Tips for Traveling in Rome with Kids
Kids love the adventure and mystery of the ancient history of Rome. Seeing sites like the Coliseum and the Vatican can astound kids and inspire a lifetime interest in history and culture. However, visiting Rome can be challenging for families because of the crowds. For a more meaningful visit, consider planning for some unique things to do in Rome with kids during your visit. And when visiting the main sites of Rome with children, it is important to plan your visit at off times, such as either the first or the last entrance time of the day, for a chance to enjoy these famous monuments in a way that is meaningful and interactive for children. Beyond the main sites of Rome, there is so much more to explore for children. Kids love to get involved, and explore the city in an active, engaging way. Below are our local suggestions for activities with kids in Rome.
View Terrace on Top of the Vittorio Emanuelle II Monument
One of the first things you should do when arriving to Rome with kids is take the glass elevator up to the top of the monument of Vittorio Emanuelle II to the view terrace, where you will have 360 degree views of the city. This will help orient the kids to Rome, and see the footprint of the ancient city nestled amid the Tiber River and the seven surrounding hills. Believe it or not, there is hidden local dining nearby! Check out our tips for family-friendly dining in Rome here.
Rome Kids Art Activity in Piazza Navona
The Arte al Sole Italy kids arts program offers a fun engaging sketch hunt in Piazza Navona. Families and kids embark on an adventure to discover wild animals carved in stone…! Kids hunt for clues, then using their sketch books and art materials, create their own animal-themed legend as they explore the winding ancient alleyways of Rome. The activity ends at the infamous Cat Sanctuary at Torre Argentina.
Forum of Augustus Light Show
From mid-April to mid-November, there is a light show with lasers and audio at night in the Forum of Augustus that recreates the Forum complex as it would have looked in Ancient Rome, with narration of the story of the monuments of the Forum. Tickets can be purchased in advance online here.
Biking in Borghese Gardens
The Borghese Gardens in Rome have many wonderful activities for kids: a puppet theater, kids cinema, go carts with arcade, electric train, and don’t forget, the zoo! When you enter the gardens at Porta Pinciano, you can also rent 4-person surrey bikes, and ride around the park exploring all of the fun together! There is a nice outdoor café at the Cinema within the park, or pack a picnic and find a beautiful spot to take in the classic scenery of the gardens, adorned with ancient statues throughout.
Enter Castel Sant’ Angelo, and then, the playground!
Kids love the beauty and mystery of crossing Bernini’s Bridge of Angels to approach the imposing and majestic Castel Sant’Angelo. But don’t stop at the door, go in! This monument is fun for kids to enter and see the layers of history played out within the walls, from the tomb of Hadrian to Papal residence. The fortress has a series of terraces, each with a phenomenal view of Rome. After your visit, behind the fortress there is a wonderful playground. Then head over to Trastevere for lunch or an early dinner. Or catch the sunset from the Bridge of Angels.
Photo Credit: Borghese Jocelyn777
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