Rome, with its ancient ruins, grand piazzas, and delicious gelato, is a fantastic destination for families. While the city is steeped in history, it doesn’t have to be overwhelming for young travelers. With interactive experiences, kid-friendly tours, and plenty of hands-on fun, you can make history come alive for children of all ages. Here’s a guide to the tourist activities in Rome Italy, complete with cost ranges to help you plan a family-friendly itinerary.
1. Explore the Colosseum Like a Gladiator (€20–€100+ per person)
The Colosseum is a must-visit for families, but long lines and historical lectures can bore kids. Instead, opt for a family-friendly guided tour (€50–€200 per person) that includes fun facts, storytelling, and interactive activities like dressing up as a gladiator. Budget-conscious travelers can explore the exterior and take photos for free or purchase standard entry tickets for around €20.
📍 Tip: Visit early in the morning to avoid crowds and the midday heat. Pair it with a trip to the nearby Ludus Magnus, the ruins of the gladiator training school.Many Rome tours also include this hidden gem, offering deeper insights into the lives of gladiators.
2. Visit the Roman Forum and Palatine Hill with a Treasure Hunt (€20–€100+ per person)
The sprawling ruins of the Roman Forum and Palatine Hill can be tricky for kids to appreciate without a bit of creativity. Engage them with a scavenger hunt (around €40–€200 per person) or a child-friendly audio guide (€20 per person). Some tour companies provide maps and challenges to help kids discover ancient temples, markets, and Julius Caesar’s famous stomping grounds.
📍 Tip: Bring a sketchbook and have kids draw their favorite ruins or create their own Roman city!
3. Discover the Vatican Museums with an Interactive Tour (€25–€150 per person)
Instead of dragging kids through endless galleries, book a kid-friendly Vatican tour (€60–€150 per person) that focuses on fun facts and interactive activities. For a budget-friendly option, standard Vatican Museum tickets cost around €25, but visiting on the last Sunday of the month is free! Exploring the Vatican is just one of the many exciting activities in Rome that blend education with adventure, making history more enjoyable for the whole family.
📍 Tip: After the museum, let the kids run around St. Peter’s Square and count the statues atop the colonnades.
4. Toss a Coin in the Trevi Fountain & Enjoy Gelato (€2–€10 per person)
A visit to the Trevi Fountain is an exciting experience for kids—especially when they learn the legend of tossing a coin over their shoulder to ensure they return to Rome. Afterward, treat them to some of Rome’s best gelato (€2–€5 per cone) from San Crispino or Gelateria della Palma.
📍 Tip: Give each child a coin and explain the meaning behind the tradition before they make their wish!
5. Explore Castel Sant’Angelo’s Secret Passages (€15–€50 per person)
Originally a mausoleum for Emperor Hadrian, Castel Sant’Angelo later became a fortress, a prison, and even a papal residence. Entry costs around €15, while guided tours with access to secret corridors and breathtaking rooftop views range from €30–€50 per person.
📍 Tip: The castle has a café with an amazing view—perfect for a family break. It’s one of the must-see places to visit in Rome, offering a mix of history, mystery, and stunning panoramas of the city.
6. Ride a Bike or Rent a Pedal Cart in Villa Borghese (€5–€15 per hour)
Rome’s Villa Borghese Park is a perfect escape for kids who need to burn off some energy. Rent bikes (€5–€10 per hour), Segways, or even a pedal-powered family cart (€10–€15 per hour) and explore the gardens, fountains, and playgrounds.
📍 Bonus Activity: Visit the Bioparco di Roma, a zoo inside the park (€12–€18 per person), or the Explora Children’s Museum (€8–€10 per child), which has hands-on science exhibits and play areas. This park is one of the top activities in Rome for families looking to combine outdoor fun with culture.
7. Travel Underground to the Catacombs (€8–€15 per person)
For kids who love adventure, the Catacombs of San Sebastiano or San Callisto provide a thrilling journey through ancient underground burial chambers. Tickets cost around €8 for children and €15 for adults, making this one of the most budget-friendly activities in Rome.
📍 Tip: The catacombs can be dark and narrow in places, so they may not be suitable for very young children.
8. Become an Ancient Roman at Gladiator School (€60–€90 per person)
If your kids dream of being a real gladiator, enroll them in Gladiator School at the Gruppo Storico Romano. Here, children (and parents!) can dress up in tunics, train with wooden swords, and learn battle techniques from an instructor. Prices range from €60–€90 per person.
📍 Tip: Each participant receives a certificate at the end—great for a travel scrapbook!
9. Make a Wish at the Mouth of Truth (Bocca della Verità) (Free–€2 per person)
Kids will be intrigued by this legendary marble face at Santa Maria in Cosmedin Church. According to legend, if a liar places their hand inside its mouth, it will bite down! Visiting is free, but a small donation (€1–€2) is appreciated.
📍 Tip: Combine this stop with a visit to the Aventine Keyhole, where kids can peek through and see a perfectly framed view of St. Peter’s Basilica.
10. Take a Pizza or Gelato-Making Class (€40–€100 per person)
End your Roman adventure with a cooking class where kids can make their own pizza or gelato. Many family-friendly classes allow children to knead dough, choose toppings, and enjoy their delicious creations. Prices range from €40–€100 per person, depending on the class type.
📍 Tip: Look for workshops near Trastevere or Testaccio, two neighborhoods famous for authentic Roman cuisine.
Final Thoughts: Making Rome Memorable for Kids
With a mix of hands-on activities, engaging storytelling, and interactive tours, activities in Rome Italy can be just as exciting for kids as they are for adults. Whether they’re pretending to be gladiators, tossing coins into fountains, or making their own pizza, every corner of the Eternal City offers a chance to turn history into an unforgettable adventure.
Rome isn’t just a city for history buffs—it’s a playground for young explorers! 🌍✈️🍕