Rome With Kids – Family Friendly Things to See & Do In Italy’s Capital.

Kick of your Italian family holiday with a visit to Rome, the Italian capital. With so many things to do in Rome with kids, this city is the perfect destination for your first stop if you are travelling to Italy with the family.

Whether you travel to Rome with kids during the Summer or Winter, there is so much to experience that you will want a good few days to explore the highlights.

When to travel to Rome with Kids

May – September is the peak time to visit Rome where the city is swarmed with tourists from all over the world. July and August are the hottest months in Italy, and because of the humidity in Rome during those months, it’s probably not the best months to travel to Rome with kids. Many people head off to the coast during this time to one of the best beaches in Italy.

December – February is Italy’s Winter, and the coldest months with snow falling occasionally in February. If you don’t mind the cold, around Christmas is a magical time in Italy where you can find Christmas markets and decorated Christmas trees in the main piazzas.

Spring time (March – May) or Autumn (September – November) is when you can experience nice comfortable weather. It is also during these times that accommodation prices are lower and a great time for an Italy family holiday.

Getting around Rome with Kids

The Roma Metro is super easy to use and quite cheap too compared to other capitals. You can buy tickets at the machines within the stations where you can select the English language. There are only 3 lines so not as confusing as big cities such as Paris and London.

Rome is easy to walk around though and getting lost in the city is part of the beauty of visiting this historical city. If you have a baby carrier, or small city stroller for your little ones, walking around the centre is definitely the better option. Take a map and explore! The whole family will enjoy it.

What to see and do in Rome with Kids

After living in Rome on and off for 7 amazing years I was lucky enough to experience a lot of what this beautiful ancient city has to offer. Here are my top things to see and do if you are planning your Italy family holiday and travelling to Rome with kids.

1. Visit the Colosseum

Teach your children some of Rome’s history and travel back to the days of the Roman Empire at the Colosseum, the biggest amphitheater in the world. Built by the first Flavian Emeror, Vespasian, it could hold around eighty thousand spectators.

The Colosseum is a definite must see in Rome for kids of all ages, so don’t miss it. Even if you prefer not to go inside, at least go for a walk around the outside and check it out.

If you do decide to visit, you will need a good few hours. Check out our full guide on Visiting the Colosseum with Kids which includes lots of easy facts to learn for kids

2. La Bocca Della Verita “The Mouth of Truth”

Test your children and have them put their hand in the Mouth of Truth. Made famous by the Audry Hepburn Movie “Roman Holiday”, the legend has it that it was used during the Middle Ages as a lie detector whereby the accused would place their hand inside and the mouth would close if they were lying.

3. Villa Borghese

One of my favourite places in Rome for kids is the stunning Villa Borghese. Hire a bike or a riscio (a family bike that holds up to 6 people) and ride around this enormous park. Stop for a picnic on the beautiful grassed areas or have a bite to eat at one of the many cafes. Enjoy the view of Rome from the lookout point.

For older kids, visit the famous Galleria Borghese Museum or for the younger ones, take a ride on the Bioparco Express train which goes around the zoo which is located within Villa Borghese.

To get there, simply ride the metro to Flaminia Station, or walk up to Piazza Del Popolo which is in the North of the centre. There is a stair case leading you up to Villa Borghese where you can start at the lookout with a view of the piazza and the city. Close by on your right is where you can rent a bike.

4. Trevi Fountain

Take your children to the most famous fountain in Rome where they can do the famous coin toss. Throw a coin in the fountain and make a wish. Don’t forget the photo for memories!

5. Piazza Navona

If you’re looking for a place in Rome for kids to run around then head to one of Rome’s famous piazzas. You will often find street performers and markets selling all types of goodies depending on the time of year.

The Christmas season is particularly busy when they hold the most famous Christmas Market where you can find lots of local delights.

6. The Spanish Steps at Piazza Spagna

This is an easy stop in Rome with kids as it is more of a viewing point and “people watching” place. The famous Spanish steps in the centre of Rome connect Piazza Spagna with the Trinita de Moni Church up top. Take your time climbing the 138 steps to the top with your kids and just enjoy the views.

The Spanish Steps are right in the middle of the centre and on your way to Villa Borghese if you are coming from the Trevi Fountain and Colloseum so very easy to find. A must see when visiting Italy’s capital city.

7. Explorer Museum

Located near Flaminia Metro, north of the centre is the Explorer Museum. A great rainy day activity for kids in Rome, it has everything you can think of to keep their little minds stimulated.

There are numerous science exhibits and water play. There is mini bank where children can take out fake money, a garden where they can plant and pick vegetables, and supermarket where they can grab a trolley, pick up their items and pay at the counter. You will even find a creative crafts area where children can cut, paste, and create out of recycled items. A cow they can milk and learn how milk is produced and lots more.

Enjoy an espresso or cappuccino at the café and let the kids explore.

8. Hop On Hop Off Bus

The Hop on Hop off Bus is a great option to explore Rome with kids. You can easily walk around the centre of Rome visiting the attractions but with small children who with little legs that tire easily this may be easier. Your children will love sitting up on the top level with the roof off looking out to the city. Hop on and off as you please and visit everything quickly and calmly. You can get the bus from Termini, the main train station in Rome.

9. Eat Gelato

Who doesn’t like gelato! When in Rome… Take a pit stop every now and again at one of the many gelataria’s in Rome where the kids won’t know where to start with the huge selection of flavours. With one on almost every corner, you won’t have to walk far to find one. You cannot travel to Rome with kids without trying at least a few of the delicious flavours of the famous Italian gelato.

10. Take a Day Trip

Once you have seen the sites of Rome, there are plenty of places to see on the outskirts of the city. See famous ruins, beautiful villas and gardens, seaside villages and towns, and other nearby cities. Check out our full guide on Day Trips From Rome where you have plenty to choose on depending on your timeline!

Bella Roma

I may be bias because I still consider it my home away from home, but Rome is one of the easiest cities to travel with kids. A few days is not enough to see all of what the capital has to offer, but when you travel with your little ones you do need to slow down a little and compromise.

With plenty of things to do and see in Rome with the family, this city is an unforgettable destination and I am sure it will be a highlight of your Italy family holiday. Let us know how you go when you travel Rome with kids! And make sure you check out our full guide: Family Travel in Italy – What to see and do.

Heading down south? Why not add Calabria or Puglia to your Italy family trip!

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