Replete with ghosts of emperors, stories of brutal betrayals, and—ovviamente—gelato as far as the eye can see, Rome has no shortage of things to spark the imagination of every traveler, no matter their age.

Traveling is a great way to inspire kids to be lifelong learners, curious thinkers, and adventurous explorers. And Context makes building an itinerary around Rome for kids easy with specialized tours designed for families and children.

Planning a trip to Rome for families can feel complicated, but with a little forethought and some expert guidance, you can create memories that will last a lifetime.

While each family has to decide for themselves how many days in Rome is enough, here is a two-day itinerary featuring our favorite things to do in Rome with kids, all thoroughly tested and approved by our founders and Roman staff who have raised kids in the Eternal City.

Creating a Rome Itinerary with Kids

Day 1 in Rome

Families with small children might wonder how to tour the Colosseum in Rome – a place steeped in competition and violence. The expert guides on our Ancient Rome Tour For Kids are well-versed in creating a family-friendly experience that interests kids and parents. The two-and-a-half-hour tour is an appropriate length to keep active young minds engaged.

Families can explore the Colosseum together and learn about the fascinating history of the Roman Empire.

Prepare to be transported to another era as your specially trained scholar will share fun facts, stories, and activities, educating both children and adults about ancient Rome, emperors, and the mythology of the era.

After exploring one of the 7 Wonders of the Modern World, you’ll wander into the archaeological heart of the city. You’ll hear the fascinating story of Romulus and Remus, epic tales of the emperors, and what everyday life was like for Roman citizens.

If your family is interested in the stories of the gladiators, we’ll look at the exterior of the gladiator school, Ludas Magnus.

Here, you’ll learn about how the gladiators lived, where they would sleep, eat, and practice while training for the gladiatorial games (which they entered through an underground tunnel into the Colosseum).

Adventure awaits as you make your way down the Via Sacra, the captivating main street of ancient Rome, and into the Roman Forum to learn about the importance of the area to the social and political lives of the people in ancient Rome.

By the end of this educational and fun tour, families will have first-hand experience and knowledge of one of history's most pivotal empires.

Once your tour is over, you’ll have the rest of the day to explore the city, relax, and recap your insightful and eventful tour with your family.

Day Two in Rome

Start your second day in Rome delving  into the Vatican’s incredible history and art collection on our three-hour Vatican Tour for Kids.

A family-friendly Ph.D. or MA-level art historian will lead you through the hallowed halls of the Vatican Museum and Sistine chapel, as well as facilitate hands-on, interactive activities to keep kids excited and engaged while learning about some of the world's most famous pieces of art.

This is the Vatican like you’ve never seen it before – an exclusive, accessible journey through revered works of art. You’ll learn more about the Vatican’s role as a patron and preserver of the arts across centuries, as well as its role at the heart of Christendom.

The first stop on the tour is in the Pinacoteca, a chronologically arranged picture gallery with works dating from the Medieval period to the high Renaissance.

Through inquiry-based learning techniques, your child will hear about the history and techniques of masterworks by Leonardo da Vinci, Raphael, and others.

You’ll pay special attention to the renowned Vatican tapestries, which offer a rich way to start conversations about the wider social, cultural, and economic climate that enabled patronage and power during the Renaissance.

Finally, your family can revel in the majesty of the Sistine Chapel to admire and learn about Michelangelo's world-famous ceiling and The Last Judgment.

These essential experiences provide a great backdrop for kids to learn more about art and the Roman Empire.

Next, take some time for an experience truly created for kids Explore the Children’s Museum of Rome, the Explora il museo de bambini di Roma.

The museum offers opportunities for self-guided exploration, filled with a range of interactive exhibits and educational activities to foster curiosity and creativity.

What better way to learn than through play? Children can enjoy hands-on science, art, music, technology, and cultural activities.

Plan ahead to see the workshops and events offered by the museum, including storytelling, theater performances, and science experiments. The museum’s garden and  restaurant will make your visit even more enjoyable.

Plan Ahead with a Rome Tour

Finding and creating travel experiences in ancient Rome for kids is fantastic and easy – with a bit of pre-planning. Tours are a great way to see the sights, hear from local experts, and learn some interesting history to take home with you.

Our Rome tours are tailored with your needs in mind, so whether you choose one of our kid-friendly options or another tour, we’re here to help you design the vacation you’ve always wanted to take. If you’re interested in a custom itinerary perfectly suited to your family, reach out to us at info@contexttravel.com.