Planning a Trip to Rome with Kids (Plus the Best Things to Do in Rome with Kids)
Planning a stop in Rome with kids during your family vacation in Italy? You've come to the right place!
Our family just returned from a dream trip to Italy and Greece and had the best time discovering the history, cuisine, and culture in each of the cities we visited.
In my opinion, though, Rome is one of the best places to visit with kids, whether you have younger children, elementary-aged kids, or teenagers. Our kids ranged from ages 3-10 during our time in Rome, and it really was a memorable destination for all of us!
Rome is always a good idea, but it can be hard to know where to start when you're planning your family trip. I'm going to share my best tips for planning a family holiday in Rome and share the best spots for families to visit, as well as the best tours for families.
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Where to Stay in Rome with Kids
On our visit to the Eternal City, we were a group of 8 since my parents were with us. Because we were such a large party, we figured it would be most economical to stay in a vacation rental rather than a hotel.
We found an Airbnb called Claudia Apartment in the Monti neighborhood of Rome. The apartment had 3 bedrooms and a pullout couch in the living room, which was the perfect size for our group.
My parents got one of the bedrooms, my husband and I took another, and 2 of our kids slept in the bedroom with the bunkbeds. Our older 2 kids slept on the pullout couch in the living room. We did this since we figured it would be easier to put the younger kids to bed in a dark room earlier, while the older kids could handle it if the rest of us wanted to stay up a little later in the main living area.
We didn't know anything about the Monti neighborhood before we arrived, but it ended up being such a pleasant surprise. Not only was the neighborhood within walking distance of the train station and all of the major attractions (other than the Vatican), but it was also charming and quiet, and I could have spent hours wandering in this district.
I'm sure there are plenty of incredible hotels and vacation rentals in Rome to choose from, but this apartment worked just perfectly for us. We spent the majority of our time exploring anyway, so we didn't need it to be anything fancy.
Best Tours to Take in Rome with Kids
One of the first things you want to do when you know the dates for your family trip to Rome is to book your tours. The good ones fill up quickly, so don't wait until the last minute! Here are some of our favorite experiences.
Small Group Guided Tour of the Vatican Museums, Sistine Chapel, and St. Peter's Basilica
We booked this small group tour on Viator, and I'm really glad we did. The Vatican is vast and a bit overwhelming. Having an expert to explain what we were seeing helped us to get the most out of it.
The tour includes skip-the-line entrance tickets so you're not standing in long queues with kids, audio headsets so you can hear the tour guide even in crowded rooms, and all of the Vatican highlights with a knowledgeable guide to explain the history and the significance of the artwork and sculptures.
The biggest benefit of the tour was that our tour guide told us everything we needed to know about the Sistine Chapel before we entered. I didn't realize that once you're inside the Sistine Chapel you're not allowed to talk or take pictures or videos. It's also incredibly crowded inside. If we hadn't known what to expect, this could have taken away from the magic of seeing Michelangelo's masterpiece in person. But thanks to our tour guide, we were well-prepared so we could truly marvel at the awe-inspiring fresco on the ceiling.
The tour ends at St. Peter's Basilica where you can see Michelangelo’s La Pietà and other Vatican artwork.
The guided tour was three hours long, which felt like just the right amount of time with young kids. To be honest, our 3-year-old and 6-year-old were getting pretty squirmy by the end of the tour, but that's to be expected.
Tip: bring your own headphones for the kids. The earbuds we got were not particularly comfortable and were adult-sized, so the kids ended up not listening to the tour because they couldn't keep the earbuds in. Having your own headphones to plug into the audio set will help kids pay attention longer.
Kids are welcome, but the description of the tour says it is not stroller-friendly. It really isn't, though we were allowed to bring the stroller into the Vatican Museums, just not St. Peter's Basilica. We ended up having to collapse the stroller several times, so I would advise not bringing one in the first place. Thankfully we had our lightweight travel stroller that's super easy to collapse and carry up and down stairs!
Make Your Own Pizza in Rome Cooking Class
The best way to experience Rome is to participate in one of Italy's favorite pastimes: cooking!
This was easily one of the most fun things we did with the kids during our entire trip to Italy, and I'm so glad we splurged on it. The class was through @eatandwalk_italy which we booked on Viator.
The class lasted about 2 hours and 30 minutes, and at first, I was a bit worried that it would be too long for the kids, but the whole family ended up being engaged the entire time, and we were all sad when the class was over. (But also happy because we were hungry and we were excited to eat our pizza!)
A local Italian chef leads the class, teaching you how to make a pizza from scratch. It's a very hands-on experience, and each person gets their own station for pizza-making. We had the best time learning about how pizza is made, and we loved that our chef paid special attention to the kids and let them try tossing their dough in the air.
He had us laughing the entire time, and at the end of the class, we got to eat the pizza we made from scratch. Plus the grownups got to enjoy a glass of wine and limoncello. So not only do you get an incredible experience AND learn to make pizza, but you also get dinner out of it, too!
The monuments and history in Rome are incredible, but taking an evening to learn about the rich tradition of cooking was just the low-key experience we needed to keep the kids engaged and happy.
Skip the Line: Colosseum, Roman Forum, and Palatine Hill Tour
This was another tour we booked through Viator, and it ended up being one of our favorite things to do in Rome. I believe that was all thanks to our incredible tour guide, Giuseppe. He was funny and engaging and told stories to make the history come alive.
This is a great tour for kids of all ages, but I think older children would especially enjoy and appreciate it!
You'll start by exploring the ancient ruins at the Roman Forum, which was the center of social life and commerce for ancient Romans. If you're having trouble picturing what the ruins may have once looked like, your guide will provide sketches and paintings to bring the Roman Forum to life!
Next, you'll climb up Palatine Hill to get panoramic views of Rome and the Circus Maximus before heading over to the Colosseum. There's quite a bit of walking on this tour, and we did bring our stroller along, though parts of it were not necessarily stroller-friendly due to the rocky terrain.
We finished the tour making our way through the Colosseum which was truly a highlight for my older kids. One of the perks of taking the small group tour was the ability to walk on the arena floor. I loved watching the kids imagine what it would be like to be a gladiator looking up into the stands.
Once we vacated the arena, we found a shady spot where our guide told us stories about what the battles in the Colosseum would have been like. My kids were fascinated and paid attention the entire time (with the exception of our 3-year-old). We all learned so much about what life was like in Ancient Rome, and my kids have been making connections from the tour to things they've been learning in school this year. I love when history comes to life!
Tip: bring a reusable water bottle, since there's a spot on Palatine Hill with a fountain where you can fill up your bottle. The sun will likely be beating down on you, so hats, sunscreen, and sunglasses are a must. I would also recommend kids' headphones for the audio on this tour as well, though our guide was really good about stopping and letting everyone gather around to hear his best stories and fun facts.
This Colosseum Tour with kids was one of the most memorable things to do in Rome!
Best Things to Do and See in Rome with Kids
While you could certainly come up with an endless list of things to do in Rome with kids, including parks, playgrounds, and specific restaurants, but I will leave those lists to the locals and Rome experts.
I'm going to talk solely about the historical sites and attractions that are quintessential tourist destinations in Rome. We had just under 3 days to experience Rome, and I suspect that most people who visit Rome with kids will be stopping for a short time as part of a larger Italy itinerary.
So if it's your first time visiting Rome, here are the things that should take priority on your list.
Trevi Fountain
The Trevi Fountain (or Fontana di Trevi) is iconic! If you're a 90s kid like me you might remember it from the Lizzie McGuire movie, which I made my 10-year-old daughter watch on the flight to Italy so she could fully appreciate what she was seeing.
In all seriousness though, the Trevi Fountain was built in the 1700s featuring a Baroque design of Neptune, the god of the sea, on a shell-shaped chariot, and flanked by statues representing Abundance and Health.
It's traditional for visitors to throw a coin into the fountain, but there's a certain way it must be done. You're supposed to close your eyes and throw the coin over your left shoulder with your right hand, and you will one day return to Rome.
The Trevi Fountain is free to visit (minus the coins you toss into the water, most of which are collected and donated to charities), but it is almost always crowded. We visited in the late afternoon, and while there were crowds pressing in all around the famed fountain, everyone was polite and efficient, taking turns getting their photos and videos and then moving aside for the next person to have their turn. We didn't mind the crowds at all!
Just be aware of pickpockets in this area, so keep your valuables close.
Pantheon
The Pantheon was once a temple built to honor the Roman gods that became a Catholic church. Several important historical figures, including the Renaissance artist Raphael, are also buried there. One of the unique features of the Pantheon is the dome with the large oculus (or hole) in the middle.
We were all trying to figure out where the water goes inside the Pantheon when it rains but discovered that the floor is slanted to drain any water that makes its way inside, which is apparently a rare occurrence.
The Pantheon was free to visit when we were there, but I'm now reading that starting in July 2023 it will be 5 Euro per person to enter.
You won't need a long time to visit the Pantheon. It's an impressive building, but it's just the one main room to see once you're inside. Still, it's a great place to see some of Ancient Rome's impressive architecture.
When we visited there was quite a long line, but it moved very quickly so we didn't have to wait for too long.
Piazza Navona
Piazza Navona is one of the most famous squares in Rome, known for the famous Fountain of the Four Rivers. It's within a 5-minute walk of the Pantheon, and within a 15-minute walk of the Trevi Fountain.
You can also visit the Church of Santa Agnese in Agone, the Fontana del Moro (Fountain of the Moore), and the Fontana del Nettuno.
Spanish Steps
The Spanish Steps are another famous sight to see, and free to visit, but you won't need much time here!
The Steps are located in Piazza Spagna and connect the plaza with the church of Trinita dei Monti. The steps themselves are impressive, and if you climb them they'll offer a beautiful panoramic view of Rome. However, you're not allowed to sit on the steps, so if you want to climb them be sure to keep moving.
Have your kids look for the Egyptian obelisk at the top of the steps and the Barcaccia Fountain at the bottom of the steps!
You truly only need a few minutes here, so take in this iconic Roman sight, then try the fancy McDonald's restaurant only a few blocks away from the Spanish steps!
It was fun to try a fast food restaurant in a different country to see which menu items were the same as they are in the US, and which items reflect the local cuisine! Plus in inside of the McDonald's is pretty upscale. And let's be honest, the kids were happy to have a few fries and chicken nuggets.
Vatican City
Vatican City is an independent city-state in the middle of Rome that is the headquarters of the Roman Catholic Church with the pope serving as head of state.
Within its walls, you'll find St. Peter's Basilica, a pilgrimage site for many Christians where the Apostle Peter's burial site is located.
In addition, the Vatican Museums are a popular destination for visitors thanks to many works of art, statues, and sculptures. The most famous work of art within Vatican City is the Sistine Chapel within the Apostolic Palace with Michelangelo's fresco painting on the ceiling. It's truly a masterpiece to behold and a great thing to do with kids.
I would highly recommend taking a private tour or small group tour of the Vatican since it can be really overwhelming if you don't know what you're looking at, and tours can also be a good way to skip the long lines around the Vatican.
Roman Colosseum
The Colosseum is one of the main attractions in Rome, and the one we were most excited to see! You can certainly visit the Colosseum without a tour guide, but if your kids are at all interested in history, battles, animals, or gladiators, a good tour guide will really bring the Colosseum to life.
The Colosseum was built to be a place of entertainment where Roman citizens could go for free to watch gladiator fights, animal hunts and fights, executions, and even naval battles for a short period.
Another good reason to book a tour for visiting the Colosseum is because the arena floor is restricted to tour groups. If that's an important part of the visit for you and your family, definitely consider spending a bit extra to do a guided tour.
Remember to bring sunscreen, hats, and sunglasses if you're visiting in summer, as well as good walking shoes no matter what time of year you're visiting.
This was the highlight of our trip to Rome, and I would highly recommend visiting whether you have young children, elementary-age kids, or teenagers. It's so fascinating to see this historical site, and was a big hit with my kids!
This is the tour we booked through Viator.
Roman Forum and Palatine Hill
Both the Roman Forum and Palatine Hill are just a short walk from the Colosseum. If you didn't book a tour that includes all three of these sites, I would definitely plan to visit them all on the same day.
The Roman Forum was once the social center of Rome with commercial shopping centers, courthouses, and temples. Nowadays all that remains are ruins, the outlines of the foundations of the buildings, and half-crumbled statues. It's hard to picture the area in all its glory, so I was thankful our tour guide had a rendering of what the Forum once looked like.
If you don't book a tour through the Roman Forum, it might be helpful to download an audio guide of some sort so you have a better sense of what you're looking at! Rick Steves is always my go-to resource for any sort of guide (audio or even a physical book) when it comes to sites in Europe.
Next, you'll head up to Palatine Hill where you'll see the archaeological site of the Palace of Domitian. This is one of the seven hills of Rome, and closely associated with the legend of Romulus and Remus, the mythical founders of Rome.
There are water fountains and restrooms atop Palatine Hill, and a great view of the Roman Forum and Colosseum, so don't miss it!
What to Know Before You Go
As I mentioned, there are plenty of other things to do in Rome with kids, but this is what our family prioritized on our short visit.
Now that you know what to add to your itinerary, I want to share a few bits of information that might help you feel more prepared for your time in the Italian capital city.
Traffic and Crowds
Rome is always crowded, but especially so if you're visiting during the summer months like we did. After all, these are some of the most famous historical sites in the world, so just be aware that you'll be sharing the experiences with hundreds and even thousands of other people at any given moment.
In addition, if you're walking around Rome with young children, you need to be aware of your surroundings, especially when it comes to sidewalks and traffic. The sidewalks are narrow and often uneven, and the cars are not necessarily super cautious of pedestrians.
Keep a parent on the street side of the sidewalk, and keep your kids within arm's length.
As for the concern about pickpockets in crowded areas, it's something to be aware of. We didn't have anti-theft bags, but I made sure to keep my crossbody bag in front of my body with one hand on top of it at all times.
Nowadays you can easily find pickpocket-proof bags and purses for a reasonable price if it's a big concern of yours. You can also keep valuables like money in a money belt under your shirt.
I didn't take any of these special precautions and was fine, but just be aware that it can be an issue in crowded areas, so adjust accordingly.
Strollers and Cobblestones
Many people will advise you not to use strollers in Rome because of the uneven cobblestone roads and sidewalks, but I can't imagine walking as much as we did without a stroller! We had a 3-year-old toddler, and not only would it have been too much walking for her, but I would have been nervous the entire time about her getting too close to the road.
We had the Zoe Tour+ stroller (that's an affiliate link that will get you $15 off your purchase!) for our trip to Europe, and we loved it! It's super lightweight and easy to maneuver, and you can easily collapse it or set it up with one hand. It even handled the cobblestones and uneven sidewalks very well.
In my opinion, if you have kids ages 5 and under, you're going to want to bring a travel stroller to Rome. Everything is within walking distance, and those little legs won't be able to keep up!
Restaurants
There are probably a ton of other blog posts out there on the internet that can give you incredible restaurant recommendations for Rome.
We are a family of 6, plus we had my parents along with us, so as a group of 8 it was tough to find availability and space for us at some of the more popular restaurants. We were happy to find sidewalk cafes and local spots in our neighborhood to grab some pizza, pasta, or gelato.
If you are a foodie family, I'm definitely not the best resource for you when it comes to food.
I will say that no matter where we ate, the servers were incredibly friendly and welcoming to our children. I was always worried that we would be a burden or annoying as a loud, large group with 4 young children, but instead, the waiters and waitresses smiled at the kids, spoke directly to them, and made them feel welcome. They would even try to distract the younger ones when they could tell they were getting bored and restless.
Getting To and From the Rome Airport
If you're flying directly into the Rome airport (Rome–Fiumicino International Airport "Leonardo da Vinci"), you can take the Leonardo Express to the Roma Termini train station to get you to the city center.
Simply book your tickets on the Trenitalia website, and you can easily get back and forth from the Rome airport.
We used it to get to the airport to fly to Athens, Greece after our time in Italy was done, and it was a breeze. I was actually pretty surprised at how far outside the city the airport was, so this shuttle is a great public transportation option for families. Private airport transfers can really add up for larger families like ours, so we happily took advantage of this option!
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Emily Krause is a Wisconsin-based travel content creator who writes about exploring the world with kids.
On A Mom Explores you’ll find the best family travel destinations, Disney World tips, and how to make travel with babies and toddlers a little easier.
Emily believes that exploring starts in our own backyards, and adventure can happen anywhere with the right mindset.
