We are traveling to Rome and Venice next month w/ a 10 year old and a 7 year old. 4 days in Rome and 6 days in Venice. I am sure they will appreciate the history at some point but can anyone recommend some fun energy exerting activities for the family

I really recommend the book, "Rome With Kids", published by Fodors. Their London and Paris versions were invaluable for our trips last year with our kids, who are 11 and 14. Try to leave a post for "GRINISA", who seems incredibly knowledgeable about Italy, and has gone many times with her kids.

All the best!

I don't know where you are staying, but if you are near a park take a soccer ball and watch the kids come out of the woodwork! Great for the afternoon, when things are hot and slow. In Rome, try going to the Borghesi garden--bikes to rent and lots of room!

I have also heard that Rome is full of cats! You could keep a running tally of how many and who can see the next one!

I think hiring a guide who can speak to the children would be helpful. I will be in Rome this summer as well with my four, 13,11,9,7. I think it will be a lesson on seeing things through their eyes. Watch them and let them lead for a time. They will show you special things that are not in the guide books!!

We will be keeping a "gelato journal" with ratings and everything done totally by the kids. If you take them to some of the sights, check the bookstores first to see if they have books with overlays that show how the ruins looked before they were ruins.

I think watching movies and reading before you go helps. A roman holiday, even the Lizzie McGruire movie help peak interests.

Just some quick thoughts

Italy is very child friendly. My kids, particularly my son, loved it (I think because he liked the food so much). Just make sure you give the kids 'down' time, to relax or run around or just be kids. The Borghese Gardens is a great place for that in Rome. We did silly things like have my kids go up and down and count the Spanish steps while we wanted to sit and rest and they were antsy. They must have gone up and down 3 times and couldn't agree on an answer. They also loved Venice, especially taking the water buses. In Rome, eat at Mario's on VIa Del Moro in Trastevere. It's a great 'local' family restaurant and very inexpensive. Have fun!

LOL Weadles! Thanks for the compliment! I've been to Italy many times but only twice with the kids! I recently topped my Rome trip report for another person. It's called "Rome with Kids". The last time we took the girls to Italy we were in Venice too and they loved riding the vaporettos, chasing/feeding pigeons in St. Marks piazza and the Doges' Palace. We were only in Venice for two nights though. The "Secret Itinerary" tour of the Doges's Palace is supposed to be great for kids. My Rome trip report has lots of suggestions for activities for children. You can email me at [email protected] for any specific questions. Have a wonderful time!

Thanks so much for your help. We currently have 3 nights in Rome and 5 nights in venice...I friend suggested we may want to reverse that ...Any thoughts. Thanks

I agree, reverse it. Of course, I love Rome. It just seems that there is more for children to see and do in Rome than Venice. We were in Rome with our girls last month for nine days and still didn't get to do all the things we wanted. In 2001, we took them to Venice for 2 days and it was plenty.