Where to Go in Rome with Kids

Where to Go in Rome with Kids

Rome us very much more of a romantic, lovers getaway as opposed to a destination to be traveled with children. Truth be told there isn’t much available in the ancient city to keep little ones entertained; you’re likely to find yourself frequenting the cinema or few public parks on offer.

I’ve managed to gather up a list of relatively great things to do with kids when visiting the Italian capital. Thankfully almost all of them are as enjoyable for adults too. Here’s where to go:

Gladiator School with Kids in Rome

I’ve been told by multiple different parents that the Gladiator School is an absolute must for families traveling with children in Rome.

The school is south of the city center and is open seven days a week for entertainment purposes. The facilities offer a number of different classes and courses that take place at various times in the day; classes in which kids role play gladiators for 2 hours.

Through a combination of dress up, props, battle choreography and an in-depth history lesson, your kids will dive deep into the world of the Roman gladiators. The classes are gender neutral and open to children of all ages — and the little one’s can’t get enough.

Gladiator School Rome – by Gladiator School Rome – Uploaded by them

The fun isn’t only reserved for kids. The Gladiator School also offers adult courses where the history and battle techniques are taught on higher level. It’s a fabulous boning activity for the whole family, and a good way to end off a trip to Rome after having visited the actual ruins and battle grounds prior.

All classes include a visit to the gladiator museum which is a Roman attraction independent of the school itself.

PRACTICAL INFORMATION

Opening Hours: Monday to Sunday – 9:30am to 7pm

ADDRESS: Via Appia Antica, 18, 00179 Roma RM, Italy

Metro STATION: Ponte Lungo

The Colosseum with Kids in Rome

The Colosseum used to be a hit or a miss with kids, and depended largely on their levels of interest and even their ages. Very recently, however, the Colosseum made parts of the amphitheater open to the public that were previously not viewable; parts that kids find utterly fascinating!

Underneath the ground of the Colosseum there is actually a series of complex, interconnected chambers and tunnels that were used for the holding of wild animals before they could enter the arena.

by Henry Paul – Unsplash

Leopards, bears, lions and elephants were all used during the gladiator performances, and keeping them under ground proved to be the safest.

The ruins of the Colosseum might not impress your little ones as much as they do you, but seeing where the lions lived is definitely a point of interest.

Note that you will need to book specifically for this tour as an extra; it sells out fast an entry can rarely be purchased the day of.

PRACTICAL INFORMATION

Opening Hours: Monday to Sunday – 8:30am to 7pm

ADDRESS: Piazza del Colosseo, 1, 00184 Roma RM, Italy

Metro STATION: Colosseo

Eat Gelato with Kids in Rome

If you’re going to be exploring the streets of Rome, especially in the summer, you’re going to find ample opportunities (and need) to purchase gelato to please the kids.

Ice cream has been the powerful pacifier of children for almost as long as Rome has known ruins. There is a gelato shop or kiosk almost every ten meters in the city center.

by Anton Darius | @theSollers – Unsplash

You’re likely to find touring the landmarks of Rome a lot easier if you promise the kids there will be ice cream on arrival. And lucky for you, there always will be. This is not something Italy leaves to chance.

Another fun gelato game is to take your kids on a guided walking tour withe the premise that the first one to spot a specific flavor of gelato, wins. You can do this across multiple days changing the flavor each time. When you think your babies have consumed enough dairy and sugar for one vacation, the ice cream flavor of the day is pizza — good luck.

Watch a Puppet Show with Kids in Rome

The Teatrino Pulcinella is a fantastic little open air theatre situated between the Vatican and vibrant Trastevere neighborhoods. You access the theatre inside of the Colle del Gianicolo park.

This theatre stages puppet shows for kids on weekends in Rome. They hold hour and a half long performances in both the mornings and afternoons, and they are fabulous to witness, even as an adult.

To top things off, the puppet shows are absolutely free. Parents are encourage to arm their little ones with a few coins to toss into the puppet hat that gets passed around at the end.

PRACTICAL INFORMATION

Opening Hours: Weekends Only

ADDRESS: Passeggiata del Gianicolo, 00165 Roma RM, Italy

Metro STATION: Circo Massimo

Coin Toss into the Trevi Fountain with Kids in Rome

The Trevi Fountain in Rome’s center is one of the most chaotic landmarks you’ll visit, possibly in all of Italy .

It is crowded with people from the crack of dawn through until sunset. Everyone and their uncle comes to the fountain to see its marvelous structure in real life, and of course to toss a coin in for luck.

by Jeff Ackley – Unsplash

It is estimated that around €3000 is tossed into the fountain per day. It is cleaned out regularly, and sums totally over one and a half million euros per year are collected and donated to charity.

It’s a very exciting spot to take your kids and have them partake in this money game. Make sure they face backwards, close their eyes, make a wish… and toss! I suppose you’ll treat them to gelato right after…

PRACTICAL INFORMATION

Opening Hours: Daily

ADDRESS: Piazza di Trevi, 00187 Roma RM, Italy

Metro STATION: Repubblica