Traveling to Rome with three kids in tow (ages 4, 9, and 12) has been magical, hilarious, and slightly chaotic in all the right ways. I wish I had found more honest family travel blogs before we arrived, because there’s so much you only learn on the ground. Like:

  • Late June in Rome is sauna-level hot.
  • You’ll want to pack only linen, breezy dresses, Birks or sneakers, and a solid backpack.
  • Be prepared for jet lag, heat exhaustion, snack drama, and the kind of travel flexibility that can make or break a trip.

That said, if you keep expectations low and curiosity high, you’ll ease right into la bella vita. Additionally, AI can save you if you’re like us and enjoy planning on the fly. Here are three AI family travel hacks that saved my sanity during our trip, which you can apply to make the logistics much smoother.

1. Leverage AI to Navigate the Metros in Rome

One of the most rewarding (and sweaty) adventures we took. We climbed to the top of St. Peter’s Basilica—165 narrow steps each way—and even our 4-year-old made it most of the way up (with a little Hulk dad assist). The view is breathtaking and gives kids a real sense of accomplishment.

Pro parenting tip: Split up afterward if needed. I took the younger two home while my husband and our oldest ventured into the Sistine Chapel. There’s no way the little legs would have made it.

AI Power Hack #1

Use ChatGPT or Google Maps with AI-generated route help to navigate the Rome metro system. I took the wrong train at first, then realized getting an Uber or taxi in Rome is basically impossible. AI helped reroute me on the fly.

2. Use AI to Maneuver What to Eat While You Travel

It’s crowded, and we are not ones to map out each and every day with three young kids. We like to maneuver on the fly, so for nights you eat in, you can input the local produce, and ChatGPT can come up with fantastic recipes to make. I’m also mostly gluten-free back home, and my AI tool knows that. It created a beautifully curated list of recipes and helped me make this fantastic frittata, which I survived on for the week.

AI Power Hack #2

Leverage AI to recommend what to make with local cuisine and where to go when eating out. If eating out for lunch, I highly recommend an incredible lunch at Bottega Ciccone, complete with amazing pizza and antipasti. If you’re planning to eat out for dinner, don’t miss dinner at Roma Sparita. Their cacio e pepe served in a parmesan bowl is what dreams are made of.

3. Ask AI for Easy Things to Do in Rome, Based on Your Kids Ages and Interests

Not far from Termini Station, the Santa Maria Maggiore, or one of the oldest churches in Rome, was one of the most peaceful and awe-inspiring spots we visited. The line moves fast, the ceilings dazzle, and it’s a great place to cool off—both literally and spiritually.  Also, maybe confess those sins you’ve accumulated while bribing your kids with gelato.

Our kids lasted about 90 minutes at the Coliseum, which was perfect. We made it fun by staging pretend sword fights, imagining the crowds, and rewarding them afterward with gelato and granita. It’s an unforgettable place, but be sure to arrive early and book your tour time to avoid the heat and crowds.

Last but not least, I asked ChatGPT for the best kid activities to do on our last day there. Explora (a kids’ museum) popped up and may have been one of my kids’ favorite activities, along with a family bike and carriage through Villa Borguese beforehand. Explorea is a hands-on, kid-focused museum with water play, cooking, trains, and STEM zones—perfect for ages 3–12.

AI Power Hack #3

Ask AI if you are stuck on what to do if you get stuck. I input my kids’ ages and interests, as well as our location, and it curated the perfect list to choose from. 

How to Use AI to Discover Fun Family Things to Do in Rome 

Traveling to Rome with kids isn’t always smooth, but it is always worth it. Let them sleep in, eat too much pasta, and explore at their own pace. When in doubt, slow down, split up, or bribe with gelato. And when your brain is too fried to figure out your next move, let AI help you shine. 

AI is transforming parenting! For more inspiration, please check out my latest episode (Ep. 321) on how to save time and parent smarter, not harder, as we utilize AI to regain some precious time.

And if you would like the packing checklist or our full itinerary? Just let me know—I’m happy to share my lists from AI and how it helped me avoid any disasters during our time away!