Rome and young tourists make a perfect combination, but visiting the Eternal City with children requires thoughtful planning. Young parents often dream of exploring the capital with their little ones, but meeting the needs of children of different ages can be challenging. Traveling becomes even more complex when the destination isn’t particularly “kid-friendly,” requiring extra attention to ensure an enjoyable experience for everyone.
Fortunately, Rome offers many options for the youngest families who want to get around the city for its attractions and take advantage of the many parks that allow you to have a long walk in the nature (possibly an ideal place for those who travel with babies and want to find a place for a power nap)or a fresh picnic, especially when the temperature rise, or maybe find also a nice playground, sometimes a slide and a swing can help when your kid wants to take a break from so much history.
A lot of green areas surround the main landmarks of the Italian capital, so you don’t need to walk a long distance from one place to another, even though sometimes with the little ones, the distance can be a problem.
Here, we give some guidelines that can help you plan your visit to Rome with your kids and answer the main questions young families ask the main operators.
What is the best way to get around Rome with a family?
Getting around Rome with a family can be a lot of fun and it is important to choose the right mode of transportation to make your trip enjoyable and hassle-free.
Usually, the best way to visit a new city is walking and the Eternal City is compact, many of the major attractions are within walking distance of each other, especially in the historical centre which is car-free and pedestrian – friendly during the day. Anyhow, it is always better to plan your promenading even if your children have a habit of walking; if you have a toddler or young kids do not forget a stroller, it can be a lifesaver if they get tired or need a nap.
Bringing snacks and water is important too, Rome is hot, especially in the Summer, and if you visit Italy during the warmer season do not forget sun cream, your children and yourself can get burned very easily. The family who decides to visit the capital during this time have to be prepared for crowds, Rome can be very busy in particularly when Italian schools are closed too (more or less from the second half of June to August).
There are other ways to get around the Eternal City, for instance using public transportation, a cheap solution, or getting a taxi, maybe a bit expensive, but they are often the best choice if you have luggage, short of time or need to get to a specific location quickly. Also, bike rentals are an option if your family is more active and desires to explore the city in a different way as well as booking a gelato golf cart tour, because children love ice cream and adults too.
Is there a safe way to tour Rome on a Vespa with children?
An iconic way to visit Rome, thanks to the famous film of 1953 “Roman Holiday” starring Audrey Hepburn and Gregory Peck, is through a Vespa. This famous comedy tells the story of Princess Ann who is on a tightly-scheduled tour of European capital cities for her unnamed nation. One day she escapes the embassy where she stays to explore the city until she meets an American reporter.
A Vespa tour can be a very exciting experience, but it is important to prioritize safety when doing it with children, in fact in Italy is prohibited the transportation of children under five years old on two-wheeled vehicles and for those over five they must be large enough to sit securely and independently on the Vespa, some companies can provide child seat designated for motorcycles. Also knowing and respecting the traffic rules is very important and remember that Italians drive on the right-hand side of the road. Rome is a congested city, is important to be cautious and maintain a safe distance.
Many companies offer guided Vespa tours with experienced drivers who can navigate the traffic, or even Vespa sidecar tours. However, not all businesses offer safe and private sidecar tours specifically designed for families with children. Choosing the right provider ensures a family-friendly experience, including specialized Vespa tours for kids that cater to younger travelers, offering them a safe and engaging adventure. Please note that children must always be accompanied by an adult throughout the duration of the tour. For safety reasons, children can sit behind the driver only if they are over 150 cm tall; otherwise, they must sit inside the sidecar.
What are the best family-friendly activities in Rome?
Rome offers a mix of ancient history, museums and fun activities suitable for children.
The most famous are the Colosseum and the Roman Forum where there are guided tours specifically designed for children and you can visit these two landmarks with one ticket.
Anyway, if your kids are school-age children you could visit the Forum Caesar and its light show by night, a unique experience to understand the history of Rome and Caesar just renting an audio guide.
There are also museums that are worth a visit like the Vatican Museum with its vast collection of art or more contemporary buildings, like the Maxxi (Museo Nazionale delle Arti del XXI secolo) which always organises activities for children and one specifically designed for kids: Explora, the children museum in Rome.
In case your family is not a museum fan, you can visit Villa Borghese, a huge park in the historic centre and its zoo, called Bioparco, home to a variety of animals including elephants, tigers and giraffes. Or maybe, if you need a “break” from history, there is a newly renovated fun park called LunaEur, in one of the most iconic architectural areas of Rome, Eur. This fun park is perfectly suited for children up to three years old.
Another activity that kids love is the Gladiator School, where your child becomes a gladiator for a day and from May to September you can see real gladiator fights as well.
Where can I book a kid-friendly tour in Rome?
In Rome, there are various ways to explore its rich history, including unique tours in neighborhoods like Trastevere. This historic area, with its narrow streets and deep cultural heritage, offers a captivating glimpse into the city’s past. For those interested in hands-on experiences, some excursions include activities like pizza-making classes as part of the itinerary.
One of the most convenient and enjoyable ways to discover the city is by golf cart. This service is ideal for families and provides a comfortable option for visiting iconic locations such as Trastevere, the Vatican, and other historic landmarks while enjoying a unique perspective of the Eternal City.
For those looking to venture beyond Rome, the surrounding area is also rich in history. Tivoli, located about 30 kilometers from the capital, is home to three remarkable villas. Hadrian’s Villa and Villa d’Este are both UNESCO World Heritage Sites, with the former showcasing ancient Roman architecture and the latter featuring stunning Renaissance gardens and fountains. Villa Gregoriana, with its lush woodlands and paths leading to the Temple of Vesta, offers breathtaking cascades and a serene escape.
Booking ahead is always recommended, especially during peak seasons, to ensure a seamless and memorable experience while exploring Rome and its surroundings.
Can I book a private tour in Rome for my family?
Families visiting Rome often prefer booking a private guided tour tailored to their interests. These tours offer flexibility and personalized experiences, catering to various themes such as the Roman Empire, Renaissance, Baroque art, or modern and contemporary works. However, finding the right tour can be time-consuming for parents.
Private guided tours often include engaging activities for children, such as games and riddles, making the experience both educational and entertaining. Some tours focus on history and culture, while others highlight specific locations, such as Tiber Island—a small but fascinating spot on the Tiber River—or Galleria Borghese, an iconic museum within Villa Borghese park. The museum, once the residence of the Borghese family, houses masterpieces by Bernini, Caravaggio, and others, providing an enriching cultural experience.
Planning the ideal tour involves considering key factors like personal interests, the child’s age, and the time available. With the right choice, a guided tour in Rome can be both memorable and rewarding for the whole family.
