Every family deserves a getaway so that they can leave behind the stresses of home life, but it doesn’t have to cost the earth. Forget all about those expensive theme parks and take the family on a cultural getaway where there are tonnes of budget-friendly activities for you to take part in. Rome is bursting with historic sites, magnificent monuments and plenty of gelato parlours for the kids, so here are just a few ideas to get you started.

 Have an ice cream on the Spanish Steps

You won’t have to pay a penny to sit by the stunning Spanish Steps and watch the world go by. There are hundreds of intricate carvings for you to feast your eyes on, but for just a couple of euros, why not treat the family to some delicious pistachio gelato – one of the city’s finest creations.

 Explore Villa Borghese

This lavishly decorated villa with opulent interior and beautifully manicured gardens are free to roam for the whole family. See if you can spot all the exotic plants in the area, before taking a tour around the museums and gallery in the grounds. Packed with priceless artwork from the 15^th to the 18^th century, you’ll have to pay a small fee to walk around, but with so many other free activities on-site, it’s more than worth the money.

 Discover the famous trio

Three of the most popular attractions in Rome are the Colosseum, the Pantheon and the Roman Forum. Classic examples of ancient Roman architecture, these magnificent buildings have lasted throughout centuries. You can either buy a trio ticket to get entry at a discounted cost, or, if you visit on the first Sunday of the month, you’ll get in free of charge.

 Visit Campo de’ Fiori

The oldest market in the city, Campo de’ Fiori has served the freshest fruits, fish, vegetables and other produce since 1869. Try some of the local recipes, stack up on spices and herbs to take back home with you, or fill up your picnic basket for a lunch in one of the local parks.

 Have a picnic under the stars

Instead of taking your lunch to just any park, why not head for the city’s open-air amphitheatre? While it’s free to walk around, they also hold plenty of shows and performances here, from opera to ballet and classical concerts. It’s the perfect way to give your kids a taste of local culture, and if you book your tickets through romeoperatickets.com you’ll get a much better rate.

 Head for a festival

There are dozens of festivals held throughout the year in Rome, and if you’re heading there this summer, you can enjoy the sights and sounds of Estate Romana (Roman Summer) from June through to September. From the piazzas to parks, every inch of Rome will be alive with street performers, local bands, food demonstrations and movie showings on outdoor screens. The best part? Most events are free of charge!

 When are you heading to Rome?