A trip in Rome can be more fun and exciting if you travel with your kids. Most of the time, families who travel around Europe elect Rome as their starting point. Rome is the capital city of Italy and of the Lazio region as well. Known for its rich history, culture and tradition, Rome can sometimes be tagged as a boring destination for kids. But the fact is that there are countless of interesting sightseeing spots and fun activities you can do in Rome to make your family vacation as enjoyable and memorable as it can ever be. Since kids, in general, are not huge fan of purely historical events, you need to be creative in planning your trip itinerary to ensure that the whole family will enjoy the trip. Here are the top 5 activities you can do in Rome with kids.
Walk up to the Spanish Steps
The Scalla di Spagna or Scalinata della Trinita’ dei Monti, also popularly known as the Spanish Steps, is undoubtedly the most popular spots in Rome where both locals and tourists love to gather and linger around. It is located at the Piazza di Spagna. This monumental stair has its base at the ground of Piazza di Spagna and runs up to the Trinità dei Monti Church.
The Spanish Steps is also among the most favorite tourist spots of pilgrims, artists and writers. You and your kids will surely enjoy quality time together just hanging around while watching the caricature artists exhibit their skills and while enjoying a cone of gelato. Walking up to the Spanish Steps will give you a feel of both antiquity and serenity. The Spanish Steps is also a great venue to unwind after a long day of touring around the city.
Meet and greet the little cute friends at Largo di Torre Argentina Cat Sanctuary
On the Champ de Mars, you can find the ancient square known as Largo di Torre Argentina. This archaeological wonder is home to over 300 different stray cats. There are a couple of volunteers around the world that help maintain the sanctuary and take care of the cats.
You will not just enjoy watching the cats from a distance but you can also adopt one. The shelter management also offers adoption from a distance, where you can send your financial support to your chosen cat and to her friends at the sanctuary. The cats live and loiter around the remains of Pompey’s Theater and the ruins of the four Republican Roman temples.
Learn to fight like a valiant warrior at the Gladiator School
Kids, especially little boys, find fight or war games amazing and entertaining. Why not let your kids experience something like a real ancient fight? There are a couple of gladiator schools and gladiator museums in Rome where both you and your kids can learn more about ancient gladiators. This activity usually starts with a tour around the gladiator museum, where you will find a collection of replicas and some genuine gladiator stuffs used by the ancient fighters, including costumes, armor, defense tools and a lot more.
At the school, you will be taught of the basic tactical fighting techniques used by gladiators during Roman Empire times. After the learning session, each of the participants will be given the chance to fight like a real gladiator, to wear a gladiator costume and to use real yet dull weapons. There will be exciting fun stuffs to be given away to the winner. Gladiators are the ancient fighters during Roman Empire era who are greatly known for their bravery and boldness. They used to fight against their fellow gladiators from the opposing teams and sometimes against beast animals.
Get fascinated with the grandiose Sistine Chapel
The Sistine Chapel, also called the Capella Magna, is one of the most popularly known churches in the Eternal City. It is located in the Apostolic Palace inside Vatican City. This large chapel is among the most recognized ancient churches in the world because of its intricate design and glorious frescoes.
The whole family will surely be mesmerized with the marvelous creations of Michelangelo di Lodovico Buonarroti Simoni, or simply Michelangelo, a renowned Italian architect, engineer, poet, sculptor and painter. His elaborate paintings on the ceilings, as well as The Creation and The Last Supper paintings he made on the altar wall of the Sistine Chapel, are considered among the greatest achievements in Renaissance architecture and art.
Strolling around the Giardino Zoologico di Roma
The Giardino Zoologico di Roma, also called Bioparco, is a zoological garden located within the vicinity of Villa Borghese Park. This child-pleaser zoo is a home for more or less 1114 animals from 222 different species. It houses a great number of endangered species as well as different animals that have been victims of trafficking and abuse. The Bioparco is considered as the most ancient zoological garden. Unlike the traditional zoo, the animals in Bioparco are not locked in their cages. Animals can freely move around and dwell in their natural habitats without the fear of being harmed. Among the common animals you can find in Bioparco are tigers, seals, elephants, zebras, giraffes, monkey species like orangutans and chimpanzees, reptiles like turtles, lizards, snakes, and crocodiles, exotic birds like parrots and flamingos, wild animals, and a lot more.
Aside from the animals, you can also enjoy a more natural and fresher atmosphere because of the botanical garden. If you are in Rome, you have to act and live like a Roman so you can fully enjoy your stay in the city. Pitch your tent or grab your picnic basket and take some relaxing time at the park. There is also a playground in the park where your kids can enjoy playing. If you want an extra dose of excitement, let your child ride on the small train that wanders around the park.