Roman Holiday with Kids: A Luxe Family Escape in the Eternal City

Rome in the summer can be intense: crowded, hot, and a bit overwhelming for families. But with the right planning, it can also be one of the most rewarding destinations on earth, especially for kids curious about history. We found our sanctuary in the heart of the city at Villa Spalletti Trivelli, a quiet luxury villa that offers hotel-level amenities with the space and privacy of an apartment. Our two-bedroom, two-bath apartment had a full kitchen, a fridge stocked with drinks, and access to a rooftop bar and jacuzzi—perfect for unwinding after long days of walking.

Elegant villa meets family comfort—heading out from the lobby to the charming courtyard at Villa Spalletti Trivelli.

Downtime done right: a cozy, kid-approved bedroom after a day of Roman ruins and gelato runs.

Spacious, luxe bathroom with a walk-in shower and soaking tub—perfect for relaxing after long walks.

Evening soak with a skyline view—rooftop relaxation at Villa Spalletti Trivelli was the perfect way to unwind after a day in ancient Rome.

Location-wise, it was ideal. We could walk to the Colosseum, Pantheon, and many other key sites. The staff was incredibly helpful, reaching out in advance to coordinate our airport transfer and making check-in a breeze. The included breakfast—served in the courtyard or dining room—and charming common areas made it feel like an elegant home away from home. I’d love to return in cooler weather and settle in for a longer Roman stay.

A highlight for our kids (ages 7 and 9) was a private family focused tour of the Colosseum and Forum through LivTours. The tour included arena floor access—hard to get, and absolutely worth it for the perspective it gave us. Our guide, Sandra, was engaging and kept the kids involved with a custom puzzle booklet and visual aids. Our 7-year-old enjoyed the Colosseum but opted out of the Forum; our 9-year-old stayed with my husband and was so enthusiastic he gave me a tour the next day based on everything he’d learned.

Our guide pointed out hidden details of the Colosseum’s structure, captivating the kids with stories of emperors, spectators, and gladiators.

Beyond the sightseeing, we had plenty of relaxed family moments—wandering through quiet alleys, trying wild new dishes (hello, chip-and-strawberry salad), and sampling way too much gelato. It was the perfect blend of history, food, and memory-making.

• Beat the heat: Early morning tours and midday breaks back at the hotel (or in the rooftop jacuzzi!) helped us manage summer temperatures.

• Gelato strategy: Skip the shops near major tourist sites and look for signs of small-batch, artisanal production—metal tins with lids and natural coloring are a good start. Our favorites were tucked into quiet neighborhoods.

• Foodie finds: Roman cuisine is full of surprises. We loved trying unusual salads with ingredients like fried cheese, strawberries, and potato chips—don’t be afraid to order the thing that sounds strange. The city also excels at vegetable-forward dishes, fried street snacks (supplì!), and family-friendly pasta options.

• Kid tip: Let them take the lead—our son’s retelling of the Forum tour was better than any guidebook.

For more inspiration and insider recommendations, visit our Rome page.