Phew, we made it through the holidays! Ready for a low-key but fun first weekend of the New Year? Skip the post-Christmas crowds and check out CIRCOLARE for some amazing contemporary circus acts that even the teens will approve of. If you've got little ones, don't miss the last chance to create a custom stocking at the Museo delle Civiltà!
Quick Picks
Prima domenica, musei gratis
Various State Museums
The first Sunday of the month means free entry to state museums across Rome.
CIRCOLARE
Nuovo Teatro San Paolo
A fantastic contemporary circus show perfect for keeping everyone entertained indoors.
Aspettando la Befana
Museo delle Civiltà
A family guided tour followed by a 'Create your own stocking' workshop – perfect pre-Epiphany fun.
CIRCOLARE
The new contemporary circus festival kicks off this weekend with a cabaret style show blending acrobatics, comedy, and physical theatre. It’s high-energy stuff that’ll keep even the most restless kids glued to their seats. A great way to start the year with something genuinely surprising.
Why we picked it: It’s the opening weekend of a cool, dedicated contemporary circus series for families.
I pasti degli animali
If you have little ones, this is a perfect, short engagement focusing on what the animals in the park eat, with scheduled feeding times throughout the morning and afternoon. It’s simple, outdoors, and immediately engaging for the under-5 crowd. Great way to structure a park visit.
Why we picked it: Specific, scheduled activity perfect for the youngest members of the family on Saturday morning.
Castel Sant'Angelo – Mausoleo Adriano
A guided tour focusing on the history of the Hadrian's Mausoleum, which later became a fortress and a papal residence. It’s a truly unique building for kids to explore, full of secret passages and grand history. Check availability for this specific tour time.
Why we picked it: A specific, early morning guided tour focused on the castle's structure.
I Fori Imperiali e il Foro Romano con la Domus Tiberiana
Explore the heart of ancient Rome with a special focus on the Imperial Fora and the Domus Tiberiana. These specialized tours often use engaging storytelling that goes beyond the standard museum description. It’s a way to make history exciting for older kids and teens.
Why we picked it: A scheduled guided tour focusing on the less-seen Domus Tiberiana this weekend.
Aspettando la Befana
Since January 6th is right around the corner, this family guided visit on the traditional arts collection ends with a hands-on workshop to 'Create your own stocking'. It's a lovely, localized way to engage with the Epiphany tradition. Check the museum's site for the exact combined ticket price.
Why we picked it: Last chance to do a specific Epiphany-themed workshop before the holiday ends.
Prima domenica, musei gratis
The first Sunday of the month means free entry to all state museums (like the Colosseum, Borghese Gallery, etc.)—but you MUST check if booking is still mandatory online, as this often sells out fast! This is your chance to see something big without the usual weekend cost. Aim for museums that don't usually require booking for a less stressful experience.
Why we picked it: It's the best genuine free day out, perfect for an unplanned activity.
UNA MOSTRA TUTTA MIA
Little ones (3-6) can engage with contemporary art through readings and a creative workshop where they design their own mini-exhibition inspired by picture books. Make sure to book by the preceding Thursday to secure your spot! Great for inspiring future little artists.
Why we picked it: A dedicated, hands-on workshop for pre-schoolers linked to the current exhibitions.
Il fantastico Castello di Babbo Natale
This is the absolute last day to catch the Christmas World event at Cinecittà World, featuring Santa's Castle, spectacular shows, and even a VR sleigh ride! If you missed the holiday rush, grab this final chance for some festive movie magic before it all packs away. Great for younger kids who still love the Christmas atmosphere.
Why we picked it: It's the very last day for this major Christmas-themed event before it closes.
L'Italia in linee – Disegni di Christoph Heinrich Kniep
The exhibition of drawings by Christoph Heinrich Kniep closes this weekend, with a special finissage (closing event) on Sunday afternoon where entry is free after 5 PM. It’s a niche look at 18th-century Italian travel through art—might be better for older kids interested in drawing or history. A quiet, thoughtful way to spend a Sunday evening.
Why we picked it: The final day for this specific temporary exhibition, with a free entry window Sunday evening.
CHI NON SI ADATTA È PERDUTO
Explore the Appian Way with a guided activity focused on natural adaptation—think exploring ecosystems and wildlife in Rome’s biggest park! It's a great excuse to get everyone out of the city smog for some fresh air and discovery. Check the park's official site for exact times and meeting points.
Why we picked it: Unique outdoor experience focusing on nature and survival in Rome's ancient park.
Il Vittoriano: l'Altare della Patria e la terrazza panoramica
While the building entry is often free, take the lift up to the panoramic terrace for incredible views across the city—a great way to re-orient yourselves after the holidays. Sunday morning views are usually the clearest for spotting landmarks you know. Great for teens who like cityscapes.
Why we picked it: A classic view made special by the potential free entry to many museums this Sunday.
Terme di Caracalla
Since this is a state site, it should be FREE today thanks to 'Prima Domenica'—major score! The sheer scale of the ancient baths is impressive for all ages, and you can pretend you're bathing like an emperor. Make sure to check for any special Sunday tours, but the ruins themselves are spectacular.
Why we picked it: The entire site is FREE on Sunday, making a visit to these massive ruins a budget win.
Crea la tua calza
This is the creative workshop component of the 'Aspettando la Befana' event, focusing on crafting a traditional stocking. It's a perfect, contained activity for little ones who need to be hands-on after a tour. Essential to book ahead as these smaller sessions fill up.
Why we picked it: The specific creative workshop part of the pre-Epiphany Sunday event.
Frequently Asked Questions
What free kids events are on in Rome this weekend?
The best genuinely free option is 'Prima domenica, musei gratis' on Sunday, Jan 4th, giving free access to state sites like the Terme di Caracalla (ID: rome-12). Also check for free talks/events at the 'Casa di Goethe' (ID: rome-7) on Sunday evening.
Are there any good indoor activities if it rains on Sunday?
The 'CIRCOLARE' contemporary circus at Nuovo Teatro San Paolo on Saturday (ID: rome-1) is an excellent, high-quality indoor event. For younger kids, the 'UNA MOSTRA TUTTA MIA' workshop at Palazzo Esposizioni (ID: rome-5) is a good bet.
What is best for my under-5s this weekend?
Focus on 'Aspettando la Befana' at Museo delle Civiltà on Sunday (ID: rome-3) which includes a craft workshop, or the 'I pasti degli animali' scheduled activity at Parco dell'Appia Antica on Saturday morning (ID: rome-9).