Rome · Italy · Things to do
5 things to do in Rome with kids
The five best things to do in Rome with kids are the Colosseum, the Trevi Fountain, St Peter's Basilica and the Vatican, the Spanish Steps and the Pantheon. They sit in two compact areas, the ancient centre and the old town, so you can walk between most of them. Book the Colosseum ahead, and go early to the fountain and steps.
What to do, in order
- 1
See the Colosseum
The Colosseum is a huge Roman amphitheatre completed in the first century AD, where gladiator fights and public spectacles were held in front of tens of thousands of people. Children respond well to the scale and to the stories. Book a timed ticket online, which usually also covers the Roman Forum and Palatine Hill next door, and go in the first slot of the day or late in the afternoon. Audio guides help, and an arena floor visit is a separate booking.
- 2
Toss a coin in the Trevi
The Trevi Fountain is a huge Baroque fountain tucked into a small piazza. The tradition is to stand with your back to the water and throw a coin over your left shoulder with your right hand, which is said to ensure a return to Rome. The coins are collected and given to charity. It is very crowded in the day, so go early in the morning or late in the evening, when it is lit. Entry arrangements can change, so check current rules.
- 3
Visit St Peter's and the Vatican
St Peter's Basilica is free to enter, but the line for security can be long, so go early. Dress covers shoulders and knees. Inside, the scale of the dome impresses children, and you can climb to the top for a view over the square. The Vatican Museums and the Sistine Chapel are a separate ticket, are very crowded and are long for young children, so many families choose the basilica and square only. Book museum slots ahead if you go.
- 4
Climb the Spanish Steps
The Spanish Steps rise from Piazza di Spagna to the church of Trinità dei Monti, with the small boat-shaped Barcaccia fountain at the foot. Sitting on the steps is not allowed and is enforced with fines, so treat them as a place to climb and look. The view from the top is best in the morning or at sunset. From there it is a short walk to the Pincio terrace and the Villa Borghese park, where children can run, rent bikes and row boats on the lake.
- 5
Step inside the Pantheon
The Pantheon is an ancient Roman temple, rebuilt in the second century and still standing, with a huge concrete dome that has a round opening, the oculus, at the top. Light moves across the floor through the day, and on rainy days water falls through the hole and drains away. It is now a church, so quiet voices and covered shoulders matter. Entry now requires a ticket, so check the official site for current rules. Piazza della Rotonda outside is a good spot for gelato.
Plan it
- Best time
- April to June and September to October are warm and bright. July and August are hot. Winter is cool and wet, with fewer visitors.
- How long
- Four days covers these five with room for rest, a park and a day trip. Three days is possible with long walking days.
- Getting around
- Most of the old centre is walkable, though cobbles are rough on strollers. The metro serves the Colosseum and the Vatican area. Buses and taxis fill the gaps.
Good to know
- Rome has free drinking fountains, called nasoni. Carry a bottle and refill it.
- Pack comfortable shoes. Cobbles and long walks wear out young legs.
- Plan one big sight per morning and let afternoons stay loose.
Frequently asked
Is Rome good for kids? +
Yes. Gladiators, fountains, ancient ruins and gelato appeal to children. The main challenges are heat, crowds and queues. Book ahead, travel in spring or autumn and keep each day to one or two main sights.
How many days do you need in Rome with kids? +
Four days is comfortable for a first visit. That covers the five sights here with time for a park, a market and a slow morning. Three days works if you move quickly.
Do you need tickets for the Colosseum? +
Yes. Timed tickets are required and sell out in busy months. Book on the official site ahead of your trip. The ticket normally covers the Forum and Palatine Hill as well.
Is it worth going into the Vatican Museums with children? +
For older children interested in art and history, yes, but the museums are crowded and long. Younger children usually do better with St Peter's Basilica and its square only.
