Why

Rome is a city with a past and one that is full of history and sights to enthral young people. Rome has always been one of the world's great cities to visit and you should try to take the kids to Rome while they are still young as the sheer amount of sights will leave a lasting impression. Even with younger children you can do most of your sightseeing on foot. It is chaotic and hot though so do pace the family.

Kids will feel like they are going back in time with all of the old monuments and galleries and do make sure you leave time for some fun and some free play as well.

When

Rome is a great year round destination but can get crowded and hot in July and August. April, May and June are best and there are great markets in the lead up to Christmas.
You can fly to Fiumicino or Ciampino airports and there are flights from Ireland and the UK ranging from scheduled and budget flights. You can check special offers or deals and book flights here.

Family friendly accommodation

There are a wide range of family friendly accommodation options available. Most hotels welcome children even if there are no special facilities and you can check for special offers and deals here with booking.com.

Italy specialists Citalia are one of the leaders in the upmarket package market for Italy and you can check their hotel and self catering accommodation only and full packages here. They have a 5% discount for online bookings.

Authentic Italy specialise in a wide range of villas and apartments if you want to book a self catering option and the Apartment Service also have good city centre locations.

Residence Palazzo al Velabro offers in the heart of historic Rome, immersed in the green area between Circus Maximus, Palatine Hill and Capitoline Hill making it close to sighseeing for families with the benefit of extra space. You can book this here with booking.com. 

Borgo Pio 2000 may also be a good apartment option. These apartments, nestled in the shade of the Vatican walls away from the chaos of the city’s busiest streets, are located on the oldest and most characteristic side of Rome and offer families the facility to cook in if they wish. You can book this here with booking.com. 

The luxury and boutique Hotel de Russie in the heart of Rome has five-star comfort and style, a super-central location and an elegant terraced gardens where guests can escape the fashionable buzz of the Eternal City. Deluxe double room categories and upwards are large enough to swallow up cots, extra beds and buggies. There is no extra charge for children sharing their parents' room. All rooms have mini-bars you can keep bottles in.

Mini Attenboroughs will love the hotel's Secret Garden, where the Butterfly Oasis butterfly reserve is endorsed by the World Wildlife Fund. Hotel-organised tours, such as a private viewing of the Sistine Chapel, make light work of family sightseeing. Children aged 12 years and older welcome in the indoor pool and a children's menu is available in the bar, restaurant and via room service. Complimentary children's toiletries, pint-sized robes and slippers are all provided at this child-friendly hotel. There's a good range of kids' DVDs, plus PlayStation 2 consoles and games are available for hire. Young children are given a Hotel de Russie teddy bear, milk and biscuits and eight to 12 year olds will also be treated to chocolates and a cartoon guide to Rome. You can book this through Mr and Mrs Smith.

The Cavalieri Hilton is another good option. It is set in a private Mediterranean park just minutes from the Vatican City. The hotel is set in an exclusive residential area and has a complimentary shuttle service to Piazza Barberini and Via Veneto, in the heart of the historic centre. The hotel has impressive amenities, including indoor and outdoor swimming pools, a fully equipped spa and fitness centre, a beauty salon, illuminated tennis courts, and elegant bars and lounges. You can get special online delas and offers here with booking.com.

What to see and do

For inspiration about things to see and do with the kids before you go you can have a look at the tours and activities offered by isango and book them online. This will save you time and hassle while you are away and help you plan your activities.

Children of all ages will be fascinated by the Coliseum especially those who have imagination play with gladiators and those who have seen the Gladiator movie. You can get audio guides or an organised guide and it is possible to skip the very long queues if you take a tour. In the heart midday heat we would certainly suggest this is going to make your trip a bit more bearable. Try to get there first thing in the morning.

Take a hop on hop off bus tour around the city.

For some retail therapy with your teenagers do some window shopping in the boutiques of Via Del Corso and Via Del Conditi.

Go underground and visit the Catacombs. Guided tours are available.

Spend some time around the Piazza Navona which is a beautiful square lined with cafes, palaces street performers and artists. It also has markets in the lead up to Christmas.
Visit the Pantheon and wander the fascinating streets surrounding it.

The Villa Borghese is a large park where kids can rent bikes, ride ponies, take boat trips and just relax in the sun.

Take a break from sightseeing and visit the Aquapiper water park just outside the city.

Rome is closer to the beach than you would think and de Lido de Ostia the main beach resort is just beside Fiumicino airport.

Children of all ages will love the Trevi which is a wondrous find in the middle of a built-up area. Get them to toss a coin into the fountain to ensure a safe return to Rome.

If you want to rest and soak up some atmosphere spending some time sitting on the Spanish steps having a well earned ice cream break is very enjoyable.

St Peters Basilica is a must see for children visiting Rome but you should remember that it is a church and the need to keep arms and legs covered. Michelangelo’s Pieta is worth pointing out and kids will certainly enjoy the climb to the top of the Dome of St Peters. We would suggest you take the lift option halfway up.

The Sistine Chapel is another must see and it is possible to have an organised tour which may reduce down your waiting times considerably. Ask at your accommodation or a book online before you go with isango.

You will find lots of family friendly travel tips and advice in our research and advice section to help you book the right family holiday. Check out also the experiences of other parents and travellers in our parents forum and add your own experiences as we are a great believer in real parent's experiences as the best measure of whether somewhere will suit you for your family holiday. 

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