3 day adventure with kids: History, pizza, pasta, and gelato. And more gelato.
Day 1
- Arrive at Rome’s International Airport Fiumicino Leonardo DiVinci Aiport (FCO) a very nice, clean, updated and easy to manage airport . We then checked into Airbnb in Trevi. We recommend this area for its proximity to most major tourist sites.
- We kicked off out adventure by enjoying a nomadic breakfast with coffee and pastries while walking to Borghese Gardens. Like much of large city Europe there were plenty of cafes for grab and go pastries and espresso. We capitalized on a chance to have these as much as possible by also multitasking our breakfast with our walking. Our high energy kids also much prefer this to a sit down option. Most of central Rome is very walkable with lots to see as you navigate. While there is an underground metro system and Ubers aplenty, we found ourselves walking mostly.
- Borghese Gardens : This beautiful green space surrounds the Villa Borghese, complete with bike and boat rentals, lawn sports and beautiful sprawling gardens which reminded us of a fancier Central Park. The grounds are free to explore. The Villa had an entrance fee which we opted to skip in lieu of lunch.
- Spanish Steps area and shopping was on our route back where picked up some art supplies at an adorable art store Vertecchia. Not only did we get a local souvenir to remind us of Rome when we used them in the future, the kids entertained themselves with art while we enjoyed some apérol spritzes over lunch. Win and win.
- While you’re near the Spanish Steps dont forget to check out the secret “scary” photo op near Spanish Steps (Palazzo Zuccari)
- Leonardo DaVinci museum– a museum jam-packed with interactive replicas of his inventions and art. We have a Mona Lisa fan that was thrilled to see all of his art while the other kids enjoyed testing the inventions. It was quick stop and air conditioned for a nice break from the heat.
- Castel Sant’Angelo at Sunset for dinner- this castle is intriguing from a historical stand point, perched alongside the Tiber River, but it also serves double duty as a great place to enjoy the sunset. There’s a cute little cafe at the stop serving drinks, espresso, snacks and pasta plates where you can dine and enjoy the views after taking in the history of the Castel.
Day 2
- Trevi Fountain – Go early to avoid the crowds (like really early. 7am early.) Be aware that they close it for cleaning on certain mornings (Mondays presently but check before you go).
- More breakfast coffee and pastries while walking: there are a couple cute cafés in the Trevi neighborhood. We usually don’t plan these or map them out ahead of time, but let them call to us by the smells. ::Drool::
- Capitoline Museum with guide Maria-Claudia. She was a wonderfully engaging guide that does several other tours including the Vatican (which we skipped this trip). I highly recommend her for families! The kids loved her and were never bored.
- Lunch at Antico Forno Roscioli: the best pizza by the slice, just don’t tell any more people about it.
- Golf Cart Tour with Rome 4 Kids Tours: Guided access to the Coliseum, Trevi Fountain, Spanish Steps and fountain, Pantheon, and Piazza Navona with a scavenger hunt for the kids. This was another tour that kept the kids interest and they enjoyed ‘racing’ against the adults in our chauffeured golf carts.
- Dinner at Mimi e Coco: All the traditional Roman pastas and all delicious. Be sure to try each of the classics while you’re there: Pasta Alla Carbonara, Cacio e Pepe, Bucatini all’Amatriciana, Pasta Alla Gricia. <<Chef’s Kiss>>
- Must have gelato: Gelateria la Romana
An article on picking the best gelato in Rome that was helpful to us.
Day 3
- More morning walking and shopping: The Via del Babuino at the base of the spanish steps is full of high end shopping which is fun to explore but also mid and low range shopping too. My kids can’t pass up a soccer jersey so sports stores were a must.
- Cooking class with Cook with Mamma: One of the highlights of our trip!
Our kids got a lot more interested in trying some new foods with Fiamma’s help! This was held in her family home where she and her cousin Valentina taught us how to make two different pastas and tiramisu. The kids begged to replicate from home endlessly afterward. It takes us back every time we do! - Walk through Villa Doria Pamphili park with playground stops: Give yourself a couple hours. The parks in Rome are enormous and idyllic. This one has a cute wine bistro at the top of the hill next to the playground.
- Food Tour in Trastevere: we’re finding these food tours are one of the best ways to get to know interesting neighborhoods. Trastevere has a different feel from the rest of touristy Rome. It’s on the other side of the Tiber River and a foodie haven. Highly recommend food tours to get a sample of the local favorites and learn some history and culture while you do it!
Food Tour Trastevere
One last pro-tip from the kids!
Be sure to check out McDonalds in other countries! We like to try the different things they have on the menu that aren’t the same at home. We had cheesy bacon fries and pineapple sticks at the location near the Spanish Steps. Mom and Dad enjoyed from some coffee from the McCafe that is an actual cafe with espresso machine with drinks made to order!
