Rome Vacation with Kids: The Super Quick Guide

Rome is a beautiful city full of history, art, and architecture, and there are plenty of activities that are fun for both adults and children. Here are some essential tips and recommendations for traveling to Rome with kids:

What to see and do in Rome with kids

1. Plan ahead: Research your trip before you go, and plan your itinerary to include activities that your kids will enjoy. Make sure to book tickets in advance for popular attractions, such as the Colosseum and the Vatican Museums, to avoid long lines.
2. Choose child-friendly accommodations: Look for family-friendly hotels or apartments with amenities such as a pool, playground, or game room. You can also consider staying in a neighborhood that is close to kid-friendly attractions.
3. Take a guided tour: Consider taking a guided tour that is specifically designed for families. These tours often include activities and games that engage children and make learning fun.
4. Visit the Colosseum: The Colosseum is a must-visit attraction in Rome. Children will enjoy learning about the gladiators and the history of this ancient amphitheater. Consider taking a guided tour or a family-friendly audio tour.
5. Explore the Vatican Museums: The Vatican Museums are full of art and history, but they can be overwhelming for children. Consider taking a guided tour that focuses on the highlights, such as the Sistine Chapel, or pick up a children’s guidebook or activity book to make the visit more engaging.
6. Visit the Trevi Fountain: The Trevi Fountain is a popular attraction that kids will love. Throw a coin in the fountain and make a wish!
7. Take a gelato break: Rome is famous for its delicious gelato. Take a break from sightseeing and enjoy a scoop (or two) of gelato with your kids.
8. Visit the Borghese Gardens: The Borghese Gardens are a great place to let kids run around and burn off some energy. The gardens also feature a small zoo, a playground, and a carousel.
9. Take a cooking class: Italian cuisine is world-famous, and kids will love learning how to make pizza, pasta, or gelato. There are many cooking classes in Rome that are specifically designed for families.
10. Take a bike tour: Consider taking a bike tour of Rome with your family. It’s a great way to see the city and get some exercise at the same time.
11. Visit the Roman Forum: The Roman Forum is a fascinating archaeological site that kids will love exploring. Consider hiring a guide or using an audio tour to learn about the history of this ancient city center.
12. Take a hop-on hop-off bus tour: A hop-on hop-off bus tour is a great way to see the sights of Rome without getting too tired. Kids will love riding on the top deck of the bus and seeing the city from a different perspective.
13. Visit the Capitoline Museums: The Capitoline Museums are home to many ancient artifacts and art pieces. Kids will enjoy seeing the famous statue of Romulus and Remus, the founders of Rome, and the giant foot from a statue of Emperor Constantine.
14. Walk through the Piazza Navona: The Piazza Navona is a beautiful square with fountains, street performers, and plenty of space for kids to run around. You can grab a gelato or a pizza slice and enjoy the lively atmosphere.
15. Take a day trip to Pompeii: If your kids are interested in history, consider taking a day trip to Pompeii, the ancient city that was destroyed by the eruption of Mount Vesuvius in 79 AD. You can book a tour from Rome that includes transportation and a guide.
16. Visit the Bioparco Zoo: The Bioparco Zoo is located in the Borghese Gardens and is home to a variety of animals from around the world. Kids will love seeing the elephants, giraffes, and monkeys.
17. Take a ride on the Rome metro: Kids will enjoy riding on the metro, especially if you let them push the buttons to open the doors. The metro is also a quick and convenient way to get around the city.
18. Visit the Catacombs: The Catacombs are ancient underground burial sites that are fascinating to explore. Kids will enjoy seeing the different types of tombs and learning about the history of early Christianity.
19. Visit the Explora Children’s Museum: The Explora Children’s Museum is a fun and interactive museum where kids can learn about science, technology, and art through hands-on activities.
20. Take a trip to the beach: If you’re visiting Rome during the summer months, consider taking a day trip to the beach. You can take a train to Ostia, which is only about 30 minutes from Rome and has a beautiful sandy beach.

Overall, Rome is a wonderful destination for families. With some planning and preparation, you can create an unforgettable trip that both you and your kids will cherish.

Where to stay in Rome with kids

When it comes to choosing where to stay in Rome with kids, it’s important to consider factors such as location, safety, and access to family-friendly amenities. Here are some of the best areas and hotels in Rome for families with kids:

1. Vatican City: This area is a great choice for families who want to be close to the Vatican museums and St. Peter’s Basilica. The neighborhood is safe and has plenty of restaurants and shops. Some good family-friendly hotels in this area include Hotel Alimandi Vaticano, Family House La Residenza, and Atlante Star Hotel.
2. Colosseum: This area is perfect for families who want to be close to the iconic Colosseum and other historical landmarks. The neighborhood has plenty of restaurants and cafes, as well as parks and playgrounds. Some good family-friendly hotels in this area include Hotel Raffaello, Hotel Lancelot, and Hotel Celio.
3. Trevi Fountain: This area is a great choice for families who want to be in the heart of Rome, close to shopping and entertainment. The neighborhood is safe and has plenty of restaurants and cafes. Some good family-friendly hotels in this area include Hotel Quirinale, Albergo Del Senato, and Relais Fontana di Trevi.
4. Piazza Navona: This area is perfect for families who want to be in a lively, central location with plenty of street performers and entertainment. The neighborhood is safe and has plenty of restaurants and cafes. Some good family-friendly hotels in this area include Hotel Ponte Sisto, Hotel Raphael, and Hotel Campo de’ Fiori.
5. Trastevere: This area is a great choice for families who want to experience the local culture and cuisine. The neighborhood is safe and has plenty of restaurants and cafes. Some good family-friendly hotels in this area include VOI Donna Camilla Savelli Hotel, Hotel Santa Maria, and Hotel San Francesco.

Here are some recommended hotels for families with kids in Rome:

1. Rome Cavalieri, Waldorf Astoria Hotels & Resorts: This luxurious hotel offers spacious rooms with stunning views of Rome, a large outdoor swimming pool, and a kids’ club with various activities for children.
2. Hotel Artemide: This family-friendly hotel offers a central location and comfortable rooms with modern amenities. It also has a rooftop restaurant and a fitness center.
3. Hotel Splendide Royal: This elegant hotel offers spacious rooms with classic decor and a family-friendly atmosphere. It also has a rooftop terrace with stunning views of the city.
4. Hotel Indigo Rome – St. George: This boutique hotel offers a family room with a separate bedroom for kids, as well as a rooftop bar and restaurant with panoramic views of Rome.
5. Hotel Quirinale: This historic hotel offers spacious rooms with classic decor and a central location near many of Rome’s top attractions. It also has a rooftop terrace with panoramic views of the city.

These hotels offer a range of amenities and services that cater to families with children, making them excellent choices for a family vacation in Rome.

Best gelato (Italian ice cream) in Rome

Rome is famous for its delicious gelato, and there are many great gelato shops to choose from. Here are some of the best gelato shops in Rome:

1. Gelateria del Teatro: This popular gelateria is located near Piazza Navona and serves some of the best gelato in Rome. Their flavors are made with natural ingredients, and they have a wide variety of unique flavors like ricotta with cinnamon and figs. The closest bus stop is Corso Vittorio Emanuele II/Navona, and the closest metro station is Spagna.
2. Il Gelato di San Crispino: This gelateria has been serving high-quality gelato for over 50 years. They use only natural ingredients and avoid artificial flavors, colors, or preservatives. Try their signature flavor, Crema di San Crispino, made with cream, eggs, and Madagascar vanilla.
3. Fatamorgana: This gelateria has several locations in Rome and is known for its creative and unique flavors. Try the olive oil, rosemary, and honey flavor or the chocolate and balsamic vinegar flavor.
4. La Romana: This chain of gelaterias has several locations in Rome and is known for its classic flavors and high-quality ingredients. Try the pistachio flavor, which is made with pistachios from Sicily.
5. Giolitti: This historic gelateria has been serving gelato in Rome since 1900. They have a wide variety of classic flavors, including chocolate, strawberry, and lemon, as well as some unique flavors like champagne.
6. Gelarmony: This gelateria is known for its delicious vegan gelato made with organic ingredients. Try the hazelnut and dark chocolate flavor or the coconut and mango flavor. The gelateria is located near the Vatican and is easily accessible by walking or public transportation. The closest bus stop is Cola di Rienzo/Conciliazione, and the closest metro station is Ottaviano.
7. Gelateria dei Gracchi: This gelateria has several locations in Rome and is known for its high-quality ingredients and traditional flavors. Try the stracciatella or the hazelnut flavor.

These are just a few of the many great gelato shops in Rome. No matter where you go, you’re sure to find delicious gelato made with high-quality ingredients.