Rome, the capital of Italy, is a city full of ancient history, culture, and gastronomic wonders. While it may be best known for its ancient ruins and Renaissance art, it's also an incredibly family-friendly destination. Whether you're traveling with toddlers, tweens, or teenagers, Rome offers countless activities and attractions that cater to kids of all ages. Interactive museums, sprawling parks, and not to mention a corner for gelato around every bend-this will be a Roman holiday to remember.
Take your family on a tour to explore Rome's wonders, where history is alive and fun is just around every corner.
What Airport Do You Fly Into in Rome?
Rome is served by two main airports: Leonardo da Vinci–Fiumicino Airport (FCO) and Ciampino Airport (CIA). Here's how you can get to central Rome from each:
The nearest major airport to Rome's city center is Leonardo da Vinci International Airport (Fiumicino Airport), which is approximately 30 kilometers (18.6 miles) away from central Rome. The drive to the city center takes about 40-50 minutes.
If you're flying into Ciampino Airport, it is about 15 kilometers (9 miles) from central Rome, and the journey to the city center takes around 25-35 minutes.
From Leonardo da Vinci–Fiumicino Airport (FCO):
- By Train: The Leonardo Express takes you directly to Roma Termini (the central station) in about 32 minutes.
- By Taxi: A taxi ride to central Rome takes about 40–60 minutes.
- By Bus: Several shuttle buses, such as Terravision and SIT Bus Shuttle, operate routes to key locations like Termini Station, taking 45–60 minutes.
From Ciampino Airport (CIA):
- By Bus: Shuttle buses like Terravision and SIT connect the airport to Termini Station in 30–40 minutes.
- By Taxi: A taxi ride to the city center takes about 30–40 minutes.
With Rome Airport Transfer or Ciampino Airport Taxi options, you can travel between the airport, your hotel, and major city attractions, without stress-free.
Rome Bus Hire and Hotel Transfer at Rome Airports options are also available to ensure your return or onward journey to and from the hotel and sightseeing around the city is hassle free.
Colosseum and Roman Forum
Sung Rae Kim from Visit the Colosseum and step back into the times of the battling gladiators. Go on a family-friendly tour, full of stories and fun facts that will keep the kids intrigued. Your child will be fascinated to know how it could accommodate 50,000 people at once and also had an awning that would block the sun.
The giant structure fires up their imagination, and they'll love hearing about gladiators and wild animals. You should know that some gladiators were as famous as today's sports stars. Kids always find this super exciting.
Tip: Buy skip-the-line tickets in advance to save your time, especially when it's high season. Some tours also include special areas that are usually closed to the general public.
A stone's throw away, the Roman Forum offers good terrain to learn about ancient ruins upon which emperors strolled. In its lively marketplace, the children can get some feel of playing being a Roman citizen. Do not forget Palatine Hill for strikingly beautiful views over the city. This legendary founding site of Rome, by Romulus himself, is just an outstanding spot.
Vatican Museums and Sistine Chapel
Angel Chavez from The Vatican is not the most 'kid-friendly' place, but family-friendly tours can make it fun and exciting for them. These tours describe stories and games that keep kids entertained while learning.
This is a place where kids can go on scavenger hunts to see statues or paintings that are unique. They also like listening to fun facts, like how Michelangelo painted the ceiling of the Sistine Chapel on his back!
Be sure not to miss Michelangelo's famous Sistine Chapel ceiling, and the mummies of the Gregorian Egyptian Museum- several thousand years old! A favorite is also the Gallery of Maps, colored maps of Italy as it used to be.
Tip: The very early morning can be the perfect time to avoid the crowds. Also, buy your tickets in advance as many tours come with skip-the-line privileges-a lifesaver for parents on these kinds of journeys.
Villa Borghese Gardens and Bioparco di Roma
xlizziexx from Villa Borghese is Rome's version of Central Park, a nice way to get away from the bustle. You can rent bikes, pedal boats, or even a family surrey to tour the park. The gardens offer perfect picnic possibilities or other quiet strolls, with open space for kids to run and play.
Situated within the park, this is one of the most favored zoos in Rome; inside, youngsters can find more than 1,000 animals from all over the world. Here, one will be able to see closely all kinds of animals, from lions and giraffes to birds and monkeys. Moreover, they have an opportunity to learn something about the care and conservation of such animals.
Other Attractions: Puppet theater, summer outdoor cinema. In the puppet theater, there are really funny performances for kids, while in the summer outdoor cinema, one can enjoy family films right under the starry sky-a perfect ending of a day filled with sightseeing.
Time Elevator Rome
Time Elevator Rome is fun, a real 4D experience that promises to take a visitor through 3,000 years of Roman history: just amazing in an exciting format with the help of magnificent technology.
The moving seats, the 3D visuals, and the special effects give them the sensation that they could fly over the Roman Empire on an eagle or ride along the ancient streets. Kids would be exposed to the sounds, sights, and even smells that really make them feel part of history!
Duration: The 45-minute show is just the right length for kids. It's a great way to learn about Rome's history without getting bored. Plus, it's indoors, making it a perfect activity for a rainy day.
Gelato Tasting Tours
-Rita-👩🍳 und 📷 mit ❤ from No trip to Rome is complete without the sweet enjoyment of gelato. Make it an adventure by visiting the best gelaterias in town. Kids will enjoy the fun of trying different flavors, and parents can see the charming streets of Rome, finding hidden corners here and there.
Top Gelato Spots:
- Giolitti: One of the oldest gelaterias in Rome, renowned for rich, classic flavors. The place is loved by locals and tourists alike.
- Fatamorgana: Known for its creative flavors, such as basil and honey, it is the place to go and try something new that will surely surprise you.
- Venchi: The perfect stop for chocolate lovers, where gelato meets rich chocolate treats and truffles.
Tip: Try classic flavors like pistachio or stracciatella, or go for seasonal fruit gelatos. Many places also offer dairy-free options, so everyone can enjoy
Gladiator School
Artis Kančs on Let your kids live out their gladiator dreams at the Gruppo Storico Romano’s Gladiator School. They’ll wear tunics and use wooden swords to learn basic gladiator moves. The school is close to the Colosseum, so it’s a great way to connect with ancient Roman history.
Kids get to be hands-on and even earn a gladiator training certificate! They’ll love pretending to be gladiators, practicing swordplay and stances with expert instructors. It’s a fun and educational way to learn about Roman history!
Duration: Classes last about 2 hours and are perfect for kids aged 6 and up. The short class keeps them engaged, and it’s a great family activity to enjoy while learning about ancient Rome.
Catacombs
Dimitris Vetsikas from The catacombs of San Sebastiano and San Callisto are a fun underground adventure. These ancient burial sites are full of hidden passages and interesting history. As they explore the tunnels, kids will feel like real explorers, uncovering secrets from the past.
It feels like a treasure hunt, going down old tunnels and listening to lectures about early Christians. They will be amazed to learn how early Christians used the catacombs for worship and protection. Dark tunnels and crypts are all part of the adventure.
Tip: A guided tour means the stories will be fun and easy for children to listen to. A good guide should be able to provide cool facts and even legends to keep the kids entertained. Remember to bring a jacket - the catacombs stay cool throughout the year.
Bioparco di Roma (Rome Zoo)
Alexa from Situated in the gardens of Villa Borghese, this zoo has more than 1,000 animals from around the world. Kids can learn about animals in a very relaxed, casual outdoor environment, from giraffes to tigers.
Playgrounds and picnic areas add to the delight of a zoo that's just great for fun. Children love viewing them up close, even feeding or taking part in an animal encounter session.
Best For: All ages.
Tip: You can combine your visit to the zoo with a stroll or bike ride through the gardens. You can even rent pedal boats on the nearby lake, adding extra fun to your day. It's a great way to have nature, animals, and outdoor fun for the whole family.
Cinecittà Studios Tour
Belette27 from How about exploring with Cinecittà Studios the magic of Italian cinema? Children just love to walk through amazing movie sets, fun exhibits, and even take part in workshops teaching them about filmmaking. They will see how famous movies such as Ben-Hur and La Dolce Vita were made and learn about special effects and costumes bringing tales to life.
Where: Via Tuscolana, just outside central Rome.
Tip: Check their schedule for family-friendly events and activities. Sometimes they offer special workshops and themed events to which kids can get hands-on with filmmaking. It's a great way for kids to get creative and learn about the film industry in a fun and exciting way.
Explora – The Children’s Museum of Rome
Explora is a non-profit children's museum that is interactive and fun. It contains hands-on, interactive exhibits in science, technology, and the environment that are so much fun, a kid might not even realize how much they're learning.
Kids can play in a pretend supermarket, experiment with water stations, and explore a mini-city where they can become doctors, builders, or chefs. This is an excellent place to have curiosity and creativity sparked off while learning through play.
Tip: Do not forget to book your visit in advance, as admission is at certain times. This way, you will avoid the crowds and be able to enjoy the museum. Also, check their special events and seasonal workshops for added fun during your visit.
Pizza-Making Workshops
Igor Ovsyannykov from Kids become chefs for the day, learning how to make traditional Roman pizza. They get to knead the dough, add toppings, and even try to toss it like a professional in this active, hands-on activity that also involves explaining the ingredients which make Roman pizza so special. Later, everyone gets to enjoy their baked creations!
Where: Many cooking schools are within Rome, such as InRome Cooking and Eataly Rome.
Tip: Parents can join in, or sit back, relax, and have a glass of wine while the kids get creative. Many workshops offer fun extras, such as decorating aprons to take home or recipe cards so the fun can continue long after the workshop! It's a fantastic family activity that brings an element of Italy into your adventure.
Puppet Shows on Janiculum Hill
The Janiculum Hill offers a great view of Rome and evening puppet shows. These lively performances are great for younger children and a charming way to end the day.
Kids love to watch the colorful puppets and hear various stories, often based on Italian folklore. The open-air setting makes it even more magical as the sun sets over the city.
Tip: Beware of the showtimes in advance, and bring something to sit on. Sometimes the shows are put on outdoors in a very nice setting; you will be able to sit in the air while you watch. It is just a very laidback way to end your day of sightseeing and take in some Authentic Roman culture with your whole family!
Practical Tips for Families in Rome
Get an Omnia Card: you'll have skip-the-line access to major attractions and unlimited rides on public transport, saving both time and money in the process.
Public Fountains: Nasoni fountains throughout Rome offer free, possible drinking water ideal to refill your bottles on-the-go.
Plan for Rest Breaks: Rome's cobblestone streets can be tiring for little legs. Plan for plenty of gelato stops or park breaks.
Rome is one of those places where there's an adventure at every corner just waiting to take your kids' breath away. Just picture it: they can take a hike up the ancient ruins, make their own pizza from scratch, or even interact with interesting animals at the zoo.
Each experience is fun and a new learning point as they explore this city literally filled with history and culture. By the time you leave, your kids won't have just stories to tell, but memories that shall be remembered for their whole lives by sparking joy years later. Ready for a family vacation filled with laughs, discovery, and lots of fun!