leather handbags
leather totes
leather shoulder bags
leather gloves
leather shoes, and
leather purses.

Stumbling upon this street was a gift from above.

Our story has helped the THOUSANDS of visitors who come to Italy looking for leather in Rome since.

No.2: Best Rome Markets?

Should you go to the Porta Portese markets in Trastevere?

Read our review to find out our thoughts on it.

Image credit: Al Sogno toy store in Rome

No.3: Piazza Navona shopping tips

Find the best toy store in Rome for kids and families at the Al Sogno Toy shop at Piazza Navona.

Al Sogno Toy shop in Rome is at one end of the piazza.

Al Sogno Piazza Navona store

In this dreamlike store with a Gladiator and Pinocchio by the front door to greet you, there’s:

stuffed animals
teddies
fairy dolls
wooden puppets
porcelain handmade dolls, and
marionettes.

If you are in Rome with kids, this is the Aladdins Cave of Toy Stores in Rome.

No.4: More Shopping in Piazza Navona

No.1: Cartoleria Pantheon, from 1910

Stop by this stylish Italian shop to find:

leather photo albums
leather jewelry holders
leather pen holders (pictured above)
wax letter seal handles made from brass
stationery and pens
Miniature Library ornaments
leather diaries with handmade paper
leather bags for women, and
elegant letter paper.

Shopping for someone who has everything? THIS is your go-to shop in Rome.

Address: Piazza Navona, 42, 00186 Roma RM, Italy

No.2: L’Artigianato Gift Shop

Lovely handmade gifts including colorful ceramics, tea towels, chess games, artistic blown glass, kitchenware, vintage reproductions, coffee making tools, pasta machines, Italian brand toys, and more.

Find these Italian homeware and kitchen brands:

Egan Made in Italy – vintage style Disney cups and mugs, dessert forks, soap dishes. Also a range of quirky Ceramic owls.
Carillon music boxes and retro inspired carousels of Italian design
Bialetti coffee makers and Bialetti coffee beans
Pavoni coffee machines
Marcato pasta machines, drying racks, biscuit machines and hand tools
Giannini Italian kitchenware
Alessi design household objects, kitchen accessories, jewelry, costume jewelry, watches, trays, dishes, tea and coffee services and kettles

Address: Piazza Navona, 84, 00186 Roma RM, Italy

No.3: Society Limonata Roma

Find beautifully designed gifts for the home, including things for the bathroom, bed linen, bedsheets, pillowcases, decorative cushions, towels, tablecloths, napkins, ceramics, clothing, bags and scarves.

Their DRAI bag made from cotton canvas in divine colors is ideal for the beach, or shopping, or travel.

Address: Piazza di Pasquino, 4, 00186 Roma RM, Italy

No.5: Piazza del Popolo Shopping

There are plenty of Rome souvenirs shops and fashion boutiques nearby, south of the Piazza, on both Via Del Corso, and Via del Babuino.

Find Gap, Nike, Sephora cosmetics, Zara, and the LEGO store in Rome within 5-10 minutes walk.

The best thing to do is wander, and head in when a shop takes your fancy.

Look out for PuntoPelle if you are looking for Leather Jackets in Rome.

The Birkenstock shoe store can be found at Via del Babuino, 165.

No.6: Visit the Rome Explora Museum Shop & Bookshop

If you are planning on shopping in Rome for the kids souvenirs, you’ll love the Explora Museum Shop.

The shop and the library has 3 floors of:

educational and scientific games
pocket money toys
a wide selection of books dedicated mainly to children
CDs and DVDs
stationery products
gadgets, and
tonnes of souvenir and gift ideas from Rome too.

Look for the Explora branded folding cup, and buy a few for easy to carry gifts for kids.

These cups came in handy so many times during our stay in Rome, and we use them at home too.

The shop and bookshop are open from 9.30am to 7.30pm daily, except Mondays.

Image credit: Eric Molina via Flickr CC BY-2.0

No.7: Roman Colosseum Gift Shop

The Roman Colosseum Gift Shop sells Rome Colosseum souvenirs including:

a huge selection of books about the Colosseum history
children’s books about the Colosseum
specialist publications
Colosseum guidebooks
t-shirts
Colosseum pencils,
gadgets and puzzles, and
tote bags.

There are actually three Colosseum book shops inside:

two on the first level, and
one on the second.

BEST PLACES TO EAT IN ROME WITH KIDS

No.1: Eating in Rome with Kids

Committed foodies will be in heaven in Rome, and so will the kids – with every kind of spaghetti, pasta, pizza and gelato you can imagine- right at your fingertips.

Make a plan to find these Top 11 Italian dishes to try in Rome with kids! (This is a post on Rome for Teenagers, with a big section of what to eat in Rome at the end)

You must also stop by this fabulous authentic pizza shop, Pizza Florida for what we think is the best pizza in Rome.

You can also try Chiostro del Bramante Cafe

Head up to second level to sit in the courtyard.

Via Arco della Pace, 5
Telephone: 06 6880 9035
Open from 10:00 am-9:00 pm.

Need a sweet treat?

Visit Gelateria Tre Scalini.

No.2: Italian Hot Chocolate

Do one thing for certain.

Order an ITALIAN HOT CHOCOLATE.

Be sure to ask for a spoon to drink/eat this thick hot chocolate.

A return to Rome is on our bucketlist – to write an Italian Hot Chocolate comparison guide!

Image credit: Tre Scalini

No.3: “Death by Chocolate” – Try the World-famous dessert “Il Tartuffo” at Tre Scalini.

Unless of course, you are planning to indulge in the world-famous dessert “Tartuffo” truffle cake at Tre Scalini cafe-restaurant and ice cream parlour.

Death by Chocolate, created in 1946 by the found of the Ciampini family, is a local speciality and must be tried at least once.

This is one of the top things to do in Rome for foodies.

No.4: Piazza del Popolo Restaurants

There are also many open-air restaurants surrounding the piazza.

Jimmy’s Eatery is good for pizza and pasta on the go with kids
La Vita E un Mozzico is a good sandwich shop to pick up lunch
Ristorante Pizzeria Popolo Caffe is a relaxed spot for Italian and Mediterranean dishes everyone will like.
Try Gelataria dei Cracchi for the delicious gelato with unusual flavors

Image credit: Michael McRoberts

BEST PLAYGROUNDS IN ROME

No.1: Villa Borghese playground in Rome

Wondering where to find Rome playgrounds? So are we.

We found one kids playground in Rome at Villa Borghese, but otherwise, we saw very few ‘playgrounds’ around.

There is a kids playground, Parco Giochi per Bambini at the Giardino Botanico botanical gardens south of the Colosseum.

No.2: Villa Borghese Gardens in Rome

The Villa Borghese Gardens are a hidden treasure but boy, it’s not easy to find the entrance!

But once you get there, there’s a whole bunch of stuff to do, including the electric bikes mentioned above!

We highly recommend a visit.

You can also spend a few hours undercover playing the games and taking turns on the coin operated rides in the retro style games arcade at Villa Borghese

BEST ROME ART GALLERIES, MUSEUMS, AND LIBRARIES

The thing about Rome is that not all their art is indoors.

You’ll find LOTS of centuries old sculptures and iconic Roman statues outdoors too, especially in the piazzas around town.

See the fountains at Piazza Navona.

Even on an overcast day, they are spectacular.

If you are wondering what other things to see in Rome with kids, we recommend the Spanish Steps.

We literally stumbled upon them.

When visiting Rome, you can also try the Castel Sant Angelo, and Piazza Venezia.

Galeria Borghese Museum has amazing Gladiator mosaics too.

Image credit: Zoo Institutes via Wikipedia CC BY-SA 4.0

ANIMALS, WILDLIFE SANCTUARIES AND ZOOS IN ROME

No.1: Bioparco Zoo in Rome (Villa Borghese Zoo)

Bioparco di Roma is one of Italy’s largest and oldest zoos, in the centre of Rome, is 17-hectares in one corner of Villa Borghese Gardens, and home to over 1000 animals from more than 200 species.

The Zoo is open every day of the year, except Christmas Day.

Visit the Bioparco Zoo at Villa Borghese to see:

Indian elephants
giraffes
brown bears
pygmy hippos, and
camels.

There’s also a reptile house, chimpanzees, lions, tigers, leopards and lynxes.

Entry is €16.00 for adults, and €13.00 for kids over 1 metre tall and under 10 years of age.

There’s FREE entry for kids under 1 metre tall. (Strange that height is a factor, but true!)

The Bioparco train costs an extra €1.50 per person.

Where to eat at Bioparco Zoo inside Villa Borghese Park

You won’t go hungry or thirsty, with

three coffee bars;
a restaurant;
picnic areas;
“Caffè del Parco”, with a coffee bar, self-service and a roof garden;

Click here for Bioparco Zoo opening hours, current Bioparco Zoo ticket prices, and more.

AWESOME ROME EVENTS AND FESTIVALS

Keep an eye out for the latest issue of Romeing Magazine.

They share latest events and fun family things to do with kids in Rome too.

MORE OF THE BEST ROME TOURS FOR KIDS

Looking for some more choices of tours in Rome for kids and families?

Take a “Squares of Rome” street tour, with street food, tiramisu and gelato!

Book this kid friendly tour of Rome (with gelato tasting!)

Image credit: Jimmy Harris via Flickr CC BY-2.0

No.1: Colosseum – Gladiator’s Entrance Tickets & Arena Floor

Taking the kids to see the Roman Colosseum is a no-brainer but it’s helpful to go with a storyteller to bring it to life.

This tour is tops and not your everyday experience of the Colosseum.

Walk in the footsteps of the Gladiators on this tour when you enter THROUGH the same gates that the Gladiators would have taken to enter the arena, ready for battle!

Book it now.

Hot tip: Watch out for pickpockets near the outrageously expensive ice-cream vendors positioned outside the Colosseum. Skip the icy treat here, and head back into town to find one of the more affordable gelato bars.

Image credit: Navin75 via Flickr CC BY-SA 2.0

No.2: Colosseum and Ancient Rome Family Tour for Kids

Here’s a real child friendly tour of the Colosseum and the Roman forum, with skip the line entry to both.

This tour includes fun games and activities for the kids to learn more about life in Ancient Rome and the Roman Empire.

There’s even a prize for every kid at the end.

No.3: Rome: 2-Hour Vatican Museums Highlights for Families

Take the kids through one of Rome’s best art collections on this specially designed 2-hour Vatican Museums family tour for children aged between 7 to 12-years-old.

The best bit?

Everyone wears a headset so kids will always be able to hear what the guide is saying.

Tour includes Skip-the-line access to the Vatican Museums and St Peter’s Basilica.

Touring Rome with kids from other families may be one of the best things you’ll ever do in Rome.

WHERE TO STAY IN ROME WITH KIDS

Best place to stay in Rome with kids? Try this place.

No.1: Rome Cavalieri Hotel

Wondering where to stay in Rome with kids?

Here’s your answer.

The Rome Cavalieri Hotel has a KIDS CLUB! (It’s one of the only ones you’ll find in the city.)

Which means you can leave them – guilt free- at the hotel while you head out for a bit of grown-up exploring.

Check latest prices.

FAQ – TRAVELLING IN ROME WITH KIDS

Rome Weather

What is the weather in Rome today?

Click here to find up-to-date Rome Weather reports.

Image credit: Jan Willem Broekema via Flickr CC BY-ND 2.0

Getting Around Rome

The Rome Tourism Board has all the details of getting around Rome

on foot
by bus, tram and metro
by taxi
by bike
by boat, and
by train.

Image credit: Jan Willem Broekema via Flickr CC BY-ND 2.0

Visit Rome on a Budget

Looking for free things to do in Rome?

These attractions should be top of your list of free stuff to do in Rome.

Try these:

The Pantheon
Toss a coin into the Trevi Fountain
Piazza Navona
Piazza Campo dei Fiori (Field of flowers public square)
Spanish Steps
Saint Peter’s Basilica
Papal audience (Wednesdays, reservation required)
Vatican Museum on the first Sunday of the month (crowded though!)
Appia Antica (or Appian Way) – this is home to the Gladiator School Tour in Rome
Square of the Mouth of Truth disk (Piazza Bocca della Verita)
Walk around Trastevere & Testaccio on ancient cobbled streets
Aula Ottaganale Ancient Roman sculptures

Buying the ROMA Pass is another tip for budget travel in Rome.

LOOKING FOR MORE FUN CITIES TO VISIT WITH KIDS?

Click the links in blue below for our Ultimate Family Travel Guides.