Episode #42: Rome With Kids: Best Things to Do, Family Travel Tips & Must-See Sights
Rome with Kids: The Ultimate Family Travel Guide (From a Mom of 5)
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Planning a trip to Rome with kids? Whether you're spending several days exploring the Eternal City or only have one day in port on a Mediterranean cruise, Rome is an unforgettable destination for families.
Yes, you'll find ancient ruins, incredible history, and plenty of walking. But you'll also find pizza, pasta, gelato, and some of the most iconic landmarks in the world that truly bring history to life for kids.
After visiting Rome three different times, including most recently with all five of my children during our Disney Dream Mediterranean cruise, I've learned what is worth your time, what I'd skip, and how to make visiting Rome with kids much easier.
If you're planning a family trip to Italy, here is everything you need to know.
Why Visit Rome With Kids?
Many parents hear "Rome" and immediately picture museums, churches, and history lessons.
While those things are certainly part of the experience, Rome feels completely different when you're actually there.
Your kids aren't just reading about gladiators.
They're standing inside the Colosseum.
They aren't learning about Ancient Rome from a textbook.
They're walking through the actual ruins.
History becomes real, interactive, and memorable.
And let's be honest. Pizza, pasta, and gelato solve a lot of travel problems.
Our One-Day Rome Itinerary From a Disney Cruise
Our visit to Rome was during one of our Disney Dream Mediterranean cruise port days.
One important thing many first-time visitors don't realize is that cruise ships dock in Civitavecchia, about 90 minutes from Rome. That means if you're visiting from a cruise, you have limited time and need to prioritize your must-see attractions.
Here's what we fit into our day:
• Colosseum
• Roman Forum
• Palatine Hill
• Basilica di Santa Maria
• Trevi Fountain
• Sit-down Italian lunch
• Spanish Steps
• Plenty of gelato
It was nearly 90 degrees, incredibly crowded, and we walked miles with five kids.
Did we have a few meltdowns?
Absolutely.
Would I do it again?
Without hesitation.
Months later, my kids don't talk about the heat or the walking. They talk about standing inside the Colosseum, eating gelato, and seeing one of the most famous cities in the world.
That's what they'll remember.
The Colosseum: Rome's Best Attraction for Families
If you only have time for one attraction, make it the Colosseum.
This was by far the highlight for our kids.
One tip that made a huge difference was watching a short YouTube video about gladiators before we visited. Giving kids a little background beforehand helps them appreciate what they're seeing so much more.
Tips for Visiting the Colosseum
• Purchase Skip-the-Line tickets.
• Bring passports or photo ID.
• Visit as early as possible.
• Pack sunscreen, hats, cooling towels, and portable fans.
• Plan about an hour for younger kids.
While Arena Floor tickets look amazing, they were simply too expensive for our family of seven. Standard admission was still incredible and absolutely worth it.
Roman Forum & Palatine Hill
Right next to the Colosseum sits the Roman Forum and Palatine Hill.
These are included with most Colosseum tickets and shouldn't be skipped.
Older children and teenagers will likely appreciate these ancient ruins more than younger kids, but everyone can enjoy imagining what Ancient Rome once looked like.
Trevi Fountain With Kids
Trevi Fountain is one of Rome's most iconic landmarks.
However, it's changed significantly over the years.
During daytime hours, visitors now typically need a timed entry ticket to access the fountain up close.
If possible, visit:
• Early in the morning
• Later in the evening
You'll avoid the crowds and won't need to deal with long lines.
If you're visiting during the day, walk around either side of the fountain. We were able to get much closer without waiting in the main crowd.
Spanish Steps
The Spanish Steps are another classic Rome landmark.
While they aren't a destination I'd build an entire day around, they're definitely worth seeing if you're nearby.
Our kids especially appreciated the gelato stop afterward!
Don't Miss the Pantheon
Although we didn't have time during this trip, the Pantheon remains one of my favorite places in Rome.
It's over 2,000 years old and remains one of the best-preserved ancient buildings in the world.
If you're staying in Rome for several days, I highly recommend choosing accommodations near the Pantheon because it's incredibly central and walkable.
Our Favorite Restaurants Near the Pantheon
If you're looking for authentic Italian food, these were two of our favorite discoveries.
Asteria Pizzeria di Agrippa
We ate here three different times during a previous trip because the pasta was that good.
Don't leave without trying the Cacio e Pepe.
Gelato Vale
Some of the best gelato we found in Rome, plus incredible macarons that we still talk about years later.
Should You Visit the Vatican With Kids?
The Vatican is absolutely worth seeing.
But here's my honest opinion.
It deserves an entire day.
Between the Vatican Museums, Sistine Chapel, and St. Peter's Basilica, there's simply too much to squeeze into a short visit.
For younger children, I recommend:
• Booking a family-focused tour
• Prioritizing only a few highlights
• Taking plenty of snack and gelato breaks
• Keeping expectations realistic
One hidden gem is the beautiful Double Helix Staircase inside the Vatican Museums. It's one of my favorite places for photos.
More Kid-Friendly Things to Do in Rome
If you're spending multiple days in Rome, consider adding:
• Castel Sant'Angelo
• Piazza Navona
• Villa Borghese Gardens
• Bioparco Zoo
• Explora Children's Museum
• Time Elevator Rome
• Gladiator School
Gladiator School is especially popular for kids between ages 6 and 12.
Our Best Tips for Visiting Rome With Kids
Visit Early or Late
Summer temperatures can be intense.
Start sightseeing early whenever possible.
Bring Refillable Water Bottles
Rome has public drinking fountains throughout the city with excellent drinking water.
Cooling Towels Are Worth Packing
Cooling towels became one of our most-used items during our visit.
Simply wet them with water and place them around your neck.
Wear Comfortable Shoes
Rome's uneven cobblestone streets are beautiful but hard on little feet.
Everyone should wear supportive walking shoes.
Skip the Stroller (If Your Kids Are Old Enough)
If your youngest can comfortably walk, I would skip bringing a stroller.
Rome's cobblestone streets make pushing one challenging.
Watch Videos Before Your Trip
Showing kids YouTube videos about the Colosseum, gladiators, or Ancient Rome beforehand makes the attractions much more meaningful.
Schedule Gelato Breaks
Seriously.
Gelato fixes almost everything.
Easy Day Trips From Rome
If you're staying several days, Rome also makes a fantastic base for exploring more of Italy.
Popular day trips include:
• Florence
• Pisa
Italy's train system makes both destinations easy to reach.
A Hidden Gem Most Tourists Miss
One of our favorite experiences from a previous visit was Appian Way.
Here you can:
• Rent bikes
• Explore ancient Roman roads
• Visit the Catacombs of San Sebastian
• Escape the busy city crowds
Older kids especially enjoy exploring the underground catacombs.
Is Rome Worth Visiting With Kids?
Absolutely.
Rome isn't always easy. It's crowded. It's hot. You'll walk more than you expected.
But it's also one of the most fascinating cities in the world.
Your kids may not remember every historical fact they learned.
But they'll remember standing inside the Colosseum. They'll remember eating gelato three times in one day.
They'll remember tossing a coin into Trevi Fountain and seeing places they've only read about in books.
Those are the moments that make family travel unforgettable.
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