Visiting Rome with children can be an unforgettable experience for the whole family. The Italian capital offers a wide range of child-friendly attractions, blending culture and entertainment to keep younger visitors engaged without ever letting boredom set in.
Whether you’re planning a day out with your children or grandchildren, or simply looking for inspiration, this article explores what to do in Rome with kids: in summer, on rainy days, and even on a budget.
What to do in Rome with children
Where can you take a child in Rome? From interactive museums to open-air parks, the city offers a wealth of activities suited to the different needs and interests of young visitors. There is truly something for everyone, from science and video games to history and nature.
Museums for children in Rome: learning through play
Rome is home to several museums designed to introduce children to history and art in a playful, hands-on way. One of the most popular is the Explora Children’s Museum, where young visitors can touch, experiment and learn through educational games and creative workshops. The museum offers an engaging journey through science, nature and society, with activities tailored to various age groups.
Another unmissable stop is the Rome Planetarium, where families can enjoy astronomy-themed shows and immersive projections that spark children’s curiosity about space and the stars.
Parks and green areas: outdoor spaces for play and relaxation
Rome is full of public parks and gardens where children can run, play, and enjoy being surrounded by nature. Villa Borghese is one of the city’s largest and best-known parks: as well as its generous green spaces, it is home to the Bioparco di Roma, a zoo that hosts hundreds of animal species, and the Casina di Raffaello playhouse.
The park also features well-equipped play areas, small lakes where visitors can take pedal-boat rides, and pedal-assisted rickshaws available for hire. A lesser-known gem inside Villa Borghese is the Teatro San Carlino, a delightful theatre offering high-quality puppet shows with the involvement of live actors, a real highlight for families.
Other parks worth exploring include the Parco degli Acquedotti, known for its wide open spaces and striking archaeological remains, making it perfect for picnics and leisurely walks, and the Parco della Caffarella, ideal for cycling or relaxed outings immersed in greenery.
Villa Torlonia is another option, slightly less central than Villa Borghese but well worth a visit if time allows during a holiday in Rome. Alongside the historic buildings dotted around the grounds, the park is home to Tecnotown, a creative science hub particularly appealing to young visitors aged 12 and over. Highly recommended for teenagers and pre-teens.
Archaeological and cultural experiences suitable for children
Visiting Rome with children also means diving into the city’s millennia-old history. At the Colosseum and the Roman Forum, families can join guided tours specifically designed for younger visitors, enriched with simple stories and interactive games that bring to life the world of ancient Romans and gladiators in an engaging way.
Until 30 September, every Tuesday and Thursday, the Colosseum Archaeological Park also offers evocative night-time tours.
For younger children, the National Roman Museum – Palazzo Massimo hosts creative workshops and themed visits that turn classical art into an exciting, hands-on adventure. Castel Sant’Angelo, with its ancient rooms and hidden passageways, is another spot that tends to captivate curious minds.
A short walk from the Bioparco, the Civic Museum of Zoology is recommended for children aged 5 to 12. Although the exhibition design is not particularly modern, the impressive hall displaying the skeletons of various mammals, including a gigantic elephant, never fails to astonish them.
Another museum that appeals to visitors of all ages is the Museum of Illusions, where guests can wander through optical illusions, interactive installations and playful visual effects. Lastly, Vigamus, ideal for children between 7 and 14, offers the perfect blend between a museum and a gaming arcade. It is located just outside the city centre, not far from the Vatican.
Fun activities and creative workshops
If you’re looking to keep children entertained with something a little different, Rome offers an impressive range of creative workshops and leisure activities. A quick online search is usually enough to get started, but in general many bookshops and cultural centres host events for kids, from storytelling sessions with performers to painting and theatre workshops. Cinecittà Studios also offers guided tours of its film sets, an exciting experience for young cinema enthusiasts.
And if all else fails, cooking is always an option: several schools organise pizza- and pasta-making classes designed especially for budding chefs.
Where to take children for free in Rome?
Among the free activities available for children in Rome, beyond the many parks, families can take advantage of events organised by the city’s network of public libraries. During the warmer months, open-air shows and activities are often held in local squares and public gardens, and can be easily found by browsing the city’s cultural calendars.
What to do in Rome with kids when it rains
What can you do with children in Rome when it’s raining? Even when the weather isn’t on your side, there are plenty of indoor options to keep little ones entertained. Besides the Explora Museum and the Planetarium, families can also explore the Leonardo da Vinci Museum, where children can discover his inventions and enjoy interactive models.
Libraries with dedicated children’s areas make excellent shelters from the bad weather, as do cinemas offering programmes tailored to younger audiences. For something a bit more special, it’s worth considering a day in an indoor play centre or a themed guided tour in museums that offer family-friendly itineraries.
What to do in Rome with children in summer
Summer in Rome brings a wide range of outdoor events and activities. Alongside the city’s parks and the Bioparco, families can plan a boat trip along the River Tiber or join one of the many summer festivals featuring shows designed for all ages. Public swimming pools and water parks just outside the city are also a great option during the warmer months.
Article translated by Agnese Giardini
Subscribe to our newsletter
Subscribe to our newsletter to keep up to date with our latest news
Subscribe with your email address to receive the latest news, updates and practical tips from the real estate world directly in your inbox
