The Colosseum is something you simply have to see in Rome. This gigantic amphitheater has been an icon of the city since it was built in 80AD, and it’s one of the most impressive and best-known of all the artifacts left from the ancient Roman Empire.
Perhaps unusually for ancient ruins, the Colosseum is also a great place to visit with kids. But the arena will only keep them occupied for so long. Once you’ve seen and done everything there is to do at the Colosseum, you may well find yourself wondering how else to keep little ones entertained in Rome.
Luckily, there are lots of options. After all, the historic center of Rome is fairly small, and just about everything you might want to see is within easy reach of the Colosseum. Drop off your bags at a luggage storage near the Colosseum and try some of these activities to keep the whole family entertained.
Become a Gladiator
This option is great for active kids, and after learning all about the lives of gladiators at the Colosseum, this might be the perfect way to take the experience to the next level. Gruppo Storico Romano offers a Gladiator for a Day experience that will give you and your kids a two-hour gladiator training session so that you can learn more about what life was like for these ancient athletes.
The classes are completely safe, and they can be tailored to your kid’s age and ability to make sure that everyone has fun. There’s no better way to understand history than to relive it like this, and both you and your little ones will gain a much richer understanding of the life of a gladiator from this experience. Plus, you’ll get some incredible photos, and you’ll get the kids to burn off some energy so that you can enjoy some peace and quiet later in the day.
Borghese Gardens
For a more relaxing experience, the city’s beautiful Borghese Gardens are the perfect way to spend some time in nature. Located behind the Villa Borghese, this huge public park is great for a stroll. You can wander around the splendid gardens and enjoy views of Rome that you simply won’t get anywhere else.
The many sculptures located around the grounds will also let your kids learn more about art and history while they explore at their own pace. The gardens also host several special events throughout the year, including concerts and workshops, so if you’re visiting during one of these, you’ll be able to make it even more memorable for your family. There is also a lake where you can rent a boat and explore the water, so this is a great place to enjoy the usually good weather in Rome.
Discover the Statues
Rome has been a center of political power for centuries, and as a result, it is home to some truly monumental artworks. The city is full of statues commemorating emperors, popes, princes, and others, and discovering the statues makes for an interesting scavenger hunt through the ancient city.
The ominous statue of a Renaissance scientist at Campo de’ Fiori is a great place to start. Hooded and cloaked, the statue stands guard over the always-lively market held in the square, which also makes an excellent place to shop for souvenirs. Seeing the statue is also a great learning opportunity for kids since Bruno’s story incorporates scientific knowledge and political history – though its somewhat grisly ending isn’t necessarily the best for younger kids.
Just a short walk away, Bernini’s elephants in Piazza della Minerva are a lot more lighthearted. And close by, you’ll find a gigantic foot the size of a small car that is all that’s left of a colossal statue of the goddess Isis.
Finally, don’t forget to check out the Bocca della Verita or Mouth of Truth. This ancient disc is said to bite the hand of anyone who lies, so dare your kids to put their hand inside the marble mouth of the statue and tell a lie. All these statues make for great photo opportunities and offer a fun way for you and your kids to see the city.
Trevi Fountain
Who says sightseeing has to be boring? After all, who doesn’t love a good fountain? Trevi Fountain is one of the most famous in the world, and it’s definitely worth a visit. Legend has it that if you throw a coin into the fountain, your wish will come true (so don’t forget to bring some spare change).
Your kids won’t need any convincing to make sure this becomes part of their experience. After all, making wishes is something every kid loves doing, plus the spectacular cascading waters are pretty mesmerizing, even for adults. Make sure to stay around until nightfall so that you can enjoy beautiful illuminated views of the fountain too.
The Pantheon
About a 20-minute walk from the Colosseum, you’ll find the Pantheon. This place of worship was built during the 2nd century AD and is considered one of the best-preserved ancient Roman monuments. It has an iconic domed roof that still stands today, and its interior is filled with classical sculptures and artwork which makes it one of the most beautiful buildings in Rome.
While it might not sound too geared toward kids yet, it has one defining feature that is likely to intrigue them. The domed roof has a small open circle at the top, allowing sunlight (as well as rain) to enter the structure. You won’t find anything like this back home, and it’s certain to spark some questions.
Conclusion
Rome is full of incredible historical sights to explore and offers a wealth of activities for kids. From the Colosseum to the Trevi Fountain, from statues to gardens, there are plenty of ways for families to spend days in Rome with their children – no matter what their age. So don’t forget to pack your camera and get ready for an unforgettable adventure!