10 Activities in Rome for Kids and Families
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Rome brings out the wonder in everyone, kids and adults alike. It's easy to get lost among the cobblestoned streets, trickling fountains, historic churches and ancient monuments.
I fell in love with Rome more than 20 years ago when I attended a college study abroad program in the Eternal City. Indeed, I fell so much in love that I ended up staying for seven years! Fast forward to today: I live in Chicago with my two Italian-speaking kids. Every other year we pay a visit to Rome to see family and enjoy our favorite destination of all.
From learning to make authentic Roman pizza to cheering on your favorite gladiator, there are so many interesting, educational and fun things to see and do when in Rome with kids.
After you plan your Roman holiday and book your flights and hotel (Here’s a guide for using your miles for an Italian vacation), it's time to map out your Roman adventures. Here are 10 family-friendly things you'll want to experience when in Rome.
Related: Best Airline Credit Card for Families
1. Introduce Amazing Gelato to Your Kids
Step inside Della Palma (Via della Maddalena, 19-23) and prepare to be boggled by an overwhelming number of gelato choices. With a whopping 150+ flavors prepared daily, there truly is a flavor for everyone in the family. In addition to all the Italian classics — chocolate, vanilla, stracciatella (chocolate chip), strawberry, lemon, pistachio and tiramisu — this ice cream shop serves up the most interesting flavors in the city, including sesame seed and honey, fig and hazelnut, and meringue and nougat mousse. Thankfully, the indecisive can pack a mega-cone with up to six different scoops. Located steps from the Pantheon, its central location and reputation for serving up the best gelato in the neighborhood means it's always buzzing with locals and tourists alike.
2. See the Sistine Chapel (and Skip the Lines)
The Sistine Chapel is a joy to behold. Even little ones will appreciate the rich colors and stories that unfold on the ceiling of the Apostolic Palace, painted between 1508 and 1512 by Michelangelo. No one, however, will appreciate the long lines to enter the chapel. Waits can last hours and crowds can block out the beauty enough to make even grown-ups have a tantrum. The best (and, in my opinion, the only) way to see the iconic Sistine Chapel is to book an early bird guided tour. Large tour operators pay a hefty fee for the privilege of early entry at 7:30am. Get Your Guide and Rome Tickets International both offer early bird tours online. Prices start at $60 per person. If you don't book an early bird tour, make sure you are waiting in line by 8:30am at the latest: the Vatican Museums and Sistine Chapel open at 9am.
Tip: Before your trip to Rome, check out Michelangelo for Kids: His Life and Ideas, with 21 Activities by Simonetta Carr from your local library to give your kids a primer on Michelangelo and the Italian Renaissance.
3. Travel Back in Time to Ancient Rome on the Rome Time Elevator
If you've ever dreamed of popping into a time machine and heading back to see what life was like in Rome during the golden age of Emperor Augustus, a lesser-known attraction has you covered: Travel back in time to Ancient Rome aboard the Rome Time Elevator (Via dei SS. Apostoli, 20; phone 39-06-97746243), a multisensory, panoramic movie experience that explores the history of Rome with kids in mind. Kids will enjoy the many sensory surprises — rumbling seats! steam! blasts of cool air! — while learning more about the people who helped carry Rome to greatness as well as the history behind -- and vivid reconstructions of -- the sights they're seeing. The movie lasts just under 45 minutes and makes for a nice break from sightseeing. Tickets cost 12 euros for adults age 18 and over and 9 euros for kids.
4. Shop Roman-style at Campo dei Fiori Market
During the Middle Ages, this rectangular piazza in Rome's city center was a meadow. Every morning, Campo dei Fiori — Italian for "field of flowers" — fills back up again with flowers as sellers showcase their buds in lovely bouquets ripe for bargaining. You can find everything you need for an impromptu picnic, from freshly baked breads to cheeses to fresh fruits and vegetables among the vendor stalls at the daily market. A few vendors sell small toys and trinkets, so give your kids a couple of euros to enjoy shopping "as the Romans do."
5. Become a Gladiator at Rome's Gladiator School for Kids
Rome's Gladiator School Experience is a two-hour training session that will teach your kids the history of the famed fighters while also instructing them on the skills to survive even the most dastardly arena battles.
Located in a quiet setting in Rome's Appia Antica neighborhood, the school, which is run by the Roman Historical Society, begins with an introduction to Roman history and a visit to the on-site Gladiator Museum, where artifacts show the tools of the gladiator trade.
Gladiators-in-training then put on their fighting tunics and take part in a hands-on training session, learning essential sword-fighting and hand-to-hand combat techniques.
Prices start at $200 for two people (kids and parents can all participate), but cost less per person if there are more in the group. There are typically 6 classes a day on most days starting at 9am. The site can be reached by bus from central Rome, or via taxi or Uber (about 20 euros each way).
6. Tour the Colosseum by Moonlight
Now that you're a gladiator (see the tip above), you're ready to hit the Colosseum. Instead of battling the usual Colosseum crowds, however, book a nighttime tour of the iconic stadium. There is nothing quite like seeing the Colosseum by the light of the moon minus the crowds. Roma Experience offers a Colosseum under the Moon tour that will take you right into the ring. You'll skip the lines, too. The 2.5-hour guided tour is priced at 79 euros for adults, 69 euros for students ages 15–25, 64 euros for children ages 4–14 and 29 euros for children ages 3 and under.
7. Spend a Perfect Afternoon in Villa Borghese
The Parco della Villa Borghese is an enormous, beautifully landscaped park in Rome's city center. Pack a picnic or pick up snacks and enjoy a break outdoors under the shade of a tree. Several stands offer snacks and cold drinks. Playgrounds dot the park, and there's even a tiny tot-sized cinema. Bring a ball for an impromptu game of calcio or rent a bike or a surrey from one of the many pop-up rental stands. The best route to this park is via the Spanish Steps, which lead up to the park, connecting to the Pincio (the Pincian Hill of Ancient Rome), a viewing point located at the southern edge of the park that offers one of the most spectacular vistas of the Eternal City.
8. Stroll Piazza Navona at Night
Built upon the former Stadium of Domitian (circa 86 AD), Piazza Navona is one of the largest and most beautiful piazzas in Rome. Three fountains, designed during the papacy of Gregory XIII, dominate the piazza, which is closed to automobile traffic. During the evening hours, from about 7pm until midnight, Piazza Navona becomes a hub of free, family-friendly entertainment as street musicians, clowns, contortionists and other entertainers of all kinds showcase their talent. A number of artists set up shop here, too, offering on-the-spot portraits and speedy caricatures, which make outstanding souvenirs. Bring a few coins for your kids to toss into the hats of the entertainers.
9. Test Your Truth-telling Ability at the Bocca della Verità
Legend has it that the Bocca della Verità, or Mouth of Truth, will bite the hands off of anyone who lies. Test your truth-telling ability at this large carving of a pagan Roman face, which more than likely served as a sewer cover during ancient times. Stick your hand in its monster of a mouth for a photo op and see who wins at honesty in your family.
Tip: After you test your truth-telling at the Bocca della Verità, head to the adjacent church, Santa Maria in Cosmedin, where the skull of St. Valentine lies encased in a golden box at the altar.
10. Throw a Coin in the Trevi Fountain
Finally, no trip to Rome is complete until you've thrown a coin into the Fontana di Trevi, or Trevi Fountain. This masterpiece of a fountain dates back to the construction of the Aqua Virgo Aqueduct in 19 B.C. and is considered one of the grandest fountains in the world. Toss a coin using your right hand over your left shoulder and you'll ensure a future visit to Rome. The fountain is open 24/7, so take advantage of jet-lagged kids staying up later than usual and head to the fountain at sunset, when the number of tourists have lessened. (Or sunrise, when you'll really have the place to yourself, something very rare in Rome.)
Bottom Line
As the largest city in Italy, Rome is filled with some great experiences. To no surprise there are a ton of activities to keep kids of every age happy.
Just make sure when purchasing tickets for most tours or activities, you'll want to use a credit card that rewards you for spend in the "entertainment" category.
Related: The Best Credit Cards for Entertainment Spending
Some cards to consider: Citi Premier® Card offers a 2x points on entertainment spend, while the Capital One Savor Cash Rewards Credit Card offers 4% cash back. The information for the Capital One Savor Cash Rewards Credit Card has been collected independently by The Points Guy. The card details on this page have not been reviewed or provided by the card issuer.
Planning a trip to Rome? Here are some more ideas:
TPG featured card
Rewards
| 4X | Earn 4X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on purchases at restaurants worldwide, on up to $50,000 in purchases per calendar year, then 1X points for the rest of the year. |
| 4X | Earn 4X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent at US supermarkets, on up to $25,000 in purchases per calendar year, then 1X points for the rest of the year. |
| 3X | Earn 3X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on flights booked directly with airlines or on AmexTravel.com. |
| 2X | Earn 2X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on prepaid hotels and other eligible purchases booked on AmexTravel.com. |
| 1X | Earn 1X Membership Rewards® point per dollar spent on all other eligible purchases. |
Intro offer
Annual Fee
Recommended Credit
Why We Chose It
There’s a lot to love about the Amex Gold. It’s a fan favorite thanks to its fantastic bonus-earning rates at restaurants worldwide and at U.S. supermarkets. If you’re hitting the skies soon, you’ll also earn bonus Membership Rewards points on travel. Paired with up to $120 in Uber Cash annually (for U.S. Uber rides or Uber Eats orders, card must be added to Uber app and you can redeem with any Amex card), up to $120 in annual dining statement credits to be used with eligible partners, an up to $84 Dunkin’ credit each year at U.S. Dunkin Donuts and an up to $100 Resy credit annually, there’s no reason that foodies shouldn’t add the Amex Gold to their wallet. These benefits alone are worth more than $400, which offsets the $325 annual fee on the Amex Gold card. Enrollment is required for select benefits. (Partner offer)Pros
- 4 points per dollar spent on dining at restaurants worldwide and U.S. supermarkets (on the first $50,000 in purchases per calendar year; then 1 point per dollar spent thereafter and $25,000 in purchases per calendar year; then 1 point per dollar spent thereafter, respectively)
- 3 points per dollar spent on flights booked directly with the airline or with amextravel.com
- Packed with credits foodies will enjoy
- Solid welcome bonus
Cons
- Not as useful for those living outside the U.S.
- Some may have trouble using Uber and other dining credits
- You may be eligible for as high as 100,000 Membership Rewards® Points after you spend $6,000 in eligible purchases on your new Card in your first 6 months of Card Membership. Welcome offers vary and you may not be eligible for an offer. Apply to know if you’re approved and find out your exact welcome offer amount – all with no credit score impact. If you’re approved and choose to accept the Card, your score may be impacted.
- Earn 4X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on purchases at restaurants worldwide, on up to $50,000 in purchases per calendar year, then 1X points for the rest of the year.
- Earn 4X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent at US supermarkets, on up to $25,000 in purchases per calendar year, then 1X points for the rest of the year.
- Earn 3X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on flights booked directly with airlines or on AmexTravel.com.
- Earn 2X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on prepaid hotels and other eligible purchases booked on AmexTravel.com.
- Earn 1X Membership Rewards® point per dollar spent on all other eligible purchases.
- $120 Uber Cash on Gold: Add your Gold Card to your Uber account and get $10 in Uber Cash each month to use on orders and rides in the U.S. when you select an American Express Card for your transaction. That’s up to $120 Uber Cash annually. Plus, after using your Uber Cash, use your Card to earn 4X Membership Rewards® points for Uber Eats purchases made with restaurants or U.S. supermarkets. Point caps and terms apply.
- $84 Dunkin' Credit: With the $84 Dunkin' Credit, you can earn up to $7 in monthly statement credits after you enroll and pay with the American Express® Gold Card at U.S. Dunkin' locations. Enrollment is required to receive this benefit.
- $100 Resy Credit: Get up to $100 in statement credits each calendar year after you pay with the American Express® Gold Card to dine at U.S. Resy restaurants or make other eligible Resy purchases. That's up to $50 in statement credits semi-annually. Enrollment required.
- $120 Dining Credit: Satisfy your cravings, sweet or savory, with the $120 Dining Credit. Earn up to $10 in statement credits monthly when you pay with the American Express® Gold Card at Grubhub, The Cheesecake Factory, Goldbelly, Wine.com, and Five Guys. Enrollment required.
- Explore over 1,000 upscale hotels worldwide with The Hotel Collection and receive a $100 credit towards eligible charges* with every booking of two nights or more through AmexTravel.com. *Eligible charges vary by property.
- No Foreign Transaction Fees.
- Annual Fee is $325.
- Terms Apply.
Rewards Rate
| 4X | Earn 4X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on purchases at restaurants worldwide, on up to $50,000 in purchases per calendar year, then 1X points for the rest of the year. |
| 4X | Earn 4X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent at US supermarkets, on up to $25,000 in purchases per calendar year, then 1X points for the rest of the year. |
| 3X | Earn 3X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on flights booked directly with airlines or on AmexTravel.com. |
| 2X | Earn 2X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on prepaid hotels and other eligible purchases booked on AmexTravel.com. |
| 1X | Earn 1X Membership Rewards® point per dollar spent on all other eligible purchases. |
Intro Offer
You may be eligible for as high as 100,000 Membership Rewards® Points after spending $6,000 in eligible purchases on your new Card in your first 6 months of Membership. Welcome offers vary and you may not be eligible for an offer.As High As 100,000 points. Find Out Your Offer.Annual Fee
$325Recommended Credit
Credit ranges are a variation of FICO® Score 8, one of many types of credit scores lenders may use when considering your credit card application.Excellent to Good
Why We Chose It
There’s a lot to love about the Amex Gold. It’s a fan favorite thanks to its fantastic bonus-earning rates at restaurants worldwide and at U.S. supermarkets. If you’re hitting the skies soon, you’ll also earn bonus Membership Rewards points on travel. Paired with up to $120 in Uber Cash annually (for U.S. Uber rides or Uber Eats orders, card must be added to Uber app and you can redeem with any Amex card), up to $120 in annual dining statement credits to be used with eligible partners, an up to $84 Dunkin’ credit each year at U.S. Dunkin Donuts and an up to $100 Resy credit annually, there’s no reason that foodies shouldn’t add the Amex Gold to their wallet. These benefits alone are worth more than $400, which offsets the $325 annual fee on the Amex Gold card. Enrollment is required for select benefits. (Partner offer)Pros
- 4 points per dollar spent on dining at restaurants worldwide and U.S. supermarkets (on the first $50,000 in purchases per calendar year; then 1 point per dollar spent thereafter and $25,000 in purchases per calendar year; then 1 point per dollar spent thereafter, respectively)
- 3 points per dollar spent on flights booked directly with the airline or with amextravel.com
- Packed with credits foodies will enjoy
- Solid welcome bonus
Cons
- Not as useful for those living outside the U.S.
- Some may have trouble using Uber and other dining credits
- You may be eligible for as high as 100,000 Membership Rewards® Points after you spend $6,000 in eligible purchases on your new Card in your first 6 months of Card Membership. Welcome offers vary and you may not be eligible for an offer. Apply to know if you’re approved and find out your exact welcome offer amount – all with no credit score impact. If you’re approved and choose to accept the Card, your score may be impacted.
- Earn 4X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on purchases at restaurants worldwide, on up to $50,000 in purchases per calendar year, then 1X points for the rest of the year.
- Earn 4X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent at US supermarkets, on up to $25,000 in purchases per calendar year, then 1X points for the rest of the year.
- Earn 3X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on flights booked directly with airlines or on AmexTravel.com.
- Earn 2X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on prepaid hotels and other eligible purchases booked on AmexTravel.com.
- Earn 1X Membership Rewards® point per dollar spent on all other eligible purchases.
- $120 Uber Cash on Gold: Add your Gold Card to your Uber account and get $10 in Uber Cash each month to use on orders and rides in the U.S. when you select an American Express Card for your transaction. That’s up to $120 Uber Cash annually. Plus, after using your Uber Cash, use your Card to earn 4X Membership Rewards® points for Uber Eats purchases made with restaurants or U.S. supermarkets. Point caps and terms apply.
- $84 Dunkin' Credit: With the $84 Dunkin' Credit, you can earn up to $7 in monthly statement credits after you enroll and pay with the American Express® Gold Card at U.S. Dunkin' locations. Enrollment is required to receive this benefit.
- $100 Resy Credit: Get up to $100 in statement credits each calendar year after you pay with the American Express® Gold Card to dine at U.S. Resy restaurants or make other eligible Resy purchases. That's up to $50 in statement credits semi-annually. Enrollment required.
- $120 Dining Credit: Satisfy your cravings, sweet or savory, with the $120 Dining Credit. Earn up to $10 in statement credits monthly when you pay with the American Express® Gold Card at Grubhub, The Cheesecake Factory, Goldbelly, Wine.com, and Five Guys. Enrollment required.
- Explore over 1,000 upscale hotels worldwide with The Hotel Collection and receive a $100 credit towards eligible charges* with every booking of two nights or more through AmexTravel.com. *Eligible charges vary by property.
- No Foreign Transaction Fees.
- Annual Fee is $325.
- Terms Apply.