Villa Borghese Gardens is a real time commitment — fit it in only if it's a priority.
Allow 1–3 hrs.
A green reprieve from the stone and crowds: rent a rowboat on the little lake, hire a bike, and walk to the Pincio terrace for a postcard view over Piazza del Popolo. It's huge and a bit unmanicured in spots, but it's the easiest place in central Rome to let kids run.