4. MEET THE EMPERORS
The city’s freshest expression of new and old comes to life in the long awaited (and debated) museum designed by American architect Richard Meier.   This spacious light-filled building is bright with windows and sky and serves as modern shelter for Augustus’ ancient Altar of Peace.  From Nero to Caesar, introduce your child to the emperors and explore marble carved iconography that includes loving mothers, cherubic babies, bountiful garlands of fruit and dragons and stars.
Museo dell’Ara Pacis * Lungovetere in Augusta
06 82059127 * www.arapacis.it

5. CHOW, CIAO
Adventure is good for the appetite and ‘Gusto is the perfect place to refuel no matter what your mood or schedule.  Sit outside on the grand restaurant loggia overlooking Augustus’ moss covered mausoleum, on the intimate patio out back or in one of several white tiled interior spaces: an osteria, enoteca, wine bar or wood-fired pizzeria.  Chat about your discoveries over a midday buffet plate that, like your daytrip, features both traditional and modern Roman classics.
‘Gusto * Piazza Augusto Imperatore, 9
06 3226273 * www.gusto.it

BONUS TRACK:  EXPLORA
Rome’s museum dedicated to children is a well-organized and inspiring delight: explore colorful craft areas, sing into talking tubes, play doctor in a child-sized hospital, fight a fire or take the helm of a sea ship before fixing yourself something to eat in the little kitchen. Staggered starts keep crowds at bay and there’s plenty for “tiny explorers” (3 and under) including a tent-like womb that allows children to pretend they are back inside mama’s tummy.
Explora * Museo dei Bambini * Via Flaminia, 82
06 361376 * www.mdbr.it