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.

Rome’s playgrounds aren’t exactly cutting-edge—think more 1970s than modern eco-parks. Expect plastic slides, metal swings, and that familiar red-and-yellow look you'd find outside a McDonald’s. While they may not win design awards, they often sit in stunning locations—shaded by pines, near fountains, or tucked beside ancient ruins. So reset your expectations, pack some snacks, and enjoy the charm (and chaos) of Roman playtime.

1. Piazza Vittorio: hands down the best playground in central 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.

2. 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).

3. Colle Oppio park: Just steps from the Colosseum, this pine-shaded park feels like a secret garden in the heart of Rome. The newly renovated playground includes fun percussion elements and sits right beside the monumental ruins of Trajan’s Baths—an awe-inspiring backdrop for a casual playdate. There’s also a basketball and skate park nearby, perched with sweeping views of the Colosseum, making it a hit with older kids and teens alike.

4. 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.

5. 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.

6. 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 (Roman style: so a spray zone), ping pong, fuse ball and an excavator for little ones.