Rome with Kids
A Guide to Rome:
There are so many sights you can’t miss, but we are limiting it to the best things to do while in Rome-the eternal city.
Sightseeing with your family is an incredible experience, especially when that city has existed for thousands of years.
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Rome, the capital of Italy, is a magnificent city to tour full of history and a rich cultural heritage. You’ll find that the architecture is like no other architecture in the world. It’s no wonder that it fits our criteria for an educational family adventure.
We’ll walk you through our top recommendations so that you will be ready for a trip of a lifetime!
When it comes to conquering Rome, wear the proper shoes! You’ll be doing a LOT of walking since there is just so much to see at every turn. We would recommend the tennis shoes shown here. They also look good in dresses and jeans!
Rome With Kids
Once mapping out your itinerary, check if the Roma Pass would be worth purchasing for you. It will cover the museums for multiple days depending on which one you choose as well as discounted entry to other attractions in the city.
Carry a small Italian dictionary and phrasebook would also be a good idea since Italian is the official language in Rome.
A travel adaptor is a must in Europe to plug into the outlets so you’ll need to purchase yours ahead of time to take with you. This one also includes USB ports to plug into the converter.
Touring Rome With Kids
Here are the TOP 10 things to do in Rome with kids!
1. The Colosseum
Your kids will probably imagine themselves as gladiators as they run around the magnificent colosseum. Animals and prisoners were kept in the caverns until their face off. Just 1,900 years ago, people were actually locked into these death battles to survive, in front of audiences that could number as many as 80,000 people. The fact that this stadium still stands is a testament to he Roman Empire’s engineering and architectural foresight. It is the largest amphitheatre built during the Roman Empire, quite a remarkable place to be.
rome with kids can be a great time!
visit Rome with Kids and make the most of all the historic locations.
2. Roman Forum and Palatine Hill
Tips: Book a tour that includes both the Colosseum and the ruins with skip the line passes. Spend half a day exploring both.
Rome With Kids
The kids can freely run around and explore the area and take a look at where Roman life revolved around from their business to their marketplace.
Rome with Kids in vatican city
3. Vatican City
It’s like a country of its own inside of Rome. You’ll want to visit these world-famous sites including St. Peter’s Basilica, Sistine Chapel, and of course the Vatican Museum. You’ll want to allot a day to spend here.
There’s so much to see in the Vatican Museum and you will be stunned by their fabulous double helix stairwell as you exit.
Tip: Head straight for the Vatican Museum with a skip the line ticket. Also the Vatican Museum opens at 9am. We would recommend you get there early to avoid the crowds as the day goes on.
St. Peter’s Basilica is the world’s largest church, built in Renaissance style. You and your family will be able to admire the many great works of art from famous designers including Bramante and Michalangelo.
Pro Tip:
Your kids will likely get a kick out of the Swiss Guards in their fancy uniforms from the 16th century.
Note, the Vatican is closed on Sundays for a list of all opening times and days see the official website.
4. The Pantheon
I’m sure they’ll enjoy throwing pennies into the fountain when visiting Rome with kids
5. The Trevi Fountain
The Trevi Fountain is a short distance from the Pantheon, an 8 minute walk. It is the largest Baroque fountain in the world and one of the most popular sights to visit. The legend goes–if you throw a coin into the fountain you will return to Rome. If you throw 2 or more, you’ll find a new romance. So if you have your kids with you be sure to let them do all the coin throwing. It is supposedly going to a good cause as the coins are removed and weighed at the end every night and given to a charity.
6. The Spanish Steps
From the Trevi Fountain to the Spanish steps is another 8 minute walk. These steps are a culture meeting place that makes a beautiful backdrop for photographs. They were featured in the 1950s film Roman Holiday, featuring Audrey Hepburn where she famously had her ice cream. They actually have tours of the different film locations if you’re interested. The staircase is between the Piazza di Spagna (the Spanish Square) and the Trinità dei Monti church. You’ll also see the Fontana della Barcaccia found at the foot of the Spanish steps, a popular spot for children.
Walk down Via dei Condotti and visit Rome’s most fashionable (and probably most walkable) street filled with high-end shops.The street starts right at the foot at the steps.
7. Campo dei Fiori
Not far from the Pantheon is one of Rome’s Liveliest squares. The kids will get to see the city full of people who are doing everyday things in this lively and colorful market. Grab some fresh bread, cheese and berries and take it with you to the Borghese Gardens, which should be your next stop! At this point you’ve probably had a ton of gelato in Rome, who can resist, but do it the italian way and get in the affogato game. It’s a shot of hot espresso with a delicious scoop of vanilla gelato.
Rome With Kids
8. The Borghese Gardens and Villa Borghese
The Gardens are one of the largest public parks in Rome overlooking Piazza del Popolo and the Villa Borghese. This would be the perfect place to enjoy a picnic on the grounds. You’ll have some great views of Rome from the south part of the park, the Pincio (the Pincian Hill). The Borghese park also offers spaces and activities specifically for children. They have a playground near the villa with a playhouse, swing sets, and slide. It’s free and open from dawn to dusk.
There’s also Explora Children’s museum just a couple of blocks away offering interactive exhibits where the kids can engage in hands-on activities in engineering, art, science and technology. Get Tickets Here.
Rome With Kids
9. Piazza Navona
Piazza Navona is one of Rome’s most well known public squares. Dating back to the 15th century, it is now full of people modern people watching street performers and artists. You can join tourists and locals alike, sipping their cappuccinos in the number of outdoor cafes, shopping, checking out the monuments and beautiful fountains.
Piazza Navona is home to three lavish fountains. La Fontana dei Quattro Fiumi, is the most photographed item in the square. It is known as the Fountain of Four Rivers and was constructed in 1651 for the Pope.
10. Enjoy the Magic of Rome After Dark
With kids this may seem like a stretch but you shouldn’t miss this experience. Rome is enchanting. After it gets dark, the lights go on and everything shines. The glorious sights you saw during the day take on a magical aura at night. Take a tour that takes you on an Illuminated Rome Tour for Kids and Families with Gelato and Pizza, the guide will keep the kids engaged with games, photo-contests and treasure hunts. Then end the night with Italy’s pizza and gelato.
Looking for Places to Stay? Here are some of the best places to stay during your time in Rome:
For Luxury-
Hotel Hassler
Set at the top of Spanish steps, Hassler Roma is one of the city’s most famous hotels. It has all of the five-star trappings, and elegant rooms and suites with wellness facilities including a sauna, Turkish bath, a gym etc. It’s a first class experience from the moment you get out of the cab. The gym and the restaurant have amazing views over Rome’s rooftops. You’re near some of the biggest retailers and several historical locations. You can also enjoy a fabulous dinner at the Michelin-starred restaurant, Imàgo.
Hotel phone: +39 06 687 4886
Inn at the Roman Forum – Ancient Rome
An elegant boutique hotel in the heart of Rome! It’s within walking distance of the Colosseum and the Roman Forum, it’s actually built around the remains of the forum. They have apartment size rooms for families as well. The rooms are very chic and stylish! And the breakfast buffet is served on the rooftop terrace with breathtaking views of Rome.
The St Regis Rome – Near Termini
This 5 star hotel provides opulent interiors and often hosts celebrities such as Madonna and the Rolling Stones. It has received many awards throughout the years and was included in the World’s 500 Best Hotels by travel and Leisure in 2011.
Hotel phone: +39 06 47091
Hotel Campo De’ Fiori
This Boutique Hotel is located in one the city’s most popular squares featuring a roof garden with views of the historic center. The hotel’s terrace has a 360 degree view of Rome and the interior has dripping chandeliers.
The St Regis Rome – Near Termini
An opulent five star housed in a 19th-century palazzo near Piazza della Repubblica. Much loved by rock stars – both Madonna and the Rolling Stones have stayed in recent years – it has classically styled interiors, a popular butler service, and a wonderful in-house spa.
Hotel phone: +39 06 47091
Internazionale Domus
This is great for families since it can provide ample space with its 1 and 2 bedroom apartments . and kitchenettes. Also, the 2-bedroom suites have a second bathroom. It’s in a central location close to the Spanish Steps, and Piazza Barberini
phone: +39 06 6919 0237
The Westin Excelsior
Located in the heart of Rome, this hotel has an indoor heated pool, jacuzzi, and pretty spacious rooms for Europe. It’s also near the Spanish Steps and Piazza Barberini
phone: +39 06 47081
Parco Dei Principi Grand Hotel –
Here, you’ll find one of the best outdoor swimming pools located in Rome near the Villa Borghese. However, your kids will have to be at least 4 years old to use it. The grounds and rooms are beautiful.
phone: +39 06 854421
For Moderate-
Cosmopolita Hotel
Near the Trevi Fountain and just 1,000 from the Roman Fora, the Cosmopolita is a great choice in a central location.
Phone: +39 06 997071
Piram Hotel
Just 650 feet from the main train station, it’s very convenient for travelers who are interested in architecture and history. It includes a large buffet breakfast in the dining room and has a modern spa.
Phone: +39 06 4890 124
For Budget-
Nerva Boutique Hotel
Providing a professional staff and one of the beast continental breakfasts, Nerva Boutique Hotel is a great option. It’s just a 5-minute walk from the Colosseum and Roman Forum. It’s Cosmopolitan decor is delightfully upscale.
The RomeHello
Just a 10-minute walk from Quirinale and 0.6 mi from the Spanish Steps, the RomeHello is a great choice offering a buffet breakfast. The Vatican City is 2.2 mi away.
Residenze Argileto
Just a 5-minute walk from the Colosseum and Roman Forum, this lovely place has a rooftop terrace that includes a hot tub.
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Rome and Vatican City were absolutely amazing! We missed the gardens tho. Those tulips were gorgeous!! Your post makes me want to go back!
Thank you so much Debbie! I know I want to go back too! Can’t wait until it’s safe to travel again!