Rome is a city where history surrounds you—where every walk feels like an open museum and every piazza invites you to pause and look closer. This four-day itinerary offers families the opportunity to experience the best of Rome at a manageable pace, combining iconic sights with open exploration (and plenty of gelato!).
Whether you’re standing in the Colosseum, uncovering the tales that shaped the city, or staring up at Michelangelo’s Sistine Chapel, these days are designed to spark curiosity and create lasting memories.
Day 1: Roaming Around Rome
On your first full day, skip the long lines and structured tours. Instead, head out on foot to get your bearings and soak up the energy of the Eternal City.
Our self-guided Walking Tour of Rome for Families takes you past famous landmarks like the Spanish Steps, the Pantheon, the Colosseum, and Saint Peter’s Square. It’s a relaxed way to explore and soak in the atmosphere—and perfect for kids who prefer movement over museums.
What the kids loved most: tossing coins into the Trevi Fountain and hearing the legend behind it, climbing the grand steps of Il Vittoriano for views of the city, and, of course, the gelato breaks.
If you have the energy, return to spots like the Colosseum, the Trevi Fountain or Il Vittoriano after sunset—the monuments are beautifully lit at night and the atmosphere is entirely different.
Day 2: Vatican Tour & Saint Peter’s Basilica
Visiting the Vatican is a must for many travellers, but with so much to see, it can easily overwhelm both adults and kids. We dedicated a whole day to it, and we’re glad we did. From the intricate ceiling of the Sistine Chapel to the soaring dome of Saint Peter’s Basilica, the scale and history here are hard to match.
We joined a tour of the Vatican Museums, where we admired ancient sculptures, tapestries, and maps before reaching the Sistine Chapel. Michelangelo’s work lived up to the hype, and having it explained beforehand helped the boys stay engaged.
What the kids loved most:
• Stepping into a new country (Vatican City!)
• Seeing the Swiss Guard in their colourful uniforms
• The “optical illusion” in Saint Peter’s Square, where the four rows of Bernini’s columns seem to merge into one (look for the marble disks!)
• Exploring the papal tombs below the Basilica—quiet, cool, and full of intrigue
The sheer size of Saint Peter’s Square, combined with the golden dome towering above, left a lasting impression. The space feels both grand and welcoming, and gives kids a chance to run, count columns, and enjoy a break from the museum halls.
For more tips and what to expect, check out our full post: Visiting the Vatican with Kids.
Day 3: Colosseum, Roman Forum & Palatine Hill
This was the day we’d all been waiting for—and it didn’t disappoint. Touring the Colosseum was a highlight of our entire trip. We booked a small-group experience with LivTours, and our guide was fantastic with kids—engaging, knowledgeable, and full of stories.
We stood on the arena floor, where gladiators once battled for glory, and imagined the roar of the crowds echoing off the ancient stone. The boys were captivated by tales of trapdoors and pulley systems that once released wild animals onto the sand, creating surprise spectacles for Roman audiences.
From there, we passed through the Arch of Titus and climbed to the top of Palatine Hill. With sweeping views over the Roman Forum, the stories continued—of emperors, temples, and the rise and fall of ancient Rome. The boys especially loved the legend of Castor and Pollux, the mythical twins said to have appeared in this very spot, now remembered in the constellation Gemini.
See our complete post: Inside the Colosseum: Touring Ancient Rome with Kids.
Day 4: Leonardo da Vinci & the Catacombs
After several days of ancient ruins and Renaissance art, we shifted gears with a more hands-on experience. The Leonardo da Vinci Experience Museum in Rome is a small, interactive museum featuring life-sized models of his most famous inventions, detailed art reproductions, and engaging machines you can touch and try. It’s ideal for kids who love engineering, creativity, and hands-on activities. Our boys especially loved experimenting with the flying machines and building bridges using Da Vinci’s designs. We spent nearly two hours here, and it was a welcome change of pace from traditional sightseeing.
In the afternoon, we ventured underground to explore the Catacombs of St. Callixtus—the largest of Rome’s many catacomb networks. These early Christian burial chambers stretch more than 20 km beneath the surface and date back to the 2nd century AD. At a time when Christians were persecuted and not allowed to be buried above ground, these underground cemeteries became sacred spaces. Our guided tour took us through narrow corridors lined with tombs and ancient chambers once used for worship. The cool, dim tunnels were both eerie and fascinating, and the kids were amazed by how vast and intricate the catacombs were—an actual underground maze where you could easily get lost without a guide.
This day gave us a new perspective on Roman history—from the mind of a genius inventor to the quiet resting places of Rome’s early Christian community.
Tips for Touring Rome with Kids
• Start early to avoid crowds and heat
• Wear comfortable shoes—those cobblestones are no joke
• Take breaks for snacks: gelato, pizza, and take-away pasta
• Bring a refillable water bottle: There are public fountains all over Rome
• Public bathrooms can be scarce and often charge a small fee. Keep coins handy.
• Consider travelling in spring or fall for smaller crowds
• Book skip-the-line tickets in advance for major attractions
Keep Roaming
From tales of gladiators to exploring underground tombs, each day in Rome uncovered a new story. We wandered piazzas, tossed coins in fountains, and stood beneath shimmering domes—often with gelato in hand.
Being in Rome was a reminder of just how much history is tucked into every corner of this city—and how even a simple walk can feel like a journey through time.
Ready to Explore Italy?
Check out these related posts to help plan your trip:
• Fun Things to Do in Venice with Kids
• Becoming Gondoliers: Learning to Row a Gondola in Venice
• Inside the Colosseum: Touring Ancient Rome with Kids
• The Vatican with Kids: What to Expect & How to Plan
• Roaming Around Rome: A Walking Tour for Families
