Ancient ruins, entombed popes, messy pasta—sure Rome can be a blast for kids too! Here is how to enjoy the very best of Rome through the eyes of a child…
1. Vittorio Emmanuel II Monument
Make it a race to the top or count how many steps it takes to reach the top of this monument, known informally as “The Wedding Cake”. If you’re not too tired when you reach the top, you can even throw your own faux wedding overlooking Rome’s entire splendor.
2. Explora il Museo dei Bambini di Roma
Grab an English-guided tour when you check out this comprehensively fun children’s museum, jam-packed with kid-friendly, interactive exhibits and an outdoor play area where kids can play and discover the art and culture of Rome.
3. Largo di Torre Argentina
You’ll feel a tug at your heartstrings when you pop into Rome’s famous cat sanctuary. Spend hours upon hours chasing, petting, and playing with the kitties as they sleep, pounce, and lounge amongst the ruins.
4. The Colosseum
Rome’s history, steeped in heroism and valor will come alive after a visit to the famous Colosseum. Enact battles on the ancient site that were once witnessed by emperors, dictators, and kings. When you visit the Colosseum with a child, you will see the majesty of Rome through a dreamer’s eyes.
5. Piazza Bocca della Verita
Are your kids brave enough to test their honesty in the Mouth of Truth? The Bocca, a hand carved, marble sculpture is set in the portico of the church of Santa Maria. The man-like face is believed to represent a Pagan god of the river Tiber. It’s famed and feared mouth, revered as a powerful lie detector that could sense a lie when a hand was held in its mouth. The punishment: the hand would be bitten straight off.
6. Circus Maximus
This massive, outdoor park is ideal to a picnic al fresco. So pick up some fresh bread, salami, cheese, from the market, lay out a blanket and join the many families eating, playing soccer, and taking in the nearby ruins.
7. Trevi Fountain (Fontana di Trevi)
Do you believe in magic? Kids who wish to return to Rome just need to make a wish and toss a coin in the famed fountain before departing for home.
8. Janiculum Hill’s Colle del Gianicolo
This Gianicolo, is located on Rome’s beautiful Janiculum Hill. This lovely public “Terrazza” not only hosts the best overlook in Rome; it also hosts an authentic Italian puppet show, which takes place during the summertime months.
