10 Best Family Things to Do in Rome
What to Do for Fun in Rome with Your Kids?
The beautiful city of Rome has a good selection of family-friendly places. There’s loads of historical sightseeing to be had in and around the Eternal City, but below we’ve picked out a few attractions that will appeal to both kids and grown-ups. Even the iconic ancient Roman amphitheater, the Colosseum, offers an awe-inspiring tour just for the little ones.
Simple pleasures like enjoying a few scoops of artisanal gelato can be a memorable occasion for traveling families. Alternatively, you can get more energetic experiences at Rome’s adventure parks. Read on to discover the best family fun to be had in and around Rome.
1. Colosseum
Awe-inspiring historical site for all ages
Good for: Families, History, Photo
The mighty Colosseum is one of Rome’s most iconic and popular historical sites, a place where you and your kids can imagine life in Ancient Rome. This magnificent amphitheater has optional guided tours, including ones that are designed specifically for kids.
Specialized guides take you through the vast arena, and the exciting underground area with its trapdoors and passages, in an engaging way, keeping young minds continuously awed and intrigued. Walking through passages where real gladiators walked into battle centuries ago is invigorating for both young and old. Read more
Location: Piazza del Colosseo, 1, 00184 Roma RM, Italy
Open: Hours vary by season
Phone: +39 06 2111 5843
Colosseum
2. Explora - Il Museo dei Bambini di Roma
A fun and interactive learning place
Good for: Families, Photo, Unusual
Explora - Il Museo dei Bambini di Roma can be good break for younger kids from all the walking and sightseeing. It’s a place where young ones can learn and have fun in an interactive environment.
Activities range from ziplines to water features with flows that you can manipulate through wheels and levers, as well as a scaled-down grocery shop where little ones can role play. Cooking classes are usually held on Sundays. You can find Explora within a short walking distance from Piazza del Popolo. Read more
Location: Via Flaminia, 80/86, 00196 Roma RM, Italy
Open: Hours vary by season
Phone: +39 06 361 3776
Explora - Il Museo dei Bambini di Roma
3. Botanical Garden of Rome
A journey through tropical plants and Japanese gardens
Good for: Families, Photo
The Botanical Gardens of Rome can transform an afternoon outdoors into an exciting adventure in nature. Part of the Sapienza University, the botanical gardens span about 12 hectares on the edge of Gianicolo Park. Children can discover exotic plants, bamboo thickets, Japanese gardens, and towering trees.
Find various environments like the Mediterranean forest, rose garden, fern valley, palm trees, and aromatic garden, as well as tropical forests and arid climates for succulents inside greenhouses. A stream, lake, and ponds accommodate aquatic plants and lillies, while budgies frolic between the tree branches. Read more
Location: Largo Cristina di Svezia, 23 A, 00165 Roma RM, Italy
Open: Daily from 9 am to 5.30 pm
Phone: +39 06 4991 7107
Botanical Garden of Rome
4. Civic Museum of Zoology
Enormous skeletons and prehistoric creatures
Good for: Families, Photo, Unusual
The Civic Museum of Zoology is home to fascinating skeletons of all kinds, from fin whales and giraffes to elephants and snakes. The exhibits in each room are designed to be engaging and exciting for little visitors. An interactive diorama simulates the environment of the Red Sea’s coral reef, while the amphibian and reptile section houses the giant skull of an animal from 280 million years ago.
There’s also a collection of almost 3 million shells. There are educational activities organized by Zoolab, a biology laboratory where children can watch, experiment, and learn about living organisms. You can reach the museum on the northern edge of Villa Borghese by streetcar or bus.
Location: Via Ulisse Aldrovandi, 18, 00197 Roma RM, Italy
Open: Tuesday–Sunday from 9 am to 7 pm (closed on Mondays)
Phone: +39 06 6710 9270
Civic Museum of Zoology
5. Luneur Park
Amusement park in Rome’s EUR district
Good for: Adventure, Families, Photo
Luneur Park, in the modern Esposizione Universale Roma (EUR) district, is Italy’s first amusement park. It features numerous attractions and a calendar of unmissable events. Whether it’s the Buffoplano (funny plane), the Barcamatta (crazy boat), or the Magicirco (magic circus), all the rides are colorful and child-friendly.
At the entrance, you’ll be greeted by a historic Ferris wheel that’s had a modern revamp and now sports cabins in a rainbow of colors. A few obsolete rides have even been left to give the new environment some vintage charm. The result is an amusement park that does its city justice, where past and present meet in a unique, timeless atmosphere.
Location: Via delle Tre Fontane, 100, 00144 Roma RM, Italy
Open: Hours vary by season
Phone: +39 06 8946 4001
Luneur Park
6. MAXXI
Also known as the National Museum of 21st Century Art
Good for: Families, Photo, Budget
MAXXI or the National Museum of 21st Century Art in Rome offers a trip that’s a great opportunity for kids to discover modern art, thanks to its educational activities. The museum’s exhibits are designed for families with kids between 5 and 10 years and act as a springboard for creative workshops while artistic analysis kickstarts new ideas and images.
Taking part is free for the kids – only accompanying adults pay for the entrance ticket. MAXXI is committed to experimentation and contemporary creativity structured around collections of art and architecture and brought to life by events and initiatives. The site itself, in the Flaminio district, is an innovative piece of architecture by Zaha Hadid, winner of an international competition involving over 200 architects from across the globe. Read more
Location: Via Guido Reni, 4a, 00196 Roma RM, Italy
Open: Tuesday–Sunday from 11 am to 7 pm (closed on Mondays)
Phone: +39 06 320 1954
MAXXI
7. GAMM Game Museum
From the first consoles to modern gaming
Good for: Families, Photo, Unusual
GAMM is a museum dedicated to the history of video games in Rome, from the earliest experiments to the latest developments. For adults, it’s a walk down memory lane, while kids will love discovery their video games’ ancestors.
The museum houses a collection of 440 items, including unique pieces like Doom’s master discs, from which all commercial copies were taken. In the interactive zones, you can try new technologies or one of the 50 gaming setups. GAMM is a treat for all ages, a trip that’ll bring joy to young and old alike.
Location: Via delle Terme di Diocleziano, 36, 00185 Roma RM, Italy
Open: Sunday–Thursday from 9.30 am to 7.30 pm, Friday–Saturday from 9.30 am to 11.30 pm
Phone: +39 06 5513 6582
GAMM Game Museum
8. Gladiator School
Become a gladiator for a day
Good for: Families, Photo, Unusual
This is a great way to put yourself in a gladiator’s shoes. This unique Gladiator School is just a short walk away from the Colosseum and offers immersive gladiatorial experiences through 2-hour “boot camps”.
After you’ve donned the traditional tunics and belts, the senior gladiator teachers, who are members of the Roman History Group, will show you ancient battle techniques such as sword fighting, as well as parrying with a range of other ancient weapons. It’s an incredibly fun way to learn about Ancient Roman history.
Location: Via Appia Antica, 18, 00179 Roma RM, Italy
Open: Daily from 9.30 am to 7 pm
Phone: +39 06 8764 5457
Gladiator School
9. EurPark Energy & Adventure
Outdoor adventures with treetop courses
Good for: Adventure, Families, Photo
Half an hour’s drive south from the center of Rome, EurPark offers outdoor adventures for the whole family. The Adventure Area contains a thrilling treetop obstacle course suspended between tree trunks, as well as a 4-sided climbing wall and even an archery range.There’s also a refreshment area where parents can watch their little ones doing their best around each course.
The second circuit, called the Energy Area, is dedicated to fun outdoor sports. Some are whacky, such as the inflatable human soccer field. It’s a great way to get out in nature and burn off some energy at the same time. Read more
Location: Piazza Pakistan, 00144 Roma RM, Italy
Open: Monday–Friday from 10 am to 5.30 pm, Saturday–Sunday from 10 am to 6.30 pm
Phone: +39 32 9371 3425
EurPark Energy & Adventure
10. Technotown - Hub Della Scienza Creativa
Where kids can conduct fun experiments
Good for: Families, Photo, Unusual
Technotown is a place where kids can have fun, experiment, and uncover scientific and technological secrets through interactive activities. Parents are also greatly involved. The science and technology game room is in the Villino Medioevale of Villa Torlonia. Here, the future comes to life among magnificent historic architecture, and the impressive setting makes the workshops even more exciting.
The activities change day to day and follow a packed program, designed to stimulate creativity, teamwork, and problem-solving. The topics are varied and engaging, including music, the environment, robotics, and 3D production. While participants must be at least 6 years of age, there’s no maximum age limit because learning indeed knows no bounds.
Location: Via Lazzaro Spallanzani, 1, 00161 Roma RM, Italy
Open: Tuesday–Sunday from 9.30 am to 7 pm (closed on Mondays)
Phone: +39 06 0608
Technotown - Hub Della Scienza Creativa
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