Planning a family trip to Rome and wondering how to keep the little ones entertained?
No worries! From its rich history and mouth-watering cuisine to its lush parks, Rome has something for everyone, young and old.
Let’s dive into the ultimate family guide to Rome! 🇮🇹🍕🏛️
💡 The Captain’s tips 💡
Curious about Rome’s rich history? Captain Ulysses highly recommends this free guided tour of the city. You can choose the tip you want to leave the guide—it’s entirely up to you!
Are you looking for a hotel in Rome? Be sure to check out the Captain’s article: Where to stay in Rome? Advice & recommendations
Are you planning your stay in Rome? Check out Captain Ulysses’ detailed article on the best things to do in the city: A Guide to Rome
Gladiator School
Ever dreamt of stepping back into ancient Rome? The Gladiator School, managed by the renowned Gruppo Storico Romano, offers a unique chance to walk in the footsteps of legendary gladiators. Experience the thrill of the arena and master the art of swordplay, just like Spartacus!
Suitable for all ages, this engaging 2-hour session promises a memorable blend of fun and learning.
Don’t miss their epic reenactments of ancient Roman battles—a history lesson with a twist!
👉 More info: 2-Hour Gladiator School Experienc | Live Gladiator Battles
“Welcome to Rome” Multimedia Show
“Welcome to Rome” isn’t just a show—it’s a journey. Dive deep into Rome’s captivating past, from its foundation to modern times.
This multimedia extravaganza, perfect for all ages, combines stunning visuals with insightful audio narratives, bringing Rome’s pivotal moments to life.
👉 More info: Secure your spot for the “Welcome to Rome” Multimedia Experience
Family-friendly Guided Tours
Discovering Rome’s wonders becomes a delightful adventure with family-friendly guided tours. Tailored for all ages, these tours make history come alive, turning ancient ruins into captivating tales and bustling piazzas into interactive playgrounds.
Knowledgeable guides, skilled in engaging young minds, ensure that every family member is immersed in the stories of the Eternal City.
From the Colosseum’s gladiatorial battles to the whispers of the Vatican, embark on a journey that’s both educational and entertaining for the whole family.
👉 More info: Colosseum Gladiator Tour for Kids and Families | Vatican & Sistine Chapel Skip-the-Ticket-Line Tour for Kids | Illuminated Rome Tour for Kids with Gelato & Pizza
Rome’s Biopark
Tucked within the serene Villa Borghese park lies the Bioparco di Roma, Italy’s oldest zoo. Established in 1911, this 17-hectare sanctuary is home to over 1,100 animals from 222 diverse species.
Experience nature’s wonders, from exotic mammals and birds to reptiles and amphibians, right in Rome’s heart.
Note: the Bioparco emphasizes animal welfare, though, like all zoos, there’s no way of knowing how well animals are treated.
👉 More info: Grab your Bioparco di Roma Tickets
Roman Treasure Hunt
Why not explore Rome with a twist? With just your smartphone, embark on a treasure hunt that takes you through Rome’s iconic landmarks. Perfect for families and puzzle enthusiasts,
this adventure promises a mix of mystery, history, and fun. And the best part? It’s budget-friendly!
👉 More info: Rome’s Ultimate Treasure Hunt Adventure
Rome’s Hidden Underground Secrets
Beneath Rome’s bustling streets lies a world of secrets.
From the Trevi undergrounds to the renowned catacombs, these subterranean wonders offer a unique glimpse into the Eternal City’s layered history.
Escape the city’s hustle and delve into a quieter, mysterious Rome.
👉 En savoir plus : Guided Catacomb Tours | Trevi Fountain Underground Exploration
Cycle Through History on the Via Appia Antica
The Appian Way, one of Rome’s ancient pathways, beckons for a family-friendly bike adventure.
Pedal through history, exploring ruins and breathtaking landscapes, from catacombs to ancient villas.
And on Sundays? Enjoy a car-free, serene cycling experience.
👉 More info: Rent a Bike on Via Appia Antica (electric bikes, mountain bikes, or city bikes)
Rome Sightseeing Bus Tour
Eager to explore Rome’s most iconic landmarks but not up for trekking across the city with your kids in tow?
The hop-on-hop-off tourist buses are your answer. Navigate with ease, enjoy insightful audio guides, and tailor your journey, hopping on and off as you wish.
It’s Rome sightseeing, but on your terms.
👉 More info: Rome Hop-On-Hop-Off Bus Tour
Leonardo Da Vinci Experience Museum
Steps from the Vatican, the Leonardo Da Vinci Experience Museum offers a deep dive into the mind of the Renaissance’s ultimate genius.
With over 50 interactive exhibits, from flying machines to iconic artworks,
it’s a journey through innovation and artistry.
👉 More info: Leonardo Da Vinci Experience Museum Tickets
Villa Borghese
Beyond housing Rome’s Biopark, Villa Borghese is a destination in its own right. This 80-hectare oasis in Rome’s heart promises
serene walks amidst ancient ruins, statues, and fountains. And for art enthusiasts? Don’t miss the famed Borghese Gallery (which is, by the way, one of Captain Ulysses’ top picks in Rome – just a heads up, reservations are necessary).
For families, the park’s playground is a haven for kids to play and explore.
Bocca della Verita
The Bocca della Verità, nestled in front of the Santa Maria in Cosmedin church, has intrigued visitors for centuries.
Legend has it that if you tell a lie with your hand inside the Mouth of Truth, it’ll get bitten off! An ancient lie detector test, if you will. Fancy testing your kids’ honesty? It’s the very challenge Audrey Hepburn and Gregory Peck took on in the iconic film “Roman Holiday.”
A fun and educational stop that offers kids a chance to dive deep into the myths and legends of ancient Rome!
Trevi Fountain
Nestled near the Piazza di Spagna and the Pantheon, the Trevi Fountain stands as one of the most iconic landmarks in the Eternal City. Its striking Baroque design makes it easily one of the most recognized fountains globally.
While its architecture might not captivate everyone, kids are sure to be enchanted by the fountain’s legend: Tossing a coin over your shoulder into the fountain is said to ensure a return trip to Rome. Throw in two coins, and you’re promised a romance with an Italian, while three coins mean you’ll marry the one you meet.
Every year, nearly a million euros are collected from the fountain, generously donated to charitable causes.
And if the open-air view isn’t enough to quench your thirst for exploration, why not delve into its underground secrets?
👉 More info: Guided tour of the Trevi Fountain and its underground chambers
Bambini Explora
Located near the Piazza del Popolo, the Bambini Explora Museum is tailor-made for kids aged 3 to 12.
This interactive and fun-filled space offers children a chance to engage in games centered around science (like gravity), the environment (focusing on water), and cutting-edge technology. In short, it’s the perfect spot for hands-on learning while having a blast!
👉 More info: Bambini Explora Museum
Gastronomic Tour of Rome
With its rich culinary heritage, Rome is a true haven for food enthusiasts.
Embarking on a food tour is the perfect way to introduce kids to the genuine flavors of Italian cuisine, from pizzas and pastas to cured meats, cheeses, and the iconic gelato.
In essence, it’s a delightful culinary journey for both the young and the young-at-heart. Buon appetito!
👉 More info: Culinary Experience in the heart of Trastevere
Italian Cooking Class
Experience the heart of Italian cuisine with a family-friendly cooking class in Rome. Dive into the rich culinary traditions as expert chefs guide you and your loved ones through the art of making authentic pasta, pizza, and gelato.
It’s not just about food; it’s a delightful journey of flavors, laughter, and memories. As you knead, toss, and taste, you’ll bond over the shared joy of creating classic Italian dishes.
A must-do for families seeking a unique Roman adventure!
👉 More info: Selection of Italian Cooking Classes
Roma World, Ancient Rome Theme Park
Ready to step back in time and immerse yourself in the heart of ancient Rome?
Spread across 5 hectares, Roma World is a theme park that transports its visitors straight into the Roman era, offering a firsthand experience of life as an ancient Roman.
What’s on the agenda? Legionnaire training, gladiator shows, and more. Plus, guests can indulge in dishes inspired by ancient Roman cuisine at the park’s Taberna.
In short, it’s a fun and educational journey, perfect for families eager to explore Roman history from a fresh perspective.
👉 More info: Tickets for Roma World
Captain Ulysses hopes this list of activities sparks your interest! F or more tips and insider advice to plan your Roman getaway, check out his detailed guide: “Exploring Rome: What to See and Do?”
👉 Skip the lines: book your tickets and visits in Rome!
👉 Looking for tips and recommendations? Here are all the Captain’s suggestions!
🛏️ Accommodation : to book your accommodation in Rome, Captain Ulysses warmly recommends Booking:
– the best hostels
– the best affordable hotels
– the best mid-range hotels
– the best high-end hotels
🎟️ Activities: as for booking visits and tourist activities, Captain Ulysses recommends three websites: GetYourGuide , Tiqets and Civitatis. Guided tours, cruises, skip-the-line tickets, tourist activities… there’s plenty to choose from!
🎫 Citypass: if you are staying in Rome for several days, it may be worth investing in the Roma Pass or the Omnia Card . As well as entry to some of the capital’s most iconic sites, these passes include access to public transport.
🚐 Transfers: if you want to arrive in Rome serenely, you can book your transfer from the airport to the city centre in advance. A car will be waiting to take you to your accommodation in the city. For more information: transfers in Rome.
🚌 Local transport: Rome has a comprehensive public transport system: metro, bus and tram. Access to public transport is included in the Roma Pass and the Omnia Card. If you wish, you can also opt for a hop-on hop-off bus tour which stops at all the top tourist attractions in Rome (audio guide included).
✈️ Flights and trains: to book your flights to Rome, Captain Ulysses warmly recommends Skyscanner. You’ll be able to compare countless offers to find the best deal. If your dates are flexible, you can also compare prices over several months to find the cheapest flights possible.
For flights as well as trains and buses, the Captain recommends Omio.
Credits
Gabriella Clare Marino
Leave a reply