Vatican City is one of the most popular tourist destinations in the world and for good reason. This tiny country is home to some of the most incredible art and architecture, not to mention its rich history. If you’re planning a trip to Vatican City with your family, then check out our guide and tips. We’ll tell you everything you need to know about visiting this amazing destination with kids in tow.
Why Visit Vatican City with Kids?
There are plenty of reasons to visit Vatican City with kids. For one, it’s a great opportunity to introduce them to different cultures and art styles. The Vatican Museums are home to some of the most incredible art in the world, and your kids will be sure to love exploring them.
Additionally, Vatican City is a great destination for families because there’s so much to see and do. From visiting St. Peter’s Basilica to taking a tour of the Sistine Chapel, you’ll find plenty of activities to keep your family entertained.
Weather and Crowds
Vatican City is a popular destination for family vacations. The weather is usually mild, and the crowds are manageable. However, there are a few things to keep in mind when planning a trip to Vatican City.
First, try to visit during the shoulder season. This means avoiding the summer months when everyone is on vacation, as well as religious holidays like Easter and Christmas. By coming during a less crowded time, you’ll be able to enjoy all the sights without being elbow-to-elbow with other tourists.
Second, get an early start. Many of the most popular attractions open early, so if you can beat the crowds by arriving first thing in the morning, you’ll have a much better experience. Finally, take advantage of skip-the-line tickets whenever possible. These can be booked in advance for many of the most popular attractions, and they’ll save you hours of waiting in line.
Things to See and Do
There’s no shortage of things to see and do when visiting Vatican City, but if you’re traveling with kids in tow, you’ll want to make sure to hit up the best spots. Here are five of the best things to see and do with kids in Vatican City:
1. Visit St. Peter’s Basilica
When visiting Vatican City, be sure to schedule some time to explore St. Peter’s Basilica with your kids. This massive church is one of the most iconic tourist destinations in the world, and it’s a great place to learn about religion, art, and architecture.
Your kids will be amazed by the size of the basilica and the beautiful artwork that adorns its walls and ceilings. They’ll also enjoy learning about the fascinating history of this holy site.
After exploring the basilica, be sure to take some time to visit the nearby Vatican Museums. With thousands of incredible works of art on display, your kids will have a blast learning about different cultures and periods in history.
Address: Piazza San Pietro, 00120 Città del Vaticano, Vatican City
For pictures, booking, and more information, click here.
2. Tour the Vatican Museums
Vatican Museums are filled with priceless works of art and treasures from around the world. A tour of the Vatican Museums is a must-do for any visitor to Rome, and it’s also a great way to introduce kids to art and history.
The museums cover over four miles of galleries, so it’s best to start with a map and plan your route. Highlights include the Sistine Chapel, with its magnificent frescoes by Michelangelo, and the Raphael Rooms, which feature some of the artist’s most famous paintings. With so much to see, a tour of the Vatican Museums is sure to be an unforgettable experience for kids and adults alike.
Address: 00120 Vatican City
For pictures, booking, and more information, click here.
3. See the Pope
Seeing the Pope is an amazing experience at any age, but it can be especially meaningful for kids. Getting a chance to see the Pope in person is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity, and it’s one that your kids will never forget.
If you’re planning a trip to Vatican City, be sure to include a visit to see the Pope. You can go to one of the public audiences that are held most Wednesday mornings, or you can attend a private audience if you have connections with the Vatican.
Either way, your kids will be thrilled to get a glimpse of this important religious figure. Seeing the Pope is a great way to introduce your kids to another culture and learn more about the Catholic faith. No matter what your religion, witnessing the Pope in person is an unforgettable experience.
4. Climb the Cupola
Vatican City is home to some of the most iconic architecture in the world, and the Cupola is no exception. This grand dome towers over St. Peter’s Basilica, offering breathtaking views of the city below.
Visitors can climb the stairs to the top of the Cupola, and kids will love seeing the city from this unique perspective. The climb can be a bit strenuous, but it’s well worth the effort for the stunning views at the top.
Address: Piazza San Pietro, 00120 Città del Vaticano, Vatican City
For pictures, booking, and more information, click here.
5. Go on a Scavenger Hunt
Have you ever been on a scavenger hunt? If not, now is your chance! Vatican City is the perfect place to go on a scavenger hunt. With so many historic and beautiful buildings, there is plenty to see and find.
You could start at St. Peter’s Basilica, one of the largest churches in the world. Then head over to the Sistine Chapel, where you can see some of the most famous paintings by Michelangelo.
After that, explore the Vatican Museums, where you can see works by Leonardo da Vinci, Raphael, and other great artists. And don’t forget to visit the Vatican Library, where you can find ancient manuscripts and texts. There is so much to see and do in Vatican City, and a scavenger hunt is a great way to explore it all!
How to Get Around the Vatican
The Vatican City is a must-see for anyone visiting Rome, and it’s especially fun to explore with kids. The best way to get around is on foot, as the Vatican is relatively small and most of the attractions are within walking distance of each other.
If your kids get tired, there’s also a hop-on hop-off bus that goes around all of the main sights. Start at St. Peter’s Basilica, where kids will be awestruck by the giant dome and beautiful mosaics.
Then head over to the Sistine Chapel, where you can admire Michelangelo’s famous frescoes while your kids try to spot all of the hidden animals in the paintings. After that, take a stroll through the Vatican Museums, where you’ll find everything from Egyptian mummies to ancient Roman sculptures. And don’t forget to stop by the gift shop before you leave!
Tips for Visiting the Vatican City with Kids
Vatican City is a must-see for any traveler, and it can be a great place to bring the kids. Here are five essential tips for making the most of your trip:
- Start at the Sistine Chapel: The vast majority of visitors start their Vatican City tour at St. Peter’s Basilica, but if you have kids in tow, it’s worth starting at the Sistine Chapel instead. The Chapel is smaller and less overwhelming than St. Peter’s, and it’s a great introduction to the wealth of art that can be found in the Vatican. Plus, kids will love seeing Michelangelo’s famous ceiling frescoes up close.
- Visit on a weekday: Vatican City is one of the most popular tourist destinations in Europe, and it can get very crowded on weekends and holidays. If possible, plan your visit for a weekday when the crowds will be thinner and you’ll be able to move around more easily with kids in tow.
- Dress appropriately: The Vatican City is an officially Catholic country, and visitors are expected to dress modestly when touring religious sites like St. Peter’s Basilica and the Sistine Chapel. This means no bare shoulders or legs, and no shorts for men or boys. If you don’t have appropriate clothing with you, don’t worry – many stores near the Vatican sell disposable modest clothing that you can wear during your visit.
- Bring snacks: There are plenty of places to grab a bite to eat inside the Vatican Museums, but they can be pricey (and may not have much in the way of kid-friendly options). Save yourself some money by packing snacks for your kids to enjoy during your visit.
- Take breaks: Seeing everything in Vatican City can easily take an entire day (or more), so make sure to take plenty of breaks along the way. There are several playgrounds scattered throughout the gardens, which makes them perfect spots for kids to burn off some energy before heading back inside to see more art and artifacts.
In Conclusion
Vatican City is a great destination for a family vacation. There are plenty of things to see and do, and the Vatican Museums are a great place to learn about art and history. Dress modestly, bring snacks, and take breaks often to make the most of your trip.
