Circus Maximus (with baby)
How Baby-Friendly is Circus Maximus?
What makes it 62% Baby-Friendly: Parents may roll a light stroller on the field and rest while baby naps, yet paths get bumpy near ruins, there are no changing tables or nursing rooms, and only cramped portable toilets nearby.
Positives:
- Free open space: No entry fee and plenty of room for baby to crawl or nap on the grass.
- Easy transport access: Near Circo Massimo Metro station with step-free exits for strollers.
Challenges:
- Uneven ground: Gravel, grass, and ancient paving make stroller use difficult off the main paths.
- Limited on-site facilities: No changing tables or nursing rooms; rely on nearby cafés for restroom access.
What is Circus Maximus?
- A sprawling ancient Roman hippodrome and stadium that served as the Empire’s premier chariot-racing arena
- An elongated oval measuring approximately 600 meters long and 140 meters wide between the Aventine and Palatine hills, built to accommodate up to 250 000 spectators
- A pioneering model of stadium architecture whose earthen embankments, stone foundations and central spina with obelisk bases endure within a landscaped green space
What is so special about Circus Maximus for with baby?
- Free, expansive grassy field perfect for picnics and baby naps
- Short walk to Caracalla Baths adds shade and mosaic views
- Excavation trench offers a close-up of chariot racing history
- Stroller-friendly metro access and flat paths near the arena
Recommended visit duration: 1-2 hours
Why 1-2 hours visit duration is ideal for with baby: Enough time for a relaxed stroll, picnic, and a brief visit to nearby sights without overstressing your baby
Baby-Friendly Activities in Circus Maximus
Stroll & picnic on the grassy arena:
Walk across the flat lawn of Circus Maximus and enjoy views of the Palatine Hill.
Tip: Bring a blanket and light snacks. Use a lightweight stroller or carrier and choose a shady spot along Via dei Cerchi.
Visit Caracalla Baths for shade & mosaics:
Take a 10-minute, stroller-friendly walk to the Baths of Caracalla and admire mosaics from the lawn or enter the ruins.
Tip: Adult tickets €12 each; baby free. Sit on the grassy banks outside if you prefer no entry fee.
Explore the excavation trench:
Descend into the fenced archaeological trench to see original chariot starting stalls and stone seating.
Tip: Use a baby carrier instead of a stroller. Skip on very hot days due to lack of shade.
How to Make the Most of Your Visit to Circus Maximus
- Use a baby carrier: Carry your baby for smooth access through excavation trenches and narrow paths.
- Refill water at public fountains: Find free nasoni fountains along Via dei Cerchi to refill bottles.
- Plan café breaks: Stop at a nearby bar every 1–2 hours to use restrooms and change your baby.
Reviews of Circus Maximus
Will McCabe
Not much to see here, just at few remains at one end, but when you walk along the bottom from one end to the other, it gives you a sense of just how big the chariot races actually were. The arena used to hold an astonishing 250,000 spectators who were all drinking and betting on the outcome of the chariot races, essentially gambling on the fate of someone's life. Maybe the Roman government should...
K B
No crowds, amazing to see the size of a chariot race track. Makes me wonder if they do reconstructions sometimes - that would be exceptional to watch!! Walked down the length, considering the lives lost on that land. Completely free, 95% access (not wheelchair accessible unless you're great at steep, grassy hills!!), and a couple of lovely restaurants also nearby!
Lucas Tan
Nothing much here except for some historical architectures. Drop by here for a quick stop and snap the photo you want. Thereafter, move on to the farmers market where lots of rare brands and local foodstuffs are on sale.
Gülşen Karayağız (Gülşen)
A walk through history! 🏛️🚶♂️ Circus Maximus may look like just a big grassy field at first, but once you realize what happened here centuries ago — epic chariot races, roaring crowds, and Roman spectacle — it really comes to life! 🐎🔥 Great spot for a peaceful walk, picnic, or just imagining ancient glory. 🌞 Would be even better with more interactive displays or AR guides. Still, a must-see ...
O Okan
Most reviews of this space on Google highlight how it functions during the day—as a kind of relaxed public park. People stroll through, sit near the ruins, and enjoy the open space surrounded by ancient history. But what stood out to me was seeing it used as a concert venue. It’s not a full-blown seated stadium, and it’s not a sprawling festival field either—it’s somewhere in between. The ancient...
When is the best time to visit Circus Maximus (Rome, Italy)?
Visit in spring or autumn when temperatures are milder. Arrive early morning or late afternoon to avoid summer heat.
Explore These Activities
Typical Budget for a Family of 3 (2 Adults + 1 Baby)
| Item | Cost (Approx.) |
|---|---|
| Picnic supplies | EUR 15 |
| Caracalla Baths entry (2 adults) | EUR 24 |
| Excavation area tickets (2 adults) | EUR 10 |
| Café restroom stop | EUR 2 |
| Total Estimated | EUR 51 |
Note: All prices are indicative and may vary. Please check directly with the venue for the most accurate and up-to-date information.
Content Notice: This content combines editorial expertise with AI assistance to ensure comprehensive and up-to-date information. Our team regularly curates and reviews all content for accuracy and relevance. Help Us Improve
Map of Circus Maximus
Address: 00186 Rome, Metropolitan City of Rome Capital, Italy
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