If you’re looking for a truly memorable vacation experience for your kids, then you can’t go wrong with a trip to Rome! Of course, one of the best ways to explore this amazing city is by visiting its world-renowned museums. From art and history lovers to those interested in archaeology or architecture, there are museums to fascinate all ages here. And, let’s not forget about all the incredible Roman ruins that are waiting to be explored! Depending on the age of your child, different museums will be more or less interesting – but all of them will be sure to provide a fun and educational experience. To help you decide on your list, we’ve put together this collection of 18 Fantastic Museums in Rome for Kids, divided by age. Keep reading to learn more!
Best Museums in Rome for Toddlers and Young Kids (Infants – 6+)
When it comes to choosing the best museums in Rome for toddlers or young kids, there is no shortage of options. The city is home to some of the world’s most famous museums and galleries, many of which are perfect for young visitors. While many of the museums in this section work for all ages (infants to teens), those traveling with young kids will appreciate them in particular, especially due to their spacious exhibits, hands-on activities, or easily digestible information. Keep reading to discover some of the best museums in Rome for toddlers and little kids!
Planning a trip to Rome? Check out this Exciting 5 to 10-Day Rome Itinerary With Kids: What To Do And Where To Go!
Explora – Il Museo dei Bambini di Roma
If you’re looking for a fun and educational activity to do with your kids in Rome, check out Explora – Il Museo dei Bambini di Roma! With a location near Villa Borghese, this museum is specifically designed for toddlers and young kids under 12, making it the perfect place to take your little ones for a day of learning and discovery.
Here, you’ll find interactive exhibits on topics like science, nature, art, and more, alongside special play areas for kids between 0 and 3, 3 and 6, and 6 and 12. From a large, hands-on water table to a radio DJ station, there’s something for everyone at the Explora. And best of all, it’s located right in the heart of Rome so you can easily combine a visit to the museum with some sightseeing around the city. Kids under one year old can enter for free!
Please note: You must reserve an entrance time to Explora before your visit. There are three to four entrance times each day. Between shifts, the museum is completely reset for kids to enjoy and interact with as soon as they enter!
Museo del Giocattolo di Zagarolo
Museo del Giocattolo di Zagarolo is Rome’s very own toy museum, so it’s definitely worth a visit with your kids! Its location just outside of Rome is a bit out of the way if you’re visiting for a short trip. But kids are sure to love the thousands of vintage toys on display, from teddy bears to action figures!
Museo Mostra di Leonardo Da Vinci
Little kids who love keeping their hands busy will have a fantastic time at Museo Mostra di Leonardo da Vinci! Just a short walk from Campo de’ Fiori, this kid-friendly museum honors Leonardo da Vinci and all his various inventions. It’s interactive too, which makes it perfect for kids who want to try and operate the machines! Little ones can easily spend hours pulling levers, spinning machines, and exploring everything this museum offers.
In addition to the exhibits, the museum also offers families a self-guided scavenger hunt in and around the area, which is a great way to see some attractions in Rome while having fun. Keep in mind the scavenger hunt is suitable for kids 7 and up, though all ages will love the museum. Plus, kids five and under enter for free!
Book this Small-Group Rome Food Walking Tour: Trastevere, Campo de’ Fiori, Jewish Ghetto to explore this area!
Museo Civico di Zoologia
Museo Civico di Zoologia is one of the oldest and most important natural history museums in Europe! Located adjacent to Rome’s zoo, aka the Bioparco di Roma, the museum’s hands-on approach and interactive exhibits also make learning about science fun and engaging for young children. No wonder it’s one of the best museums in Rome for kids!
Kids will love exploring the different rooms with various geological specimens, including dinosaur fossils and more artifacts. Plus, since the museum is located right next to the zoo and the Borghese Gardens, you could easily visit all of them on the same day!
Castel Sant’Angelo National Museum
If you’re looking for the best museums in Rome for kids, look no further than the Castel Sant’Angelo National Museum! Located within the magnificent Castel Sant’Angelo fortress, this museum offers a fascinating insight into the history of Rome. Designed to be an interactive experience, the museum features several interesting exhibits where kids can learn about different aspects of Roman life, from vintage prints to Renaissance work and more. There’s also an exciting audio guide available in several languages, which brings the history of the castle to life.
Kids will also love exploring the castle’s huge grounds and ramparts. With stunning views over Rome, it’s the perfect place to let off some steam after learning all about its rich history! Finally, there is also a cafe available with a view of the city for those interested in eating during their visit.
Book this Tour of Castel Sant’Angelo!
Technotown
When it comes to choosing the best museums in Rome for kids, Technotown is definitely at the top of the list! Situated within Villino Medioevale of Villa Torlonia (a few stops away from the Termini train station), this unique museum is all about technology and how it has transformed our lives – making it the perfect place for budding tech lovers to explore. We recommend it for kids ages 6 and up.
From early computer history to current-day innovations, robotics, space exploration, and more, the interactive exhibits and hands-on activities will keep kids entertained for hours. Plus, it’ll help develop their problem-solving skills and stimulate their creativity.
VIGAMUS – The Video Game Museum of Rome
Visiting Italy’s first and most famous video game museum is a must when in Rome with kids! VIGAMUS, aka the Video Game Museum of Rome, is an interactive museum dedicated to the history and evolution of video games. In fact, it features over 200 classic and modern consoles, as well as interactive exhibits that kids of all ages will love! They can play classic games like Super Mario Bros. and Pac-Man, or try out newer ones like Witcher 3 and Halo 5. There’s also a VR room where they can experience what it’s like to be in their favorite game worlds. And if they get tired of gaming, they can check out the museum’s comic book collection or relax in the cafe.
MAXXI, or the National Museum of 21st Century Art
There’s no better way to get your young kids excited about art than by taking them to one of the best museums in Rome for kids! MAXXI, or the National Museum of 21st Century Art, is a perfect place to start. MAXXI has an impressive collection of contemporary art, making it one of the best museums in Rome for kids between the ages of 5 and up.
Exhibitions are always changing, but you can expect interactive shows related to architecture, the environment, and more topics that’ll be presented to kids in a fun and entertaining way. Even better, the museum offers several educational programs and workshops that are specifically designed for kids ages 6 to 11.
Explore more of Rome: 3-Hour Bike Tour with kids!
Best Museums in Rome for Tweens and Teens Who Love Science
Impressing tweens and teens may be a bit difficult sometimes, but Rome is always up for a challenge! If your kids are interested in science, here are our favorite picks for the best museums in Rome for tweens and teens!
READ NEXT: 6 Best Neighborhoods To Stay In Rome With Kids
Museo di Storia della Medicina
There are so many excellent museums in Rome, but if you’re looking for the best ones for science-minded kids, the Museo di Storia della Medicina is a great choice! Located in Rome’s Tiburtino neighborhood, within Sapienza University, this museum showcases the history of medicine and health. And it’s full of interactive exhibits that kids will love! From learning about ancient medical practices to trying out some fun hands-on activities, there are three floors for little ones to explore. This includes reconstructions of an apothecary and alchemist shop. And best of all, it’s free to enter! This museum is a bit niche, and some of the subject matter may be too advanced for very young kids, so we recommend it for kids 10 and over.
Best Museums in Rome for Tweens and Teens Who Love History
Are you looking for museums to teach kids about Roman or Italian history? We have a few great options just for that too! Whether your kids love history or you’re just hoping they learn a little something while on vacation, these are some of the best museums in Rome for families.
Discover more! Take the Rome: Official Guided Tour of the Catacombs of St. Callixtus.
Vicus Caprarius-the Water City
Kids interested in archeology will love visiting one of the newest museums in Rome! Recently uncovered during a construction project, Vicus Caprarius-the Water City, is just steps away from the Trevi Fountain. In fact, the Trevi Fountain is the monumental terminal display fountain from the waters of this underground reservoir! While this museum is doable for all ages, tweens and teens will be able to understand its cultural and historical significance better.
This ancient residential complex is underground and ideal for exploring during hot afternoons. There are specific interactive displays meant for children to understand the importance of this discovery, as well as guided tour options. Families can meander the maze of platforms to see excavated areas, many with placards to indicate what you are looking at. There is also a small museum area with artifacts discovered during the excavation, including pottery and ancient money. Undoubtedly, this is one of the best museums in Rome for families!
Children under 14 are free, and there is a discount for those under 18. Reservations are recommended, and they are required on weekends and public holidays. Guided tours are also available.
Welcome To Rome
Families who love interactive learning can’t miss the Welcome To Rome Interactive Experience! Featuring bright lights, holograms, and other interactive 3-D models, this unique art experience covers nearly 3,000 years of history. It is perfect for kids who may be learning a bit about Rome in school. Surreal video projections cover the floor, ceilings, and other parts of the building to truly immerse you in the history you’re hearing about. There’s even a longer, 30-minute film that families can stick around for that comes complete with special 3D effects!
National Etruscan Museum of Villa Giulia
There are so many amazing museums in Rome, it’s hard to choose which ones to visit with kids in tow! However, the National Etruscan Museum of Villa Giulia is definitely one of the best for all ages. With a prime location north of Villa Borghese, this family-friendly museum occupies a 16th-century palace, showcasing ancient relics and artifacts from the pre-Roman, Etruscan period. Highlights include a replica of an Etruscan tomb, various Etruscan jewelry and pottery, and a model of an Etruscan city. Even if your kids aren’t particularly interested in history, they’ll enjoy exploring the different rooms and gardens of the villa!
Best Museums in Rome for Tweens and Teens Who Love Art and Media
Art and Italy just go together! Those traveling with art enthusiasts will love adding these Roman museums to their itinerary. Featuring some of the most world-renown pieces, you can’t miss these museums in Rome with kids!
For more things to do in Rome with kids, read our list of 35 Fun & Educational Things To Do In Rome That Kids Will Love!
Galleria Borghese
If you have older children who love art, visiting the Galleria Borghese is a must. With a location in Villa Borghese, it was built in the early 1600s as a private museum for Cardinal Scipione Borghese. Today, it’s open to the public and houses an incredible collection of art, including paintings by Raphael and Caravaggio. Plus, there are many sculptures referencing ancient Greek and Roman myths, which kids may find interesting. Undoubtedly, Percy Jackson fans will immediately recognize Proserpina, one of the most famous statues in the collection! The movement achieved in these sculptures is absolutely captivating. The museum is also home to Rome’s only Egyptian mummy.
Musei di Villa Torlonia
Once a chic villa for a noble family, Musei di Villa Torlonia remains one of Rome’s most beautiful places to visit. Here, families will love the English-style garden (one of the only examples in the city). There is a playground, cafe, spacious green spaces, and several museums on the grounds, making this one of the best museums in Rome for all ages.
Tweens and teens, in particular, will enjoy meandering through the several on-site museums filled with art and ancient artifacts. The attractions here include Casino Nobile (the home of the Villa Museum and the art collection), the Casino dei Principi (used for exhibitions), and the Museum of the Casina delle Civette. While going through the indoor exhibits, take note of its history. The villa was once given to Mussolini as a residence. All of the buildings hold beautiful works and have been wonderfully restored, making them fun to explore as a family. Outside, enjoy the lovely walk around the rounds. Be sure to find the amphitheater and two pink granite obelisks.
Capitoline Museums
Kids of all ages will love exploring the Capitoline Museums in Rome! This collection of art museums on Capitoline Hill is one of the oldest in the world. It’s located in a complex comprising two main buildings, the Palazzo dei Conservatori and the Palazzo Nuovo. An underground walkway connects both buildings.
The Palazzo dei Conservatori houses an impressive collection of ancient Roman art and sculptures, including the famous twins Romulus and Remus. Be sure to tell kids about this famous myth and how the city of Rome was said to be founded! Teens may prefer the Palazzo Nuovo, which showcases a variety of other sculptures and paintings.
Located off-site in a different building (what was once an old power plant!), teens and tweens may also enjoy visiting the Centrale Montemartini. This quaint, rarely-crowded museum features ancient Roman antiquities, including an extensive collection of sculptures.
MIAC – Museo Italiano dell’Audiovisivo e del Cinema
Rome is full of amazing museums, but if you’re looking for one specifically for kids with an interest in film or media, the MIAC – Museo Italiano Audiovisivo e Cinema is a great option. This wonderful museum is dedicated to the history of Italian cinema and audio-visual media, and is chock-full of interactive exhibits. TV lovers will appreciate the gallery diving into the history of the television industry in Italy, for example. There are also several screening rooms where kids can watch classic Italian films, making this one of the most unique and educational museums in Rome. This is definitely a place that both kids and adults will enjoy; however, keep in mind it’s a bit out of the way from the city center. To reach the museum, take the metro to the Cinecittà station.
Admission is free for kids 10 and under and discounted for everyone under 25!
Vatican Museums
Vatican City is a must when visiting Rome with kids of all ages! This is where you’ll find the Vatican Museums, a collection of over 25 museums located in the Vatican Palaces. One ticket gives you access to all the galleries, where families can explore Egyptian relics, Renaissance paintings, Greek and Roman Sculptures, and so much more. Of course, when visiting the Vatican Museums, you can’t miss the opportunity to see the Last Judgement in Michelangelo’s Sistine Chapel. Then, use your leftover time to visit St. Peter’s Basilica and Square, one of the Catholic church’s most holy pilgrimage sites. Though this museum is likely best for tweens and teens, younger kids may find aspects of it interesting, as well.
Explore more of the Vatican: Early Morning Semi-Private Tour.
Museum Leonardo Da Vinci Experience
There’s no better place to learn about the life and works of Leonardo da Vinci than at the Museum Leonardo da Vinci Experience in Rome! Located in the chic neighborhood of Prati, this interactive museum lets families try their hand at some of da Vinci’s most famous inventions, like his flying machine, or see how he created some of his most iconic paintings. Kids can even try painting like da Vinci, designing their own bridges, and learning about his many groundbreaking discoveries. There’s also a special section devoted to his studies of anatomy and physiology, which are sure to fascinate young minds. Plus, the museum is free for kids six and under and discounted for kids under fifteen!
Where to Stay in Rome with Kids
Once you’ve discovered the best museums in Rome for kids, look for somewhere to stay. For a convenient stay in the historic city center, consider hotels such as Hotel Nazionale Roma, Crossing Condotti, Grand Hotel de la Minerve, Albergo Santa Chiara, St. Regis Rome, Hotel Artemide, and Hotel de Russie.
A few more boutique options include Hotel Raphael, J.K Place Roma, and The Inn At The Spanish Steps. Then, families who want to stay in trendy Trastevere will love the Villa Agrippina Gran Melia, located on the banks of the River Tiber. Or, for a more secluded stay, Rome Cavalieri, A Waldorf Astoria Hotel, is a wonderful option, offering panoramic views of Rome from its prime hilltop property. For more information, check out our article on the Best Neighborhoods To Stay In Rome For Families!
Happy Travels!
We hope you liked this article on 18 Fantastic Museums In Rome For Kids (By Age!) With great food, iconic history, and so much culture, Rome is undoubtedly a one-of-a-kind destination for a family vacation. Enjoy Italy with your kids!
*Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, some of the attractions, accommodations, or things to do on this list may be closed. Please ensure availability before making your decision.
*This post may contain affiliate links that may earn us a small commission, at no additional cost to you. Affiliate links in no way inform the hotels, sights, products, or other recommendations included in our articles. All opinions and recommendations expressed here are compiled from submissions submitted by the generous members of our Families Who Love To Travel community.
READ MORE:
-
18 Fantastic Museums In Rome For Kids (By Age!)
-
12 Tips For Visiting Egypt With Kids: How To Plan An Awesome Family Vacation
-
An Amazing 2-Week Egypt Itinerary For Families: Best Things To See & Do With Kids
-
6 Best Neighborhoods To Stay In Rome With Kids
-
Essential Tips For Visiting Puglia With Kids
Washington DC definitely boasts some of the best things to do with kids! Having lived here for 15+ years, now Read more
My family and I moved to London recently, and we’ve had plenty of time to explore the city. I love Read more
Families Love Travel contributor Dana Arnold shares details of her recent Lisbon family vacation, including her favorite activities and restaurants.
Lake Tahoe ski resorts are among the best in the world, offering world-class amenities, incredible ski slopes, and family-friendly lodging. Read more
The post 18 Fantastic Museums In Rome For Kids (By Age!) appeared first on Families Love Travel.
0 Comments