Rome with tweens and teens (11+)
From eleven, children can do the Rome adults come for: the Vatican Museums, the Colosseum underground, the catacombs. They are still free at state sites until 18. Give them one thing with no history in it, such as bikes in Villa Borghese or a day at Cinecittà World.
What works at 11+
Ancient monumentColosseum, Roman Forum and Palatine
free under 18Free for under-18s and the one ruin kids already know. Book a timed slot or you will not get in.
MuseumVatican Museums and Sistine Chapel
child from €10A long one-way walk through crowds to reach the Sistine Chapel. Hard under 6, worth it from 9 or 10.
Ancient monumentPantheon
free under 18Twenty minutes, one room, a hole in the roof. The easiest big sight in Rome with small children.
CastleCastel Sant'Angelo
free under 18A real castle with ramparts, cannonballs and a roof terrace. Free under 18, lots of ramps and stairs.
Underground tourCatacombs of San Callisto
child from €7A 40-minute guided walk through underground tombs. 50 uneven steps down, no strollers, not for under-6s.
Day tripOstia Antica
free under 18A whole Roman town to run around in, with far fewer people than the Forum. Free under 18.
Theme parkCinecittà World
child from €24A full-day film-themed park south of Rome. Under 1 m free. Best from about 6, with a shuttle from EUR.
ZooBioparco di Roma
child from €14The zoo inside Villa Borghese. Shady, stroller-friendly outdoors, and the safest bet with under-6s.
ParkVilla Borghese
No ticket neededRome's big free park: rowing boats, bike carts, a playroom and paved paths that suit strollers.