Wandering Twavels

Planning a family trip to Rome? Discover the best things to do in Rome with kids – from exploring the Colosseum to gelato-making classes – plus tips on family-friendly hotels and tours.

Taking young kids to Rome might sound overwhelming, but trust me – it’s completely doable and absolutely magical when planned well. I recently visited Rome with my toddlers, and while there were challenges (hello, cobblestones and strollers!), the memories we made are priceless.

In this guide, I’ll share our favorite family-friendly things to do in Rome, practical tips for traveling with little ones, and suggestions on where to stay – from budget to luxury. If you’re a mom planning a trip, this guide is for you.

👉 You can also watch our full Rome family vlog here:

1. Explore the Colosseum (Kid-Friendly Tips)

No trip to Rome is complete without visiting the Colosseum. For kids, it’s like stepping into a real-life gladiator movie. Ours loved running through the arches and pretending to be warriors.

Parent Tip:
Skip the long lines and book tickets in advance. Many tours are tailored for families and include stories that bring history to life for kids. We particularly enjoyed this tour: Colosseum and Roman Forum Tour for Kids and Families

2. Wander Through the Roman Forum & Palatine Hill

Right next to the Colosseum is the Roman Forum – ancient ruins that feel like an open-air playground. My little ones enjoyed the wide open spaces to run around while we soaked in the history.

Parent Tip: Bring snacks and water. There isn’t much shade, so a morning visit works best with young kids.

3. Fun Kid-Friendly Activities in Rome

Sometimes kids need a break from sightseeing. Luckily, Rome has plenty of family activities:

• 🍦 Gelato-making class – Learn (and taste!) Italy’s favorite treat. Book here
• 🍕 Pizza & Tiramisu making workshop – A hands-on experience kids love. Book here
• 🚌 Hop-on Hop-off Bus Tour – Perfect for strollers and tired little legs. Book here

Our toddlers especially loved the pizza class – a win-win for everyone.

4. Parks & Open Spaces

Rome isn’t just ruins and museums. It also has beautiful open spaces where kids can be kids.

• Villa Borghese Gardens – Rome’s version of Central Park. Rent bikes, visit playgrounds, or catch a puppet show. Don’t forget to eat gelato.
• Piazza Navona & Campo de’ Fiori – Open squares with fountains and street performers.
• Trevi Fountain – A must! Let your kids toss in a coin and make a wish. Go first thing in the morning to beat crowds.
• Local Playgrounds – We loved exploring local playgrounds. We frequently ventured to Trastevere where our toddlers enjoyed playing with local children.

5. Where to Stay in Rome with Kids

Finding the right accommodation makes all the difference when traveling as a family. Here are some options:

💸 Budget-Friendly

Stay in a family-run guesthouse or Airbnb with a kitchenette. Great for saving money and preparing snacks for little ones. This property is basic but has a wonderful location. They even have apartments with kitchens.
👉 See budget family stays in Rome

💼 Mid-Range

Look for centrally located 3–4 star hotels near Piazza Navona or Termini. Many offer family rooms and breakfast included.
👉 See mid-range family hotels in Rome

✨ Luxury

If you’re looking for a splurge, Rome has stunning 5-star hotels with family suites, pools, and babysitting services. Perfect if you want some downtime as parents. This hotel sits next to Villa Borghese Gardens
👉 See luxury family hotels in Rome

6. Practical Tips for Parents in Rome

• Stroller-Friendly? Rome’s cobblestones can be tricky – bring a lightweight stroller or baby carrier. We recommend strollers with large wheels.
• Snacks are your best friend. Italian restaurants run on later schedules, so pack plenty for little tummies.
• Plan downtime. Use nap times for museums or relaxed café stops.
• Skip the lines. Always book tickets ahead to avoid meltdowns in queues.
• Extra Tip: The restrooms can be dirty – be prepared!

Conclusion

Rome with kids is a blend of history, adventure, and gelato-fueled joy. With the right planning, it’s an unforgettable family trip. Don’t be afraid to explore – little ones will surprise you with how much they enjoy it!

👉 Watch our full family vlog of Rome here

👉 Book our recommended tours and hotels using the links above to make your family trip stress-free.

Happy travels! ❤️

Note: all links are affiliate links in this post. They help support my business.