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Rome Zoo: one of the best places to visit in Rome for kids fed up of the sights

Bioparco di Roma (Rome Zoo)

Looking for things to do in Rome for kids? This page is all about the Bioparco di Roma - what's there, how to find it, when to go, and some strange animal facts for kids.

This is one of the oldest animal reserves in Europe and has a lot to recommend it.

Opened in 1911 as a traditional zoo, it was completely transformed and renamed a "Biopark" in 1998. Today, it is much more modern and environmentally worthy, concentrating on conserving and educating, giving interesting and sometimes strange animal facts for kids to keep them entertained.

The park has come a long way in re-branding itself, and the management has much to be proud of. For example, the Asian elephants now enjoy a much larger, expanded habitat complete with dirt, mud pools, and environmental enrichment.

All in all, it's one of the best things to do in Rome for kids who are overloaded with culture, or just need a fun break.

Rome Zoo

Entrance

Since ancient Roman times, large animals have played an important part in Italian culture. The Bioparco carries on that heritage with a modern focus on animal welfare and global conservation as an active participant in the European Association of Zoos and Aquaria (EAZA) programs. You will find all the usual suspects here:

- lions,
- tigers,
- monkeys,
- giraffes,
- zebras,
- wolves ...

Two enclosures are specially worthy of mention. The lions can be viewed very close up through enormous glass windows, and the bear enclosure is as close to a perfect place for animals in captivity as it's possible to have, with trees, rocks, and waterfalls.

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As a special treat, your children can watch brown bears swim through a viewing window which allows you to see exactly how good they are underwater.

Thanks to the zoo management's concentration on conservation, you'll also see some exciting new arrivals. Recently, the Bioparco celebrated the births of rare Grevy's zebras, and in early 2026, they welcomed adorable Emperor tamarin twins!

Are there places to visit in Rome Zoo for younger children?

Are there places to visit in the Bioparco for younger children?

There are. For toddlers, there is a farmyard area with domestic animals like pigs, goats, lambs, donkeys, rabbits, and hens. Children are encouraged to learn about their care.

Additionally, there's a safe play area imaginatively designed in the shape of an ark with swings, seats beneath shady areas, and water fountains to make sure kids keep cool in the heat of Rome's summer.

Rome zoo:
What about places to rest and eat?

There are a good number of places to rest in the shade complete with comfortable seats, including a lovely lake 'Oasis' where it's possible to take a picnic.

There are also toilets, a gift shop, and refreshment points like the Caffè del Parco by the entrance.

Where to find Rome Zoo, when it's open, how much it costs

The Bioparco is on the northern edge of the Borghese Park in the Viale del Giardino Zoologico. It's on tram line numbers 3 and 19, or is fairly easily walked from the top of the Spanish Steps (probably not with small children though). It's well signposted throughout the Borghese Park.

The zoo is open all year:
- January 1 to March 28: 9:30 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.
- March 29 to October 25: 9:30 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. (with extended hours on summer weekends)
- October 26 to December 31: 9:30 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.

The standard adult ticket cost in 2026 is €19.00. Kids under one meter tall and disabled visitors go free.

Website :

The Bioparco website is excellent and available in English as well as Italian. It has a very useful interactive map.

We highly recommend buying your tickets online in advance to get skip-the-line access (Fast Track) and avoid long queues at the entrance!

Top Tip:

The restored aviary is well worth seeing. Originally built in 1935, it's a beautiful glass-domed geodesic building which, like a lot of the zoo, fell into disrepair but has now been restored to its full architectural glory.

Top Tip for kids:

The Reptile House (Rettilario) is one of the places to visit that kids love best, and the great news is that access is completely included in your standard entrance ticket!

Before you go, have a look at these strange animal facts for kids to stir their interest. And when you're inside, make sure they go to see Mario.

Mario is a famous (in Italy at least!) crocodile who, until he was rescued and taken to the zoo, was living in a flat in Rome. Bought originally as a small 'pet' croc, he quickly outgrew the bath where he was kept and now lives much more happily in the zoo's reptile house!

Remember to visit our page all about Rome for kids for more information about Rome!

Rome: Trastevere Ultimate Food Tour by Do Eat Better

While in Rome, why not take the Ultimate Food Tour with our trusted partner Viator?!

Discover one of Rome’s most food-centric historic neighborhoods and eat like a local on this guided tour of Trastevere. Sample a variety of Roman specialities, from traditional cookies to pasta alla carbonara, accompanied by local wines. Your foodie guide shares insider tips and stories behind each dish, offering an immersive cultural walk through the neighborhood's vibrant streets. Perfect for foodies and those who like to learn about a city through its food culture.