5 Budget-friendly Activities in Rome with Kids

No matter the age of your children, going on an adventure as a family is always a treat. As young as they are, kids should have the chance to explore the world and experience the beauty it has to offer. One of the best places to start is the Eternal City — Rome. 

Flying to Rome with kids might sound challenging, apart from the plane rides and all, it’s normal to be worried if your kids will get bored or if they won’t have enough activities to enjoy and tire themselves out! But don’t worry, we’ve got you covered with a list that answers the question: “What to do in Rome with kids?”

While must-visit spots like the Colosseum, Roman Forum, and Trevi Fountain should be on your itinerary, there are also so many other attractions in Rome that are perfect for kids!

Art, play, and technology come together at IKONO Roma, a museum that promises an immersive experience in Rome. Both kids and kids-at-heart will have loads of fun here with their many attractions, such as the Lantern Sanctuary, which focuses on light and shadow; Yokocho, which will transport you to the streets of Tokyo; and The Lady in the Leaves, where nature, exploration, and creation combine — an installation designed by emerging curator and visual artist Heather Bellino. There are over 12 interactive installations in the museum, so best believe that the whole family will have a blast during your visit!

Kids LOVE food — especially sweet treats. So if you find yourself in Rome with kids constantly asking for dessert, a great way to reintroduce them to sweets is by showing them the other side: making them from scratch! Good thing there’s a tiramisu and gelato-making class that will allow them to do just that. During this class, they’ll learn how to craft the perfect tiramisu and authentic water-based gelato under the guidance of an expert chef. 

A family trip to Rome with kids — or to any destination in particular — won’t be complete without a visit to at least one theme park! Cinecittà World deserves a spot on your itinerary, thanks to its recently opened themed area, Aqua World. This water park has classic attractions like a lazy river, as well as exciting additions such as a cinematic pool and a VIP area that imitates a tropical island.

Apart from the water park, Cinecittà World also offers thrilling roller coasters and haunted houses that are sure to level up the fun!

Entrance to Villa Borghese Gardens is free, making it not only family-friendly but also budget-friendly. If you’re in Rome with kids, you'd better visit this garden because it’s home to a variety of outdoor activities that children will love! As a family, you can rent bikes or rowboats to fully immerse yourselves in the beauty of the nature that surrounds you, allowing the whole family a chance to enjoy some peace and quiet.

The gardens also feature a zoo, museums, a theater, and more — attractions that both kids and adults will enjoy!

Let’s be real — being in Rome with kids means most history-related activities might be boring for them. But in a group tour setting, it’ll be more fun — especially with a tour guide who brings iconic landmarks to life by sharing their stories and significance in Roman history.

To have a complete itinerary, make sure to visit the Colosseum, Roman Forum, and Palatine Hill. Now if you’re a family in Rome with kids, a creative way to make these visits more fun and engaging is by initiating games like trivia or role-playing. In doing so, the kids will feel more involved, rather than just like a group of children tagging along on a tour full of adults.

Exploring Rome with kids is actually more exciting than it is challenging. As parents or guardians, you really just have to prepare activities that they’ll enjoy and feel involved in. This can be as simple as shopping for souvenirs or selecting their favorite gelato flavor, to more elaborate activities like making tiramisu together or having the best time at an immersive museum. Just be present and let them be the kids that they are. Happy travels!

Of course! From immersive museums to beautiful gardens and theme parks, your kids will learn and experience so much — making it an unforgettable trip for the whole family.

Yes, it’s definitely possible to enjoy Rome without breaking the bank. Just focus on the free things to do in Rome, and you’ll be fine.

Three days should be enough for families traveling to Rome with kids. That’s enough time to visit some famous landmarks, take a dessert-making class, and even enjoy a theme park.

Yes, kids can usually use Rome’s public transportation for free as long as they're 10 years old or younger and accompanied by a paying adult.