Rome boasts an expansive collection of art and architectural beauty in its famous attractions and even has holy spots to fit everyone’s wishlists!
But what about those travelers visiting with young kids and restless teenagers? Don’t worry; Rome has a place for all.
Visitors planning to explore the historic city of Rome with their families must know all about the top attractions with a huge kid’s discount!
Read further to discover kid-friendly activities all over Rome, which will excite kids of all age groups and ensure a fulfilling trip.
Which is the best place in Rome to see with Kids?
One of the best things to do in Rome with kids is to visit the Borghese Gallery.
It has attractive activities for kids of all ages, as young kids can enjoy a calming picnic in the garden.
Middle-aged kids and teenagers will love exploring the famous Bioparco di Roma Zoo in the Borghese Villa!
It is a highly family-friendly place with many play areas, offering a spectacular city view.
Best Places to Explore in Rome with Babies
Young kids below the age of 10 years need a more interactive and colorful site to explore so they don’t get bored.
Here are four of the best places kids will enjoy while visiting Rome!
Have an interactive blast at Ikono Roma.
Explore the brand-new immersive art experience in Rome with your family and friends, and jump into the ball pit display!
Your kids can be the main characters as they enjoy playing around in the colorful sensory displays at the Ikono Rome art gallery.
The gallery provides the best background for capturing exciting pictures of your young one with its lantern and light painting rooms.
You can also explore the famous city of Tokyo in the immersive Yokocho experience of the Gallery!
Entry Fee:
- Adult ticket (14-99 years): €18
- Child ticket (4-13 years): €13
- Infant ticket (below 4 years): Free!
Timings: 10 am to 9 pm, Mondays to Fridays, and it is open from 10 am to 10 pm on weekends.
Address: Via del Seminario, 111, 00186 Roma RM, Italy. Get Directions
Closest Public Transport: Senato bus stop, a 6-minute walk.
Rome’s Famous Explora Kids Museum
The most exciting place for kids in Rome is the Explore Children’s Museum, which is filled with stimulating and exciting colorful activities for young children.
It offers an immersive experience for kids of all ages!
From magnetic-shape covered walls to interactive light displays for small children to plastic recycling and easy economic teaching for older kids.
You can also organize your kid’s special birthday party at the Museum if you book in advance!
Visitors can only buy tickets from the official website.
Entry Fee:
- Adult ticket: €10
- Children’s ticket (3 years and above): €10
- Infant ticket (below 3 years): €7
Timings: Four different time slots from 10 am to 6.45 pm from Tuesdays to Sundays.
Address: Via Flaminia, 80/86, 00196 Roma RM, Italy. Get Directions
Closest Public Transport: Ministero Marina bus stop, a minute walk away.
Piazza Navona’s Hidden Toy Store & Bottego Pinocchio
The most exciting spot to purchase souvenirs and have a delightful meal in Rome is at the Piazza Navona Street!
The four most famous fountains in Rome are in this area, and kids can enjoy listening to their exciting backstories and the famous underground Domitian Stadium.
The Piazza Navona Square also houses the Al Sogno toy shop with dolls and stuffed animals bigger than your kids!
If you want a unique souvenir for your kid, we recommend a wooden toy from the Bottega Pinocchio store in Rome, a 14-minute walk from Piazza Navona!
These toys also make great home decor pieces to remember your trip forever.
Address: Al Sogno shop: Piazza Navona, 53, 00186 Roma RM, Italy. Get Directions
Bottego Pinocchio: Via del Lavatore, 93, 00187 Roma RM, Italy. Get Directions.
Closest Public Transport: Rinascimento bus stop, a 2-minute walk from Piazza Navona.
Spot Animals at Bioparco di Rome Zoo at Villa Borghese
Villa Borghese is a lush park in Rome, perfect to let your kids run around while you have a relaxing picnic.
The garden offers a stunning city view and has the most exciting zoo, offering educational courses for young kids.
The Bioparco di Rome Zoo is packed with endangered animal species and many kinds of colorful birds for kids to interact with.
The park also has an extensive Borghese gallery with beautiful Roman sculptures and other art pieces!
Entry fee to Zoo:
- Adult ticket (11-64 years): €18
- Senior ticket (65 years and above): €14
- Child ticket (4-10 years): €14
- Infant ticket (below 4 years): Free!
Timings: Opens at 9.30 am and closes at 5 pm on all days of the week.
Address: Piazzale del, V.le del Giardino Zoologico, 1, 00197 Roma RM, Italy. Get Directions
Closest Public Transportation: Barbarini Metro Station, a 10-minute walk away.
Best Places for Middle Schoolers
Kids between ages 11 and 13 are always excited to explore, so the best way to satisfy their curiosity would be to take them to places in Rome that teach them more.
Here are some of the most exciting places in Rome that are knowledge wells and a must-visit with older kids!
‘Welcome to Rome’ Family-friendly Museum
The Welcome to Rome Museum is most popular for its immersive multimedia experience, which is one of the best things to do with kids in Rome who love historical stories!
Dive into the past of over 2000 years while watching the 27-minute presentation of the gruesome and emotional Roman history.
Kids will not get restless in such a short time span and can enjoy seeing the Forums and St. Peter’s Basilica holograms before visiting!
These videos are life-like and available in eight languages, as all the cinema walls are covered with screens.
Entry Fee:
- Adult ticket (14-99 years): €18
- Child ticket (6-13 years): €15
- Infant ticket (below 6 years): Free!
Timings: 9 am to 7 pm on Mondays to Thursdays, 10 am to 8 pm from Friday to Sunday.
Address: Corso Vittorio Emanuele II, 203, 00186 Roma RM, Italy. Get Directions.
Closest Public Transportation: C.So Vittorio Emanuele/Navona bus stop, a minute away.
Enjoy a rainshower inside the Pantheon.
The Roman Pantheon is one of the most beautiful structures, known worldwide for its stunning architecture and engineering.
The captivating oculus on the ceiling is among the most exciting things to see inside this monument!
This opening in the ceiling allows light to fall inside, providing natural lighting to the marble room, and during the rainy season, you can enjoy a rainshower from the inside.
Being a sacred Catholic spot, which was previously a temple for Roman Gods, the Pantheon also has many sculptures on display.
Kids can learn much more about Roman mythology and history inside the Pantheon.
Entry Fee:
- Adult ticket (18-99 years): €15
- EU citizen ticket (18-25 years): €13
- Child ticket (below 18 years): €10
Timings: From 9 am to 7 pm, with the last admission at 6.45 pm on all weekdays.
Address: Piazza della Rotonda, 00186 Roma RM, Italy. Get Directions.
Closest Public Transportation: Largo di Torre Argentina bus stop, a 5-minute walk away.
The Percy Jackson Experience at the Capitoline Museum!
The Capitoline Museum is one of the uncrowded museums in Rome, well known for telling stories from the famous Percy Jackson series and books!
Kids and parents who love watching mythological shows and want to explore the exciting hallways should get the Percy Jackson-themed tour!
If you don’t have enough time for the tour, you can enjoy a self-paced visit and admire Rome’s most famous sculpture of the wolf feeding Remus and Romulus.
It also provides a breathtaking view of the Roman Forum and Colosseum from the top of Capitoline Hill!
Entry Fee:
- Adult ticket (18-99 years): €33
- Child ticket (6-17 years): €27
- Infant ticket (5 years & below): Free!
Timings: 9.30 am to 7.30 pm on all days.
Address: Piazza del Campidoglio, 1, 00186 Roma RM, Italy. Get Directions.
Closest Public Transportation: Ara Coeli/Piazza Venezia bus stop, a 5-minute walk away.
Teenager-Friendly Best Spots in Rome
Teenagers can explore the more complex attractions of Rome, which take a longer while to get through because of its deep historical significance.
These attractions are also the best to visit with a big group of friends and some of Rome’s most popular spots!
Walk through the hallways of the famous Vatican Museum.
Teens are harder to please, but no other spot in the city beats the vibrancy and artistic brilliance of the Vatican Museum and Sistine Chapel!
There are endless museums to choose from, allowing teens to pick their favorites instead of exploring every part of the museum.
A guided tour of the Vatican Museum will inform you about the most famous rooms, like Raphael Rooms, Pio Clementino Musuem, and more!
Don’t forget to explore the breathtaking Sistine Chapel Michelangelo frescos, which strengthen your faith and leave you in awe.
Entry Fee:
- Adult ticket (18-99 years): €95
- Child ticket (6-17 years): €87
- Infant ticket (below 6 years): Free!
Timings: It is open from 8 am to 7 pm on all days of the week.
Address: 00120 Vatican City. Get Directions.
Closest Public Transportation: Ottaviano S.Pietro Station, an 8-minute walk away. Enter from the Viale Vaticano Entrance.
Learn some exciting fighting techniques at the Gladiator School.
Feel like you have entered the past at the Roman Gladiator School with a hands-on two-hour fun training program!
The school is a fun way to get your kids to enjoy exercise and spend their energy running around while you rest.
They can also click entertaining photos in their gladiator uniforms and learn self-defense techniques you will remember for life!
You can also see the ancient weapons used by the gladiators on display at the gladiator school!
Entry Fee: €120
Timings: It is open from 9 am to 7 pm on all days of the week.
Address: Via Appia Antica, 18, 00179 Roma RM, Italy. Get Directions.
Closest Public Transportation: Appia Antica/ Travicella bus stop, a 4-minute walk away.
See the ancient entertainment amphitheater, the Roman Colosseum.
The Colosseum is the most famous Roman attraction, known for its violent history and marvelous architecture.
Kids of all ages, especially teenagers, will enjoy this experience as you can see the actual fighting arena of the gladiators!
The hidden underground area of the Colosseum, with its mysterious animal cages and gladiator resting area, is bound to excite your teen.
If you have time, you can also explore the Roman Forum and Palatine Hill, which are very close to the Colosseum.
Entry Fee:
- Adult ticket (18-99 years): €30
- EU Citizen ticket (18-25 years): €9
- Child ticket (6-17 years): €7
- Infant ticket (5 years & below): Free!
Timings: 8.30 am to an hour before sunset time. Check out our Colosseum timings article to know more.
Address: Piazza del Colosseo, 1, 00184 Roma RM, Italy. Get Directions
Closest Public Transport: Colosseo Metro Station, a 4-minute walk away.
Free things to do in Rome with your family!
Are you visiting Rome with a big group on a budget? No worries! Here are some exciting free places to visit in Rome to save money!
Animal Lover’s Cuddly Cat Paradise!
The Torre Argentina Cat Sanctuary is an exciting place for animal lovers to play with an enormous colony of cats.
This shelter was constructed among the ruins of Largo di Torre Argentina, where cats used to gather as many people fed them regularly.
This free activity will ensure your children learn to protect and care for all animals in the future.
A colony of around 150 cats live at this sanctuary!
Entry Fee: Free
Timings: 12 pm to 4.30 pm on all days of the week.
Address: scavi archeologici, Largo di Torre Argentina angolo, Largo Arenula, 00186 Roma RM, Italy. Get Directions
Closest Public Transportation: Via Torre Argentina bus stop, a minute’s walk away.
Marvel at the Dome of St. Peter’s Basilica
St. Peter’s Basilica is the holiest spot in Rome and the only place to attend a mass by the Pope with your family and kids!
Kids who love design will be amazed by the pillar-less dome’s architecture from the inside, designed by Michelangelo!
The Basilica is as beautiful as any art museum, with its tapestried walls and carved altar.
You can also see the tombs of Popes and St. Peter under the Basilica and teach your kids more about the Catholic faith.
Entry fee: Free! (€49 to climb to Dome and see the Papal Tombs)
Timings: It is open from 7 am to 7 pm on all days of the week.
Address: Piazza San Pietro, 00120 Città del Vaticano, Vatican City. Get Directions
Closest Public Transportation: Ottaviano S.Pietro Metro Station, a 12-minute walk away. Enter from the Via della Concillazione entrance.
Visit the Popular Roman Museums and Fountains for Free!
Rome is well known for its majestic fountains, decorated with intricate carvings and mythological figures.
You can see all these fountains for free while walking around Rome! Some of the famous fountains are:
- Trevi Fountain in the Trevi District
- Fountain of Neptune in Piazza Navona’s north end
- Fontana dei Libri next to the Pantheon on Navona Piazza.
- Fountain of the Four Rivers
Most Roman museums also have a day in a month when you can enter and explore its hallways for free! Some of these attractions include:
- Vatican Museums are free to explore on the last Sunday of every month.
- The Colosseum and Roman Forum are free on the first Sunday of every month.
- Castel St. Angelo on the first Sunday of every month.
- Borghese Gallery on the first Sunday of every month.
- MAXXI Museum from Tuesday to Thursday.
Least Crowded Months in Rome to Enjoy a Big Family Visit
Rome receives the least amount of crowds in January and February!
These are great months to explore with kids, avoid standing in long queues, and explore in the pleasant weather.
You can also find cheaper tickets during these months, which is not the peak tourism season.
If you plan to visit from June to September in the summer, you should book your tickets in advance and avoid visiting attractions on days when admission is free.
FAQs on Things to Do in Rome with Kids
1. Is Rome good for kids?
Rome offers many exciting places for kids of all ages to visit. It is also a relatively safe place to travel with family and friends.
2. Where is the best place to go in Rome with kids?
The Borghese Gallery, which has a beautiful garden and play area, along with the fun Bioparco di Rome Zoo, is one of the best things to do in Rome with kids.
3. How many days to visit Rome with kids?
You will need at least three days to explore all major attractions in Rome with kids. You can try to fit your trip into a day’s visit if you pick a few attractions.
4. Is it safe to walk in Rome at night?
Rome is safe to explore alone or with family at night. If you are worried about your safety, you can take a Rome walking tour with a group of tourists and a professional guide.
5. Is admission free for kids at the Roman Colosseum?
Kids between ages of 6 and 17 years can visit the Roman Colosseum with a standard entry ticket for a discounted price of €7.
6. Do kids travel free in Rome?
Kids below ten years can access all public transport for free if they are traveling with an adult.
7. Why is the Colosseum famous for kids?
Along with being one of the most iconic Roman landmarks, the Colosseum offers an adventurous learning experience and the chance to explore all kids. The stories of the Roman Emperors and gladiator battles always excite kids, making it famous among them!
8. When is Rome the least crowded in the year?
Rome is the least crowded in January and February.
Featured Image: Travnikovstudio (Canva)