You may remember, we were super lucky to make a trip to Rome over spring break — in fact we arrived in Rome on Easter Sunday! A busy day for the capital of Christianity. I’ve been meaning to write up a little report of our trip for 2 months now, and today’s the day, because there were 3 separate emails in my inbox this week asking for kids-in-Rome advice. : )
We LOVED our trip to Rome. I asked each of the kids to tell me their favorite parts of the trip and this is what they had to say…
Ralph’s favorite was visiting the Colosseum. He said that for him, it was the most iconic landmark in the city and that he wanted to film as much footage as he could while he was there because it was such a cool setting. I agree. It really is an amazing space to wander around. It’s this ancient space that you can be in, touch, and explore.
Maude’s favorite was renting bikes at Borghese Gardens. The “bikes” are made for groups and they’re sort-of motorized — you start pedaling and they help do some of the work. The park was spectacularly gorgeous while we were there. The trees were in blossom! We spent several hours of a sunny day at the park, climbing trees and pedaling around, and would have spent many more hours if we’d had them to spare.
Olive’s favorite was throwing coins in Trevi Fountain. Legend says that if you throw a coin in, you’ll return to Rome someday. There’s something very romantic about the legend that really captured my kids’ imaginations. We had them line up with their backs to the fountain, then they all threw in a coin at the same time. We ended up visiting the fountain 3 times during our trip. It’s a great place to sit still and enjoy a little picnic.
Oscar’s favorite was walking up the Spanish Steps and taking in the views of the city at the top. We bought long-stemmed roses from a street vendor at the bottom, and the kids gave out the roses to strangers as we climbed the steps. We told them to watch for anyone that looked like they’d enjoy a flower. We visited the steps in the late afternoon, and walked along the road at the top for a long time, just snapping pictures. The light was amazing, and Rome’s skyline is endlessly interesting to study.
Betty’s favorite was the food. Sometimes eating while traveling can be tricky for a 5 year old — they crave familiar tastes! But Italian food is easy for anyone to love. Betty ate spaghetti or lasagna or pizza at pretty much every stop and she was never disappointed. Rome has restaurants on every corner, so food was easy to find and we never had to wait for a table — more reasons why Betty has such fond memories of the food. My sister Jordan gave us 2 recommendations for family friendly restaurants and we loved them both!
1. Il Chianti Restaurant (Via del Lavatore 81 Rome, Italy). It is right next to Trevi fountain, doesn’t feel touristy and has the best fresh pasta and pizza.
2. Pictured above, Gusto Store + Restaurant (Piazza Augusto Imperatore, 9, Rome, Italy) It’s near the Spanish Steps. The home and kitchen goods store is fantastic. I bought a water bottle there that makes me happy every time I see it. The restaurant is gorgeous too — and we loved the food!
One little travel food tip: We have such a big group (there were 9 of us in Rome — our 6 kids plus niece Roxcy) that we would try to eat at off hours. Like a late lunch or an early dinner. Then we’d have the restaurant to ourselves and didn’t have to worry about taking up too much space.
June’s favorite was… who knows! I’ll say it was visiting the Sistene Chapel. The visit is a long process. In order to get to the chapel, you walk with your fellow ticket holders through the entire Vatican art collection. It can be tiring for little ones, but every one we encountered was so sweet and friendly and flirty with June that the time flew by.
Everyone’s very favorite was eating as much gelato as possible. We would stop for cones several times each day. Mimi found a flavor she loved on the first day (caramel) and stuck with it. But everyone else tried lots of new flavors. My favorites were black cherry, pistachio and crema (which is milk, I believe). Ben Blair’s favorites were yogurt, cantaloupe and salted caramel.
There are a million other things we loved. Getting to see Michaelangelo’s Moses. Spending time in the Maria Maggiore cathedral which was right by our hotel. Happening on a protest parade. Walking and shopping in Trastavere. Seeing Roman ruins (my personal favorite part). Just being there — walking on the cobbled streets and ancient tile floors. What a city!
What about you, have you ever been? What are your favorite things about Rome? Did you bring your kids? What did they especially love?
P.S. — One of the funniest images from our trip to Rome was the tiny red car at the top. You can’t see the logo in the shot, but it was a Ferrari! The little car on the cobblestone street captures my memory of the city perfectly.
I am in Rome right now with my daughter and haven’t planned at all. Thanks for your great advice, heading to the Trevi fountain and Spanish steps in a moment and Borghese Gardens tomorrow.
Where did you stay with your family? Do you have any recommendations?
Thank you for this lively article on the Eternal City! I love all of the photos. I feel as if Rome sometimes gets misrepresented as not so friendly for families, when the fact is, if you approach it as an adventure and have a sense of the quieter aspects of this beautiful city, it is enchanting for children. My eldest daughter fell in love at first site! We return every year, and still years later, the beauty of the Tiber and the fun and excitement of the summer festivals along the banks of the river and culminating in front of the Castel Sant’Angelo are always a big hit. As part of the summer festival in Rome (Estate Roma), the castello opens up at night with special events on each of the large terraces. This is a great event for children, with fantastic views of the city from behind the turrets. There is a great park with swings and play structures next to the castello, which many parents do not realize, as well as a carousel.
I was in feb 2013, I found your post today by searching for the red car with the ferrari logo.. I have pictured it and as you’ve said, it captures the city perfectly. The funniest thing of founding your picture is that we’ve pictured the same care, in both pictures i has the same plate!!!
I’m in love with rome!
Love the memories from your kids! Wonderful to see it through their eyes. We traveled to Rome for a week with our 2 who were 5 and 7 at the time. It was fantastic.
As a former teacher of 15 years, I wanted the trip to be fun and educational. After searching high and low for the perfect mix of travel journal, workbook, and guide I wrote one!!
The Kids’ Travel Guide to Rome: A New Adventure Series with the Educational Tourist is hot off the press. Check it out at http://www.theeducationaltourist.com
Happy travels!
Thank you for posting what to do in Rome with the little ones! We will be taking the family there this summer. Our granddaughter will turn 7 in Rome, and our grandson will have just turned five. We are looking forward to doing all the activities suggested.
Thanks for this! Will be taking our 4 kids ages 9, 7, 4 and 18 months to Rome this June. Can you give some examples of what “off hours” eating might be in Roman restaurants? Isn’t a “late lunch” practically suppertime for a toddler?! Will be following your suggestions for sure. And if you had a tour of the Colosseum, any suggestions how to book it? Thanks from Toronto.
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Hi, I am a french mum of 3, lucky to leave in Rome with them :) We also love a lot all the spot you’ve mentionned! I will add Ostia and a few more. Here some info and tips : http://travel-with-my-kids.com/portfolio/rome-with-kids/
Rome with kids is a wonderful trip, enjoy!
Thanks for these great tips!
Great article!
Definitely with you on the Colosseum and gelato (we went with our twin 6 year olds as both went down extremely well)!!
Check out our blog for more advice on what worked for us..
http://Www.mrandmrsblogs.co.uk
I am looking into a spring break vacation mid March. Judging by your photos its a “light jacket” time of year. We’re looking to rent through VRBO in Trastevere…hoping it will be central to everything. Any advice…traveling with a 10 yr. old son and 13 year old daughter (who will turn 14 while we’re there!) Tips on weather, what to see early or later in day to avoid long lines???
Thank you, such a great review! I’m planning a trip with my kids (17 and 10) and this is very helpful. Italy has been a dream for me for a long time and I hope my kids won’t be bored.
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I’ve been back to this post a few times as I plan my trip to Rome with my 4 children (we are currently living in Luxembourg). Thanks for all the helpful information. I have a question about strollers and hiking backpacks for younger kids. Do you recommend either one for Rome? Our plan is to bring both but would love some first hand experience if you have any. Thanks!!
Thank you for recommending Gusto Restaurant!
We went today and it was delicious! We got the 10€
Buffet menu.. Food was delicious -fresh, bathrooms clean and
the Restaurant openess was much needed for our family!
Great posting! We are going April. Any hotel recommendations?
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I enjoyed reading this! I am from Rome but I have been living abroad for over 10 years and my kids never lived there. Every time we visit, we go for some sightseeing: the only thing they haven’t seen yet is the Spanish steps! Fair play for enjoying the Vatican: we went last December and it was crazy busy – we had a great guide that made it manageable but it is quite a day, with kids, well done!