While Rome is not known as a child-friendly destination, we've had lots of memorable experiences there with our kids. While there aren't many activities or restaurants targeted towards children, Italians generally welcome kids (especially toddlers and babies) to restaurants and activities. Rome's many piazzas (public squares) are a perfect place to experience the culture and interact with locals. Before you go, check out our Favorite Children's Books, Maps, and Resources for a Trip to Rome with Kids.
It's a common refrain of professional guidebook authors that there is "nothing for kids to do" in Rome. Don't tell that to Everest, he wore himself out each day (though not so much as to want a timely nap).
It's true that there are no playgrounds in ...
What could be better than a tomato and mozzarella sandwich in Rome? Don't you wish that had been your first sandwich ever?
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I have countless pictures of E and D asleep in museums around the world. If you didn't know better, you might think that they just slept through every trip. The fact is that until they were over 2, we tried to time museum trips during naptime. Sure, we could ...
For me, almost any outing can be an excuse to buy new books. That's never more true than when we travel outside of the US. Hundreds of children's books I've never seen before almost literally call my name, and I find myself in search of a good ...
One of my favorite food memories in Rome was our visit to a real Roman home for dinner, arranged through Rome's Home Food organization. The host and hostess welcomed us, and six other guests, into their family home for a dinner made up of typical food that would be ...
I wrote a guest post this week for the always fabulous Mr & Mrs Smith about what to see in Rome with kids. The article includes some of my favorite destinations and offbeat ideas about how to enjoy the city with kids, as well as some terrific hotel recommendations from Mr ...
When I met Angela Nickerson at the Book Passage Travel Writer's Conference this summer, I knew I just had to get her to write a guest article for DeliciousBaby. Not only has she lead countless teenagers on tours through Rome, but she's also written a beautiful book about ...
By the time we were in Rome with E, he was mostly eating table food, but I bought the occasional jar of baby food to feed him when we were on-the-go. I always enjoyed looking at the different choices on available to Italian babies, of course Prosciutto would be among ...
On my prior trips to Rome, the huge churches made me feel very small, but there's nothing like revisiting a place with a one-year-old to totally change your perspective. At each new church, E looked up at the beautiful ceilings and the splendor of the golden alters for only ...
When E was about one year old, we spent a week in the Umbria region of Italy. The area is dotted with ancient hilltowns, each with its own character and regional foods. One of my favorite memories, though, is the day we packed a picnic and took E out for ...
One of our favorite things about Rome is the fact that you might find live music around any corner. Back in the days when we were busy childless travelers, we would have rushed by. On this trip, E was thrilled about all the different voices and instruments and always made ...
When E was one year old, we spent several weeks in Rome. While he devoured pasta, pizza, and cheese he was very skeptical of his first cold food... gelato. He made faces after each of his first few bites before finally devouring spoonful after spoonful (and then running himself around ...
We got a great write up this weekend in the Contra Costa times. Their blog, aPARENTlySpeaking, which ran an extended version of the story, is a great resource for parents living in or visiting the San Francisco Bay Area and wanting local information about kids activities, as well as general ...
It's surprising how differently we view the world with E in tow. Little things for us, like reading him the same bedtime story he gets at home bring him endless delight, while big things for us, like a flight delay followed by a tight connection don't phase him ...
It's no secret that home cooking is different than restaurant cooking, especially in touristy places like Rome. As a tourist, there's often no opportunity to experience a traditional home-cooked meal unless you're lucky enough to know or befriend a local.
At the same time, Italians, always fearful ...
On Friday, we explored Capitoline Hill, one of Rome's better known 7 hills. This is the one with the stairway and piazza designed by Michaelangelo. There are nice views of Rome from the top, especially of the Roman Forum.
After several visits here over the years, we finally made ...
Yesterday (Wednesday), we just walked around town with no destination in mind or a even guidebook.
It's interesting to see the cultural differences in the foods available for babies. In Paris, we were surprised to see baby jars of chocolate rice pudding. Parisians know good chocolate -- maybe that's ...
It was tough not having cell phones in Paris. When E took a nap, D would sometimes go out for a walk, but there was no way to call her once he woke up. We just didn't think of taking our cell phones with us.
This time, we did ...
In case you're curious (or want to meet up with us ;-)), here's our itinerary:
Apr 17-30 RomeWe'll be taking the train to Bologna. After a few days there, we'll be renting a car ...
It took 24 hours, but we have clean underwear again ;-) E was thrilled to see his favorite toys reappear.
We spent the day exploring on foot (mostly in the Trastevere area), trying to get used to the time change. The picture is of E sleeping in his stroller outside the ...
We're in Rome, safe and sound. Our flight out of Seattle was delayed for over an hour due to bad weather in Chicago. (Is the weather never good in Chicago?) We ran between terminals and nearly missed our connecting flight... looks like our bags weren't as fast. (Note ...
We're all packed. Or so we think! :-) Our bags are sitting impatiently just inside the front door. We just need to remember to grab E from his crib! ;-) Our flight leaves Sunday, with quick stops in Chicago and London before arriving in Rome. If all goes according to schedule ...
