Kids made to feel at home in Rome

Rome is famous for so much and when it comes to catering for children it does not disappoint. Here are some of our favorite ideas to keep everyone happy.

The NH Concierge’s Tips

Welcome to our NH Collection Vittorio Veneto hotel, perfectly placed in central Rome to meet all you may desire, and if children are traveling with you they are in for a treat. Just meters from our hotel door you will find the city’s equivalent of New York’s Central Park, a huge green area with so much hidden within its confines. Let us start our family adventure there…

Family funfest in Rome’s largest park

Villa Borghese provides that wonderful big-city luxury of green space: over 200 acres of it. That in itself allows time for walking, running, playing and sitting – I just love having a picnic here too – but where it really excels for the younger members of the family is everything else that it offers. Reasonably-priced bikes can be hired to explore deep into the many gardens of the park, or just to get to the next ice-cream stop more quickly, and then there are over 100 points of interest to capture the imagination. Although some of the museums may be more aligned to adult escapism, the park can consume hours, if not days, of spare time.

Old zoo for the young at heart

The Bioparco di Roma is one of the oldest zoological gardens in Europe. It was inaugurated in 1911, and its 17 hectares allows animals to roam free while you get to enjoy over 1,200 creatures of more than 200 species. There’s a fun train to take you around the various close encounters with animals including my favorites of lions, wolves and apes, while there is also an aviary and a reptile house where the scaly and slimy incumbents often prove very popular with young visitors.

It’s worth noting that if you visit the Villa Borghese at the weekend the children can enjoy a live puppet show in the Pincio Gardens. The Teatro del Burattino and the gardens are impressive enough by themselves but the shows ensure a seat and a break from all the running around if needed.

Roman travel and, of course, pizza!

Whether you prefer bus or metro, public transport and taxis in Rome allow you to move around fairly efficiently for a major European capital. A enjoyable way to experience the city is via the Citysightseeing Hop on - Hop off bus, which permits as many stops as required when your sharp-eyed kids spots something they like.

And as you’re traveling around, you’ll struggle to go far without having the option to sit down for many a child’s favorite dish: pizza. Italy is home to the delicious flatbread, tomato and cheese-based masterpiece so don’t be surprised if at every meal time your wily little ones shout, “when in Rome, do as the Romans do”. And with so many varieties for you to enjoy too, why not? One such venue is just a five-minute walk from the hotel, Ristorante Il Piccolo Mondo on Via Aurora. There’s always the chance that you’ll see me there too!

Further afield for watery adventure

If the sound of Dolphin Island, the Parrots’ Forest and the Predators’ Plain get the young minds excited then a trip to the south of the city is worth the time. Water rides, sea creatures, and a stunning, lush green environment over 40 hectares will keep you busy all day at Zoomarine. And don’t be surprised to see a dinosaur or two! I’d also recommend trying out the incredible 4D cinema for a multi-dimensional penguin show, among others.

So if you were in any doubt about bringing the kids on your visit to the historic city of Rome, be in no doubt that they will probably fall in love with it more than you.

About Maria Grazia Mauro

I’m Maria Grazia Mauro. I have been part of the NH Hotel Group since March 2016, working in Guest Relations after gaining experience in London. I chose this position because every day is different - there’s no chance of being bored! We are the main point of contact for both the hotel team and the guests, so the entire day is focused on the guests’ needs, ensuring their satisfaction and aiming to make their stay an unforgettable experience. You need to be empathetic, understanding, and have time for everyone in this job, as well as having the ability to stay calm and collected while offering the right solution to each client, always with a smile. A happy guest will always come back.

Other articles

The Eternal City, where memories last forever

Rome, the capital of Italy, the Coliseum, the Pantheon…but what about the locals’ view on what to do. Our Guest Relations team points you in all the right direction no matter how long you stay

What to do in Rome? Here it is our list of 13 plans for you visit

Ahhh Rome. There are few people on the planet that couldn’t describe some aspects of Italy’s capital city, such is its fame. But when you visit, maybe you want to avoid the most commonly treaded paths, so allow us to guide you with our unique choices for what to do in Rome.

La Dolce Vita Rome, the sweet Italian way of life

Italians have an enthusiasm for the best cashmere, the most aromatic basil and the best looking sports cars. They take a pleasure in the simple things in life and never miss an opportunity to party.

Modern Rome: Art, architecture and fashion

Modern Rome boasts a thriving arts scene, contemporary architecture and collection of modern boutique stores that show the city offers much more than just a walk through its past glories.

Rome by Night: Discover the Classic and the Modern

As enchanting as it is entertaining, Rome by night offers plenty of fine dining, chic bars, clubs, theatre and a sultry atmosphere across the city. Indeed, a night out in Rome is sure to be a memorable one.

Shopping in Rome is Walking a Lap of Luxury

As well as being renowned for its culture and history, Rome is a great destination for shopping. Fashion fans are drawn here by the chic garments being sold in the city's high-end shops and designer outlets.

Short Stay in Rome: the must-see sites

Though the Italian capital contains millennias' worth of history and culture, Rome’s must see sites are easily enjoyed on foot during a short stay, ensuring that all visitors can maximise their time in this beautiful city.