What to do in Rome: A Visit to the Explora Museum with Your Children
There are places in Rome that know how to surprise even those who believe they already know every corner of the city. One of these is Explora, the Children’s Museum of Rome, opened in 2001 and designed as a space entirely dedicated to families and creative learning. Just a few steps from Piazza del Popolo, Explora is a world of its own: a museum on a child’s scale where the main rule is learning through play. Once you cross the threshold, the frenzy of the capital is left behind, and you step into a microcosm made of colors, workshops, interactive games, and spaces designed to spark curiosity. Here, children can explore, experiment, and experience everything firsthand.
Where knowledge turns into fun
The museum is set up as a true miniature city: there is the supermarket, where kids can learn about sustainable shopping; the urban garden, where they discover the cycle of seasons and nature; the fire station; the kitchen for cooking workshops; and even a space dedicated to science and economics, where children can earn, save, donate, and invest through role-play. Every area is designed to spark reflections tailored to different ages: younger children have soft and safe play areas, such as Piccole Esplorazioni (Little Explorations), while older ones can engage in creative challenges and digital installations that stimulate imagination. The experience is further enriched by temporary exhibitions and themed workshops covering a wide range of topics—from ecology to robotics, from art to creative recycling. Visits are organized into 90-minute sessions, the perfect length of time to enjoy every activity without rush or overcrowding.
An afternoon of joy, learning, and lightness
Imagine spending an afternoon with your children inside Explora. Their eyes light up as they enter this space where everything is at their height, where play turns into discovery and discovery into wonder. A hand on the steering wheel of a miniature bus, a leap into a kitchen designed for little chefs, the joy of harvesting fake vegetables that feel and look real: every moment becomes a small achievement. Parents, too, become children again, getting involved in the activities and rediscovering the pleasure of learning alongside their kids. Explora is a museum where sharing becomes the real protagonist: laughter, surprises, and experiments that will never be forgotten. And when curiosity seems endless, the path opens up to the educational garden, a green space inviting children to run, play, and observe nature, far from city traffic.
Why Explora is an unmissable experience
Explora is not just a museum: it is an educational refuge, a space that combines culture and entertainment in a simple yet engaging way. In a city like Rome, often chaotic and full of monuments that mostly speak to adults, this place offers a breath of fresh air for children and gives parents the chance to experience the city differently. It is perfect during the colder or rainy months, when indoor activities are needed, but just as enjoyable in spring and summer, when the museum opens its outdoor areas and invites families to spend more time together in the open air. What also makes Explora special is its accessibility: the spaces are designed to welcome all children, with inclusive routes, tactile materials, and activities adapted to different ages. The atmosphere is serene, informal, and family-friendly: there’s no need to hurry or stick to rigid schedules—just let yourself be guided by curiosity and the energy of the little ones.
A museum in the heart of the city
The location of Explora makes it even more appealing: easily reachable via Metro Line A (Flaminio stop), it sits in a lively and central neighborhood. After the visit, just a short walk takes you to Piazza del Popolo, from where you can continue toward Villa Borghese for an afternoon outdoors, or stroll down Via del Corso for some shopping. Explora fits perfectly into a Roman itinerary, giving children their share of magic and adults the opportunity to experience a more family-friendly Rome.
