The six best playgrounds in central Rome
The shady playground at Sant Angelo Castle has views of the passageway linking the Vatican to the castle.
Piazza Vittorio: hands down the best playground in Rome is in Piazza Vittorio. The newly renovated park is an example of what the City council can do when it wants to. Clean, well designed and (drum roll please) even maintained on a regular-ish basis. A rope climbing-frame, two trampolines, ping pong tables and a massive swing will occupy older kids, and a sandpit, water spout, spinner and other equipment will keep the under fives happy. The little cafe at the Eastern entrance offering coffee and snacks will please everyone.
Trova tips: nearby is a vibrant ethnic market, the Esquilino market, and a divine bakery, Forno Conti, for some of the best sourdough bread, panini and desserts in Rome.Villa Borghese: a ten minute walk from the Spanish steps, Villa Borghese has bikes and boats to rent and a number of small playgrounds in its 200 acres. The best is near the Porta Pinciana entrance which is conveniently located by a cafe and baby kart track (for the under fives).
Colle Oppio park: steps from the Colosseum is a leafy park with a cafe. The newly renovated playground has some percussion play and is surrounded by ruins of the baths of Trajan. There is also a skate park nearby perfect for older kids and teenagers overlooking the Colosseum.
Castel Sant Angelo gardens: A stone’s throw from the Vatican, this little playground is set in a lovely pine-studded park around the Castle. The playground itself is small and best for the under fives, but the park is great for running around, picnics and for the views of the castle. On the way in you pass below the passetto, the secret tunnel that links the castle to the Vatican.
Villa Pamphili: this park, with its 17th century villa at centre, is wilder and more interesting than its genteel cousin, Villa Borghese. It’s a park you could definitely get lost in. There are a few playgrounds here, we recommend you head to the one next to VIvi Bistrot cafe for convenient access to bathrooms and a good lunch or snack.
Parco Marconi: it’s not central, but Parco Marconi is on the bike path along the Tiber river. It’s a large park with a zip line, jungle gyms, cafe, tiny splash zone (really spray holes), ping pong, fuse ball and an excavator for little ones.
