Touring Rome With Children

Though popular belief may tell us that it is better to stay home until our children are at least 16 years old, the truth is that traveling with children doesn’t have to be a nightmare. In fact, Rome is becoming more of a kid-friendly city.

If your visit to Rome will take place during the hot months of June – September, you may want to give serious consideration to booking a hotel with a swimming pool. There are several options to choose from, from very expensive to moderate. The Exedra Hotel at Piazza della Repubblica and the Radisson SAS right by Termini Station are a few of the more centrally located hotels with lovely rooftop pools. A less expensive option is the Hotel Villa Pamphili. This one is a bit out of the center (monteverde vecchio area) but surrounded by gardens and with a ground level junior olympic size pool. Having stayed in a few of these, parents like to get the kids out early for Rome sightseeing, come back mid afternoon for a swim, nap, etc, and after burning off some energy kids are ready for a nice dinner and maybe a stroll in the evening.

Now for some advice on Rome sightseeing with the little ones.  Small children can be the most challenging to take around in this city, but with some smart planning, nothing is impossible. The cobblestone streets and uneven terrain inside the Roman Forum can make it tricky to navigate with a stroller. For infants, back or chest carriers may be the best option while visiting sites such as the Colosseum and Roman Forum, whereas At the Vatican Museums & Sistine Chapel, strollers are a must have (these museums are known to put children to sleep)!

Children five and older generally love the Ancient City. A good tour guide will bring it back to life with stories about the gladiators, animals, wars, and more. When young children are along on a tour, guides make it a point to engage them as much as possible since they are well aware that when their children are entertained, parents are  happy.

Also worth a visit is the Time Elevator, located on Via dei SS Apostoli, 20 and open every day from 10:30 AM to 7:30 PM with shows on the hour. The shows are the latest rage in Rome sightseeing, with moving platforms, all kinds of historic simulations, and virtual reconstructions of Rome through the ages.

While parks in Rome tend to be few, far between, and filthy, there are a few that are worth visiting. One would be the Villa Borghese park (access the park by the stairs leading up from Piazza del Popolo) and another at Piazza Vittorio Emanuele (even has coin operated games and a few rides).

Oasi Park. This is Rome's version of a Chuck'e'cheese. It has the ball pit, climbing structures, a mini train, bumper cars, a roller coaster, skiball, air hockey, you name it.  There is a picnic area and bar serving drinks and snacks. Admission to the park and play area are free, while rides and certain activities require tokens. This park is a bit outside the sightseeing in rome loop but only about a 5 minute walk from Metro Line A stop "Porta Furba". Address is Via Tarquinio Collatino, 56.

An easy treat that is sure to please is of course gelato - a guaranteed two thumbs up break option in Rome.

For more kid friendly Rome activities, be sure to consult Romewithkids.com

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