With its spectacular ancient ruins, Egyptian obelisks, and theatrical piazzas and fountains, Rome is a city that brings history to life like no other. Peppered with parks, ice cream parlours and take-away pizzerias, it is also a fun city for families, with children made welcome everywhere.
Encompassing open countryside, the Parco Regionale dell'Appia Antica makes for a great day trip. The park rents out bikes and toddler seats. Go on a Sunday, when there are often kids' events, including nature trails, insect-spotting and bird-watching.
Computer technology, light and sound effects, films and projections reconstruct the remains of two grand Roman villas discovered beneath Palazzo Valentini.
Explore the collections of the Vatican’s museums by rentingthe Family Audioguide, which is engagingly narrated by a series of characters ranging from an angel to a grumpy Michelangelo. For a break, head to the museum’s pizzeria.
Learn how to fight like a gladiator in a recreated arena at Via Appia Antica 18. Lessons are held by members of a historical re-enactment society.
Rome's piazzas are great fun to run around in. Head to the huge Piazza Navona, where there is always something going on – from street mime to fire-jugglers to the annual Christmas fair and carnival. It is also home to one of Rome's best toy shops, Al Sogno (no. 53). For playgrounds, head to Villa Borghese, where bikes can be hired, Parco Adriano, Villa Celimontana, and the huge Villa Doria Pamphilj.
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Experiment with 3D printers, a camera obscura, photography and film effects at this small science museum. Don't miss the Lego laboratory, where kids (and adults) can create robots.
Experience one of the biggest and most spectacular baths complexes in ancient Rome through virtual reality headsets. The complex is surrounded by grass and umbrella pines – ideal for a run-around.
All kids under the age of 18 get free entry to national museums.