Traveling to Rome with kids is an unforgettable experience filled with history, culture, and of course, amazing food. From exploring ancient landmarks like the Colosseum and Pantheon to indulging in daily gelato runs, our week in the Eternal City was packed with adventure. Whether you’re looking for halal-friendly eats, kid-friendly activities, or travel tips to make your journey smoother, this guide has you covered. Join us as we share our favorite moments, must-visit spots, and insider tips from our family trip to Rome!
Travel isn’t just about places—it’s about moments. From the taste of fresh gelato to the wonder in a child’s eyes at the Colosseum, the simplest experiences often become the most cherished memories.
Settling In: Piazza Navona Airbnb & First Night in Rome
Our Viator van ride to the Airbnb was an adventure in itself, with our driver navigating tight alleyways and arguing over parking spots. We stayed in Piazza Navona, an ideal location with four bedrooms—perfect for our three kids and grandparents. Tired but excited, we grabbed some authentic Roman pizza nearby, exactly as you’d imagine—crispy, cheesy, and delicious! We also stumbled upon Bismillah Chicken Hut, a halal food shop just around the corner. That first night was all about resting and shaking off jet lag.
Day 1: The Pantheon & Exploring Rome on Foot
We started our day at the Pantheon, only to realize we needed a ticket. Lesson learned! But we didn’t let that stop us—we made the best of it by heading to Pizza Zaza, where we enjoyed some of the best pizza in town. Nearby, we saw a long line for Antica Salumeria, famous for its sandwiches, though not halal and limited vegetarian options.
With energy to spare, we explored Piazza Navona and its iconic Fontana dei Quattro Fiumi. We also stepped inside Sant’Agnese in Agone, a stunning church with breathtaking architecture. A pro tip for parents: distilled water is tricky to find in Europe—look in pharmacies! Luckily, our 1-year-old handled the grocery store milk just fine.
Day 2: Vatican City Adventure with the Kids
Our guide Francesca from YourGuide.com made our Vatican visit a dream, keeping the kids engaged with a scavenger hunt. Getting there was tricky—you need to be dropped off at the East Entrance and then walk across a busy street. Inside, we were awed by the incredible artwork, maps, and sculptures. I was bracing myself for questions about the more “revealing” statues, but our 7-year-old was too busy with the hunt to notice!
Of course, St. Peter’s Basilica was breathtaking. Fun fact: It’s the largest church in the world and houses stunning mosaics and Michelangelo’s famous dome. No photos were allowed in some areas, which was surprising. After hours of exploring, we rewarded ourselves with an incredible vegetarian Cacio e Pepe at Fresco Café, followed by more gelato—a daily ritual by now.
Day 3: The Colosseum – Gladiators & History Come Alive
Our second day with Francesca was spent at the Colosseum, and it did not disappoint. The cloudy weather made for the perfect crowd-free experience. We picked up toy swords for the kids, making them feel like mini gladiators. A fascinating fact: The part of the Colosseum we see today is actually its basement—the original arena floor is gone! Seeing where gladiators once lived was a surreal experience.
For lunch, we grabbed halal shawarma at Shawarma Wanis, within walking distance of our Airbnb. That evening, we explored Mamu, a hidden gem just north of Piazza Navona, where I had the most incredible vegetarian arancini. Pro tip: If waiters are aggressively trying to get you inside, walk away—those places are usually overpriced!
Day 4: Trevi Fountain & Street Performers
Walking to Trevi Fountain was longer than expected, but totally worth it. The November visit meant fewer crowds, making for perfect photos. Along the way, we encountered street performers, including a hilarious mime and a magician who made it look like he was floating!
We stopped by Venchi Chocolate, where we stocked up on some of the best pistachio and hazelnut chocolates ever. Then, after nap time for our 1-year-old, we grabbed more gelato at Gelateria La Romana, which remains my absolute favorite gelato spot in Rome—perfect flavors, quality, and affordable at just €3!
Day 5: Revisiting the Pantheon & Home
On our last day, we finally got Pantheon tickets and admired the dome’s incredible engineering. It’s awe-inspiring to think how such an architectural marvel was built nearly 2,000 years ago. And just like that, our week in Rome had come to an end. Bags packed with chocolates, memories, and a newfound love for daily gelato, we boarded our flight back to Chicago—already dreaming of our next adventure!
Final Thoughts & Family Travel Tips for Rome:
✅ Best Time to Visit: November—less crowds, cheap flights, pleasant weather.
✅ Where to Stay: Piazza Navona—central, safe, and full of restaurants.
✅ Halal Food Spots: Bismillah Chicken Hut, Shawarma Wanis, most pizza shops had vegetarian options.
✅ Best Gelato: Gelateria La Romana—affordable and delicious.
✅ Kid-Friendly Sites: Vatican scavenger hunt, Colosseum toy swords, street performers near Trevi Fountain.
✅ Travel Tip: Always check if attractions require tickets beforehand (Pantheon lesson learned!).
Have you been to Rome with kids? Share your tips and experiences in the comments below!✨