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Family things to do in Rome

By 31 January 2025Articles, Family, Rome

Family Things to do in Rome

A Practical Guide for Every Family!




1. Explore the Colosseum and Roman Forum:

A Walk Through History

Rome, the Eternal City, is an ideal destination for families looking to explore a mix of history, art, culture, and modern fun. Whether you’re visiting ancient ruins, enjoying vibrant piazzas, or indulging in authentic Italian food, there’s something for everyone in your family to enjoy. In this guide, we’ll cover the best family things to do in Rome, ensuring you and your loved ones have an unforgettable time in this beautiful city.

The Roman Colosseum

A must see location. Both inside and outside. Here is the best spot to see the Colosseum from the outside from google maps.

The Roman Colosseum a great location to include for a family outing to visit ancient Rome

Why it’s Great for Families:

  • Educational Experience: The Colosseum provides an engaging way for children to learn about ancient Roman history in a fun and interactive way.
  • Kid-Friendly Tours: Many tour companies offer family-friendly tours with interactive elements, making the experience even more engaging for younger visitors.

Tip: Buy tickets in advance to skip the lines, especially during peak tourist seasons where the number of allowed visitors is restricted to a fix number! And buy them directly from the city of Rome official ticket website and avoid unnecessary agency over costs.

Don’t forget to visit the nearby Roman Forum and Palatine Hill, where your family can explore more ancient ruins and enjoy scenic views of the city. The ticket to the Colosseum also includes tickets to the Roman Forum

Pro tip: Another great site to visit and soon to be introduced with the ticket to the Colosseum and the Roman Forum, is the

Domus Aurea reconstruction

The Domus Aurea

The Domus Aurea is an ancient Roman palace built by Emperor Nero, known for its grandeur and lavish design. Today, it offers a fascinating glimpse into ancient Rome with beautifully preserved frescoes and impressive architecture. It’s a great place for families to visit, as interactive tours and virtual experiences bring history to life in a fun and engaging way. The site’s rich history and stunning visuals make it an exciting stop for children and adults alike, offering a memorable educational experience for all ages.

The above is a reconstructed image of how the Domus Aurea once looked. Kids and adults alike will love the surprise at the very end of the tour. 3D goggles that will show you how this villa looked at the very peak of its spender!




2. Visit the Vatican Museums and St. Peter’s Basilica

The Vatican is home to some of the world’s most famous art, including Michelangelo’s Sistine Chapel ceiling and the incredible Raphael Rooms. While the Vatican Museums can get crowded, it’s still an essential stop for families, especially those with older children who appreciate art and history.

Why it’s Great for Families:

  • The Sistine Chapel: A must-see for families who want to immerse themselves in one of the world’s most iconic works of art.
  • Pope’s Blessing: If your family is lucky enough to visit on a Wednesday when the Pope gives his public audience, it’s a memorable moment you won’t forget.

Tip: Consider booking a family tour to make the Vatican Museums more interactive for kids. Many tours are designed to keep younger visitors engaged with special stories and games. You can book tickets here directly from the Vatican museums.

Info: Please note the Vatican Museums and Saint Peter’s Cathedral have 2 distinct entrances and queues. If you wish to visit one of the two you can easily spend half a day here. If you wish to visit both it is likely going t0 be a full day




3. Spend the Day at Villa Borghese Gardens

For a relaxing and fun-filled family day, head to Villa Borghese Gardens, one of the best family things to do in Rome. This lush park offers a mix of outdoor activities, from bike rentals to picnics, along with playgrounds and museums.

Why It’s Great for Families:

  • Interactive Fun: Rent bikes, pedal boats, or electric cars to explore the park at your own pace.
  • Visit the Borghese Gallery: This family-friendly museum is home to masterpieces by Bernini, Caravaggio, and more.

Marble Statue hand close up Bernini grabbing galleria villa borghese museum

Entrance to Villa Borghese park or gardens in Rome Italy

Official tickets for the Borghese Gallery can be purchased here. Please reserve well ahead of time as the museum is small and there a fix number of entries

Tip: if there are no places available. You can still show up and the predetermined times to enter. And if people that bought tickets don’t show. They will allow extra visitors to enter.




4. Capture Family Pictures

When visiting Rome with your family, consider booking a professional photoshoot to capture your special moments. From iconic locations like the Spanish Steps to the romantic Giardino degli Aranci, Andrea Matone Photography specializes in family photoshoots in Rome that preserve your memories for a lifetime.

Sitting down portrait of everyone taking a picture by a bar in trastevere
Rome Family Photography session at the Roman Colosseum
Fun loving pose at fontana di trevi
Standing in front of the Colosseum during a family photography session in Rome Italy
Close up family photo shoot in Rome in a typical and characteristic roman scene

Why It’s Great for Families:

  • Stress-Free Experience: A professional photographer lets you focus on enjoying your day while capturing beautiful moments.
  • Custom Locations: Andrea Matone offers family photoshoots at some of Rome’s most scenic spots.




5. Indulge in Delicious Gelato at Rome’s Best Gelateria

No family trip to Rome is complete without tasting gelato, and the city is home to some of the best gelaterias in the world. Treat your family to this classic Italian dessert while exploring the city.

Gelato close up image of Italian ice cream

Why It’s Great for Families:

  • Fun for All Ages: Kids will love picking out their favorite flavors, and it’s a great way to cool off during a busy sightseeing day.
  • Family-Friendly Locations: Stop by places like Giolitti near the Pantheon for an authentic gelato experience.

Rome is home to many incredible gelaterias, each offering unique flavors and styles, but some stand out for their quality and authenticity.
Here are a few of the top-rated gelaterias in Rome:

Giolitti

  • Location: Via degli Uffici del Vicario, 40

  • Why it’s great: One of the oldest and most iconic gelaterias in Rome. Giolitti offers rich, creamy gelato with a variety of traditional and inventive flavors. It’s a classic choice for both locals and tourists.

Gelateria del Teatro

  • Location: Via dei Coronari, 65

  • Why it’s great: Known for its artisanal approach and natural ingredients. Gelateria del Teatro offers creative, mouth-watering flavors like pistachio and rose petal. Their gelato is often considered more refined and flavorful.