Rome with a toddler. Good idea or not?

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A friend and I happened to go the week of the Rome marathon last year. It was fine apart from around the Colosseum area on the morning of the marathon.

I just went to Rome a couple of weeks ago (not with toddlers, but with a 5-yo) and it was absolutely fine. Getting some much needed sunlight, seeing the sights, doing some shopping etc. Strollers may be a bit more challenging as the pavements are a bit wonky in Rome.There are lots of places where you can eat a quick slice of pizza or ice cream and it has a lot of benches on the side walk which make enjoying these with small kids more handy. Don't go to museums that force you to do the entire route (ie avoid the Sistene chapel!) and perhaps also avoid getting caught in the triangle colosseum/pantheon/trevi fountain too often as there it was super crowded. Other parts of Rome were absolutely fine. I was warned about scammers so had taken precautions (cross body bag, no unnecessary valuables) but was only approached once (and that one was a bit tricky as one dressed as a clown approached my kid with a balloon animal for which she was asking money). We were close to a metro and used it without issues (lots of stairs though, but escalators were mostly available as well). As long as you're not set too much on a fixed agenda, you'll be fine. Please be minded that a lot of the sights need very early booking nowadays. Tripadvisor forum has loads of info.

How can you judge what a three year old might see in a Caravaggio? We don’t know how much their brains can take in? How do we know how much a child’s brain might grow standing outside the pantheon entering and seeing the vastness of the space… or staring at the Trevi fountain or looking at the architecture - maybe just hearing Italian.. as a language, how that will grow their mind… do it OP. Ignore those who say No.

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Yes my one piece of advice would be to take extra care crossing the roads as it's pretty crazy in central town.

I can’t think of anything nicer than a week strolling around Rome.

It won’t be too hot for toddler, and there is just so much to do and see. Back to your accommodation if things get stressful.

Go for it and have a great time.

I can’t believe this attitude to museums for small children!

Thank you @ginasevern!!! There is so much out there for kids to see! We are taking ours (not toddlers) a teen and a tween to India! Some people think we’re a bit mad!!! But why not? I’ve been to Rome but not my kids yet, but I can’t wait to take them.

I agree, pace it. There is a phenomenal amount of things to see just on the streets of Rome. Even if you didn’t enter a single building!

Mine loves both of those things! Maybe not fine dining, but the PP said lovely food places and DC loves those!

Surprised how many people don't think museums are good with toddlers. Mine have been to the occasional museum since they were babies - there's always something to inspire the imagination even in the driest museum, and a lot have incredible children's activities etc.

The poster just stated that there’s lovely places for food, not that the only option was fancy restaurants that are unsuitable for children. Not sure what the eye roll is for?
One 3 year old between 2 adults in a restaurant is pretty easy parenting, never mind the fact there are loads of casual open places to eat where the child can potter around while waiting.
You’re very narrow minded.

Sounds perfect OP! Our toddler is 2 and I love taking him out to museums, parks, restaurants etc. And he gets so excited to be going on public transport. Its such a wonderful age and I'm sure you'll have the best time.

As long as you won’t be annoying your Dh (I would hate if Dh decided he was dragging my toddler along on my work trip 😳).

I took mine on lots of European city breaks when little. It’s not hugely different than being at home. We did parks and playgrounds, went to cafes, museums (especially during nap time, I’d push them around and they’d snooze and I’d look at stuff). We’d have picnics and try new foods. Basically like what we’d do at home, but somewhere more interesting.

You've highlighted the problem with so many parents in this country. They don't encourage their children to explore, taste, learn, absorb and experience different things. The younger you start the better. So many of them only want to expose their kids to theme parks, water parks and chicken nuggets. It's an easier life for the parents for sure but it does the children a disservice.

I would agree with this. I was in Venice with two and it was SO packed I swear I didn't see a thing as my eyes were glued to the children!!

You’ll be fine but crossing roads is hard so make sure you carry him across

They're usually very child friendly and lots to look at. My children loved museums as toddlers!

I never once felt unsafe in Rome.

Just avoid taking flowers and shit from people and keep your bag to the front of you like you would do in any big city.

Yeah because there is nothing more a toddler loves then museums and nice restaurants 🙄

I’ve been several times and at this time of year I would.

Go, it's glorious and little children are adored.

Yeah, it's Rome.

You always go to Rome if you get the chance!

I went two years ago and I dream of going back and will do so as soon as I can. It was amazing, everything about it.

Please go to Rome!

There are many museums a 3 year old would find interesting.

Not sure it would be my first pick but you could make it work.

Personally I'd let DH go and celebrate your sons birthday the week before or after