kdwyer

Hi all

I posted a similar message earlier, but I've narrowed it down a little now so would appreciate it if people could give me some input on the following:

Want to travel with my husband and toddler (2 years old) to Rome in spring (sometime in March) so would like some info on:

- decent apartments in quiet areas to rent

- nice parks

- ideas for traveling outside Rome (but not too far, say within a 2-3 hour drive) in order to experience some part of the culture of Italy that is not Rome. We'd go and stay somewhere, and make a base there.

So, thanks in advance... but please note in case some people want to warn me about traveling with our 2 year old - it is a conscious decision (ie. we do not want to travel without her), one that despite the difficulties involved I know will be worth it. We've traveled to a number of domestic places with her in her first year (Halifax, Ottawa, and Quebec City) now we're ready for the big time!

Look forward to hearing from you!

KD

copain1

It is good your are going in March because the streets will be less crowded and therefore, easier to navigate. Make sure you have a stroller with large tires. Roman streets and sidewalks are not stroller friendly. Many churches are wheelchair accessible these days. That might help you. Dining might be tricky without high chairs. Out in the country, I have seen people use a stack of books...Really!

As far as parks, unfortunately the centers of Italian cities have a tendency of being treeless. Of course with the exception of Borghese or Boboli. There is a mediocre park across from the Colosseum. Though I would not go there during the evening.

As far as apartment. It will not be that noisy in March. Even on the main squares. Just stay away from the main throughfares to avoid traffic and vespa noise. Check for elevators because many do not have them.

I think preparations is the key. Going to Ottawa is one thing, going to Rome with a two year old is completely different.

MFNYC

Orvieto is a nice side trip frmo Rome.

BKP

Hey kd

I would never think of trying to talk you out of taking a toddler to Rome! We actually just got back from a long weekend there with our 2 year old son. It was wonderful!
Here are our pointers:
We saw lots of people with strollers but we didn't bring one. If you do bring one, make sure it is sleek but durable -- not a big chunky one. The only time I missed having one was walking back from the Spanish Steps and having to carry him by myself. However -- the Spanish Steps wouldn't have worked out so well with a stroller!
Bring lots of coins for fountains. You will want to throw some into the Trevi of course, but there are lots of fountains and we stopped at them all.
Bring lots of crackers/bread crumbs for all the birds. Same principle as fountains -- we stopped for them all!
Don't worry about your child being a bother. It seems like everyone loved our son. He can be a little wild and most people just smiled or laughed outright at his antics. At one point we decided to count the number of people the would just reach out to pet his head as he walked/ran past. It got to be too many to count!
Never underestimate the power of the promise of gelato! "As soon as we get to the 'fill in the monument' we'll get gelato"
We didn't find any big open green spaces. But we let him run around in the piazzas, like Piazza Novana, that didn't have any cars. That definitely worked off some energy.
We found our apartment at www.sleepinitaly.com -- the one of via del boschetto. I'd post the link but I can't shrink it. It was a great area -- walking distance to everything. But, no lift. 73 steps! It was a good way to work off all those pasta carbs and gelato breaks!
I am sure you'll have a great time. We've been twice -- one with a child and one without. It's a completely different experience with a child -- much better! Have fun. Let me know if I can answer any other questions!

Grinisa

Well, Rome is going to be crowded and noisy in March, at least from March 14 to 31. This period includes the weekends before and after Easter when many people will be traveling to Rome and elsewhere in Italy. If you are going then, you had better hurry and decide where you want to stay as many choice hotels and apartments are already booked. If you are going to pick up a car and drive out of Rome, I suggest basing somewhere near Pienza.

Grinisa

As for parks, there are a few in Rome. Of course the Borghese. Plenty of grass to run around on, a zoo and also a small amusement area with rides a toddler would enjoy. That is near the entrance to the Park north of the Via Veneto. Another wonderful park for young children is the Villa Sciarra. This is a relatively small park in Trastevere but there is a lot of grass to run on, a huge cage filled with birds and peacocks (bring bread) and another amusement area, this one with a tiny roller coaster which your daughter may enjoy. There is also a small lane overhung with wisteria which, at the end of March, will be blooming and fragrant. If it rains, always a possibility in March, you could go to the Explora Children's Museum which is a hands on kids museum north of Piazza del Popolo. Lots of fun for young kids.