Traveling around Rome with a group of fit adults can be hard. Adding kids into the mix requires some planning. It’s absolutely possible to see the Colosseum and the Vatican with kids, you just need the right information to be prepared. Here’s our guide on how to visit Rome with kids, complete with a list of recommended tours and activities.
Pro Tip: Planning what to do with the kids on your trip to Rome? Bookmark this post in your browser so you can easily find it when you’re in the city. See our guide to Rome for more resources to help you plan your trip and how to do Rome in a Day with itineraries. If you’d rather let us guide you, don’t miss our Rome tours.
How To See Rome With Kids
With the right information, some preparation, and a few kid-friendly guided tours, it’s absolutely possible to see Rome’s top attractions with the whole family. Here are our top suggestions for tours to take and things to do in Rome with the kids.
Discover the Colosseum in Kid-Friendly Tours
The Colosseum is a must-see ancient structure with lots of rich history to learn about. For kids, the Colosseum is great because it’s outside, there are no noise restrictions, and there really isn’t too much to see once inside.
To make the most of your Colosseum experience with kids, we recommend our Arena Floor Colosseum tour. It gets you straight in with skip-the-line entry and exclusive access to the Arena Floor. The kids will love seeing the Colosseum through the eyes of a gladiator and maybe even re-enacting a few battles of their own. You’ll also get one of the best views of the area under the original floor on this tour.
If you’re looking for an experience designed for kids and customized for just you and your family, we recommend our kid-friendly Colosseum tour.
Are strollers allowed in the Colosseum? Aside from the crowds, the Colosseum itself has strived to be accessible. There is an elevator and ramps, making it easy enough to visit with a stroller.
Villa Borghese park is a great place for kids. For the best accessibility, get in through the entrance near Piazza del Popolo. One of Rome’s most beautiful gardens, it’s the perfect spot for kids to let off some steam.
There’s a small lake where you can rent a rowboat, plenty of places to stop for a cold drink or an ice cream, and shady areas where you can relax. It’s ideal in the summer months when the heat in the city center becomes unbearable.
Eating pasta and making a mess are two activities kids always enjoy. On our Rome walking tour and pasta-making class, you can explore Rome’s downtown area and not have to worry about finding a lunch spot after.
Join a local chef and learn how to make traditional Roman pasta with your family. This makes for a fun and interactive lunch option, allowing the kids time to get creative.
Not ready to book a tour? Check out our Rome Guide for more info.
See the Vatican with Kids
Clearly, the holiest church in the world is not on most children’s bucket lists. However, a trip to Rome really isn’t complete without a visit to the Vatican. A well-organized tour with skip-the-line access will get you in and around the Vatican in no time, making sure you hit the highlights with ease. We recommend one of two tours:
In this 2-hour-long experience, you’ll skip the line and visit the Vatican’s main galleries and the Sistine Chapel. This is the perfect tour for families with young kids. You’re not only crossing the Vatican off your bucket list and getting a full experience of the highlights but also leaving the museums before the kids get hungry or fussy.
If you’re looking to take your visit to the Vatican with the kids to the next level, this tour is specifically designed for young travelers. This private tour includes an interactive scavenger hunt that will keep the kids entertained while exploring the Vatican—the perfect way for everyone to enjoy the Vatican
Are strollers allowed in the Vatican? Yes, strollers are allowed inside of the Vatican. As with other Rome attractions, the Vatican Museums tend to get very crowded. They are, however, accessible with lifts, short staircases, and lots of level ground.
The Vatican Museums also have a free storage area where you can leave the stroller, and it might be easier to navigate the crowded halls without it. That said, we don’t recommend bringing a stroller into the Vatican, since the coat check can get very congested.
Are strollers allowed in St. Peter’s Basilica? Strollers are not permitted inside St. Peter’s Basilica.
Not ready to book a tour? Check out our Vatican Guide for more info.
Explore a Kids Museum
Situated in the center near Piazza del Popolo, the Explora Children’s Museum is a champion in interactive and exploratory activities for kids. Your mini-travelers will have the opportunity to play “grown-up” for the day with exhibits like a post office, bank, and a restaurant. There are also a variety of educational events on the first floor.
Think of it as an art exhibit for kids with lots of opportunities to get involved and learn. You’ll need to buy tickets in advance on the website. The tours are not guided and last 1 hour and 45 minutes. The first tour starts at 10 am and the last at 5 pm. In August, the first tour starts at 12 pm. Check the website for updated hours.
Much like the Colosseum, Palatine Hill and the Roman Forum are great places to bring kids. Both sites offer open spaces for kids to explore and get some fresh air outside.
Discover ancient downtown Rome at the Roman Forum or the hill where Rome’s ancient palaces used to stand. On our Special Access Arena Floor Colosseum tour, you can do both.
Are strollers allowed in the Roman Forum? Strollers are allowed in, but it’s worth noting that the ground is uneven and there are plenty of steps.
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