Rome’s Most Family-Friendly Areas

Centro Storico, Rome’s City Center

Centro Storico is one of the best areas in Rome to stay with kids. When you stay here you are within walking distance from many of the city's iconic landmarks, such as the Colosseum and the Pantheon, which are sure to excite children. The area also has numerous family-friendly restaurants and gelaterias serving delicious Italian cuisine and sweet treats. Additionally, Centro Storico is pedestrian-friendly, making it easy to navigate with strollers and young children.

Vatican Area – Prati and Trionfale

The Vatican Area, specifically the neighborhoods of Prati and Trionfale, are among the best areas in Rome to stay with kids because they are quieter and less crowded than other tourist hotspots. The area is also home to the Vatican Museums, which have a fantastic collection of art and artifacts that children will find fascinating. There are plenty of family-friendly restaurants in the area as well, serving delicious Italian cuisine that even picky eaters will enjoy.

Rome’s Rione Monti and Celio

Rione Monti and Celio are among the best areas in Rome to stay with kids because they offer a more local and authentic experience. The neighborhoods are filled with narrow streets, quaint shops, and traditional trattorias that are sure to delight families. The area is also close to the Colosseum, providing easy access to one of Rome's most popular attractions.

Family-Friendly Hotels in Rome

Relais Donna Lucrezia 

This is a boutique hotel located in the heart of Rome's historic center. The hotel offers spacious family rooms and suites that can accommodate up to four people, making it an excellent choice for families. The hotel is also close to many of Rome's top attractions, including the Colosseum and the Roman Forum, making it easy to explore the city with children.

IQ Hotel Roma

IQ Hotel Roma is another fantastic choice for families. This eco-friendly hotel offers family rooms with bunk beds and fun murals on the walls that will delight children. The hotel also has a game room and a rooftop terrace with a hot tub that parents and kids will enjoy. Additionally, the hotel is conveniently located near the Termini train station, making it easy to get around the city.

Monti Palace

Monti Palace is a modern hotel located in the trendy Monti neighborhood. The hotel offers spacious family rooms that can accommodate up to five people, making it an excellent choice for larger families. The hotel also has a rooftop terrace with stunning views of Rome, as well as a delicious breakfast buffet that will satisfy even picky eaters. The Monti neighborhood is also known for its charming streets and lively atmosphere, making it a great place to explore with kids.

Parks and Playgrounds

Villa Borghese

Villa Borghese is a large park in the heart of Rome, and it's a great place to take the kids for a day of outdoor fun. The park has several playgrounds, as well as a lake where you can rent boats. There are also several museums and art galleries in the park, so it's a great option if you want to mix in some culture with your outdoor activities.

Parco del Colle Oppio

Parco del Colle Oppio is a smaller park located near the Colosseum. It has a playground with swings, slides, and climbing equipment, as well as plenty of open space for running and playing.

Piazza Navona

Piazza Navona is a large public square in the center of Rome, and it's a great place to take the kids for a day of outdoor fun. The square has several fountains and statues that kids will love, and there are plenty of street performers and artists to keep them entertained. There are also several gelaterias and cafes nearby where you can stop for a snack or a drink.

Activities for Babies and Toddlers in Rome

Visit Villa Borghese - Villa Borghese is a beautiful park in the heart of Rome that is perfect for families with babies and toddlers. The park has playgrounds, a lake with paddle boats, and plenty of green space for little ones to run around and play.

Explore the Explora Children's Museum - The Explora Children's Museum is an interactive museum designed for children aged 0-12. The museum has many hands-on exhibits that will engage and entertain little ones, such as a water play area and a climbing wall.

Take a stroll through Trastevere - Trastevere is a charming neighborhood in Rome that is known for its narrow streets and lively atmosphere. Take a stroll through the neighborhood with your little ones and stop at one of the many gelaterias or pizzerias for a tasty treat.

Visit the Rome Zoo - The Rome Zoo is a great place to take babies and toddlers. The zoo has many animals to see, including giraffes, elephants, and lions, as well as a petting zoo and a playground.

Activities for Teens in Rome

Take a Food Tour - Rome is known for its delicious food, and a food tour is a great way to explore the city's culinary delights. Teens will love trying new foods and learning about the history of Italian cuisine.

Visit the Catacombs - The Catacombs of Rome are a series of underground tunnels where early Christians buried their dead. Teens will love exploring the dark, mysterious tunnels and learning about the history of Christianity in Rome.

Explore the City on a Segway Tour - A Segway tour is a fun and unique way to see the city's many attractions. Teens will love riding on these futuristic machines while taking in the sights of Rome.

Take a Street Art Tour - Rome has a vibrant street art scene, and taking a tour of the city's murals and graffiti is a great way to see a different side of the city. Teens will love the colorful and edgy artwork.

Visit the Gladiator Museum - The Gladiator Museum is a museum dedicated to the history of gladiators in Rome. Teens will love learning about the brutal battles and ancient sports that took place in the Colosseum.

Check our more great activities to do in Rome with kids!

Family-Friendly Places to Eat in Rome

Emma Pizzeria - Located in the Testaccio neighborhood, this pizzeria serves up some of the best pizza in Rome. They use high-quality ingredients and cook their pizzas in a wood-fired oven, resulting in a delicious and crispy crust. They also have a great selection of appetizers and desserts.

La Polpetta - This restaurant specializes in meatballs, offering a variety of different types and sauces to choose from. They also have a great selection of pasta dishes and other Italian specialties. The cozy and casual atmosphere makes it a great spot for families.

Osteria del Pegno - Located near the Pantheon, this restaurant offers traditional Roman cuisine in a historic setting. They have a great selection of pasta dishes, as well as meat and seafood options. The family-style atmosphere makes it a great spot for families.

Gelateria del Teatro - This gelateria is located in the heart of the historic center, near Piazza Navona. They offer a variety of delicious and unique flavors, including pistachio and orange blossom. The gelato is made fresh daily using high-quality ingredients, and they also offer dairy-free and vegan options.

Fior di Luna - This gelateria is located in the Trastevere neighborhood and offers a wide variety of flavors made with all-natural and organic ingredients. They also offer gluten-free, dairy-free, and vegan options. The cozy and relaxed atmosphere makes it a great spot for families to enjoy a sweet treat together.

Great Places to Find Souvenirs

The 'Al Sogno' Toyshop - Located in the heart of Rome, near the Piazza Navona, this toy shop is a must-visit for families. They offer a wide selection of high-quality toys, games, and puzzles that are perfect for kids of all ages.

Pinocchio Toys Rome - This shop is located near the Vatican and offers a variety of toys and souvenirs based on the popular Italian children's story of Pinocchio. They have a great selection of puppets, toys, and books for kids of all ages.

Campo de' Fiori Market - This open-air market is a great place to shop for souvenirs and gifts. You'll find a wide range of items, including clothing, jewelry, toys, and food. It's a great place to find unique and authentic souvenirs that your family will love.

Getting Around Rome

Walking - Rome is a very walkable city, with many of the main attractions located within a reasonable distance from each other. Walking allows you to explore the city at your own pace and take in the sights and sounds of Rome.

Metro - Rome has a metro system that is efficient and easy to use. It's a great way to get around the city quickly and avoid traffic. The metro runs from 5:30am to 11:30pm and stops at many of the major attractions.

Bus - Rome also has an extensive bus system that can be a good option for families. Buses run frequently and cover most of the city. They're a good option for getting to attractions that are a bit farther away from each other.

Tram - Rome has a few tram lines that cover certain areas of the city. They're a good option for getting around certain neighborhoods and can be a fun way to see the city.

Bicycle - If you're feeling adventurous, renting a bicycle can be a fun way to explore the city with your family. There are many bike rental shops in Rome, and some areas of the city have bike lanes to make it easier to get around. Just be aware that traffic in Rome can be chaotic, so make sure everyone in your family is comfortable riding a bike in a busy city.

Free Things to Do in Rome with Your Family

Visit the Pantheon - The Pantheon is a stunning ancient temple that dates back to 125 AD. It's free to enter and explore, and kids will love seeing the massive dome and learning about the history of the building.

Walk through Trastevere - Trastevere is a charming neighborhood in Rome that's known for its narrow streets, colorful buildings, and lively atmosphere. It's free to explore, and you can spend hours wandering through the streets, checking out the shops, and people-watching.

Visit the Spanish Steps - The Spanish Steps are a famous landmark in Rome, and they're a great place to relax and people-watch. Kids will love running up and down the steps, and there are plenty of street performers and artists to keep them entertained.

Explore the Appian Way - The Appian Way is an ancient Roman road that stretches for miles outside of Rome. It's free to explore, and you can rent bikes or take a guided tour to see the sights. Kids will love the adventure of biking along the ancient road and exploring the countryside.

Visit the Trevi Fountain - The Trevi Fountain is one of Rome's most famous landmarks and it's completely free to visit. Kids will love tossing coins into the fountain and making a wish.

Explore the Roman Forum - The Roman Forum is a sprawling ancient ruin in the heart of Rome. While there's a fee to enter the Colosseum and Palatine Hill, you can explore the Forum for free and imagine what life was like in ancient Rome.

Walk through the Piazza Navona - This beautiful public square is a great place to enjoy street performers, artists, and gelato vendors.

Stroll through Villa Borghese - This public park offers beautiful gardens, fountains, and art exhibits, and is a great place to enjoy a picnic.

Enjoy the street performers at Piazza del Popolo - Piazza del Popolo is a large public square in Rome that's known for its stunning architecture and lively atmosphere. There are often street performers and artists in the square, and it's a great place to stop and relax.

Visit the Campo de' Fiori market - The Campo de' Fiori market is a bustling outdoor market where you can find everything from fresh produce to handmade crafts. It's free to explore and it's a great place to grab a snack or souvenir.

Insider Tips for Families Visiting Rome

Wear Comfortable Shoes

Rome is a very walkable city, and you'll likely be doing a lot of walking to get around and explore the various attractions. Be sure to wear comfortable shoes that you can walk in for extended periods of time.

Bring Snacks and Water

While there are many great restaurants and cafes in Rome, you may find yourself in need of a quick snack or drink while out and about. Bring some snacks and a water bottle with you to avoid getting too hungry or thirsty while you're out.

Buy Tickets in Advance

Many of the major attractions in Rome can have long lines, especially during peak tourist season. To avoid spending too much time waiting in line, consider buying tickets in advance online or from a ticket office.

Be Aware of Pickpockets

Like many tourist destinations, Rome has a problem with pickpocketing. Be sure to keep an eye on your belongings and don't carry too much cash or valuables with you.

Take your time

Rome has so much to offer, and it can be overwhelming trying to see everything in a short amount of time. Take your time and focus on a few key attractions each day, rather than trying to see everything at once. This will help you enjoy the city more and avoid burnout.

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