Rome With Kids: the 12 Best Things To Do according to Locals

From theme parks to kid-friendly museums and activities, we at YouLocal have cherry-picked the very best things to do in Rome with kids. 

Enjoy your time and feel free to ask for further tips or to plan a special family tour of Rome with us!

 

1. LUNEUR PARK

Luneur is one of the best amusement parks in Rome for kids. It is located in a lovely, green, and recently renovated area in the heart of the EUR district.

The park is large and well-organized. It hosts plenty of fun attractions, from exciting roller coasters to rides, slides, and playgrounds for kids of all ages. The highlight of Luneur is a spectacular Ferris wheel with a great view over Rome.

During Christmas, kids can enjoy a charming ice skating rink, while in summertime a large pool with plenty of water games is available!

Luneur is easily reachable from Rome’s historic center by either car or by metro B line. 

• Address: Via delle Tre Fontane 100 
• Website: https://www.luneurpark.it/en/home-en/

 

2. BIOPARCO ZOO

Like every major city, Rome has its own zoo. The Bioparco was inaugurated more than a century ago and is still located within the Villa Borghese Gardens—an easy walk from the city center.

Rome’s zoo is family-friendly and well-maintained, with over 1,000 animals from all over the world—including lions, tigers, crocodiles, and snakes of all kinds—housed in a beautiful 17-hectare garden.

A visit to the zoo can be combined with a yummy picnic and a fun bike ride through Villa Borghese Gardens (plenty of bike rentals available), or even a boat ride on the charming laghetto di Villa Borghese.

Special tip for grown-ups: Villa Borghese offers many other activities and hosts several museums, including the National Gallery of Modern Art and the wonderful Borghese Gallery. Feel free to contact us to plan your family tours in Rome!

• Address: Viale del Giardino Zoologico 20 
• Website: https://www.bioparco.it/

 

3. DOMITIAN STADIUM

Did you know that Piazza Navona hides a massive ancient Roman stadium?

In fact, the beautiful Baroque square was built atop the ruins of the Stadium of Domitian, some of which can still be visited in a spectacular journey back in time!

Families love visiting this unique underground museum, where a detailed model of the stadium is on display along with plenty of reconstructions and information about sports and games in ancient Rome.

The museum also offers hands-on activities for kids to learn the secrets and magic of archaeology!

Bonus: Piazza Navona is the starting point of one of our top-rated family experiences: the Happy Kids! Family Walking Tour of Rome.

• Address: Via di Tor Sanguigna 3
• Website: https://stadiodomiziano.com/homepage-en/

 

4. WELCOME TO ROME

Among the best things to do in Rome with kids is the Welcome to Rome experience.

This interactive museum, located just off Piazza Navona, offers a fun and engaging journey through the foundation of Rome and its development over the centuries.

The highlight is a spectacular 30-minute film projected in a fully immersive 4D cinema hall. Trust us—your kids will love it!

• Address: Corso Vittorio Emanuele II nr. 203 
• Website: https://welcometo-rome.it/welcome-to-rome-experience/

 

5. EXPLORA MUSEUM

Just a 10-minute walk from Piazza del Popolo, you’ll find a special place: Explora – il Museo dei Bambini di Roma.

This is an interactive and multidisciplinary museum that engages children and stimulates their natural curiosity about science, the environment, society, communication, and much more.

Foodie tip: In the same building, you’ll find the Antica Pizzeria da Michele—a perfect spot for a yummy recharge after a fun visit.
(Click here for more tips on the best pizzerias in Rome!)

• Address: Via Flaminia 80/86
• Website: https://www.mdbr.it/en/

 

6. LARGO ARGENTINA CAT SANCTUARY 

Cats have always been beloved (often venerated!) in many cultures, including ancient Rome. Today, large cat colonies are spread all over the Eternal City, and the most famous one is in the archaeological area of Largo di Torre Argentina—just a short walk from Piazza Navona and the Pantheon.

The Torre Argentina Cat Sanctuary was founded in 1994. Since then, hundreds of cats have been rescued, vaccinated, housed, or adopted. The local staff is truly caring and professional.

Tip: You’ll only see a few cats around the ruins. To meet and pet the residents, seek out the entrance at the corner of Via Torre Argentina and Via Florida.

• Address: Largo di Torre Argentina
• Website: https://www.gattidiroma.net/web/en/

 

7. VIRTUAL REALITY BUS [temporarily suspended]

The VR Bus is a fun and engaging way to explore the heart of ancient Rome. Departing from Piazza Venezia, the bus takes you on a time-travel journey past the Imperial Forums, Colosseum, and Circus Maximus.

It features state-of-the-art 3D clear-glass screens that show how these monuments looked in their glory days. Occasionally, the blinds lift to reveal your real-time location in modern Rome.

The experience lasts around 30 minutes and pairs perfectly with our 2-hour kid-friendly walking tour of the Colosseum and Roman Forum. Full info here: Ancient Rome For Kids!

• Address: Piazza Venezia / Via dei Fori Imperiali Flaminia 80/86
• Website: https://vrbusroma.it/ 

 

8. GIANICOLO MIDDAY CANNON

Since 1847, a cannon has been fired every day at noon from Piazzale Garibaldi to mark midday in Rome.

Both locals and tourists enjoy this tradition—not just for the impressive blank shot, but also for the romantic Passeggiata del Gianicolo, offering the best panoramic views of the city.

Hot tips: a short walk from Piazzale Garibaldi will take you to the stunning Acqua Paola Fountain and the unique Tempietto del Bramante, a tiny Renaissance temple inside the ancient Monastery of San Pietro in Montorio (now home to the Spanish Academy).

The Gianicolo Hill also hosts the historic Teatrino dei Burattini (a puppet show usually held on weekends) and a lovely playground with carousels and attractions especially loved by kids.

• Address: Piazzale Giuseppe Garibaldi
• Website: https://www.esercito.difesa.it/storia/pagine/il-cannone-del-gianicolo.aspx

 

9. MUSEUM OF ILLUSIONS

Rome’s Museum of Illusions is a one-of-a-kind attraction! Opened in November 2022 close to the Basilica of St. Mary Major, it’s easily one of the most fun things to do in Rome with kids.

The museum features a wide range of optical illusions, holograms, magic photo zones, and special rooms like the Upside Down Room and Infinity Room that will blow your mind.

Get your camera ready and enjoy this amazing adventure for the whole family!

• Address: Via Merulana 17
• Website: https://moiroma.it/en/

 

10. VIGAMUS MUSEUM

Vigamus is the first and only video game museum in Rome. It’s both a fun space and a cultural center, offering insights into the history and evolution of video games and electronics.

Rare artifacts are on display—and some historic games are still playable for a nostalgic blast from the past!

The museum also features a Virtual Reality Room, where visitors can immerse themselves in the virtual world of their favorite games. The available titles change regularly for a fresh experience every time.

Kids and nostalgic parents alike—don’t miss it! Vigamus is located in the charming Prati district, within walking distance of the Vatican and Ottaviano Metro Station.

• Address: Via Sabotino 4
• Website: https://vigamus.com/en/

 

11. WAX MUSEUM

The Museo delle Cere di Roma is one of the oldest in Europe. It dates back to the 1950s and was founded to give the Italian capital a museum similar to the historic Madame Tussauds in London and Grévin in Paris.

Rome’s Wax Museum is actually not as large or spectacular as those two, but it’s still worth a visit and truly engaging for kids. It features dozens of wax figures, from music icons to politicians, artists, and historical characters. While in Rome, a special room dedicated to the Popes is not to be missed!

The museum is housed in a wing of Palazzo Colonna, just off Piazza Venezia, in the very heart of Rome.

Hot tip for art lovers: Palazzo Colonna also hosts the famous Colonna Gallery, one of the most important Renaissance and Baroque art collections in the Eternal City!

• Address: Piazza dei Santi Apostoli 68/A
• Website: https://www.museodellecere.com/

 

12. ZERO GRAVITY PARK

Zero Gravity is the largest trampoline park in Italy! Here, kids of all ages can play, run, jump, and hop—all while getting the health benefits of exercise.

In fact, this unique experience is not only great fun, but also an excellent way to build athletic skills and improve body awareness while learning the fundamentals of acrobatics, freestyle, parkour, calisthenics, aerial fabrics, and more.

Private spaces with dedicated staff can be reserved to celebrate birthdays and other events.

Zero Gravity is located a 30-minute drive southeast of Rome’s historic center.

• Address: Via Bernardino Alimena 111
• Website: https://www.zero-gravity.it/it/page/roma-tor-vergata/pm-2-5

 

 

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