Half Term is a great moment to go visit Rome. The weather is nice and the streets are not filled with tourists like in summer. But just like any other European capital, there are so many things to see that you will easily bore and tire out any child, regardless of his/her age.
So, what options do you have?
A lot!
All you need to do is plan ahead and follow the 12 tips to a hassle-free family vacation. Take the time to plan a child-friendly itinerary, leaving room for breaks (bathroom, meals, nap…) and always expect the unexpected!
To help you make the most of your half term holiday in Rome with kids, we have selected some great kid-friendly things to do. Not only are they great for children, but they are also very interesting for parents!
From interesting churches to the impressive Colosseum, by way of food excursions and hands-on workshops, here are the must-do activities for half term in Rome with kids.
Half term in Rome must do #1: Rome sightseeing tour
If it is your first time in Rome, then you might consider doing a sightseeing tour.
After all, the charm of the Eternal City lies in its monuments and small pedestrian streets.
There are a few ways to go sightseeing in Rome
For the more adventurous, you can always find a map and navigate alone. You will have all the time for yourself and go at your own pace (or the one of your child). The problem is, you might miss out on a lot of interesting details, and if it’s just taking a walk and looking at churches, streets and facades, there is a good chance your children will start complaining the moment you walk into a second church!
There are hop on – hop off buses in Rome, which are convenient and affordable. The buses will take you to the most iconic places of the Italian capital, following a special route. You can combine a hop on – hop off ticket with one or more entry tickets such as the Colosseum or the Vatican.
One of the best ways to visit Rome, and one that your children will enjoy the most, is Family Twist’s Rome Sightseeing Tour. In the comfort of a luxurious Mercedes van, you will be accompanied by your private chauffeur and guide. The experienced guide, who knows how to keep both parents and children engaged, will tell you all about the history and characteristics of what you will see along the way. And there’s always the game booklet to keep the children highly entertained.
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Here are some family-friendly Christmas activities in Rome you will enjoy with your kids:
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Half term in Rome must do #2: Colosseum and the Roman Forum
The Colosseum is the most iconic monument of Rome. Built between the year 72 and 80, the Colosseum of Rome is the largest amphitheater that has ever been built. It stands close to the Roman Forum, the place where many government buildings once stood during the Roman Empire.
Here too, you can decide to visit the Colosseum on your own. Surely, you will be impressed by the size and beauty of the place, and you will get all the information from the audio guide. But will this be enough to interest your children? I doubt it.
The best way to get a perfect idea of what the Colosseum is all about, what its purpose was in the past and keeping your children happy is to book Family Twist’s Colosseum and Ancient Rome tour.
With skip-the-line tickets and an expert guide just for your family, you will have the privilege to discover the Colosseum and the Ancient Forum in the best of ways. From interesting fun-facts to an in-depth look at architecture and history, your guide will make this activity unforgettable. Even your children will be begging for more, thanks to the game booklet.
Half term in Rome must do #3: Vatican
The Vatican, with its famous Sistine Chapel and St Peter’s Basilica, is also a must do in Rome during Half Term.
Again, you can either decide to wait in line for a long time (long enough to hear your children complain even before setting a foot inside the building) and discover the place on your own.
Or you can chose Family Twist’s Exploring the Vatican, which is designed for families traveling with children.
With your own private guide, you will avoid the long wait in line, and quickly access the most beautiful parts of the Vatican. On today’s visiting menu: the pope-mobile, the Marble Heroes in the Candelabra Gallery as well as priceless tapestries and ancient maps. Of course, you won’t miss the Sistine Chapel, with Michelangelo’s famous ceiling paintings, and St. Peter’s Basilica! All that done in a fun and interesting way to make sure your children and yourself get the most out of this visit.
Half term in Rome must do #4: Vatican Necropolis
For those who want to stick to the traditions of All Saints Day, and pay homage to the deceased, you can head out to the Vatican Necropolis. It lies, as you might expect, under the Vatican City, right under Saint Peter’s Basilica. The Vatican Necropolis is not frightening, nor is it macabre, so it is family-friendly. It’s the cultural and historical aspect of this necropolis that makes the visit interesting, even for younger children.
Please note that visits of the Vatican Necropolis have to be arranged in advance. For that, please contact the office of the Necropolis and specify the date and language of the tour. The visit lasts about 1.5 hours and only small groups are allowed inside for conservation efforts.
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Here are some family-friendly hands-on workshops in Rome you will enjoy with your kids all year long:
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Half term in Rome must do #5: Villa Borghese
La Villa Borghese is probably the most famous museum in Rome. Located in the North Western part of Rome, the museum is set in the heart of the beautiful Borghese Gardens.
Visiting an art museum is always quite difficult with kids in tow when following a classic itinerary. You won’t make them happy and interested if you just walk through the museum, gaze at the objects exposed and read the explanations below each item.
One way to see the highlights of the Villa Borghese museum and still have your children begging for more is by booking Family Twist’s “The Mysteries of Roman Mythology”. An interactive visit of the museum and its masterpieces (Titian, Raphael, Caravaggio, Correggio) designed for families traveling with children. Along with the expert and well trained guide, your children will also have a special game booklet to keep the visit snappy.
Half term in Rome must do #6: Rome Catacombs
Again, for those who seek some thills while in Rome can always visit the Catacombs of Rome. These ancient underground burial places have been used since the 2nd century AD. The Catacombs of Rome are extremely important for the art history of early Christian art: these 2,200 year old tombs contain frescos, sculptures and objects of great value to historians.
There are many different Catacombs in Rome, but we recommend to visit one of these 5 catacombs, which are the most impressive: Domitilla, Pietro, St Callixtus, Marcellino, and Priscila.
Half term in Rome must do #7: Piazza and fountains
When walking in the streets of Rome, you will be surprised to see so many squares (Piazza) and fountains. And some of these piazzas and fountains are not to be missed!
That is why Family Twist has developed their “Rome Along The Water” tour. The private, fully-licensed guide will take you on a walking tour that will amaze both you and your children. In the historical center of Rome you will discover the Piazza di Spagna (and the famous Spanish Steps) and Piazza Navona, as well as the famous Trevi Fountain and other beautiful hidden gems. Don’t forget to throw a coin in the Trevi Fountain, that’s tradition!
Half term in Rome must do #8: Pizza, pasta and gelato
Eating pizza, pasta and ice cream is part of the Italian experience. Any family coming to Rome has to taste those three dishes or else they will be missing the whole Italian cuisine experience! Tasting is great, but learning how to make your own pizza, pasta or ice cream is an experience that you will always remember. And of course, the best part of these hands-on experiences is that you get to eat what you and your family has prepared!
In a private cooking class in the heart of Rome, Family Twist’s “Make Your Own Pizza” and “Pasta Making Class” are the perfect private lessons to become Italian chefs back home. An expert chef will teach you all the secrets to making the best pasta and pizza. And since everyone gets their hands deliciously dirty, it become a true family bonding experience.
Half term in Rome must do #9: Churches
There are some very exciting churches to visit, and you can easily spend a couple of hours just walking in the streets of Rome and entering all the churches you’ll find a long the way (and there are plenty)!
If you don’t want to join a group visit, and are spending free time with your family on a sunny afternoon in Rome, here are some churches you will want to include in your planning. Since children need breaks, especially after walking a lot, consider these stops as break areas.
Santa Maria del Popolo: the basilica is said to contain the most beautiful examples of Renaissance art, with paintings by Caravaggio, Raphael and Bernini.
Santa Maria in Trastavere: one of the oldest churches in Rome, built in the year 350.
Santa Maria Sopra Minerva: one of the only gothic churches in the city.
San Giovanni in Laterano: Believed to be the first Catholic church in Rome, it is the home cathedral of the archbishop of Rome.
Santa Maria Maggiore: One of the most important Catholic churches of Rome.
Saint Peter’s Basilica: This list would not be complete without the Vatican’s iconic monument
Half term in Rome must do #10: Crypt of the Capuchin Monks
Warning: the visual content of this crypt may be disturbing for people that cannot stand the sight of human bones. Not suitable for young children!
Under the church of Santa Maria della Concezione dei Cappuccini lies a very strange and quite chilling crypt: The Crypt of the Capuchin Monks. This crypt, which is comprised of several tiny chapels, houses the remains of 3,700 bodies believed to be Capuchin friars. The walls and ceiling are all covered in human bones.
1631 marks the arrival of the Capuchin monks in this church and the start of their very peculiar ritual. Upon their arrival, they first started covering the walls of the crypt with bones of 300 deceased friars they had taken with them. Then, when a monk would pass away, the monks would bury his body for 30 years, after which the body would be exhumed. The bones were added to the existing decor and the vacant burial ground used for another monk.
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Other information about Rome which will prove useful for your vacation in Rome with kids:
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