Rome, Italy—also known as the Eternal City—is home to ancient attractions, delicious gelato, and some of the most incredible art in the world. Rome also captures the imaginations of kids who can step into the shoes of Gladiators and indulge in pizza in the country where it was invented.
The list of things to do in Rome can be overwhelming, but we're here to help! When it Rome, here are the best things to do with kids.
Looking for more European adventures in cities like London or Paris? Check out our Europe Travel Guide for Families.
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Note: When in Rome, a tour is often the best way to see all the top attractions. City Experiences is a great place to start looking at all of the tours Rome has to offer.
For many kids, a visit to the Colosseum is the most anticipated part of a trip to Rome—and it never disappoints. Photo by Camila Carneiro via Pexels
Top Attractions in Rome, Italy for Families
1. The Colosseum
The famed Colosseum is what brings many people to Rome. The imposing structure has been used for many purposes since it was built, including as the site of Gladiator fights, plays, political rallies, and even a church. While it’s not necessary, visiting with a guide makes the experience much richer for children. My family visited the Colosseum as part of a tour with ArcheoRunning and learned so much.
Insider tip: Tickets for the Colosseum go on sale one month in advance. Set your alarm to make sure you can get tickets on your preferred day.
2. The Pantheon
The Pantheon is one of the best preserved ancient buildings in Rome, likely because it has been in constant use since the 7th Century. It was originally built as a temple to the Gods before being converted to a church. There are many copies of The Pantheon around the world, including in Paris and Nashville, but there is only one original. It’s the final resting place of Queen Margherita, who inspired the invention of Margherita pizza.
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Journey into the heart of Ancient Rome at the Roman Forum. Photo via Canva
3. Palatine Hill and the Roman Forum
Ancient Roman Emperors built their palaces high on Palatine Hill where they could keep watch on the city. Just below the hill sits the Roman Forum, which was once the heart of life in Rome. The remains of temples, government buildings, triumphal arches, and more can still be seen there today. Palatine Hill and the Roman Forum are separate sites located in the same archeological area, and only one ticket is needed to visit both.
4. Vatican Museums
The Vatican Museums house one of the most important art collections in the world, including the famed Sistine Chapel. While kids may not have a lot of patience for long tours, it’s worth a visit. It's best to visit as soon as the museums open or in the last couple of hours before they close to avoid crowds. As with the Colosseum, a tour will help keep kids engaged. We visited with City Expereinces.
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Dare to put your hand into The Mouth of Truth.
6. The Mouth of Truth
The Mouth of Truth, or Bocca della Verità, is an ancient marble mask located outside of a church. According to legend, the mask will bite the hand off of anyone who dares tell a lie with their hand in its mouth. It is free to visit, but if you want to test the legend and take a photo it will cost you two Euros.
5. St. Peter’s Basilica
St. Peter’s Basilica, located next to the Vatican, is the largest church in the world. Its massive dome was designed by Michelangelo, and the church houses many other important—and impressive—works of art. If you book a tour of the Vatican, consider adding on a stop at St. Peter’s to make the most efficient use of your time.
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Master the art of making pizza in Rome.
More Fun Things To Do in Rome, Italy with Kids
7. Pizza Making Class
Pizza was invented in Italy, and Rome is the perfect place to learn how to make it. After you make your pizza, you get to sit down to eat it, which means lunch is included in this fun activity—along with wine for the grown-ups. After our class, we got the recipe for the authentic Roman pizza we made, which is the best souvenir we could have asked for.
8. Vespa Sidecar Ride
Rome is synonymous with Vespa scooters. No visit would be complete without a ride on the back of a Vespa or sitting in a sidecar. There is nothing quite like zipping around the Eternal City in the open air while a guide explains the city’s rich history. Some of my favorite photos from our Rome trip came from this magical experience.
Vespa Sidecar Tours is a great choice for families since they go in small groups, use helmets with speakers (so it’s easy to hear your guide), and have experienced drivers. Guides will also take family photos at each stop. Vespa Sidecars offers several tour options, including one that stops for gelato, another that includes a traditional Italian breakfast, and seasonal tours that visit the best holiday light displays in Rome. Tours book up quickly, so reserve one in advance.
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Gladiator School in Rome is a chance for your child to be a gladiator for a day!
9. Gladiator School
For many kids, a highlight of a trip to Rome is battling in an arena Gladiator School. Visits start with a brief lesson about the history of gladiators and the types of weapons, armor, and helmets gladiators used, followed by the chance to try them on. Next up are battle lessons, training exercises, and practice clashes. For the grand finale, kids head to Gladiator School’s main arena to show off their new skills, complete with mock weapons and togas. Parents are welcome to join in as well. I did, and it was so much fun!
10. Walking Tour
Rome is an ancient city full of art, history, adventure, ruins, and modern marvels. It’s possible to wander on your own, but the experience will be much better with a knowledgeable guide.
ArcheoRunning is used to engaging active kids as they explore Rome. As the name implies, guides can run with kids (if that’s your family’s preference) or go for a leisurely stroll. Choose from established tours or develop a custom itinerary suited to your family’s interests. Tours can include popular attractions like the Colosseum and Roman Forum as well. Our guide was fantastic with my kids and told us so much about the city we may not have learned on our own.
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No trip to Rome is complete without a delicious gelato. Photo by Yanna via Pexels
Must-Try Foods in Rome, Italy
11. Pizza
In Rome, there are several kinds of pizza. Why not taste a bit of them all? We didn’t have any bad pizza in Rome. My kids especially enjoyed the square pizza. It’s usually displayed in a big pan, and hungry customers point to indicate how large a slice they want and then pay by weight.
12. Pasta
Of course, you can't leave Rome without gobbling up some heaping plates of fresh pasta. Try one of the four classic Roman pasta dishes: carbonara, cacio e pepe, amatriciana, and gricia.
13. Gelato
Another must-eat in Rome is gelato. While it may be hard to find authentic gelato, any gelato in Rome is delicious! If you want some of the best, though, head to Gelateria Fassi.
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The baroque ‘Fontana di Trevi’, or the Rome Trevi Fountain, is perhaps the most famous in the world. Photo by Martogrua via Pexels
Fun Free Things to Do in Rome, Italy with Kids
14. Trevi Fountain
Apart from the Colosseum, the Trevi Fountain is one of Rome’s most iconic sites. It’s free to visit the fountain, but be sure to bring your coins: Legend has it that if you throw a coin into the fountain, you'll return to Rome!
15. Vatican City and St. Peter’s Square
There is an entire country located completely within the borders of Rome. You don’t need to show your passport to enter Vatican City, but rest assured that it is its own country with distinct laws and currency. It’s completely free to enter Vatican City and view St. Peter’s Square, but there is a fee to visit Vatican City’s most popular attractions, St. Peter’s Basilica and the Vatican Museums. We mailed ourselves a postcard from Vatican City’s only post office as a souvenir.
16. Audience with the Pope
Throughout the year, you may be able to attend an audience with the Pope on select Sundays and Wednesdays in St. Peter’s Square. It’s free to attend, but tickets are required for most events. Dates are dependent on several factors, including weather and the Pope’s travel schedule, but be sure to check the Papal Audience schedule to maximize your chances. This is a special experience, but don’t expect to get too close to the Pope.
17. La Fontana Della Barcaccia
Filling up a water bottle may not sound exciting, but getting water from La Fontana Della Barcaccia is an experience. This gorgeous fountain near the Spanish Steps features spouts that dispense cold, fresh water that has been carried there from an aqueduct built in 19 BC. Bring your own bottle and only fill it with water from the fountain’s spouts—birds may have used water from other parts of the fountain as their personal bathtub.
18. An Ancient Aqueduct… in a Department Store
Throughout Rome, the old and new mingle seamlessly. One example is an aqueduct believed to date back to 19 BC. The aqueduct pumps water from the Spanish Steps to Vatican City. It’s located on the lower level of the flagship location of Rinascente, a high-end department store, and it’s completely free to visit. If you are hungry after your visit, head up and grab a bite to eat in Rinascente’s food court. I was fascinated by this piece of ancient engineering in such a modern location.
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The Spanish Steps, also known as the “Scalinata della Trinità dei Monti”, have 138 steps.
19. The Spanish Steps
Near the Trevi Fountain, look for the Spanish Steps. Famous for being the longest, widest staircase in Europe, it is a popular spot for photos. Don’t stop on the steps with your gelato or pizza, though, or you could get a fine.
20. Jewish Quarter
Trastevere, the old Jewish Quarter of Rome, is a charming and bustling neighborhood in Rome. It’s a quaint area with a bohemian vibe and cobblestone streets. It’s free to wander through Trastevere’s streets, but it’s also a great place to stop for a meal or gelato.
Where to Stay in Rome with Kids
21. Anantara Palazzo Naiadi Rome Hotel
This beautiful hotel is within walking distance of many of Rome’s main attractions and steps from a metro stop. It has a variety of rooms available, including a two-story family suite, and a gorgeous rooftop pool. My kids loved the included breakfast, as well as the boxed breakfast the hotel packed for us when we had an early morning. If you stay here, be sure to visit the basement for a glimpse of the ancient Roman baths.
22. Cosmopolita Hotel Rome, Tapestry Collection by Hilton
If you’ve always wanted to stay in an ancient Roman palace, consider the Cosmopolita Hotel Rome. It’s in a great location about 15 minutes from the Trevi Fountain, the Spanish Steps, and the Colosseum. The hotel’s decor is inspired by ancient Rome, making it a great immersive place to stay.
23. NH Roma Villa Carpegna
The pretty NH Roma Villa Carpegna is in a quieter neighborhood near Vatican City. It’s a short walk to bus and metro stations that are well connected to the rest of the city. It’s a great choice for families who need a break from Rome’s crowds at the end of the day.
Unless noted, photos by the author
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