Spend a half-day with the kids exploring the ancient ruins of Rome, and then visit a playground for a picnic lunch. We recommend bringing along your own lunch on this itinerary as the dining options close to the Colosseum are crowded, expensive, and touristy (and not particularly convenient)

This itinerary is best suited to morning to avoid the heat of the day and crowds.


Roman Forum (Foro Romano)

Address Foro Romano, Roma, Tel 06/6990110 Call, Entrance Via dei Fori Imperiali and Piazza del Colosseum, Cost Free, Hours Mon-Sat 9-2 hours before sunset; Sun 9-1

Arrive early in the day to avoid heat and crowds, and come prepared for sun. The Forum is mostly in ruins and it might be difficult for kids to imagine what it was like, visit here first before everyone is tired. If you're concerned that a trek through the ruins themselves might cause a meltdown, you can get a great view from behind the Capitoline Museums

Colosseum (Colosseo)

Address Colosseo, Roma, Tel 06/7004261 Call, Hours Mon-Sat 9-2 hours before sunset; Sun 9-1

The Colosseum is arguably the top tourist site in Rome for kids and adults alike. The excellently preserved ruins make it easy for kids to imagine gladiators, lions, and chariots. Pay special attention to the labyrinth of tunnels where the gladiators and animals waited to enter the colosseum and the system of ramps and trap doors that provided access to the arena.

Arrive early in the day to avoid heat and crowds, and come prepared for lots of sun.

Consider whether a Roma Archaeologia Card might meet your needs. The card is a 7 days Ticket valid for 1 entrance for each of the following museums: Colosseum - Palatinum Museum - Palazzo Altemps - Palazzo Massimo - Terme di Diocleziano - Crypta Balbi - Terme di Caracalla - Cecilia Metella - Villa dei Quintili. Once purchased, you can skip the lines at the other museums. You can purchase the card online or at any of the nine sites, and we recommend buying it before you tackle the long lines at the Colosseum.

Ancient Rome: Monuments Past and Present makes it easy for kids and adults to picture what the Roman monuments looked like in their original glory with pictures of today's ruins and artist's renderings of what the monuments must have looked like.

Piazza Celimontana Playground

Address Piazza Celimontana, Rome,

Take a break after your visit to the Colosseum at this large playground. There are climbing structures and swings as well as a bit of shade.

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