Hi all we are bringing our kids with us for first trip to Italy they are 14 and 17. We have the typical tours booked but is there anything that may be fun or different teens would like? I was thinking a food tour may be fun. They did not want to do the catacombs. If you’ve brought kids what did they like? Open to suggestions we go in a few weeks. Thank you.
Posted by
1230 posts
Honestly, if your doing all the things, I wouldn't try to schedule yet another thing 'to do'. Instead I would give them some cash and let them loose for an afternoon to explore. The other idea we did with our teens, which was a concession for our son who doesnt love culture-stuff, but ended up being fun for all three kids, was, after visit the Borghese, we rented Segways (I know) in Borghese park. Actually, we first rented bikes and biked all around the park, and saw people on this scooters and my kids were drooling, so we did it.
Of course we ate gelato every day. We actually ate it most days on our entire trip and kept a running competition in our minds of our favorite place[s]
Other ideas: We thought about going to Ostia Antica, and going to the beach near there afterward, but didnt. We also thought about renting bikes and riding along the Appian way, but didnt (too many other things, not enough time)
I also kept a journal of our days activities, where, at the end of every day - usually dinner - everyone went around and said their "roses and thorns"; their favorite thing and their least favorite of the day. I still have the journal and its so fun to remember, but it also gave them a chance to A. appreciate what we were doing (!), and B. have a designated time to kvetch (because I dont want to hear it otherwise)
Posted by
Italy
3812 posts
I would have suggested the Domus Aurea because of the virtual reality experience, but if they are not interested in the catacombs I doubt they'd like Nero's underground palace. Maybe tell 'em Nero murdered both his mother and his favourite teacher...
An aperitivo without parents around? A friend of mine used to let his kids drink in a different bar but, since they were both 14, in the same square and in plain sight.
Posted by
Oakland, CA
124 posts
I agree to not over schedule things. Rome is glorious just being there, IMO, and I bet your kids will agree. My kids still talk about our tour of the coliseum and learning about Ancient Rome.
One day we were walking around Trastevere and my son, then 15, begged to go back to our apartment (near the Colosseum) and hang (which meant playing video games). We finally gave him some bus $ and sent him off. What was I thinking?! Of course it turned out fine, he was fine and I think it was a good experience for all of us. He also enjoyed navigating for us, so perhaps “assign” that task to one of your kids, if they might be interested. My daughter (then 12) liked the botanical gardens and the Porta Portese market.
Our kids also enjoyed the capuchin crypt, castel San Angelo and Ostia Antica.
You are giving your kids an invaluable gift — enjoy!
Posted by
Raleigh, NC
144 posts
We did a Fat Tire bike tour in Paris in 2015 that our son, then 13, loved. We’re going to do one in Rome with him again(now 19).
Posted by
25 posts
My family of 5 did the Eating Europe tour in the evening in Trastervere Rome. The whole family had a great time. (2 teens and a preteen at the time). I would recommend booking it at the start of the trip so you can get other great food suggestions from your guide or return to your favorites.
Posted by
Atlanta
1001 posts
Last December the favorite activity for my 12 & 14yo grandsons was the food tour of Testaccio. Afterward, our wonderful guide told us exactly how to find the Puma store with authentic national football jerseys. Win/win!