If you’re planning a family vacation to Rome, you’re in for a real treat – and you’ve come to the right place. The city is full of history and impressive sights that will leave you and your family in awe. Below I’ve shared over 20 places to see if you have 3-4 days in Rome with kids.

Rome, the Eternal City, has a rich history that you can see and touch, from ancient ruins to beautiful churches and museums. You’ll be amazed at how much of Rome’s past is ingrained in our daily lives, like our calendar, the use of arches in construction, Roman numerals, post offices, roads, and aqueducts.

Family Vacation to Rome: The Best of the Ancient City

Useful Info: Family Vacation to Rome

Reaching Rome

By Train: Rome is a major hub for train travel and air travel making a family vacation to Rome highly accessible. The central train station is called Roma Termini and the nearest airport is Leonardo da Vinci–Fiumicino Airport (FCO) about 30 minute’s drive from downtown.

By Air: If you are flying, we highly recommend the Leonardo express which is a 32 minute ride on a non-stop train connecting Roma Termini to FCO for €14 per person.

By Cruise: The port city to access Rome is called Civitavecchia. Take a Trenitalia train into the city with a 50 minute ride. We spent our 3 days in Rome after a Mediterranean cruise out of Naples. If you’re cruising, be sure to check out our tips for cruising with kids.

Where to Stay

When in Rome it is worth the extra money to pay for centrally located accommodations. Doing so will help you connect so much more with the city and allow you to enjoy it at night as well. It’s also helpful to easily go back for children’s rest time on a family vacation to Rome. Here are some of the top boutique hotels in Rome.

We stayed near the train station so we didn’t have to take a cab or travel far with our luggage. We could walk to the Roman Forum in about 20 minutes or choose public transport.

Reservations

Be sure to book key attractions in advance, like the Borghese Gallery, Colosseum, and Vatican Museum. The skip-the-line passes are game changers, especially at the Vatican Museum.

Special Items to Pack

A family vacation to Rome in the summer will be HOT, but remember that if you want to visit churches your shoulders and knees must be covered. Bring a light blouse to toss over and a shawl to wrap around your waist.

Euro coins will come in handy often for public restrooms, tipping street performers, and more.

As always, the Romans are pretty proud of their water supply and still like to flaunt it. There are public drinking fountains everywhere so be sure to bring your reusable bottle.

Experience Day & Night at the Roman Forum

The best starting point is to head to the city center where you can have the first view of ancient Roman ruins. After a long travel day, your first glimpse of the iconic Colosseum is a sight to behold. Its ruins stood the test of time and the magnificence of its structure still reflects the level of engineering that was achieved centuries ago.

Roman Forum

The Roman Forum open-air museum of ancient ruins that used to be the center of public life in ancient times. It’s a place to experience Roman history with your family and to learn about the political life, construction, and architecture of ancient Rome.

It’s also a place to introduce the concept of how ruins end up underground overtime and why it takes so long to be rediscovered.

We found the area to be especially magical at night when they close down the street for pedestrian traffic only. We visited in October so it was dark while the kids were still wide awake.

Trajan’s Column

This triumphal column is intricately carved with scenes from the two Dacian Wars celebrating emperor Trajan’s victory. Have your child try to spot the windows in the column.

Take a (Family Friendly) Tour of the Colosseum

As parents, we wanted to immerse our children in the history and grandeur of the Colosseum while keeping the content age-appropriate. Unlike typical tours that might delve into the more gruesome aspects of the venue, our private tour provided a carefully curated experience that catered to our kids’ curiosity without exposing them to mature content.

You MUST book tickets well in advance. We highly recommend this semi-private kids’ tour we found on Viator.

Our knowledgeable guide captivated our 5-year-old son with captivating stories, fascinating lessons, and interactive games. From using blocks to construct an arch to learning ancient games children played 2,000 years ago still etched into the stones, she brought history to life. They went on scavenger hunts to uncover secrets inside the colosseum walls and designed their own gladiator event program before acting out a mock battle.

Important: It is mandatory to check in at security with a valid ID or passport with a name that exactly matches your ticket. Otherwise you will be denied entry. Give yourself 30 minutes to go through security if you are not on a guided tour meeting outside the grounds.

Explore the Grandiose Public Squares

Squares like these give you a taste for the life of locals as well as give the chance for kids to burn energy.

Piazza Navona

Piazza Navona is perhaps one of the most touristy areas of Rome, but for a good reason. Admire its grand architecture and visit the famous fountain: Quattro Fiumi (Fountain of the Four Rivers), designed by Bernini in 1651. The rivers incorporated are Nile representing Africa, the Danube representing Europe, the Ganges representing Asia, and the Río de la Plata representing the Americas. It’s really interesting to see how the Roman’s perceived and depicted the peoples of various corners of the world 500 years ago.

This place has a lively atmosphere and is ideal for a family outing. It’s worth visiting the nearby bakeries to enjoy some authentic Roman treats and take advantage of souvenir shops for a quick shopping spree.

Largo di Torre Argentina

This ancient square is famous for its ruins, which date back to the Roman Republic. The ruins are believed to be the site of Julius Caesar’s assassination, making it a fascinating place for history-loving families.

But the reason I suggest it as a stop on your family vacation to Rome is that the square is home to a cat sanctuary that cares for hundreds of cats. Little kids will love trying to spot as many cats as they can.

Campo de Fiori

One of the most popular squares in Rome, Campo de Fiori is the perfect place for families to take a stroll and grab a bite to eat. The square is also home to a colorful market where vendors sell everything from fresh produce to flowers and souvenirs.

The market has been running for more than 500 years and is one of the oldest in Rome. Kids will love exploring the different stalls and sampling some of the local treats. Visit early in the morning to beat the crowds and enjoy the fresh produce.

Enter a New Country: The Vatican

It’s hard to visit Rome without stopping by Vatican City, the smallest independent state in the world and the headquarters of the Roman Catholic Church. The Vatican is home to many world-famous attractions, including the Sistine Chapel (inside the Vatican Museum) and St. Peter’s Basilica.

Vatican City

It’s incredible how this small city-state has played a pivotal role in shaping the history of Europe, and the world.

Here’s a guide to spending a day in Vatican City.

Vatican Museum & Sistine Chapel

The line to get into the Vatican Museum was several blocks long when I arrived for my 9am skip-the-line reservation which is when they museum first opens. Book ahead to make entry a breeze! It only costs a little extra and can save you 90 minutes or more standing around outside.

The museum offers audio guides, but after exploring two rooms with their handheld I put it away and listened to a Risk Steve’s audio tour I’d downloaded. It gives you navigation cues so you can walk as you listen vs. the handheld where you have to punch in numbers to here about one specific thing.

The Sistine Chapel is at the end of the museum and deserves about 40 minutes. Rick Steves has a Sistine Chapel audio tour as well. No photos are allowed in the Chapel.

Full disclosure, I did NOT take my kids inside the Vatican Museum.?They are 3 and 5 and I didn’t want to feel rushed.?My husband had been before so he watched the kids while I took my time soaking it in.

St. Peter’s Basilica

St. Peter’s Basilica is arguably the most significant spiritual building in the world and its architecture and art within are awe-striking.

Unless you book a guided tour, you can expect a massive line to enter St. Peter’s Basilica. You wouldn’t regret it though!

We booked an “underground” tour to St. Peter’s tomb which is part of the Vatican Necropolis. To reserve a spot on this unique tour, you need to email the with the excavations office.

Stare in Wonder at (and in) Extraordinary Churches (Besides St. Peter’s)

Since I mentioned St. Peter’s above in the Vatican area, I’ll skip it in this section, but here are 4 more churches not to be missed!

Basilica of Saint Mary of Minerva and the Elephant Obelisk

The Basilica of Saint Mary of Minerva and the Elephant Obelisk are not your typical Roman sights, but it’s a fantastic place to visit with kids. The Elephant Obelisk is located in front of the church and has a fascinating history behind it. The elephant is one of Bernini’s works while the Obelisk is one of many taken from Egypt during a period of Egyptomania. Can you imagine how many heavy marble spires ended up at the bottom of the Mediterranean on this commute?

Once inside the church, don’t miss Michelangelo’s statue, “Cristo della Minerva”.

Basilica of Santa Maria in Trastevere

The Basilica of Santa Maria in Trastevere is one of the oldest churches in Rome and is famous for its beautiful mosaics and golden ceiling. The church is located in the heart of Trastevere and is a great place to visit after exploring the neighborhood.

Basilica Papale di Santa Maria Maggiore

One of the four major basilicas in Rome, the Basilica Papale di Santa Maria Maggiore is a stunning church dedicated to the Virgin Mary. The basilica is famous for its mosaics, marble pillars, and gold decorations, making it one of the most beautiful churches in Rome.

Kids will be amazed by the intricate artwork, sculptures and the colorful reflections from the sun through stained glass in the afternoon.

Basilica of San Clemente

This fascinating church is one of the lesser-known attractions in Rome but is definitely worth a visit, especially for families with young kids.  It really helped my 5 year old understand what it meant to be a city of layers and how ruins are lost after centuries’ worth of time passes.  A tour allows you to see 3 churches built atop each other.

Kids will enjoy the descent into the ancient Roman ruins beneath the church. (No photos were allowed in the lower levels.)

This was the last of the churches we visited and while it was still a large church compared to what we have at home in the states, it was dwarfed by the magnificence of the others. My son immediately asked, “why is this church soooo small?”

Wander through the Trastevere Neighborhood

Trastevere is one of the most charming neighborhoods in Rome and is perfect for kids. The narrow, cobbled streets and colorful buildings make it feel like a small Italian village, while the many restaurants and gelato shops make it a foodie’s paradise.

Kids can have more freedom through the the narrow alleys and piazzas, and parents will love the relaxed atmosphere with much less vehicle traffic than the other side of the river.

Evade the Crowds at Trevi Fountain

The city is also famous for its fountains, with the Trevi Fountain being one of the most famous. It’s always busy with tourists taking photos and throwing coins into the fountain. There’s also the Fontana dei Quattro Fiumi, situated in the Piazza Navona, which makes for a great family stop. I shared more about it above. You can soak up the historical significance of the fountains and teach your kids a thing or two about the significance of coins in ancient Rome.

Trevi Fountain Hack

If you don’t care to get up close and toss a coin, you can escape the pushy swarms of fellow tourists and walk up to the 2nd floor of United Colors of Benetton for a wonderful view over the fountain.

Slow Down at Villa Borghese

Borghese Gardens

Located within the vast Borghese Gardens, the Area Giochi Per Bambini is a playground for kids of all ages. The playground is also surrounded by vendor carts, making it the perfect place for parents to relax while kids play.

Borghese Gallery and Museum

Located in a beautiful villa in the heart of Rome’s largest park, the Borghese Art Museum is an absolute must-visit for art-loving families. The museum houses a vast collection of art and sculpture from the Renaissance era, including works by famous artists such as Caravaggio and Bernini.

Advanced reservations are crucial to explore this art museum with your family. You can attempt to get one of the 13 “day of” spots but you could be waiting in line for over an hour to secure them.

Before you visit, read this brilliant post about how to keep kids engaged and intrigued about various masterpieces within the museum.

Explora – Il Museo dei Bambini di Roma

One of the most innovative children’s museums in Europe, Explora is an interactive museum where kids can learn, play, and explore. The museum is designed to appeal to children aged 0-12 and offers a wide range of exhibits and workshops on everything from science and art to music and theater.

This is the perfect spot to invest a half day if the weather takes a turn.

Admire The Pantheon

The architectural feat to construct the Pantheon about 2,000 years ago is beyond belief.

You have to see inside for yourself. It’s fun to imagine centuries of peoples, ceremonies, and public life flowing through the same doors.

Even with a gaping hole at the top of the dome, it miraculously stands the test of time.

Important: Tickets are now required (since July 2023) for entry except the first Sunday of the month. To purchase tickets online, first create an account with Musei Italiani, the official site.

Where to Eat & Drink on a Family Vacation to Rome

Near the Pantheon

La Casa del Caffè Tazza d’Oro

No trip to Rome is complete without indulging in their famous coffee culture. La Casa del Caffè Tazza d’Oro (near the Pantheon) is one of those coffee shops that reigns supreme in Italy. It’s an ideal spot to take a break, enjoy Italian specialties such as gelato, cornetti, and of course, espresso. This is a well-known place, which can create a buzz, but it’s worth the wait. Sip on their famous granita di caffè which I can best describe as a coffee slushie with whipped cream..

Venchi Cioccolato e Gelato

While you enjoy your specialty coffee drink from Caffè Tazza d’Oro, treat the kids to Gelato right across the street! Find a quiet square, like Piazza Capranica to sit and take in the energy of the city.

Sit down Restaurants

Two sit down, affordable restaurants near the Pantheon are Miscellanea and Ristorante Archimede.

Near the Roman Forum

We really enjoyed the pasta, wine, and atmosphere at Ristorante la Nuova Piazzetta. My kids weren’t too excited about their pizza, but the children of friends we met said it was the best pizza they’ve ever had.

An alternate option is Pizzeria della Madonna dei Monti.

In Campo de Fiori

Enjoy bakery from Forno Campo de Fiori or sit down for a meal at Salumeria del Campo.

In Pizza Navona

Il Tagliere Toscano navona has fantastic paninis and service. Plus clean restrooms in the basement. It is just off the main square.

Within the main square, check out Ai Tre Tartufi or Vivi Bistrot.

Closing thoughts on a Family Vacation to Rome in 2024

Visiting Rome is an experience no one should miss. The incredible history of Rome and the influence it has had on the world is still present in our daily lives. By acknowledging and appreciating the contributions of ancient Rome, we can better understand how their inventions continue to impact our lives. From the infrastructure that supports our cities to the comforts of modern living, the legacy of ancient Roman ingenuity remains all around us.

The city is bursting with culture, fantastic food, and awe-inspiring sights that all combine to make the perfect family trip.

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