Rome with kids Family holidays in Rome

Rome with kids · Tips for families in the Eternal City

Rome with Kids: Discover the excitement of the Colosseum for kids and the awe-inspiring wonders of St. Peter’s Basilica. Discover Rome’s finest gelato and tastiest pizza spots. All this and more awaits you for an unforgettable family vacation in the Eternal City.

Rome offers endless discoveries for children. From fountains, statues, and ancient Egyptian obelisks to a captivating magic shop, there is something to thrill your kids at every corner. And, of course, they can indulge in homemade ice cream, pizza, and generous servings of spaghetti. Take in the panoramic view of Rome while witnessing the noon cannon firing. Explore the Villa Borghese lake by boat, visit the zoo, or embark on a trip to the seaside.

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The most important sights for kids in Rome

With children it is usually not possible to do a full sightseeing program. They need more rest, more breaks and relaxation, and plenty of time to observe and play.

The hop on hop off buses are a great help. They take you to the different sights and allow you to rest and relax. Most providers carry children up to the age of 4 for free and offer discounts up to the age of 15. More information about the hop on hop off buses

For a memorable experience at the Colosseum, head straight to the 1st floor to see fascinating exhibitions and models depicting ancient Roman life. Take advantage of the elevator if you have a stroller or buggy. You need one hour for the visit.

Don’t forget that children under the age of 18 are admitted free, but free tickets are not available in advance. They can only be obtained at the door. However, if you have already purchased adult tickets, you can pick up your complimentary tickets at a separate box office at the Colosseum, saving you the hassle of waiting in line.

Water dispensers, where you can fill your plastic bottles with still or sparkling water free of charge, are located at the metro station and opposite the exit of the Colosseum.

There are restrooms inside the Colosseum, but they are often long and queued. It is sometimes better to take a short break in one of the bars in the area.

Rabbit on the Palatine Hill
Rabbit on the Palatine Hill

With the ticket for the Colosseum you can also visit the archaeological area of the Forums and the Palatine. This will take you about 1-2 hours. The Palatine Hill offers breathtaking views and a chance to see ruins, wildlife, and botanical collections.

A hop-on-hop-off bus from the Colosseum can take you to landmarks like Castel Sant’Angelo and Vatican City.

Explore centuries of art and history at the Vatican Museums, including the iconic Sistine Chapel. Consider the direct route to the chapel to save time and effort. Allow 2-3 hours for your visit. Admission is free for children under 6, and discounted tickets are available for teens and students up to 25.

Some guided tours include the Museums and the Basilica. There is a secret exit to St. Peter’s Basilica only for these tours. This can save you a lot of time.

Cathedra Petri The Popes Throne
The Popes Throne

If you have not booked the Museums tour with St. Peter’s Basilica, you will have to go through the security check at St. Peter’s Square. You may have to wait up to an hour, except in the early morning.

The Visitor Center is located on the right side of the Basilica. You can leave your coats, luggage and baby carriages there and freshen up.

Exploring St. Peter’s Basilica offers an hour of wonder, with an additional hour for ascending the dome. Don’t miss the Sacrament Chapel or the intricate details of the basilica’s interior, including the awe-inspiring dome designed by Michelangelo.

The grottoes beneath the basilica provide a mysterious world for children to explore, with statues, sarcophagi, and glimpses into the history of the papacy.

Ascend the dome via elevator for panoramic views of Vatican City and Rome. The elevator will take you to the top of the basilica, where a small bar is located. From there, a staircase winds through the dome to the lantern.

Center of the columns of 'Bernini
Center of the columns of ‘Bernini

After your visit to the Basilica, take a leisurely break in St. Peter’s Square. Admire the historic fountains and find respite in summer from the heat. Don’t miss the fascinating Obelisk, which doubles as a sundial and is surrounded by a compass rose that indicates the directions of the winds. Stand at the center of Bernini’s colonnades for a unique perspective and observe the statues of Peter with the Key and Paul with the Sword.

Don’t forget to fill your water bottle at one of the four lanterns surrounding the obelisk. For a historical stroll, walk along the Vatican walls from Porta Angelica to Castel Sant’Angelo, where you’ll discover the famous “Passetto” escape route and a children’s playground in the castle.

Castel Sant’Angelo, originally built as a mausoleum for Emperor Hadrian, boasts a rich history as a prison and refuge for popes. Ascend its levels for stunning views and explore its museum, showcasing historical weapons and armor from the Swiss Guards. Tickets are free for visitors under 18, and advanced purchase is recommended.

Continue your journey from the Angel Bridge through picturesque streets to Piazza Navona, home to Bernini’s Fountain of the Four Rivers. This baroque square was an athletics stadium in ancient times. The remains can be viewed under the square Info and tickets.

Take a detour through Piazza di Sant’Eustachio while heading to the Pantheon. You’ll find the fantastic Gran Cafè Sant’Eustachio on one side, where they expertly prepare frothy sugared coffee. On the other side of the street, there’s the famous ice cream parlor owned by Günther Rohregger from South Tyrol. This way, everyone in the family will be happy.

The dome of the Pantheon
The dome of the Pantheon

The grandeur of the Pantheon is enhanced by its imposing columns and dome. Notably, the diameter of its dome surpasses that of St. Peter’s Basilica. Within the Pantheon, a delightful coolness prevails, offering respite from the sun. Gaze upward through the dome and witness the captivating spectacle of the sun’s descent into the structure. Interestingly, the ground conceals drainage systems designed to channel rainwater.

In the 7th century, the Pantheon underwent a transformation into a church known as Santa Maria ad Martyres.

Admission to the Pantheon is charged. There are two queues for cash and credit card payments. If you book in advance, you can go straight in. Tickets

At the Pantheon, have a coffee at the Tazza d’Oro and cross Via degli Orfani to reach the magic shop Eclectica, where Harry Potter used to shop. Continue past the Obelisk in front of the Parliament and the Column of Marcus Aurelius in front of the Prime Minister’s Palace. Take the street to the right of the opposite gallery to get to the Trevi Fountain.

Trevi Fountain is the most famous fountain in Rome. In the past, it was common for children to take a swim in its waters. However, nowadays, even the slightest touch of a foot in the water is strictly prohibited.

The builders delighted in astonishing the visitors. As you stroll along the slender pathways, the gentle murmurs of water may reach your ears. Without warning, you find yourself facing the magnificent fountain. Toss a coin into its depths, and Rome shall beckon you once more.

You can explore the excavations of the Aqua Virgo aqueduct, which supplies both the Trevi Fountain and the Piazza Navona. These excavations can be visited next to the Trevi Fountain Tickets. The aqueduct can also be visitedin the basement of the department store La Rinascente on Via del Tritone.

Cross Via del Tritone to reach the Spanish Steps through winding alleys. Climb the Spanish Steps, which connect Spanish Square with the French church Trinità dei Monti, and explore the lush surroundings of Villa Borghese and its zoo.

For an adventurous experience, venture into the catacombs, such as the Calixtus Catacombs on the Appia Antica, where guided tours offer insights into ancient burial practices and underground passages. In the catacombs it is consistently cool all year round. This is a pleasant refreshment especially on hot summer days!

Vantage points

Rome offers several picturesque vantage points, including the Gianicolo Terrace, where a cannon is fired daily at noon, the Orange Garden on the Aventine Hill, and various vantage points on the Palatine Hill. You can also enjoy breathtaking views from the Loggia under the Capitoline Building, accessible through the Capitoline Museums, or from the Terrazza Caffarelli in the Capitoline Museums Bar.

The cannon on the Gianicolo

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Rowing boats in the park of Villa Borghese
Rowing boats in the park of Villa Borghese

Other points of interest include the dome of St. Peter’s, the terrace of Castel Sant’Angelo, and the Pincio, which overlooks Piazza del Popolo. On the Pincio you’ll find an ancient water clock and bicycles for rent. From there, you can walk to the Villa Borghese Park, where you can take pony rides, rent a rowboat, and visit some free museums.

Entrance to the Roman Bioparco
Entrance to the Roman Bioparco

While exploring Villa Borghese, you may come across the park’s little train, which offers a scenic tour with stops at the Pincio, the Casa del Cinema, and the Borghese Gallery. The ride takes about twenty minutes. Finish off your visit to the Park with a trip to the Roman Zoo (Bioparco), designed by Carl Hagenbeck, which offers an immersive nature experience for children. Admission is free for children under the age of 10 and under one meter tall.

Amusement parks

Some amusement parks in Rome and the surrounding area offer a welcome change of pace.

Luneur

Luneur

The Luneur Park offers many rides. It is located in the south of the city in the EUR district on Via Cristoforo Colombo. The opening hours are irregular in winter, mostly Saturday and Sunday from 10 to 18, in summer daily until midnight. On the Luneur website you can see the calendar with the opening days. Bus connections are lines 30, 170, 714 and 791, Colombo / Agricoltura stop. From there it is 750 meters to the entrance on Via delle Tre Fontane 100.

Hydromania

Hydromania is an pleasure bath in western Rome.

Hydromania is located at exit 33 of the Grande Raccordo Anulare. Unfortunately it is not easy to reach by public transport. The journey by bus 088 from the terminus of Tram 8 near Casaletto is a bit lengthy.

Cinecittà World

Cinecittà World is a theme park about cinema and television. It is located next to the Castel Romano outlet center on Via Pontina between Rome and Pomezia. A shuttle bus runs from the Termini main station. Tickets

Roma World

Roma World is a theme park on ancient Rome. It is right next to Cinecittà World. The program is supported by the Gruppo Storico Romano. Roma World is open in summer. Tickets

Playgrounds in Rome

The city of Rome has 471 children’s playgrounds, ranging in size from 200 to 500 square meters.

The Passetto
The Passetto

One of them is located just behind the Castel Sant’Angelo. You can also find playgrounds in the Roman villas and parks.

In Villa Borghese there is a playhouse for children from 3 to 10 years old. It’s called Casina Raffaello and it’s open Tuesday through Friday from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m., Saturday and Sunday until 7 p.m. If you’re there at the moment, you can take a look.

Museums and Shows for Kids in Rome

Children will enjoy the many museums and shows in Rome.

Leonardo da Vinci exhibitions

Rome houses two exhibitions dedicated to Leonardo. The exhibitions captivate children with their vibrant displays of the renowned thinker’s inventions.

The Leonardo da Vinci Experience exhibition is located on Via di Conciliazione near St. Peter’s Basilica.

The exhibition The Genius Leonardo is located in the area between Piazza Navona and Campo de’ Fiori.

Rome history multimedia show

Welcome to Rome show

Welcome to Rome Multimediashow

You will find a 30-minute multidimensional film show and an exhibition with interactive models in the heart of Rome, nestled between the Vatican and Piazza Navona.

Corso Vittorio Emanuele II 203 Google maps Bus 46, 62, 64, 916 C.so Vittorio Emanuele / Navona

Tickets

Museum of Illusions

The children have a lot of fun in the Museum of Illusions. It is located on Via Merulana, right by the Basilica of Santa Maria Maggiore behind Termini Central Station. There are many beautiful photo opportunities. Tickets

Gladiator school and museum

The gladiator school is located at the beginning of the Via Appia Antica near the Catacombs of Calixtus. A visit to the catacombs and the gladiators can be easily combined.

Vigamus video game museum

The video game museum is a specialty for old and young. The older generation will feel nostalgic when they see the game consoles from the early days of computer technology again. Learn the history of video games and see hero characters and storyboards. See what’s behind creating a video game. The museum is located near Piazza Mazzini in Via Sabotino 4. Bus 30, 69, 89, 495 Mazzini / Calboli and bus 32 Viale Angelico / Mazzini. Tickets

Explora

The Explora children’s museum at Via Flaminia 82 is also renowned. It is a kind of creative playground where children can learn and experience through play. The maximum length of stay is 105 minutes with entry at 12 noon, 3 pm or 5 pm. Children must always be accompanied by an adult.

Ice cream parlors

Rome has many ice cream parlors that make their own ice cream with natural and sometimes organic ingredients. They offer a variety of flavors that change according to the season.

We strongly recommend avoiding buying ice cream from mobile vending carts, as it is mostly mass-produced and not worth the money. Additionally, it is advisable to steer clear of ice cream shops where the ice cream is brightly colored with neon hues.

At the Magnum Pleasure Store on Via Tomacelli, near Via del Corso, children can create their own Magnum ice cream.

La Romana ice cream shops allow you to choose from various toppings and icings from a chocolate fountain.

To find more information about the best ice cream parlors in Rome, please refer to our post on the top ice cream parlors in Rome.

Eating with children

Kids love spaghetti and pizza, and in Rome, you can find them almost everywhere. For a quick bite, try the pizza al taglio, where you can choose how much you want and pay by weight. Our favorite place is Pizza Rustica located at Via Flaminia 24, near Piazza del Popolo. It’s open from Monday to Saturday, 7am to 8pm. There’s also a cozy branch of the coffee roaster and delicatessen Castroni, where you can go up to the lake at Villa Borghese.

Another great option is the Pizzeria Romana on Via del Governo Vecchio 10, between Piazza Navona and the Vatican. It’s open Monday to Saturday, 11am to 7pm. Check out our article about Pizza al taglio in Rome.

Virginiae is a cozy restaurant and pizzeria situated just behind Piazza Navona. It is closed on Mondays.

For delightful pastries, we recommend Pasticceria Cinque Lune. This hidden gem can be found with a discreet entrance on Corso del Rinascimento 89, right next to Piazza Navona. Indulge in delectable treats like the Monte bianco, a combination of meringue, chestnut cream, and cream, or the Sicilian Cassata made with green marzipan, ricotta, and a biscuit base. The pastries are priced by weight. Pasticceria Cinque Lune operates from Tuesday to Sunday, 8 a.m. to 9:30 p.m.

If you prefer to limit your children’s chocolate intake, it’s advisable to avoid the Lindt Shop located on Via della Maddalena behind the Pantheon.

Venchi offers a wide variety of chocolate delights, including confetti, ice cream, and liqueur. You can find Venchi shops near the Pantheon, on Via del Corso 335 and on Via della Croce. By the way, Via della Croce is a street full of bars, restaurants, cafes, pastry shops and grocery stores.

Shopping with Kids in Rome

There are also a variety of children’s clothing stores around Via del Corso. An attraction for children is of course the Disney Store in Via del Corso 165, just behind the Palace of the Prime Minister, Palazzo Chigi.

If the children are a little older, they might like to go to the Apple Store on Via del Corso 181 in Palazzo Marignoli. The magic store Eclectica in Via in Aquiro 70 is also interesting. Read more under Shopping in Rome

Taking the children to the sea

Traveling with kids to the sea from Rome is easy via train from the Pyramid Metro Station to Ostia Lido, with no additional charge on this city line. Central station Lido Centro provides access to a seaside viewpoint (Pontile di Ostia), while stations Stella Polare, Castel Fusano, and Cristoforo Colombo offer access to the southern coastline of Ostia.

With baby in Rome

Navigating Rome with prams and buggies can be challenging due to narrow sidewalks and uneven stone paving. Buses are cramped, escalators in metro stations are often inaccessible, and many elevators are out of order. It’s essential to plan accordingly and be prepared to carry children when necessary. Changing tables are available in larger shops and public toilets in Rome.

Sanitary facilities


In museums and at St. Peter’s Basilica, you’ll typically find well-maintained sanitary facilities. In addition, some information points at tourist hotspots offer toilets for a fee. However, accessing clean facilities can be more challenging in bars, the metro, and some train stations in Rome.

Discounts

Children and teens up to a certain age receive free admission or discounts.

Public transportation

Public transport in Rome (ATAC): One child up to the age of 10 travels free when accompanied by a paying adult.

Regional buses (COTRAL): Free travel for children up to one meter tall.

Trains: Free travel up to the age of 4 when accompanied by a paying adult and without a seat of their own. 50% up to the age of 12 years. Above that, the full fare applies.

Trains from Fiumicino Airport to Rome: One child up to the age of 12 travels free when accompanied by a paying adult.

Museums

Museums of the Municipality of Rome: Free entry for children up to 6 years, reduced entry up to 18 years. The municipality’s museums include the Capitoline Museums, the Trajan Markets and numerous other museums

Guessing game in the Roman Forum
Guessing game in the Roman Forum

National museums in Rome: Free entry for EU citizens up to the age of 18. The national museums include the Colosseum, Castel Sant’Angelo and numerous other museums. List and opening times of the museums

Vatican Museums: Free entry for children up to 6 years without reservation, reduced entry up to 18 years. More information about the Vatican Museums

In case of emergency

Not all hospitals in Rome are equipped with emergency departments for children, and some may not accept pediatric patients. However, three hospitals in Rome are highly regarded for their services. For EU citizens, medical expenses are covered by the European Health Insurance Card (EHIC). Without the EHIC, services must be paid for according to the established tariff.

Bambin Gesù

Bambin Gesù, located at Piazza di Sant’Onofrio No. 4 on the Gianicolo hill, is the renowned children’s hospital associated with the Vatican. The emergency department, though often busy, provides excellent care. Bambin Gesù auf on Google Maps

Ospedale San Camillo

Ospedale San Camillo, situated at Circonvallazione Gianicolense 87 and accessible via tram line 8, offers another option with shorter waiting times. San Camillo on Google Maps

The University Clinic Gemelli

Finally, the University Clinic Gemelli, located on Via di Pineta Sacchetti, is under ecclesiastical direction and is where the pope receives emergency treatment if necessary. Gemelli on Google Maps

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