10 Cheap Things to Do in Rome Italy With Kids (2024)
Craft a wallet-friendly itinerary for your upcoming family trip to Rome by incorporating these top 10 kid-friendly activities.
Why going to Rome with kids is definitely worth it.
Pasta, gelato, pizza – beyond these culinary delights, everything else takes a backseat for kids in Rome, thanks to its world-renowned cuisine. Yet, discovering fun and budget-friendly activities for children in the Eternal City is just as satisfying, and we've compiled a list worth considering as you plan your itinerary. With its tantalizing food, iconic monuments, and vibrant culture, Rome is a destination worth exploring with kids, ensuring everyone leaves well-fed and, hopefully, enriched with a touch of history and culture.
How many days are needed in Rome with kids?
Three days in Rome with kids will afford you the opportunity to see the major attractions, while five days will allow you to leisurely explore and possibly even take a day trip. Having spent six days in Rome ourselves, we highly recommend staying for at least five days. This gives you ample time to visit the top sites and also immerse yourselves in the authentic Roman experience. Keep in mind that a visit to the Colosseum and Vatican can easily consume a full day, so plan accordingly and allocate a full day for each of these iconic attractions.
BONUS: Check out 10 Little-Known Reasons To Visit Italy With Kids
Before you go, check out these Rome guides perfect for families.
10 kid-friendly cheap things to do in Rome
01 |SPEND A MORNING AT CAMPO DE FIORI
WHY PARENTS LOVE IT |If you're looking for a great spot to check out in Rome with the kiddos, Campo De Fiori market is a winner. I love the laid-back vibe, perfect for people-watching and strolling past stalls selling everything from fresh juice to vibrant flowers and local produce. Feeling peckish? There's no shortage of restaurants in the area, though fair warning, they tend to cater a bit more to tourists.
TIP |Visit when the market opens to avoid big crowds.
COST | Free.
LOCATION | Campo de' Fiori, 00186 Roma RM, Italy (south of Piazza Navona)
02 | DEDICATE A DAY TO TRASTEVERE
WHY PARENTS LOVE IT |Round up the little ones and venture to the west side of the Tiber to Trastevere. It's got that local charm, less hustle and bustle, and plenty of cool stuff to check out and munch on with the kiddos. This neighborhood is a hotspot for foodies and is touted as the go-to spot for authentic Roman cuisine.
TIP |Don't forget to check out the fountain near the Basilica of Santa Maria, one of the oldest Christian churches around. Swing by Piazza Santa Maria, explore the San Cosimato Market, and keep an eye out for some cool graffiti while you're at it.
WHERE TO EAT: Tonnarello, Tonnarello Rome Review: Incredible Roman Cuisine.
COST | Free
LOCATION | Trastevere, Rome. 7-10 minute ride from Rome Center.
03 | VISIT “PIAZZA LA PIGNA” TO ESCAPE CROWDS
WHY PARENTS LOVE IT |It's just a quick five-minute stroll from the Pantheon and Piazza Navona, minus all the touristy hustle and bustle. Here, you'll stumble upon a quaint little church open to the public, a cozy piazza, a trendy Mediterranean restaurant, and a chill café. Experience Rome like a local with your kids, away from the tourist hordes flooding in from every direction.
TIP |Grab a bite at La Pigna Roma Cocktail Bar, or swing by L'antico Caffè della Pigna for a quick espresso, pastry, or juice fix.
COST | Free
LOCATION | Piazza della Pigna 57/58, Via del Gesù, 67, 00186 Roma RM, Italy.
04 | GET SOME STEPS IN AT THE ROMAN FORUM
WHY PARENTS LOVE IT |Here's an easy outdoor activity that lets you dive into history. While the Roman Forum might be mostly rocks and ruins, it's still a blast for kids to climb up the stairs, soak in some fresh air, and enjoy the great outdoors. Meanwhile, parents can soak up the ancient vibes of yesteryear.
TIP |If you bring a stroller, be prepared to lug it up stone stairways—it can be a bit of a hassle. But hey, if you're aiming to burn off that pasta, it's the perfect activity! Don't forget to pack a hat, shades, water, and sunscreen for the adventure.
COST | €17 for each adult. Children under 18 are free. Bring copies of kids passports and or identification.
LOCATION | Via della Salara Vecchia, 5/6, 00186 Roma RM, Italy.
05 | RUN AROUND THE ORANGE GARDENS ON AVENTINE HILL
WHY PARENTS LOVE IT |For snapping a Rome family photo, Aventine Hill is the place to be. You'll have plenty of open space to play, chill, and take a leisurely stroll.
TIP |For the best lighting, aim to arrive in the morning or just before sunset. Keep in mind, though, there aren't any play structures or playgrounds at this spot.
COST | Free.
LOCATION | Piazza Pietro D'Illiria, 00153 Roma RM, Italy.
06 | TRY IKONO LOUNGE FOR IMMERSIVE PLAY
WHY PARENTS LOVE IT |If you're feeling weary of historical relics and all that stone, why not mix things up with a visit to Ikono Lounge? It's all about fun, immersive, and creative play over there.
TIP |Visiting in the summer? Add this to your list of places to visit to escape the heat.
COST | Adult €18.00, 4-12 years old €12.50. Under 3 free.
LOCATION | Via del Seminario 111, Rome, near the Pantheon.
07 | CHILDREN’S MUSEUM IN ROME: EXPLORA
WHY PARENTS LOVE IT | At Explora, you'll discover loads of hands-on activities for play, learning, and just plain fun. After your kid(s) have had their fill of tinkering and getting creative at this must-visit spot, they'll probably be ready to chow down or catch some Z's.
TIP |Reserve your tickets ahead of time online. Bring water and snacks, there is a cafe on site.
COST | €10 for adults and €7-10 for kids depending on age.
LOCATION | Via Flaminia, 80/86, 00196 Roma RM, Italy
08 | VILLA BORGHESE
WHY PARENTS LOVE IT |This spot spans 197 acres of lush greenery, offering families a ton of activities to dive into. You can admire fountains, check out monuments, and wander through gardens. Plus, you can hop on a boat and row around the lake, grab a bite at a café, take a spin on rides, rent pedal bikes, and let the kids loose in the playground.
TIP |Don't forget the bug spray! When the weather warms up, the mosquitoes steal the show.
COST | Entrance to the park is free. Rides and recreational activities have individual cost.
LOCATION | 00197 Rome, Metropolitan City of Rome Capital, Italy
09 | VISIT BIOPARCO DI ROMA (ZOO)
WHY PARENTS LOVE IT |It's a great morning escape for parents with little ones. You can check out all sorts of cool animals and let the kids burn off some energy at the playground.
TIP |Buy tickets online ahead of time and visit on a weekday morning to avoid the crowds.
COST | €18 for adults €14 for kids. Small kids under 1meter are free.
LOCATION | Piazzale del, V.le del Giardino Zoologico, 1, 00197 Roma RM, Italy
10 | ENJOY GELATO AT PIAZZA NOVONA
WHY PARENTS LOVE IT |Piazza Navona is the perfect spot for families to chill out, soak in the fountains, and indulge in some gelato. Plus, there are several restaurants nearby if you fancy grabbing a bite while admiring the statues and fountains.
TIP | This is one of the most touristy destinations in Rome. The weekends and summertime will be most crowded.
COST | Free.
LOCATION | Piazza Navona, 00186 Roma RM, Italy
What to know before you visit Rome with kids
Choose a neighborhood to stay that is less touristy.
Eat like locals and avoid overall fancy restaurants geared toward tourists.
Avoid crowds by showing up early or visiting on a weekday.
Always check online for opening times.
Purchase skip-the-line tickets for popular spots like the Vatican and Coliseum.
Bring bug spray.
Don’t visit in the summer unless you want to get a heat stroke.
Get your kids used to walking a fair bit because Rome is meant to be explored on foot.
Avoid eating at restaurants in tourist areas like piazzas.
Use Uber’s to get around, they are highly reliable in Italy and make traveling together so much easier.
Before you go, check out these Italy guides perfect for families.
What are your favorite things to do in Italy with kids? Please share them!
Visiting Rome with kids FAQ
Q: Is Rome budget-friendly?
A: Absolutely! Make the most of free museum days and kids' discounts, and don't forget to enjoy parks and casual dining options like street food.
Q: How much is a typical dinner in Rome?
A: Expect to spend anywhere from 30-60 euros depending on where you go.
Q: Where is the best place to go in Rome with kids?
A: Most people will say the historic city, 'Centro Strorico, however, I would recommend Villa Borghese for those that love greenspaces.
Q: Which part of Rome is best to stay in?
A: Check out Trastevere, Piazza di Spagna or Testaccio.
Looking for more family travel experiences in Italy? Get my Italy guides here.
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