Another great "life of the city" experience is to go to Trastevere, a neighborhood where you will find (at least I did in March 2001) that the majority of people in the restaurants & bars are Italians. Very lively at night--quaint little winding streets are packed! I agree that the Colosseum and Forum are good tourist destinations; if your kids liked "Gladiator" they may be somewhat interested in this anyway. Don't miss the Via Condotti near the Spanish Steps--all the designer shops are there and again the locals come out to see & be seen. It's quite an experience to stroll those streets.