How to get to Child-Friendly Beaches and Water Activities Near Rome
- tscheiman
- May 4
- 4 min read
Child-Friendly Beaches and Water Activities Near Rome
Where to Splash Safely — and How to Get There with Baby Gear Without the Stress
When you think of Rome, sandy beaches and splash pads may not be the first things that come to mind. But if you're visiting with kids — especially toddlers or babies — you'll probably crave a break from the hot stone streets and ancient ruins. On our second week in the city, with temperatures pushing 37°C (99°F), all our toddler wanted was water.
Luckily, there are some lovely, child-friendly beaches and water activities just outside of Rome — if you know where to go, and more importantly, how to get there without hauling your baby gear across multiple buses in the heat. Here's how we did it — stress-free and sun-safe.
Lido di Ostia – Rome’s Closest Family Beach
The easiest beach to reach from central Rome is Lido di Ostia, about 30–45 minutes away depending on traffic. While parts of it can get busy (and a little wild) in the afternoons, there are several private beach clubs, known as stabilimenti, that cater well to families.
We went to La Vecchia Pineta, which had:
Shaded areas with umbrellas and loungers
Calm, shallow water perfect for toddlers
Clean bathrooms, changing tables, and even a small café with high chairs
Our son happily spent two hours building sandcastles under a parasol while we sipped espresso and reapplied sunscreen every 10 minutes. It was simple, safe, and surprisingly relaxing.
Getting There Without Meltdowns: Why Taxi Was the Best Option
We considered taking the train from Piramide to Ostia, which many guidebooks recommend. But after reading about stairs, crowded carriages, and no air-conditioning, we quickly ruled it out. Instead, we booked a taxi with a child seat via TaxiBambino.com, and it was hands-down the best decision of the day.
Here’s why:
Air-conditioned ride for us and our gear
Pre-installed infant seat for peace of mind
Door-to-beach service — no dragging a stroller through sand or down station stairs
We didn’t wake our toddler during the ride — which, if you’ve ever had a sleeping baby in the back seat, you know is a victory
💰 Cost: Around €50–60 one-way from central Rome. Not cheap, but well worth it when you factor in ease, safety, and everyone arriving with their sanity intact.
Santa Marinella – A Quieter Alternative
If you’re up for a slightly longer trip (about 1 hour from Rome), Santa Marinella is a beautiful, smaller beach town that’s very family-friendly and much calmer than Ostia.
There’s a lovely stretch of beach with calm water and soft sand, and the town itself feels safe, clean, and manageable with kids. We found a small beach club called Lido del Carabiniere, which had:
Fenced-in beach access (safe for toddlers)
Showers, toilets, and family cabins
No loud music or party scene — just umbrellas, families, and the sound of waves
We arrived by taxi again, which allowed us to pack more freely (floaties, extra towels, snacks) without worrying about carrying it all on public transport.
What to Pack for a Beach Day with a Baby or Toddler
Here’s what made our trip smoother:
UV swimsuits and SPF 50+ sunscreen
Pop-up sun tent or umbrella (though most beach clubs provide one)
Swim diapers and a change of clothes
Snacks and extra water — beach cafés are helpful, but sometimes slow
Waterproof bag for wet clothes
Floaties or beach toys — optional but always a hit
We also brought our travel stroller with big wheels for sand, but honestly, the taxi made a bigger difference than any gear choice.
Bonus: Public Pools and Splash Areas in Rome
If you don’t want to leave the city, there are a few good water options within Rome itself.
Piscina delle Rose (EUR area)
Open-air pool with a kids’ zone, sunbeds, and a café. It’s stroller-friendly and good for families, but gets crowded by midday — go early.
Villa Doria Pamphilj Splash Fountain (Unofficial)
On hot days, Roman kids often play in the fountains — we joined some local families for a spontaneous splash at this park. Bring a towel, just in case!
Again, we used a taxi for both outings to avoid long walks in the heat and to protect naptime.
Final Thoughts: Water + Shade + Comfort = Happy Families
Rome in summer is magical, but it’s also intense — especially with young kids. Finding water activities or a beach day isn’t just about fun, it’s about balance. We were able to enjoy both Lido di Ostia and Santa Marinella because we focused on keeping things simple, cool, and safe — and taking a family taxi with a child seat played a big part in that.
So next time you’re staring down a 37°C forecast in the middle of Rome, remember: you don’t have to tough it out. You just need a good beach bag — and the right ride to get you there.
🚖 Planning a beach or pool day near Rome? Book your safe, air-conditioned taxi with a child seat at TaxiBambino.com — and make water days feel like holidays.
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