By Lisa T. Bergren

Heading to Rome with kids? Weary of the traffic and crowds? One of the best hours we had in Rome was the hour we rented a riscio in the Borghese Gardens. It truly was one of my teen’s top 3 favorite excursions.

Designed in 1605 for a wealthy cardinal, the Borghese Gardens were the first of its kind in Rome, and remain a public treasure today. We were eager to explore the gardens, but they cover over four square miles (6-km)! There are all kinds of options: The Galleria Borghese, zoo, kiddie rides for small children, hidden temples, an aviary and more.

Canvassing the park, getting a feel for her and what she offers, is a great way to begin your afternoon. And the best way to do that is exploring with the aid of a rented bike or riscio. We found a place to rent bikes in the area called Il Pincio, shown above.

What’s cool about these little trolleys is that they have a winding function, making it easy and fast to move about. It’s far easier than walking! Circumvent the park, then cross it, back and forth, deciding where you’ll return afterward.

From one side, there are terrific views across the city; here, we’re near the Spanish Steps and Via Veneto.

The Gardens: A Welcome Escape

This is one of the places Romans go to escape (think Central Park in NYC). Tons of people head out to stroll and enjoy the kiddie rides, trails, or sunshine filtered by massive trees. And for tourists, it’s a marvelous break from the busyness and noise of the city, as well as a way to fall into the cadence of normal Roman life.

It’s truly a family-oriented park. Teens race in little go-carts, couples make out on the grass, parents chase toddlers, friends stroll and chat. Children weep over lost balloons, sailing into the sky. Others laugh at their friends or stare in amazement at in-line skaters doing tricks. Everyone celebrates being outdoors, free from the confines of the city.

And When You’re Through…

When you’ve returned your riscio, you can walk across this wide, broad, peaceful avenue and visit the Borghese Museum. Parents can hope that after all that good exercise and fresh air, kids just may pay attention to some of the artistic treasures found inside. Mine did.

Things to know:

• Be aware that taxis and buses drop you off in central areas and you have to walk the rest of the way. There is no “direct to the bike rental” stop.
• An hour’s rental gave us enough time to get a feel for the park, but with no long stops. If you want a more leisurely visit, rent it for two.
• Riscios are officially for two or four people (“posti”), but we saw families of 6 with little ones perched in the front! The rules, at least when we were there, were fairly lax.
• The wind-up function is a little wild. It really makes you GO! To avoid accidents, practice peddling, relaxing and braking in a non-crowded area.
• Even with teens along, have Mom or Dad try it first so you know the control you’re handing over.
• The park is huge; keep an eye on your watch when you sign out the riscio and make sure you can get back in time.
• I didn’t see a way to “lock up” your bikes, so you pretty much have to have someone stay with it at all times. It feels like the kind of place a prankster-teen might choose to take your rental for a joy ride.

Been to the Borghese Gardens? What was your favorite part?