Are you ready for a family adventure in one of the coolest cities in the world? Rome, the Eternal City, is the perfect destination for families with teenagers. With so much history, art, and culture, you’ll never run out of things to do in Rome with teens. In this post, we’ll take a look at some of the most amazing things to do in Rome with teens to ensure you have a blast on your holiday.

The Colosseum – Get Your Gladiator On!

Okay, let’s start with the big kahuna – the Colosseum. This ancient arena is seriously impressive, and your teens will love learning about the battles that took place here. Imagine being a gladiator fighting in front of thousands of cheering fans. Epic, right? And the best part? You’ll get a chance to walk around the Colosseum and get a feel for what it was like in the days of the Roman Empire.

Pro tip: If you really want to get your teens to learn more about the Colosseum in a fun manner, you should definitely join a special family-friendly tour to enhance the experience for them. We also recommend planning a fun visit to the Gladiator school to give your teens a chance to actually dress up and pretend to be a gladiator for the day!!! That’s one experience they will cherish forever!

In order to avoid the crowds at the Colosseum, we recommend going early in the morning and buying your tickets in advance to skip the lines. If you decide to sign up for a tour, you won’t have to buy the tickets since the tour guides arrange them for you in advance. 

The Roman Forum – Explore the Heart of Ancient Rome

Next up, we have the Roman Forum. This was the centre of political and economic life in ancient Rome, and it’s now a maze of ruins that your teens will love exploring. They’ll have a blast learning about the different buildings, their uses, and the stories behind them. Just imagine, they’ll be able to tell their friends about the time they walked where Julius Caesar once did!

The ticket to the Colosseum also includes a visit to the Roman Forum and Palatine Hill. You can visit this part any time within 24 hours of your entry into the Colosseum.

Vatican Museums – Get Your Art Fix

The Vatican Museums are a must-visit for anyone who loves art, history, and culture. With a ton of sculptures, paintings, and other works of art, your teens will be in awe. The Sistine Chapel is a real showstopper with its famous ceiling painted by Michelangelo. And the Raphael Rooms? Trust us; they’re a feast for the eyes. Your teens will love this stop on the itinerary!

Like the Colosseum, be prepared for long lines and big crowds here, too, especially if you’re visiting in the peak seasons. Make sure you book your tickets in advance or sign up for a tour to learn more and enhance your experience. 

The Pantheon – Stare at this Architectural Marvel

The Pantheon is yet another magnificent structure that will definitely excite any teenager who is interested in architecture. It is known to have the largest unsupported domes in the world. It was first built as a temple to all the Gods of ancient Rome; however, today, it is used as a catholic church. 

While this monument is free to visit, make sure to get there early to avoid crowds and long lines at the security check. If you plan to visit on the weekend, you will be required to make a reservation in advance. This measure has been added to control the crowds here post the pandemic.

Food Tour – Try the Yummiest Treats

Food is an important part of Italian culture, and what better way to experience it than by taking a food tour? Your teens will love trying new foods and learning about the history and culture of Italian cuisine. From gelato to pizza to pasta, there’s something for everyone. They’ll have a blast trying new dishes and seeing what all the fuss is about.

Alternatively, another fun family experience is to sign up for a cooking class. There are plenty of options available where you and your family can get together and whip up all kinds of pasta, pizzas and Italian desserts. What’s better? After cooking up a storm in the kitchen, guided by an Italian chef, you will actually be able to eat the meal you prepared!

The Catacombs – Take a Walk on the Spooky Side

For a unique and off-the-beaten-path experience, visit the Catacombs. These underground burial sites are seriously cool and a little bit spooky. They date back to the early Christian era and offer a fascinating look at the history and culture of early Christianity. Your teens will love exploring the tunnels and learning about the history of the catacombs. Who knows, they might even get a little creeped out, but that’s all part of the fun!

Bike Tour – Pedal Your Way Through The Oldest Road

Feeling adventurous? Take a bike tour of the Appia Nuova, one of the oldest roads in Rome! This road passes through the famous Parco dell’Appia Antica, so you’ll be sure to have a great time in nature. It is also a great way to skip the crowded parts of the city and spend some quality time with your teens in Rome. 

Treasure Hunt – Find the Hidden Gems of Rome

Want to make your trip to Rome even more exciting? Join an exciting family treasure hunt! This is a fun and interactive way to explore the city and see some of the most famous landmarks and learn more about them. Your teens will love solving puzzles and following clues to find the treasure. You can even split up into two teams and see which team solves all the clues first!