Are you ready for a family-friendly Roman adventure like no other? If you’re planning a trip to Rome with kids, you’ve chosen a destination that’s historically rich and incredibly family-friendly. Picture this: cobblestone streets, gelato in hand, and the Colosseum in the background – your family is about to begin a journey filled with unforgettable experiences and timeless wonders. In this ultimate guide to Rome with kids, we’ll navigate the city’s treasures, from mouthwatering pasta to ancient treasures. So, let’s start our Roman quest with a few essential tips!
1. Dining in Rome with Kids: Family-Friendly Delights
Finding food your kids will eat can often be challenging, but not in Rome. Most kids will gladly gobble up pizza, pasta, and gelato, making dining in Rome with kids a cinch. In Italy, dinner is a late affair – a fact that might surprise American visitors. Most restaurants don’t even open until 7:30 p.m. Plan to eat a later lunch to ensure a smooth dining experience with kids. And, when hunger strikes, ply them with gelato! While there’s no such thing as bad gelato in Rome, it’s worth seeking out shops that use high quality, natural ingredients, such as Fatamorgana, where I had incredible scoops of pistachio and fig. Nothing quiets an afternoon hanger quite like a creamy dessert!
My definition of a great dining experience is not only great food but also a dining room filled with locals and a charming local vibe. I Pizzicaroli hit all the marks. We walked in on a Thursday night without a reservation and were delighted by a heaping platter of salumi, bruschetta, and porchetta that was to die for.
Bonus Tip: Stop for an apertivo between 5 pm and 8 pm and enjoy a spritz – a quintessential Italian cocktail. Even better, most places will serve a plate of nibbles alongside the drinks, and they’re included in the cocktail price. It’s a fantastic way to unwind and bide some time before dinner. Aperol spritzes aren’t my jam, but a glass of wine and some olives at Cantina Belsiana near the Spanish Steps were perfect for a pre-dinner stop.
2. Food Tours: A Delectable Adventure for All Ages
There are so many delicious things to eat in Italy and so little time! To maximize your time, a food tour is an absolute must! It allows you to savor multiple local favorites in a single evening, and who can resist that? During my tour of Trastevere and Campo de Fiori, I had the chance to sample a variety of delectable treats, including delicious suppli (fried rice snacks) and Roman pasta favorites like amatriciana and cacio e pepe. And, of course, no food tour is complete without a scoop of gelato to sweeten the deal. Food tour guides will often recommend other restaurants to you, so I like to schedule them for early in my trip. (Take your own food tour).
3. Exploring the Marvels of Rome with Kids
When it comes to exploring the iconic sites of Rome, advance skip-the-line tickets are your golden ticket! Waiting in lines is for chumps, and the lines at places like the Vatican and Colosseum looked to be hours long when visited on a non-holiday week in October. Skip-the-line tours geared toward kids, like those offered by MariaClaudia Tours (Vatican, Colosseum) save you precious time and keep kids engaged. Their tours turn history and art into a thrilling trivia competition or scavenger hunt between young and old, entertaining even the crankiest kids. Book your own kid-friendly Rome tour.
Though I didn’t personally experience it, I’ve heard rave reviews about Gladiator School. This unique activity allows kids (and adults) to step into the shoes of ancient Roman gladiators. You can learn the history techniques, practice with foam swords, and even participate in your very own gladiatorial combat. If your kids have a penchant for history or want to release some energy, this is a great choice.
4. Rome: A City Best Explored Slowly
While packing your days with activities is tempting, remember that Rome can get crowded and hot, especially in the summer. With kids in tow, it’s best not to overbook your schedule. One tour a day is the maximum I’d recommend. Take your time to savor the city, its sights, and its cuisine.
A word of warning – getting a taxi or Uber in Italy can be a challenge. They only offer Uber Black, which is costly, and both Uber and taxis are often unavailable in prime tourist areas. We almost missed our food tour because it took us 30 minutes to find a taxi to take us from Vatican City to the Trastevere. Allow extra time for getting around Rome with kids, and be prepared to walk if you can’t find a ride.
5. Timing is Key: Beat the Crowds
To truly enjoy iconic spots like the Trevi Fountain without hordes of tourists, aim to arrive early, around 7 am. Even in October, it’s a bustling scene, and you’ll wish hordes of Instagrammers weren’t jostling you. Rome is a popular destination, and you can expect crowds regardless of the time of year. Given how crowded it can be even in October, I can hardly imagine the city in the summer.
6. Capturing Memories in Rome with Kids: Flytographer
Rome is a perfect place for family photos. Roberta took our photos for Flytographer in the trendy Monti district near the Coliseum, and they turned out simply gorgeous. This is an excellent opportunity to create lasting memories. You can even get a $50 discount by using my code to book your photos in cities worldwide. Family photos against Rome’s stunning backdrop are the perfect keepsake from your unforgettable adventure.
There is so much more to explore in Italy. Buon viaggio, and enjoy your adventure in Rome with kids.
Hungry for more tips for traveling with kids?
Check out our guides to Tuscany. Iceland or Austria’s Christmas markets.
Adventurous Tastes is readers supported. I’ve included affiliate links in this post and may receive commissions for purchases made through links.
4 comments