We are thinking of bringing our 7 year old son with us to Rome next winter break. We would love any suggestions on things to do that would keep him curious and interested. We would be there for a week. Thanks in advance!
Posted by
Forest Grove, OR
11333 posts
Check out Ciao Bambino. Ignore the hotel services and concentrate on the advice in the right hand column.
Posted by
London, UK via Seattle, Washington
34 posts
If I were a 7 year old in Rome, these would be awesome -
Explora, a hands-on museum with interactive displays.
If he's ok with a little bit of spookiness, the catacombs at Via Appia Antica.
If he likes the morbidly quirky, the Convento dei Cappuccini (crypt chapels covered in bones). I couldn't find a clear website, but it's at Via Vittorio Veneto 27 in Rome and it's about €8 each (less for kids). It's awesome, but could make it hard to sleep at night if he's not into it.
Obviously, pizza and gelato are absolute musts! If he picks a gelato spot for an afternoon snack, that could keep his interest. I know it would keep mine!
Posted by
Salem, MA
68 posts
If your son enjoys riding bikes, you could rent them and go for a ride around the Borghese Gardens or down the Appian Way.
Rick has a chapter, Rome with Children, in his Rome guide (it's also a section in the Rome chapter of his Italy guide). Though I haven't read that section myself, the rest of the guide is great, so it could be a good resource. Have a great time!
Posted by
OP
Tampa, FL, USA
121 posts
Thank you all! Would there be any specific holiday events to include given it will be the week before Christmas?
Posted by
London, UK via Seattle, Washington
34 posts
There are Christmas Markets in Rome that are definitely worth checking out!
There are also usually ice skating rinks set up around big cities like Rome in winter.
Of course, there are plenty of Nativity scenes, Christmas church concerts and masses if you're interested in those, but you'd be better off researching them closer to the time.
Some streets are decorated with lights. We were in Genoa and Milan in late November/early December and there were many streets in each city decorated already. I imagine it would be the same in Rome. Some are better than others.
Don't miss Pangiallo, the typical Christmas cake of Lazio!
Posted by
Toledo, Ohio, US
11613 posts
There is an exhibition of nativity scenes (presepi) in Piazza del Popolo. And a motorcycle Santa parade on the 24th or 25th.
I haven't seen an ice skating rink in Roma. There is a Christmas market in Piazza Navona but it's not worth your time. Street decorations are lovely.
Each region has its own food specialties, Panettone is the most popular and available in small sizes (still a big serving for a seven-year-old, you'll have to share.