Welcome to Rome for Easter weekend! This year, Holy Saturday (April 4th) and Easter Sunday (April 5th) are packed with cultural activities, traditional religious celebrations, and lots of Easter egg hunts. Don't miss the spectacular Cirque du Soleil while you're here, or the beautiful Hanami festival at the Botanical Garden.
See our top picks
Easter Sunday Mass and Urbi et Orbi Blessing
St Peter's Square
Witness the Pope deliver the Easter blessing for free (be prepared for crowds).
Cirque du Soleil - OVO
Palazzo dello Sport
A fantastic indoor spectacle running all weekend, ending Sunday.
Easter Egg Hunt at the Museum of Civilizations
MUCIV - Museo delle Civiltà
A structured egg hunt designed specifically for ages 4-10 on Saturday morning.
· April 4
7: Celebrate the Japanese tradition of blossom viewing! The garden hosts activities inspired by Japanese culture, including manga lessons and guided literary walks among the cherry trees.A lovely cultural outdoor activity happening on Saturday and Sunday amid the spring blooms.
: Kids aged 4 to 10 hunt for hidden Easter eggs among the artifacts in the Popular Traditions Collection. It’s a fun way to combine a museum visit with a treasure hunt.Perfectly timed Saturday morning activity for the 4-10 age bracket focusing on Easter fun.
EASTER EGG HUNT WITH THE EASTER BUNNY : Join the Associazione Roma e Lazio x Te for a special afternoon treasure hunt led by the Easter bunny himself. A classic Saturday afternoon activity.A specific, character-led Easter event happening Saturday afternoon.
THE BIRTH OF ROME EXPLAINED TO CHILDREN : Take a guided tour focusing on the founding myths of Rome, tailored perfectly for younger ears. A great way to make history accessible this weekend.A specialized historical tour happening on Saturday morning that makes ancient history engaging for kids.
VIRTUAL TRIP TO IMPERIAL ROME WITH 3D VISORS : Experience ancient Rome brought to life using 3D technology! This tour by Mage Association is scheduled for Saturday morning.Cutting-edge tech applied to history makes this a compelling activity for a Saturday morning.
: An Easter egg hunt held on a local farm setting on Saturday morning. Great if you want the kids to get some fresh air away from the central tourist crowds.A dedicated farm-based hunt happening Saturday morning, offering a different vibe than the museum hunts.
FREE : Families interested in the major religious celebrations can attend the solemn Easter Vigil on Holy Saturday at St Peter's Basilica.The major religious event preceding Easter Sunday mass, happening Saturday night.
· April 5
5: The famous Canadian circus company finishes its run this weekend with OVO, featuring incredible acrobats and musicians bringing an insect narrative to life. It’s a stunning spectacle for the whole family.This is the final weekend to see this spectacular show, running right up to Sunday evening.
GLADIATOR SCHOOL TRAINING : Give your older kids an unforgettable experience learning basic gladiator moves! This is an active, hands-on session typically available on Sunday mornings.The Sunday morning time slot makes this a unique activity option for families enjoying the holiday weekend.
: If you skipped the Easter Egg Hunt on Saturday, bring the family on Sunday morning for a guided visit to the Prehistoric Collections at MUCIV.A specific, family-oriented museum tour scheduled for Easter Sunday morning.
FREE : The Pope presides over the Easter Sunday Mass, followed by the traditional Urbi et Orbi blessing in St Peter's Square. An incredible experience if you can manage the crowds.The main event for Sunday: the Pope's Easter blessing.
: A special Easter-themed guided visit to the masterpieces inside the beautiful Borghese Gallery on Easter Sunday. Bookings are essential for this museum.A limited-availability tour tailored for the Easter holiday taking place Sunday.
Also On· anytime this weekend
4: Take a guided tour of the impressive Altar of the Fatherland followed by access to the panoramic terrace for amazing city views. A great late afternoon activity for Sunday.A specific guided visit scheduled for Sunday afternoon showcasing one of Rome's key landmarks.
: Explore the massive ruins of the ancient public baths with a family-focused guided tour starting Sunday morning. Great way to get kids moving outside.A dedicated Sunday morning tour slot for one of Rome's most impressive ruins.
: Explore Hadrian's Mausoleum on Saturday morning with a guided tour focusing on the castle’s history. Great views and winding passages for kids.A specific tour time slot provided for Saturday morning at a major Roman landmark.
: Take a guided tour of the Flavian Amphitheater late Saturday afternoon. Always a must-do, but having a guided group helps manage the chaos.A specific time slot available on Saturday afternoon for Rome’s most famous landmark.
Frequently Asked Questions
What free kids events are on in Rome this weekend?
This weekend (Apr 04-05) you can attend the Holy Saturday Easter Vigil at St Peter's Basilica (Saturday) or the Easter Sunday Mass and Urbi et Orbi Blessing in St Peter's Square (Sunday). Both are free but expect very large crowds.
Are there any Easter Egg Hunts scheduled for Saturday, April 4th?
Yes, there are several: the hunt at the MUCIV museum (ages 4-10), a hunt hosted by the Easter Bunny, and a Farm Easter Egg Hunt (Caccia alle uova in fattoria).
What's happening on Sunday, April 5th, besides the Vatican events?
Families can enjoy guided tours at the Caracalla Baths (11:00 AM), the Vittoriano panoramic terrace tour (4:00 PM), a family tour of the MUCIV Prehistoric Collections (10:00 AM), or try a Gladiator School session (9:00 AM).
