Rome with Kids: The Complete Family Guide

Visiting Rome with children is one of the great family travel experiences. The city's extraordinary history, its outdoor spaces, its food and its sheer visual drama make it endlessly engaging for children of all ages — if you approach it the right way.

THE GOLDEN RULES FOR ROME WITH KIDS Keep it short. Children have limited attention spans for ancient ruins. One major site per morning is plenty — then lunch, a rest and something fun in the afternoon. Trying to do too much is the most common mistake families make in Rome.

Tell the stories. Rome's history is full of extraordinary stories — gladiators, emperors, assassinations, gods and monsters. Children who know the stories find the ruins fascinating; children who do not find them boring. Invest in a good children's guide to Rome or brief them before each visit.

Feed them well. Hungry children are unhappy children. Rome's food is excellent and children generally love it — pizza, pasta, gelato. Build meals and snacks into your itinerary and never let anyone get too hungry.

THE BEST SITES FOR CHILDREN IN ROME The Colosseum is almost universally loved by children — the scale, the history and the stories of gladiators and wild animals make it irresistible. The underground hypogeum tour is particularly good for older children aged 8 and over who can handle the confined spaces and the darker aspects of the history. Even young children are usually captivated by the sheer size of the building.

The Roman Forum and Palatine Hill are harder for younger children but rewarding for older ones aged 10 and over who can engage with the stories. The Palatine Hill's open spaces and views make it more child-friendly than the Forum itself. Bring a children's guide or book a family-friendly guided tour.

The Vatican Museums and Sistine Chapel are best for children aged 10 and over. The scale can be overwhelming — focus on a few highlights rather than trying to see everything. The Egyptian collection and the Gallery of Maps are particularly popular with children. The Sistine Chapel itself is usually a highlight — children are often more moved by it than adults.

Castel Sant'Angelo is one of the best sites in Rome for children of all ages. The castle's military history, its towers and battlements, its secret passageway connecting it to the Vatican and its views over the Tiber make it endlessly engaging. The interactive displays are well done and the castle has a genuine sense of adventure about it.

The Borghese Gallery is best for children aged 10 and over who can appreciate Bernini's extraordinary sculptures. The small size and intimate atmosphere make it less overwhelming than the Vatican Museums. Bernini's Apollo and Daphne — showing the moment of transformation in extraordinary detail — is usually a favourite with older children.

CHILD-FRIENDLY ACTIVITIES BEYOND THE MUSEUMS Villa Borghese park is a wonderful place for children. Rowing boats on the lake, bicycle hire, a small funfair, a cinema and open spaces for running around. A perfect afternoon activity after a morning of museums.

The Bioparco is Rome's zoo, located inside Villa Borghese park. A good option for younger children who need a break from ancient history. The zoo has been significantly upgraded in recent years and the animal enclosures are much improved.

Gelato tours are a wonderful way to explore the city with children. Make a game of finding the best artigianale gelateria in each neighbourhood you visit. Rome has some of the finest gelato in the world and children are usually enthusiastic judges.

The Trevi Fountain is always a hit with children — the scale, the drama and the tradition of throwing a coin to ensure your return to Rome. Go early in the morning or late in the evening to avoid the worst of the crowds.

• PRACTICAL TIPS FOR FAMILIES IN ROME
• Book all major attractions in advance — queuing with children is miserable and unnecessary
• Carry snacks and water at all times — Rome's cobblestone streets are tiring and children need regular refuelling
• Rome's cobblestones are hard work with pushchairs — a baby carrier is more practical for younger children
• Many of Rome's churches have free entry and are cool, quiet and full of extraordinary art — a good option for a rest stop
• The metro is limited but useful — buses and trams cover more of the city and children usually enjoy them
• Children under 18 get free or reduced entry to many state museums — always ask at the ticket desk
• Rome is a very safe city for families — the main tourist areas are busy and well-policed