Whether it’s your first visit or your fifth, Rome is such a fascinating city to explore with someone you love. And sharing it with your kids adds even more excitement!
This was our oldest son’s first big trip at six months old. He was a joy to carry all over Rome. And I mean that – no sarcasm there. His reactions were priceless.
Here are a few ideas to keep the little ones (and adults) eternally happy in the Eternal City:
Go back in time at the Colosseum, Roman Forum and Palatine Hill
All three are near each other, so you could knock them out in one day.
Start at the Colosseum! It’s one of my favorite European sites.
We reserved tickets in advance in 2018 to avoid the lines. It seems it is now mandatory during the pandemic / post-pandemic. It is currently 16 euro for adults, with some discount options also.
You can show your receipt on your phone. You don’t have to print your ticket. This is the official booking site. It’s stroller-friendly. Yay!
Go back in the evening to snap a few beautiful photos of the glowing magnificent structure.
Mangia, mangia, mangia!
Eat, eat, eat!
Grab a spot outdoors. People-watch while indulging in pasta, cappuccinos, gelato, vino rosso (red wine), or whatever your heart desires. You have to let your little ones try gelato, even if it’s one of their first “solids”, like when mine did.
Do as the Romans do.
Toss a coin into the Trevi Fountain
Get there early. Even at 8:30am it was starting to get crowded.
Don’t forget your coins. Legend has it if you throw one over your left shoulder behind you with your right hand, it will ensure you return to Rome someday.
Shop at the Campo de’ Fiori
You just can’t possibly go to Europe without visiting an open-air market. Get a little taste of Italy with some dried fruit, yummy salami, warm bread, or fresh produce.
Peruse the Pantheon
Quick visit but worth it. The fountain in front serves as a nice resting spot to take it all in. The Pantheon is stroller-friendly.
Visit the Vatican and Sistine Chapel
We tried to do this, but the line was miiiiiiles long. Needless to say we weren’t toughing that out with the little one and the heat. I was bummed because I wanted my hubby to see the gorgeous chapel.
Now you have to reserve tickets in advance. I’d recommend doing so far in advance. I also saw a happy hour ticket where you can sit in the courtyard and enjoy a drink. I’m not sure if the setting would allow the kids to get up and move around without bothering fellow patrons. You can book your tickets here.
Get a caricature at Piazza Navona
This square used to be really fun and energetic. However the last couple times I visited it seemed more cheesy and commercialized. a bit over-rated but may still be worth going. I am not sure if they still have caricature artists available, but if they do, that’s a funny souvenir for the trip.
Explore at Explora
This is a fun children’s museum where they can “explore by doing”. They have age appropriate areas for: 0-3 years, 3-6 years, and 6-12 years. There is even a cooking lab. Italian cooking for the little one? Buon appetito!
Ride Bikes at the Villa Borghese
Let the little ones crawl or run around, play at the parks. Ride bikes. Enjoy a picnic. Take a little snooze before continuing your trek around the city. Whatever your little heart desires at these beautiful gardens..
Check out the Spanish Steps
They no longer allow you to sit and people-watch. It used to be fun to do a little “Where’s Waldo” game and sit in a spot and have your partner or kiddo try to find you in the crowd. But loitering is now prohibited unfortunately. There are upscale shops and good eateries around the area if your little ones have that kind of patience.
Play at the Villa Doria Pamphili Park
Here at the largest park in Rome you can find playgrounds and pony rides, if your toddler needs some playtime.
Watch a Puppet Show
At Teatro San Carlino enjoy an Italian puppet show if your little one is old enough to sit and be entertained.
Visit a Museum
You can’t go to Rome without going to a museum, can you? Interest your little ones with games like scavenger hunts. Or split up and go to a museum solo while your partner takes the kids.
Ya, right, in another life? Ha.
I hope you and your little one(s) get a kick out of Rome as much as we did. The perfect Europe trip is a mix of big cities like Rome combined with getting outdoors in the country or small villages.
If you need route ideas, read my Europe trip itineraries post. Happy planning!
