Think Rome is just for adults? Think again. This city of gladiators, ancient ruins, and unlimited gelato is a giant playground for kids. With the right planning, Rome becomes an adventure that the whole family will remember forever.
Top Attractions Kids Love
Colosseum
Kids are fascinated by gladiator stories. Book a family tour that brings the arena to life with tales of battles, lions, and ancient entertainment.
Pro tip: Book early morning to avoid heat and crowds
Vatican Museums
Skip the art history lecture. Family tours turn the Vatican into a treasure hunt, spotting animals, stories, and hidden details in the Sistine Chapel.
Pro tip: Book skip-the-line - kids don't wait well
Villa Borghese Gardens
Rome's Central Park. Rent bikes, rowboats on the lake, visit the zoo, or just let kids run free. The perfect break from museums.
Pro tip: Rent a family surrey bike for 4
Trevi Fountain
Give each child a coin to throw over their shoulder. The legend says they'll return to Rome. It's magical and memorable.
Pro tip: Visit at 7 AM for photos without crowds
Unique Family Experiences
Gladiator School
Kids (and adults!) dress as gladiators and learn to fight with foam swords. A 2-hour class near the Colosseum that they'll talk about for years.
Ages 6+ · From €55/child
Pizza Making Class
Kids get their hands in the dough! Family pizza classes let everyone make and eat their own creations. Aprons and chef hats provided.
All ages · From €45/child
Gelato Tour
A walking tour designed around gelato stops. Kids learn to spot real vs. fake gelato, try multiple flavors, and everyone goes home happy.
All ages · From €35/child
Scavenger Hunt
A self-guided treasure hunt through the historic center. Kids solve riddles to find hidden details in piazzas and fountains. Makes walking fun!
Ages 5+ · From €15/family
Sample 3-Day Family Itinerary
Day 1: Ancient Rome
Morning: Colosseum & Roman Forum family tour (book early slot to beat heat). Our guides make gladiator stories come alive.
Lunch: Pizza al taglio (by the slice) at a local spot - kids love choosing their own toppings.
Afternoon: Gelato break, then explore Trastevere's narrow streets. End with an early dinner at a family trattoria.
Day 2: Vatican & Fun
Morning: Vatican Museums family tour (2-3 hours max). Our guides know how to keep kids engaged with interactive stories.
Lunch: Near Vatican. Try trapizzino for something different - pizza pockets stuffed with traditional fillings.
Afternoon: Gladiator school near Colosseum! Or pizza making class. End with gelato tour.
Day 3: Parks & Piazzas
Morning: Villa Borghese gardens. Rent bikes, row boats on the lake, visit the small zoo (Bioparco).
Lunch: Picnic in the park or casual restaurant near Spanish Steps.
Afternoon: Scavenger hunt through historic center: Trevi Fountain (coin throwing!), Spanish Steps, Pantheon. Finish with farewell gelato.
Survival Tips for Parents
Timing is Everything
Book early morning slots (8-9 AM) for major attractions. Kids are fresh, crowds are thin, and you avoid the heat. Plan rest time after lunch - Rome shuts down anyway.
Skip the Stroller
Rome's cobblestones destroy strollers. Bring a carrier for babies or an umbrella stroller for toddlers. Kids 4+ are usually better off walking with breaks.
Water Fountains Everywhere
Rome has free drinking fountains (nasoni) on almost every corner. Bring reusable water bottles and refill constantly. The water is delicious and cold.
Book Skip-the-Line
Waiting in line with kids is misery. Always book skip-the-line tickets or guided tours. The extra cost is worth every penny for your sanity.
Embrace Gelato
Gelato is a legitimate food group in Rome. Use it as motivation, reward, and mood-lifter. Two gelatos a day is perfectly normal (we promise).
Kids Under 18 Free
EU citizens under 18 get free entry to state museums (Colosseum, Roman Forum, Vatican Museums). Bring passports or ID as proof.
Kid-Approved Eats
Roman food is naturally kid-friendly. Pasta, pizza, and gelato cover most bases, but here are specific recommendations:
For Pizza
Pizzarium (Vatican area) - kids love choosing their slices from a huge selection
For Pasta
Any trattoria with "pasta in bianco" (butter & parmesan) for picky eaters
For Gelato
Fatamorgana (multiple locations) - unusual flavors for adventurous kids
For Breakfast
Regoli - maritozzi (cream-filled buns) that kids devour
For Snacks
Supplì Roma in Trastevere - fried rice balls kids go crazy for
For Dinner
Osteria della Quercia - family-friendly with large portions