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Rome: B
Scored across 7 things that matter when you travel with babies and young kids. How we grade
Last reviewed November 2026
Rome is a giant open-air history book, with pizza, pasta and gelato as rewards. Italians adore children (bambini), and you’ll be welcomed everywhere. The tricky parts are cobbles, crowds and summer heat.
Where to stay in Rome with kids
- Prati: flatter, calmer and residential, with wide streets near the Vatican. A great family base.
- Monti: close to the Colosseum with a village feel, but some hills.
- Centro Storico (near the Pantheon or Piazza Navona): walk everywhere. Busy, and many buildings have no lift.
- Trastevere: charming and lively, but noisy late at night.
The best things to do in Rome with kids
- Colosseum & Roman Forum. Book a timed ticket and go at opening. A kids’ gladiator-themed tour brings it to life.
- Villa Borghese. A huge park with rental bikes and pedal cars, the Bioparco zoo, puppet shows and a lake with rowing boats.
- Explora Children’s Museum. Hands-on play for younger kids, near Piazza del Popolo.
- Trevi Fountain. Throw a coin over your shoulder to make sure you’ll come back. Go early or late to avoid the crush.
- Piazza Navona. Fountains, street artists and space to run.
- Vatican Museums & St Peter’s. Amazing, but long and crowded. Book skip-the-line tickets and pick highlights.
Getting around Rome with a stroller
- Walking: the best way to see the centre, but expect cobbles and steps.
- Metro: only three lines, and not every station has a working lift.
- Buses and trams: crowded but useful. Fold the stroller at busy times.
- Taxis: use official white taxis from ranks, or book via the FreeNow or itTaxi apps.
Where to eat with kids
- Pizza al taglio: pizza by the slice, sold by weight. Perfect for snacks.
- Supplì: fried rice balls with mozzarella inside.
- Pasta: cacio e pepe and tomato pastas are kid classics. Many restaurants will make plain pasta with butter (pasta in bianco).
- Gelato: look for natural colours and metal tubs rather than towering neon mounds.
Parent tips for Rome
- Summer is very hot. Plan sightseeing for mornings and evenings with a long lunch and rest in between.
- Churches require covered shoulders and knees for older kids and adults.
- Children often get free or reduced entry to state museums and sites, including the Colosseum. Check before you pay.
See more in our Italy with kids guide.
Rome with kids: a 3-day family plan
One main outing a day, a nap window and a playground stop. Swap days around for weather and energy levels.
- Day 1
Colosseum and the Forum
- Colosseum at your timed slot, as early as possible
- Roman Forum (uneven paths: carrier)
- Pizza lunch in Monti
- Nap break, then a gelato
Book ahead:🎟️ Colosseum tour for kids
💡 Parent hint: Book a kids-focused gladiator tour. Stories make the ruins come alive.
- Day 2
Vatican and pizza
- Vatican Museums with skip-the-line tickets
- St Peter’s Square
- Pizza by the slice at Pizzarium
- Walk to Castel Sant’Angelo
Book ahead:🎟️ Vatican family tour
💡 Parent hint: Pick highlights in the Vatican Museums. A full visit is too long for little ones.
- Day 3
Parks, fountains and gelato
- Villa Borghese: pedal cars, the Bioparco zoo and a rowing lake
- Lunch near Piazza del Popolo
- Trevi Fountain coin toss and the Pantheon
- Gelato at Giolitti
Book ahead:🎟️ Pasta-making class
💡 Parent hint: Fill bottles at the free nasoni fountains. Block the spout and water shoots up for drinking.
Tours worth booking in Rome
Hand-picked experiences that work with kids. Free cancellation is usually available, which matters when naps and moods change.
Colosseum tour for kids
Gladiator-themed tours with skip-the-line entry.
See tour optionsVatican family tour
A guide picks the highlights and keeps the pace kid-friendly.
See tour optionsPasta-making class
Kids make (and eat!) their own fettuccine.
See tour optionsGolf cart tour
See the highlights without tired legs or cobbled walking.
See tour optionsKid-friendly restaurants in Rome
Places that are relaxed with children, quick to serve and have something for picky eaters.
- 📍 Google Maps⭐ Tripadvisor
- 📍 Google Maps⭐ Tripadvisor
- 📍 Google Maps⭐ Tripadvisor
- 📍 Google Maps⭐ Tripadvisor
- 📍 Google Maps⭐ Tripadvisor
Showing: Pizzarium Bonci. Tap a place to move the pin.
Opening hours and menus change. Check Google Maps or Tripadvisor before you go, and book ahead for popular spots.
Frequently asked questions
Is Rome hard with a stroller?
It can be. Cobbles (sampietrini), narrow pavements and steps are everywhere in the historic centre. Bring a sturdy compact stroller and a carrier, and expect to carry it up some stairs.
How many days do you need in Rome with kids?
Three to four days lets you see the Colosseum, the Vatican and the big fountains at a gentle pace, with a park day in Villa Borghese.
Is the Colosseum good for kids?
Yes, especially for kids old enough to enjoy gladiator stories. Book timed tickets online, go early and consider a family-focused guided tour.