Like many European cities, Rome is not filled with attractions specifically designed for children. But when you’re there, you’ll want to do things special to Rome and to Italy, so plunge into the ancient world, marvel at the architecture and join in some local life — you’ll find plenty of Rome’s attractions will be as fascinating to kids as they are to you.
Your middle-school-aged children learning about ancient history will already know a lot about Rome. The Colosseum, gladiators, chariot races, the Forum, Nero, Julius Caesar — they can probably tell you a thing or two about all of those. And they’ll love being your “tour guide” as they see places come to life before their eyes. Take full advantage of this!

Inside the Colosseum in Rome, Italy. Photo: Ciolca | Dreamstime
Start with the Colosseum
Unless you’re going at a slow season for tourists, do a little advance planning to reserve a skip-the-line ticket so everyone‘s patience is not exhausted before you even get inside. A guided tour, especially one designed for families, can add a whole new dimension and get your family access to some behind-the-scenes places most tourists don’t see. Tickets to the Colosseum include admission to the Palatine Hill, a vast area of ruins as impressive as the Colosseum and much less crowded. Kids can explore the ruins and it’s a great place for a picnic. Tip: Go there first and you won’t need to stand in line for tickets at the Colosseum — you’ll already have yours.
Try Being a Gladiator
Your kids can dress up in a tunic and leather gloves to learn the skills ancient gladiators used in the Colosseum. Along with learning swordplay from historical re-enactors, they can try on authentic replicas of gladiators’ armor and see genuine ancient artifacts during the two-hour class. This experience is best for kids ages 8-12, although children as young as 6 can participate in the program offered by the reenactors’ club, Gruppo Storico Romano.

Kids at reenactment parade in Rome. Photo: Davide Bonaldo | Dreamstime
Ride a Time Elevator
For younger kids, Exlora is Rome’s rare made-for-kids attraction, giving a lively version of Roman history on an animated ride through the centuries. The simulated-action movie is part of a larger children’s museum filled with hands-on activities for the under-12 set. You’ll need a reservation.
Visit Nero’s Golden House
Although your kids may have heard about Nero, the story they’ve heard about his fiddling while Rome burned probably isn’t true. But after the fire leveled most of Rome, he used the land to build his palatial Domus Aurea, Golden House. Later emperors tried to erase his memory by filling it in, but that only preserved it for us to see today. Only part has been excavated, but what you can see is a wow-inspiring series of marble rooms decorated in gold and precious stones. Try to imagine what this house would have been like had he been able to finish it: His plans were for it to be the size Vatican City is today.
Join the Romans in a Park
Especially on weekends, Romans enjoy the Borghese Gardens, a green oasis just behind the Spanish Steps. There’s something for all ages: several playgrounds, pony rides, rowboats and bikes to rent, and a tiny movie theater that shows cartoons. Also in the park is a zoo, Bioparko, with exhibits stressing the relationship between humans and animals; a cute little train takes visitors around on weekends.
Read This Next
#WhereverFamily
Insta FeedDestinations / North America
Nov 28, 2023Families Can Explore Rocket City with a Kids Pass
Huntsville, Alabama, is one of those destinations helping define the family-friendly vacation. Home to NASA’s Marshall Space Flight Center, the city is lovingly nicknamed Rocket City thanks to its history of always reaching for the stars. This is where you’ll find Space Camp, where kids and families can take part in various programs at the world’s largest space museum, U.S. Space and Rocket Center.
Sponsored Content
Unearth Seoul’s Hidden Gems
Filled with hidden treasures waiting to be discovered, Seoul invites travelers to unearth its many gems, and Seoul Tourism Organization is here to help travelers do just that. Through thoughtfully created initiatives like the Theme Tourism County Competition, Seoul Tourism Organization works closely with local districts to identify and showcase what makes each district unique and charming in all seasons.
Destinations / North America
Nov 28, 2023Head to Now Snowing in Celebration Festival in Kissimmee, Florida, This Winter
Through Dec. 31, family travelers can enjoy the most unexpected thing in Florida: a white Christmas. The Now Snowing in Celebration festival in Kissimmee, Florida, embraces winter traditions for both locals and visitors. Free to visit, families will love heading to the town built by Disney.
Destinations / North America
Nov 27, 20235 of America’s Most Beautiful Aquariums
Let family travels take you to one of these stunning aquariums around the United States. Recently, Aquarium Store Depot analyzed TripAdvisor reviews containing words such as beautiful, breathtaking and picturesque for 175 public aquariums across America. Each aquarium ranked based on the percentage of reviews to determine the most eye-catching aquariums.
Sponsored Content
Interior Upgrades Begin Rolling Out Across United Fleet
United Airlines is in the midst of a major initiative to modernize its fleet over the next several years. After first announcing the plan in 2021, planes fitted with United’s signature interior are finally beginning to appear across the airline’s narrowbody fleet of Boeing and Airbus planes. United flyers are sure to notice these enhancements from the moment they step on board: Each new or updated plane sports remodeled seats, seatback entertainment screens for everyone, Bluetooth connectivity and more, all adding up to a better experience on every journey.
Multigenerational
Nov 27, 2023Sip Some Holiday Afternoon Tea on the Napa Valley Wine Train
All aboard! A holiday afternoon tea on a vintage train winding its way through lush wine country? If that sounds a lovely to you as it does to us, the Napa Valley Wine Train is on track to offer you a great seasonal experience perfect for sharing with family or loved ones. Tea is served in a holiday-decked vintage Pullman rail car with historic features like Honduran mahogany paneling, etched glass partitions, sumptuous armchairs and gleaming brass accents.
ShareThis