Rome is a hugely popular tourist destination, and it packed with historical and educational things to see. But like so many places in the world, it can be a totally different experience when you are travelling there with kids. That is why I have put together this little guide on how to see the highlights of the city in a way that your little ones will enjoy as much as you. Read on to find out more.
…
Pacing yourself
A word to the wise here. While it might be tempting to run around the new city, especially if you only have a limited amount of time like a weekend to spend there. When you have the kids with you, it’s always worth pacing yourself.
That means interspersing big activities with small chances for rest and recuperation. This could be a break in a park somewhere or used as a chance to sample some of the delicious foods that are on offer.
Just ensure that everyone stays hydrated, fed, and is not too tired. As this can nip a lot of possible problems in the bud before they have even begun. So order your days similar to the examples below, and you will be sure to get the most out of your trip.
…
Gladiator School
While the kids might be looking forward to getting away from school for a bit, you will probably find that they won’t mind this one too much at all. As it’s a chance for them to learn all about those noble warriors of the past the Gladiators.
Not only will they get to hear all about the typical day in the life of a gladiator back in Roman times, but they will also get some training on how they use to fight. Along with a certificate saying that they have completed their training. If you are convinced of the value bringing history to life on your trips, then this is an activity not to miss!
…
Pizza Time
Of course, once the kids have tired themselves out fighting gladiators then you will probably want to stop for a refuelling break. Why not use this as a perfect opportunity to sample some genuine, authentic Roman Pizza?
You may be aware that pizza, while popular all over Italy, is different in each region. So you can expect Roman pizza to be thin and crisp with tomato sauce, cheese, and anchovies.
Why not take the kids to Sforno Via Statilio Ottato, 110/116? Where you will find that everything is homemade, including the delicious desserts on offer.
Or you could give In Fucina a try when you order a single pizza at a time. Then share with your tablemates. Perfect for if the kids are keen to have what mummy and daddy are eating, but won’t eat a whole pizza to themselves.
…
The Vatican
Of course, one of the most visited places in Rome is the city-state of The Vatican. The seat of the Roman Catholic Church.
Home to all sorts of historical and artistic treasures the best way to see this site is to take an Afternoon Vatican Tour as a family. There is much to see for adults and kids alike such as the famous Michelangelo masterpieces in the Sistine Chapel, the Museum and the Gallery of the Tapestries, which contains one with an optical illusion for the kid to spot. As well as the Gallery of the Maps for any mini cartography enthusiasts out there.
The best thing about doing a tour like this is that a good one will give you a rating of how hard it is before you book. This means you can tailor it precisely to the age range, and ability of your kids. Without worrying that they will be stuck walking around for hours on end, getting ratty and tired.
…
Gelato
Once you have finished in the Vatican, then it might be a good chance to take the kids of a little treat. You can even promise this as a reward for good behaviour during the tour.
The perfect treat for the little one to have in Rome is some delicious gelato or Italian ice cream. It comes in all sorts of flavours like sweet and delicious coconut and hazelnut. Or refreshing lemon, which is a particular favourite of the Roman natives.
Of course, you will want to ensure you are getting the best quality possible so why not try Gelateria del Teatro at Via Dei Coronari, 65/66? Where you will find the traditional flavours for the kids. As well as trendy ones like chocolate and basil, and fig and almond for the adults to sample.
Then there is the famous Grom, which is perfect for those that are allergic to dairy as they offer delicious and refreshing sorbets and that Italian favourite granita. Which is a granular iced treated usually featured with fruits.
…
The Colosseum
Now as the kids have already spent the morning learning about gladiators, then another good stop off on your tour of Rome is The Colosseum.
This massive open-air amphitheatre built around 70AD is one of the most iconic images of ancient Rome that remains standing today.
Even if the sheer size of the thing doesn’t impress the kids, the fact that they will get to use their experience and imagination to picture the gladiators and their foes battling it out in the ring will.
Book tickets online before you travel to save queuing, and if you don’t want to pay for a guided tour, there are free audio ones available for your smartphone device.
…
Dinner
Obviously, after all of that walking around, you are all like to be a little tired. So you can retire back to your lodgings for a nap before you head on out to dinner.
Now there is an embarrassment of riches in term of places to eat in Rome. As the Italians are known for producing delicious, high-quality food no matter what price point you are at.
However, if you fancy a change from pizza or pasta, you can try Flower Burger Roma. Which Offers homemade vegan burgers in deliciously flavoured buns.
…
What do you think? Are you ready for a Roman holiday family style now?
“Pin Me”
*Photo source. This is a collaborative post.
My husband would start, and end with the gelato!! It’s his favorite although that gladiator school sounds fun!
Jodie
http://www.jtouchofstyle.com
#FabFridayPost
Haha! The gladiator school does look fun doesn’t it.
Rome is one city I haven’t been to and its on my list of places I want to visit. Thank you for the post. #FabFridayPost
Thank you for reading. x
yes yes to all of these! I loved Rome, haven’t been there with chidlren yet… 🙂 #Fabfridaypost
I think it will be such a fun trip with family. x
I haven’t been but it’s on my list now. #FabFridayPosts
It looks very inviting doesn’t it. x
What a wonderful place for a city break, I’ve not visited since my teenage travel days, I’d never considered then the idea of taking children. Looks amazing. #fabfridaypost
I think your kids would really enjoy the Gladiator school for sure. x
What a great trip! An oh, oh, that ice-cream!
I know! I can just taste it from here. x
A holiday is definitely in need! Sounds like a fascinating place, definitely lots to plan when going away with children #FabFridayPost
Yep! A full and fun one! x
I am currently looking at holidays for us next year, Rome is definitely on our list for when the boys are a little bit older, looks like you have had a great time #fabfridaypost
Oh – we haven’t been either. These are a list that we would love to go to. It’s a big one! x
I’ve never been to Rome but always wanted to go! Looks amazing…and that pizza has made me hungry! Great idea pacing yourself with kids, I’ll definitely remember to order the trip similar to yours #FabFridayPost
Pizza is my boy’s second name! lol! x
Great tips. I would love to visit Rome and my son is really into history at the minute so he’d love it too. My daughter on the other hand would be a nightmare, she just likes to run and be loud . Maybe in a year or two x
#FabFridayPost
Oh I can understand. My girl is the same. lol! x
We have always had Rome at the top of our list to travel as a family but we are just waiting for the kids to get slightly older so they can remember too. It’s such a beautiful place. I remember visiting when I was younger and I can’t wait to go back. Thanks for all the tips. Popping over from fb group. 🙂
It will be very interesting to see how much it has changed since your last visit. That would be an awesome record! x
I adore Rome and have been twice, all before my girls came along. I would love to go back with them and see it through their eyes. Also the pizza and ice cream is enough of a reason!
Wow! Twice! I know! Pizza & Ice Cream are probably enough to just get me there. lol!
Rome is definitely on my list of places to visit, it looks like an amazing place x
It really doesn’t it. They place is just full of history.
We are hoping to go to rome one weekend this year, it always looks so amazing in photographs and seems like such a place to make lovely memories!
It beautiful isn’t it. Lots of history and memories together. x
Ooh, I LOVE Rome! Great tips here, especially the gelato and pizza 😉 My favourite part for sure was the Roman Fora, and I’m hoping one day our son will enjoy that too, even if he’s not allowed to climb and clamber over all the ruins.
lol! I’m sure he wouldn’t – would he?! lol! x
What wonderful tips. I’ve been to Rome many years ago but would love to take my family in the future.
Nadia x
It is such a Romantic City – isn’t it. I think my daughter would falls in love with this palace too. x
Great tips – would love to visit Rome
Thanks. Let me know if you do. x
We’re definitely not ready for a trip like this. Peachy is too little. When she’s big enough to appreciate it we might be persuaded to do something like this. #FabFridayPost
I’m sure – Peachy would absolutely falls in love with this place – when she is a little older. x
These are some great ideas to keep the kids happy! I’m sure I will do a few things of these things as well on a trip to Rome!
I hope you’ll have a great trip and I look forward to hearing all about it soon. x
I am totally sold on the idea of a Roman holiday, especially that gladiator school! I recently walked Hadrian’s Wall and have a fascination with Roman history now. I want to learn more!
I know that gladiator school looks so good! Very challenging! Oh Wow! The Hadrian’s Wall! That sound like a place we must visit too.
Ooh we went to Rome with our kids and I did NOT know about Gladiator school! I so want to do this! Sorry, I mean I so want my kids to do this… 😉 x
Haha! You & I are the same! lol! x
That sounds like the perfect tour of Rome, with or without kids! What a great vacation.
It does, doesn’t it. Perhaps, I should go without the kids first – just to taste it out. Teehee xx
Great article, Rome is on our bucket list. We are planning to visit by end of next year. Gladiator school sounds like an awesome thing.
Thanks for commenting. We have just booked our flight for this October Half-Term. So excited! x