Rome With Children

Life is not always made easy for parents who decide to bring their children along for a holiday in Rome. Several of the most important underground stations in the center do not have an elevator, buses tend to be extremely full and the sidewalks are often full of holes (though the latter is less of a problem in downtown Rome). Roman parking habits make it extremely difficult to manoeuvre a pram and pedestrian crossings seem to exist only to confuse tourists.

The summer heat can also be a bit of a problem, especially since the city does not boast many swimming pools – unless you are staying in a luxury hotel or are willing to spend 40 Euros p.p. in order to be allowed to spend a day there.

Yet, there is always something going on. During the summer months there are often special events dedicated to children of all ages and if all else fails, there are several beaches not too far from the center of Rome. The beach closest to Rome can be found in Ostia. Ostia tends to be extremely crowded and rather dirty, but other towns (Fregene, Sperlonga and Santa Marinella, to name a few) can also b reached fairly easily from Rome.

Lakes are also an option. Bracciano is one possibility. Castelgandolfo, where the Pope has his summer residence, is another.

Some Roman museums are made especially for kids. The first one of these is the Explora – Il Museo dei Bambini (Via Flaminia, 82). Technotown, which can be found in the Villa Torlonia park along the Via Nomentano, tries to get children interested in the use of modern technologies. Unfortunately everything is in Italian only.

Rome’s zoo can be found in the northern part of the Villa Borghese park. Follow the signs to Bioparco – Giardino Zoologico di Roma.