Rome with Kids - An honest real life guide (what worked and what didn’t)
I’ve heard so many families say they’d never travel to Rome with young children. In fact, for some people, city breaks are a hard no until the kids are basically teenagers.
I’m here to tell you why Rome with kids is so, so worth it.
The Pantheon
Family friendly
Romans are obsessed with children. Everywhere we went, people were warm, friendly, and genuinely happy to interact with our kids. Children are allowed to be children here, not expected to sit silently and behave like mini adults.
HOWEVER…After two nights of perfect restaurant behaviour, our 2 year old decided he was absolutely done with dinner outings. He wouldn’t sit in the high chair… then somehow got stuck in the high chair… then wanted to throw everything he could get his hands on. Including napkins. Which ended up on the lap of the woman behind us (we apologised profusely!).
We just wanted to leave, but we’d already ordered and the food was taking forever.
Instead of being annoyed, the woman and her dining companions started chatting with our toddler, and with us. They were so kind, so understanding, and completely unfazed. Just a toddler being a toddler!
The Food
Perfect pizza at Mariuccia
What more could kids want than pizza, pasta, and gelato?
Of course, Rome has so much more to offer! If you can, definitely try the artichokes and saltimbocca alla Romana. But the beauty is that you don’t have to compromise when it comes to feeding kids.
My 12 year old told us his pasta was “the best I’ve ever tasted, what have we been eating at home?” And that’s saying something, because this kid loves his pasta.
Walkable & Manageable
Rome is surprisingly walkable, and a great way to get your steps in. Public transport is good, but we rarely needed it because so many of the main sights are within walking distance of each other. Taxis are easy to grab if you’re staying further out, but once you’re in the centre, you’re in, everything feels close and easy to explore on foot.
It’s also one of those cities where you don’t have to be constantly “doing” attractions to feel like you’re experiencing it. Wandering the streets, stumbling across piazzas, grabbing a gelato, watching street performers. It all counts!
Trevi fountain at night
For us, this meant we could explore in short bursts, take breaks when needed, and still feel like we’d really seen Rome. With kids, especially younger ones, that flexibility made such a difference.
Easy Pace, Still Exciting
Cafes on every corner, simple street food, exciting public squares, and late dining hours meant we could adapt our days around naps, moods, and energy levels. It never felt like the city was working against us.
For parents, those small conveniences add up quickly and they’re what turn a trip from stressful to genuinely enjoyable.
Things to keep in mind…
Your own journey
Visiting Rome with kids means accepting that this trip will be different from a child-free visit - and that’s okay! We skipped some of the most crowded tourist hotspots, like the Trevi Fountain, and instead enjoyed quieter streets, local piazzas, and unexpected little discoveries like ‘Al Sogno toyshop’ in Piazza Navona. Traveling at a slower pace allowed us to soak in the city without meltdowns and actually notice the charm that can be missed in a rushed itinerary
Equipment you’ll need (Learn from my mistake)
If you do visit Rome with young children, pack wisely!
I thought our travel stroller would be fine, however the Roman cobbles really showed it who was boss. One of the wheels literally broke off.
Luckily, this happened on our penultimate night, so we only had one day of toddler carrying but I’d definitely recommend bringing a sturdy stroller! Or at least a carrier if your little one is happy in one. Your arms will thank you!
Rome’s most iconic landmark
All in all, travelling Rome with kids reminded me that trips don’t have to be perfect to be special.
Rome with kids isn’t about ticking off every landmark or recreating a pre-kids trip. It’s about adjusting expectations, slowing down, and seeing the city through your children’s eyes.
Was it perfect? No. Was it memorable, joyful, and absolutely worth it? One hundred percent.
If you’ve been on the fence about Rome with kids, consider this your sign!