Rome is an incredible city, full of ancient ruins, jaw-dropping architecture, and world-class food, but let’s be honest, traveling with teens can be a bit of a balancing act. Especially when your teens prefer their art and culture in bite-sized doses. If you’ve got a crew that’s equal parts curious and easily distracted, these are our top five tried-and-tested things to do in and around Rome that keep everyone engaged, entertained, and, most importantly, out of meltdown territory.
1. Walk the Historic City (With Gelato Motivation)
Rome is extremely walkable, and there’s no better way to get a feel for the energy of the city than by exploring it on foot. If your family prefers highlights over history lectures, this approach works perfectly.
We started our adventure near the Vatican, stopping for a quick look at Castel Sant’Angelo before crossing the Tiber and heading toward Piazza Navona. The Pantheon was a perfect cultural pit stop: stunning, quick, and even the teens agreed it was worth the visit (just dress modestly and carry a scarf to meet the dress code). Book your tickets in advance if you worried about long lines.
From there, we hit the Trevi Fountain (yes, we threw the coin) and the Spanish Steps, which are now a no-sit zone, so it was a quick photo-and-go. If the heat or whining levels rise, the metro is your friend—we hopped on it to visit the Colosseum and the Roman Forum, which we admired from the outside this time around.
Pro tip: strategic gelato stops will power your walking tour. Bribery? Maybe. Effective? Absolutely.
2. Cool Off with a Day Trip to Lake Albano
This may technically be just outside of Rome, but it absolutely earns its spot on the list. On a particularly scorching visit in 2023, we ditched the city heat and caught a train to Castel Gandolfo, home to the Pope’s summer residence and overlooking the stunning Lake Albano.
The trip takes about 40 minutes and costs under 5 euros return. From the station, it’s a short (but steep) walk down to the lake, where you’ll find beach clubs, restaurants, and black-sand beaches all waiting for you.
We paid a small fee for loungers and umbrellas at Giorgio’s Beach and spent the morning swimming, paddle-boating (yes, we chose the flamingo-shaped one), and playing water games. Surrounded by locals and not a tourist in sight, it was a perfect, low-key escape.
Just don’t forget water shoes, the black volcanic sand is beautiful, but brutally hot. And if you’ve got energy left, take the walk or bus up to Castel Gandolfo for incredible views and a taste of small-town Italian charm.
3. Explore the Capuchin Crypt and Museum (Creepy in the Best Way)
When you’re traveling with teens who can only stomach so many statues and paintings, a bit of dark intrigue can go a long way. Enter the Capuchin Crypt and Museum, a small, well-curated museum that ends in a series of chapels decorated with the bones of over 3,700 Capuchin friars.
It sounds morbid (and it is), but it’s also fascinating and weirdly beautiful. The museum itself tells the story of the Capuchin Order, complete with relics and artifacts, and even a real Caravaggio painting to admire.
The crypt, however, is the real draw, and trust us, it had our group wide-eyed and speechless (a rare feat). Book tickets in advance and enjoy the bone jokes that will inevitably follow. Just… maybe keep them quiet while you’re there. Looking at you, Jon and Patrick.
4. Go on a Gelato Safari
No trip to Italy is complete without an unreasonable amount of gelato. We’ve tasted our way across Rome, and while there are many great spots, one reigns supreme in our family: Gelateria del Teatro.
Tucked away at Via dei Coronari 65, just near Piazza Navona, this place is a flavor paradise. With more than 200 rotating seasonal recipes (all handmade with locally sourced ingredients), it’s a treat for adventurous and traditional palates alike. The rosemary honey with lemon was unexpectedly divine, and the ginger cream was another favorite.
Heads-up: it doesn’t open until noon, so don’t make our mistake and show up mid-morning with big dreams and sad, gelato-less hands.
And yes, it’s just as good in the winter.
5. Spend an Evening in Trastevere
If Rome is the heart of Italy, then Trastevere is its soul: slightly bohemian, effortlessly charming, and full of energy. We walked there from our place near the Vatican, following the Tiber River as the sun started to set. Highly recommend.
The neighborhood is bursting with trattorias, lively piazzas, and narrow cobbled streets just begging to be explored. We dined alfresco, watched street performers, and stumbled (literally) upon the Basilica di Santa Maria in Trastevere, one of the oldest churches in Rome.
Later, in an ambitious post-dinner moment, we decided to take a “shortcut” back and ended up climbing Gianicolo Hill. Our legs complained, but the panoramic views of the city made up for it. Barely.
Honorable Mentions (Because Five Is Never Enough):
- The Time Elevator Rome experience (cheesy but fun).
- A food tour through Campo de’ Fiori.
- Watching a street artist sketch your portrait in Piazza Navona.
- Exploring the Vatican Museums, early in the day and with snacks, always snacks.
Rome is full of awe-inspiring moments, but it can also be overwhelming, especially with teens. The key (we’ve learned) is to mix history with play, art with snacks, and sightseeing with swims. Whether you’re a first-timer or coming back for your coin-promised return visit, we hope these highlights help you make the most of your time in the Eternal City.
And hey, don’t forget the gelato.
Go Together Life 
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