Visiting Rome in the winter can present challenges for kids who’d prefer to run around and explore the ancient landscape of the city.
But Rome has plenty of fun and interesting indoor activities for kids and small children of all ages, escaping the chilly weather to exercise and play. Here’s a list of our favorite child-friendly places in Rome during the wintertime, from cinema-inspired theme parks, children’s museum, or even a hand-puppet theater!
Cinecittà World
Cinecittà World
Rome’s version of Hollywood, Cinecittà is the home to the historic movie sets of some of your favorite Italian films. La Dolce Vita and Satyricon both by Fellini were filmed on the Cinecittà grounds, originally constructed by Mussolini during the country’s Fascist Era. Cinecittà World which opened in 2014 is a brand new theme park built adjacent the film studios, featuring original props and sets from famous films as well as reconstructed sets, such as a 1920s Manhattan. The theme park offers fun for all ages, from rides for children to a roller coast and more adrenaline-inducing attractions.
Address: Via di Castel Romano, 200 – 00128 Rome
Hours: See the website for updated hours
Tickets: €12-24
The Inflatable Planetarium
As part of the expansive Villa Torlonia in the north-eastern corner of the historic center of Rome, the Planetarium is set up in the Games Room of Villa Torlonia. Children and adults alike can explore the cosmos in this multi-media experience built inside an inflatable dome.
Address: Via Lazzaro Spallanzani, 1/a – 00161 Rome
Public Hours: Tue – friday 5pm-6pm, Sat & Sun 10am-18pm
Tickets: €6
Museo dei Bambini di Rome – Children’s Museum in Rome
Children’s Museum
An old ATAC (Rome’s public transportation company) warehouse-turned children’s museum, the Museo dei Bambini a Roma features an interior urban landscape for kids to run around, climb, watch, touch, and play. The museum opens to visitors at intervals of 2 hours, 4 times a day making it the perfect “pit-stop” to let off some energy right after lunch or before bed time.
Address: Via Flaminia, 80 – 00186 Rome
Hours: Tue-Sun 10am, 12pm, 3pm, 5pm
Tickets: €5-8, up to 12 months – Free
Extra Info: Booking requested: on Saturday and on Sunday. Free visits last 1 hour and 45 minutes. Children must be accompanied by an adult.
Cinema dei Piccoli
A historic little cinema nestled in the greenery of Villa Borghese, the Cinema dei Piccoli has been projecting films for children since 1934. At just 70 seats, it’s left its mark in the Guinness Book of World Records as the smallest cinema in the world (a title which has since been passed on to an even smaller cinema in the UK). It is also known locally at the “Mickey Mouse ClubHouse” because of a wooden cut-out of Mickey looking through a movie camera that once stood proudly on the roof. After Disney lawyers had the sign taken down, it continued to be referred as the famous Mikey Clubhouse.
Address: Viale della Pineta, 15 – 00197 Rome
For Films and Times, visit the Cinema dei Piccoli Facebook Page
Hand Puppet Theater
The San Carlino hand puppet theater provides a fantastic “wireless” experience for children today, traditional hand puppets brought to life by visiting and resident actors. The theater prides itself on thriving on the child’s imagination, bringing together music, dance, acting, and hand puppets.
Address: Viale dei Bambini, Villa Borghese
For show times and tickets, visit the website for more information
Looking for some more inspiration while traveling to Rome with kids?
If you’re still searching for the most family friendly apartment rental for families, ROMAC has the perfect solution for you! Our Dolce Family Apartment at the Spanish Steps was designed exclusively for families traveling with kids. This 2 bedroom, 1 bath apartment features children’s amenities for all ages, colorful furnishings, stroller and crib, loads of toys, a chalkboard wall and bunk beds with slide. A spacious living room for playing and a large tub for the little ones makes bath time easier while on vacation.
Have a look at our Rome for Families Guide for even more ideas on how to keep everyone entertained!
cover image photo credit: San Carlino Hand Puppet Theater
Have you travelled to Rome with children? Share your experiences with us in the comments below!
[…] the morning, head to Villa Borghese for a picnic, make a trip to the pool, or try any number of activities designed to keep children entertained. It also gives parents an opportunity to sit and down and relax a bit without working about the […]