Destination Guides: Rome, Italy - Family Fun

Central Children's Library

Via San Paolo alla Regola, 16

06 686 5116

Nov-mid June 9-7 Tue-Fri.   9-1 Sat.  Mid June-Sept. 9.30-5 Tue-Thur. Closed three weeks in August.

Bus or tram to Largo Argentina or via Arenula

The library has a selection of English, French, German and Spanish books for small children and an international range for older children too. Non-residents can use the library, but not borrow books. From mid-June, and for most of the summer, the library moves to a park: call for information.

Luna Park (Luneur)

Via delle Tre Fontane

06 592 5933

Oct-Apr 3-8pm Mon, Wed-Fri;  3pm-1am Sat; 10am-1pm, 3pm-10pm, Sun; May-Sept 5pm-1am Mon-Fri; 5pm-2am Sat; 10am- 1am Sun.

Metro Magliana/bus to Via delle Tre Fontane. 

Admission free; rides L1,000-5,000 each.

Rome's funfair is 30 years old, but it is still very popular. There's a roller coaster, two haunted houses, a hall of mirrors, and boat, car and pony rides for smaller children.

Villa Borghese Botanical Gardens

Villa Borghese

06-854-8577

Bus 52,53,910 (to Via Pinciana),3,4,57 (to Via Po)

Open daily 9am-dusk

A huge park on the slopes of the Janiculum, famous for its palms and yuccas and collection of orchids. Public gardens and park, including the Lake Garden, where boats may  be rented and the Zoo. There is also an aviary and an enormous racetrack.   The park was altered in the 18^th century to resemble English parkland and given to the public in 1902. 

Piscina delle Rose

Viale America 20

06 592 6717

mid June-end Sept 9-7 daily.

Metro EUR Palasport/bus to Viale Europa.

Admission charged.  9am-2pm or 2-7pm ;free children under 1 meter (about 3 feet) tall.

A child-friendly pool and play area.

Teatro Verde

Circonvallazione Gianicolense, 10

06 588 2034 

mid-Oct-end Apr. Shows 5pm Sat, Sun.

Bus or tram to Stazione Trastevere.

The best-known children's theatre in Rome, Teatro Verde offers puppets and acted plays in Italian. Visit the costume and prop workshop half an hour before the curtain goes up. Reservations advisable.