This weekend, February 14th and 15th, Rome is buzzing with Carnival festivities mixed with Valentine’s Day romance! Don't miss the free movement workshops at Explora, or head down to the river for the Carnevale Tiberino parade. For theatre fans, there are plenty of puppet shows and kid-friendly performances running.
See our top picks
Kids Energy Festival - Winter Edition
Explora
Free, interactive movement workshops at the Children's Museum on Saturday.
Puppet Theatre Carnival Program
Teatro San Carlino
A traditional, indoor puppet show perfect for keeping the family entertained on Sunday.
Baby Treasure Hunt: Castel Sant'Angelo Gardens
Castel Sant'Angelo gardens
A photographic treasure hunt perfectly tailored for ages 2–4 on Saturday afternoon.
· February 14
7FREE : Two days packed with free, 50-minute workshops focused on movement, motor skills, and creativity. Activities include shaping, coloring, and learning about fruit and vegetables through play. Be sure to book your slot in advance!It’s a highly interactive, free event at the Children's Museum, perfect for burning off energy on Saturday.
: A vibrant Carnival celebration that spills onto the water! Expect masked parades along the riverbank and spectacular boat parades on the Tiber itself. Bring costumes for the kids for a fun afternoon outdoors.The parade on the water makes this a unique, unmissable Roman Carnival event happening only on Saturday.
POP BEAT (DANIELE ANTONINI) – CARNIVAL AND VALENTINE'S DAY PARTY AT THE THEATRE : Enjoy a unique mix of today's and yesterday's music in a joint Carnival and Valentine's Day celebration. Proceeds from tickets go to charity, making it a feel-good family outing.It merges the Carnival theme with Valentine's Day on Saturday afternoon, offering good value and charity support.
BABY TREASURE HUNT: CASTEL SANT'ANGELO GARDENS : A 'played' visit specifically structured for toddlers, involving a photographic treasure hunt right in the beautiful gardens surrounding Castel Sant'Angelo. A great way to explore history tailored for the very young.It's perfectly targeted at the 2-4 age group on Saturday afternoon.
VALENTINE'S DAY CUPCAKE WORKSHOP (CHILD + PARENT) : A sweet way to spend Valentine's Day morning! Parents and children work together in a dedicated workshop to create and decorate Valentine's-themed cupcakes. Great bonding time away from the city center.It's a dedicated Saturday parent-child bonding activity centered around Valentine's treats.
VALENTINE'S DAY DINNER WITH DEDICATED CHILDCARE : Parents can enjoy an à la carte Valentine's dinner while the children are entertained by an animator in a dedicated gazebo space for the whole evening. A true date night solution!It’s a perfect Valentine's night solution for parents, offering dedicated, free childcare during dinner.
CARNIVAL AT ZOOMARINE : Enjoy the water and amusement park with the added bonus of a Carnival party, including animal demonstrations and a mask-making workshop. A full day of fun included with park entry.It offers a complete day out with theme park rides plus special Carnival activities running on Saturday.
· February 15
7CARNIVAL SKATE AT THE PINCIO (IN COSTUME)FREE : Join the community for a fun, costumed skate meet-up around the beautiful Pincio area within Villa Borghese. A great way to get active and show off Carnival gear on Sunday afternoon.A fun, active way to celebrate Carnival Sunday outdoors near the city center.
: Experience high-energy Italian folk music and dancing led by Ambrogio Sparagna and the Orchestra Popolare Italiana. A wonderful cultural immersion for families who enjoy music and movement.It offers a unique, high-energy traditional Italian cultural experience on Sunday evening.
FREE : Check out a genuine neighbourhood parade featuring local groups, masks, and music, providing an authentic glimpse into how Romans celebrate Carnival outside the main tourist circuits.Offers a more local, authentic Carnival atmosphere on Sunday.
: This historic puppet theatre runs a special Carnival program over the weekend. It's a classic, indoor Roman tradition perfect for keeping the kids entertained on Sunday.A traditional puppet show in Villa Borghese—a perfect indoor option for Sunday.
: Take the family on a fun, clue-based treasure hunt through Rome's famous piazzas. Kids have to decipher riddles to solve enigmas along the route, turning sightseeing into a game.It gamifies exploring the city center on Sunday morning.
: Focusing on the games, sports, and activities of Ancient Rome, this guided experience near the Colosseum brings history to life for kids. A great history lesson disguised as adventure.A perfect Sunday activity for school-age kids interested in Roman history, focused on games rather than dry facts.
FAMILY BRUNCH AT MEDITERRANEO AL MAXXI : Parents can relax and enjoy brunch while nannies and entertainment from DNA Eventi look after the kids (aged 2+) in a dedicated area between 12:00 PM and 1:00 PM. A perfect Sunday morning setup.Offers parents a genuine break during brunch, with dedicated childcare provided on Sunday.
Also On· anytime this weekend
2: Spend Saturday afternoon exploring ancient Etruscan culture through a hands-on workshop focused on making pins and jewels. A fun, educational dive into history at Villa Giulia.A unique opportunity for hands-on learning about Etruscan history happening Saturday afternoon.
FREE : While browsing the Carnival markets, the kids can join creative and play-educational workshops focused on sustainability using recycled materials. A good way to spend a Sunday afternoon indoors.It combines shopping with free, creative workshops for kids on Sunday afternoon.
Frequently Asked Questions
What free kids events are on in Rome this weekend?
This weekend (Feb 14-15) there are two confirmed free events: the interactive movement workshops at the Kids Energy Festival at Explora on Saturday, and the general atmosphere/parade at the Marconi Carnival Parade on Sunday.
Are there any unique Carnival events happening on Saturday?
Yes! Check out the spectacular masked parade on the water at the Tiber Carnival (Carnevale Tiberino) and the music/dance event, La Tarantella del Carnevale, on Sunday evening.
What can parents do while the kids are entertained this Valentine's weekend?
Several dinner events cater specifically to parents, such as the Valentine's Dinner at Il Marchione on Saturday evening, which includes dedicated entertainment for the children during the meal.
