While there are many activities in Rome, many people are under the assumption that this romantic city is just for couples, when in fact they are mistaken. There are actually many fun family activities to do, it just takes a little planning. There are many things to do for all ages of children, unless of course you have a small baby. One of the advantages of having older kids is that you can really get them involved in the planning of your holiday, which gives them a sense of controlling what you all see and do.
There are of course the major tourist type attractions, like the Pantheon, Colosseum, and of course Vatican City, but there are many other things that are more kid friendly as well, and some of these are not only fun, but are educational as well. One of the must see places is the children's museum, Explora, a completely hands-on experience of exploration for kids. You won't find any 'Do Not Touch' signs here, and there are four different sections, Communication, Me, Environment, as well as the Society areas. They can even produce a mock television broadcast, or explore a transparent house.
The Villa Borghese is another must see place to take the kids. Originally a vineyard that dates back to the sixteenth century, pope Paul the fifth's nephew, cardinal Scipione Borghese turned it into a park in 1605. Called 'the park of museums,' many different spectacular museums and galleries call this park home, including the famous Museo e Galleria Borghese. Part of the park is also home of Bioparco, the Rome Zoo, with many hands on areas and exhibits just for kids.
Now let's not forget older kids, and the Time Elevator may be just the ticket. With this interactive movie attraction, special effects make it seem like a ride and takes them back through 3,000 years of Rome's history. There's the Monster Park at Bomarzo, an hours drive North of Rome. This Renaissance era garden has many different stone sculptures, animals, and 'monsters' that are larger than life. There is the LunEUR, Rome's only amusement park that is the oldest in all of Italy.
Now there are always some really big problems when it comes to taking a holiday with the kids. There are many different budget concerns, and the two biggest by far is food and lodging. Hotels are expensive, food selections are limited, not only in choice, but ages. If you want a change from the conventional stay, then try a good holiday apartment instead. There are many conveniences to renting an apartment or villa. They are usually large and spacious, and with bedrooms, you have your privacy. Instead of charging by the night, holiday apartments Rome can be rented by the week or month, depending on how much time you have.
A holiday apartment has another really huge advantage over a hotel. It has a fully stocked kitchen! The only things you have to do is buy groceries, and cook. This saves much money, and what better way for the kids to experience real Roman culture than by mingling with the locals at the markets? These are located all over Rome, and many are close to attractions. You need to book these early though they tend to go fast.
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