Navigating the Vatican Museums with children

There is so much to see and do at The Vatican Museums, but there is not enough time in a day. The museums take up an area of 43,000m2 (463,000 sq. ft). It can be a daunting visit for an adult; imagine for a kid! Here are some tips that might make the experience a little bit easier for your whole family.

Go early: Avoid the crowds and allow yourselves all the time you might need to visit what you want to see most.

Plan ahead: You definitely won’t be able to see everything there is to see, but you should be able to see what you want to see. Planning ahead allows you to form an itinerary around the children’s interest (Mummies, anyone?), passing by things that might interest the adults too. It’s never a bad idea to resort to some lighthearted bribery, either.

Stop and rest: fortunately the Vatican Museums have plenty of areas for you to rest, enjoy a snack, or just sit outside and let the children roam free. Take advantage of these opportunities so as not to tire them out right off the bat.

Make it a game: Turn the tour into a treasure hunt. Can you find a giant pinecone? Do you see a statue of a chariot?

It is important to follow your children’s cues to avoid turning the whole experience into a nightmare.

How can we help? How about offering you the chance to not only skip the lines, but enter thirty minutes before anyone else? Let us help you make this experience more enjoyable!