Rome

How to Tour the Colosseum with Kids in Rome

How to Tour the Colosseum with Kids in Rome

Looking around inside the Colosseum as a family · Scene from our film (20 sec)

▶Watch scene from our film 20 sec

Most dreams of traveling to Europe include the epicenter of ancient history and the “eternal city” – Rome, Italy.  Many consider it the birthplace of art itself, and Rome literally consists of layer upon layer of ancient history that is constantly being unearthed and discovered.  Several locals told us during our month-long stay that Roman locals are generally not impressed with the ruins. They have become inconveniences because everything is an ancient monument; they’re everywhere!  

Rome beckons to travel lovers, and you may be worried about whether it’s good to visit with kids.  The resounding answer is yes!  Our own visits have given us plenty of reasons to enjoy exploring Rome as a family. Plan around your children’s energy and the entry rules for each site.

Not only will the endless history fascinate you, but the kids can really get into it, too.  Stories of the gladiators, Roman emperors, and Roman life need no embellishment to fascinate the younger travelers.

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Overall, we struggled during our time in Rome due to a bad Airbnb and the dirtiness of the area we stayed in.  The trash collection was on strike when we visited, and disgusting only begins to describe the atmosphere.  However, it is a magical city, and subsequent visits have restored our love for this Italian dame.

Fun Facts About the Roman Colosseum

The top priority on your list of sights to see in Rome should be the Colosseum.  While it is a lot of walking and a long visit, kids love to see this colossal monument in person.  All of our kids were fascinated by the depth of the history there.  Here are some fun facts to get you excited about your visit!

Our Colosseum family film and learning memories

Our earlier Colosseum and Roman Forum family film · Full film (16 min 11 sec)

▶Watch full film 16 min 11 sec

This earlier family film records our missed tour, visit to the Colosseum and nearby ruins, and a playful quiz with the children. Historical numbers and interpretations in our family conversation are not a checked history lesson. Ticket prices, entry procedures, tour arrangements and comments about future works reflect that visit, not current operator guidance. Use the official information linked in the guide below. Our separate gladiator-training booking was not part of Colosseum admission.

Watch our original related film on YouTube

• Emperor Vespasian commissioned the Colosseum around 73-75 AD and used tens of thousands of slaves to build it in around 7-8 years.  This alone is mind-boggling.

• The Colosseum is the largest amphitheater in the world. Rome’s official tourism site gives its outer dimensions as about 189 metres long, 156 metres wide, and over 48 metres high—an enormous building to imagine full of spectators.

• The Colosseum was built for public spectacles, including gladiatorial games, animal hunts, and executions. It was a major centre of Roman entertainment, with elaborate machinery used to bring people, animals, and scenery into the arena.

• The Colosseum had 80 different entrances, with different privileges to enter,  and could hold up to 50,000 people. The Emperor and other nobles had specific areas in which to sit (VIP sections), and you could view the bathrooms (imagine the logistics of this in a stadium even today).

• Our visit to Rome in October was hot and sweaty.  We learned the Colosseum had a special awning – designed by the Roman navy – that could be opened to protect spectators from the fierce heat of the Roman sun. It was called the velarium and was made of canvas, covering the seating area.

• The backstage crew of the day was astounding.  Trap doors beneath the Colosseum floor hid elevators powered by slaves pulling ropes. A fully grown live elephant could appear from beneath the stage in seconds!

• The Colosseum was completed under Emperor Titus in AD 80. Its spectacular events included gladiatorial contests and animal hunts, combining impressive engineering with a violent form of public entertainment.

• The Colosseum hosted gladiatorial fights, full naval battle reenactments, and more. Can you imagine it filling with water and full-sized ships battling?  That sounds better than any movie I’ve seen.

• Gladiator fights were abolished in 404 AD.  They did not all have to be to the death, as depicted in the movies.  Sometimes it was just fighting.  Gladiators were usually slaves, but they could also be volunteers.  They could rise through the ranks and retire rich and famous.

• The Colosseum has suffered at least four earthquakes and three major fires over the course of its history. We are all grateful it has survived for nearly 2000 years.

• The Colosseum has become a symbol in campaigns against the death penalty. Special illuminations have marked anti-death-penalty initiatives, giving this ancient monument a very different modern meaning.

• While impossible to know with certainty, it is believed that as many as 400,000 people, including gladiators, slaves, convicts, prisoners, and myriad other entertainers, perished in the Colosseum over the 350 or so years during which it was used for human bloodsports and spectacles.

Visiting the Colosseum in Rome With Kids

Outside First: Let the Kids Take In the Colosseum

Approaching the Colosseum with the children · Scene from our film (19 sec)

▶Watch scene from our film 19 sec

Before we went inside, we spent time around the Colosseum with the family. One of the children was in a toy armor set and crown, which made a lovely Rome memory in the middle of all that stone and history. The outside views also put the size of the place into perspective: it is a huge monument, and even the arches are worth looking up at before focusing on the ticketed route. I would leave a little space in the visit for children to take in the building at their own pace.

Inside the Colosseum With Kids

Inside, the scale is what stays with me: the high arches open onto a wide view of the arena and the underground levels. Standing beside those brick arches with the children gave us so much to look at together. Before a visit, I would talk with the kids about gladiators and Roman life; once you are there, the building itself gives those stories a real place to land. The exact areas open to visitors can depend on the ticket and current access, so check the official visit details when planning.

When To Visit the Colosseum With Kids

When considering a visit to the Colosseum, you’ll need to consider both time of year and time of day.  Both can greatly affect your visit to this iconic tourist location.  The Colosseum can receive 12 million visitors annually; no day exists that will be just your family.  However, you can maximize your options to create a better experience with kids.

Best Time of Year To Visit the Colosseum

June takes the cake as the best month to visit the Colosseum.  Europe as a whole doesn’t finish school until the end of June, as we have learned since living in Portugal.  If your kids are getting out at the end of May, plan your European visit for June.  

Do NOT visit in August!  This is when Europe goes on vacation, and everything is super crowded.

The winter months (excluding the end-of-year holiday period) are also quiet, particularly on weekdays.

Colosseum Hours

Use the official opening calendar for your date, including last admission and exceptional closures. Opening and closing times vary seasonally; do not plan from the old “one hour before sunset” rule or assume the Forum and Colosseum open at the same time.

Check the closing time and the last permitted entry separately, then allow enough time for security and the route on your ticket. Do not use an old seasonal timetable as confirmation of a future booking.

The park participates in free-admission days, including the first Sunday of the month. Check the official calendar and free-day collection procedure; free admission does not guarantee immediate entry or access to every special route. Check holiday closures too rather than assuming May 1 is always closed.

Best Time of Day To Visit the Colosseum

I prefer considering early or later slots when planning a Colosseum visit. Compare the current admission slots with your children’s energy, the weather and the rest of your day. No time slot guarantees smaller crowds or perfect photographs.

Best Way To Get Tickets to the Colosseum for Families

Like many touristy things in Europe, tickets can be a bit of a game played with unsuspecting tourists!  One thing we didn’t love about Rome was the feeling that if someone could take advantage of us, they would.  It seems to be part of the culture, unfortunately.  You won’t be treated poorly, but you might pay exponentially more than you need to.

This mentality applies to getting tickets to the Colosseum.  Hundreds of tours are offered at many price points.  They are not necessarily bad or something to be avoided.  It’s best to understand the situation and make the best choice for you.

Colosseum entry requires the appropriate booked time slot. An advance ticket avoids buying at the ticket office, but it does not mean immediate entry or allow you to skip security. Follow your ticket’s arrival instructions and allow for entry checks and queues.

Types of Tickets To Enter the Colosseum

Several ticket types are available to enter the Colosseum at different price points.  Consider what might be best for your family.

• Full experience general entry + arena: This is a standard entry ticket with the added bonus of allowing you onto the arena floor, which is where the gladiators fought.  While it’s a great ticket to have, it’s slightly trickier to secure as demand is high.
• Full experience with underground access: This is a ticket that allows access to the underground area of the Colosseum.  This was not available when we went, but I would have LOVED to see it.  This is an excellent ticket IF you can get, it but availability is so limited, it is exceptionally hard to secure
• Full experience with attico access: This is a standard entry ticket with additional access to the top tier of the Colosseum, by a panoramic elevator. An excellent choice provided you are not afraid of heights!

Buying Tickets to the Colosseum From the Official Website

Here’s the skinny on buying tickets: you can get them much cheaper on the official website, Colosseo.it.  However, going this route has some downsides:

Benefits

• Compare the official admission tariff with any tour-service charge. The standard Colosseum–Forum–Palatine ticket is listed at €18 when checked; other routes and products cost differently. Confirm the live total before paying rather than using the old $16 figure.
• Under-18s qualify for free admission, but still need the appropriate free ticket. The operator’s current child-ticket instructions say to book online. Reserve the correct product and time with the adults’ booking and check the proof-of-age requirements. A tour company may charge for its service even when the child’s monument admission is free.
• Check a guide’s availability, credentials, inclusions and meeting instructions before paying.  Alternatively, you can use the official app, MyColosseum.  It has tour-based guides to the Colosseum and the Forum/ Palatine Hill.
• The eligible EU youth concession is a €2 entrance fare, not €2 off the adult price. Check the precise age and nationality conditions: the official standard ticket lists eligibility from age 18 until the day of the 25th birthday.

Drawbacks

• Availability is limited. The main official booking page states that sales open 30 days before the visit, but check the release and conditions for your exact product. A date displayed by a tour seller is not proof that your named monument tickets have been issued.
• Navigating the website can be difficult.  You’ll need some patience.
• Check that every adult and child has the correct ticket or reservation before arriving. If the child-ticket process is unclear, ask the official ticketing helpdesk or park staff rather than relying on old instructions to find an internal ticket desk.

Alternatively, compare the Roma Pass Card with buying the tickets you actually need. The Roma Pass has different versions and conditions; it does not guarantee a Colosseum time slot, special-area access, or bypass of security. Check official reservation availability and the pass’s current inclusions before buying, especially when children already qualify for free monument admission.

Here is a comparative table between the three options for buying Colosseum tickets:

Option	What to confirm
Official online booking	Current product price, named tickets, time slot, and free child tickets.
Official ticket office	Same-day availability and queues; no assumption of a higher standard tariff or a paid child admission.
Tour provider	Actual monument tickets, permitted route, guide/service charges and cancellation terms. No security bypass.
Roma Pass	Current pass conditions and required Colosseum reservation; check availability first.

Remember, each option has its perks:

• Use the official website (Colosseo.it) as your admission-price reference, including free under-18 tickets. Compare like-for-like routes and services rather than assuming every product has the same access.
  
• Official ticket offices may offer same-day tickets subject to availability. Do not assume the standard admission costs more there or that buying in person is straightforward on a busy day.
  
• Compare a tour through GetYourGuide or Viator by its actual guide service, ticket inclusions and price. No provider can remove the park’s security checks.
  
• The Roma Pass is another option to compare, but Colosseum reservations and the pass’s current conditions still apply.

Buying Tickets to the Colosseum in Person

Same-day tickets may be available from official ticket offices, but queues and availability vary. Do not rely on an old two-to-three-hour average or assume there is a shortcut when tickets are sold out.

Use the park’s current official ticket-office directions instead of the old kiosk suggestions. Bring valid identification for every visitor and any proof needed for free or reduced admission; a passport is one accepted form of ID, not the only possible document. Keep documents secure.

Buying Tickets to the Colosseum From a Tour Guide

This option offers much more flexibility and some handholding.  You’ll pay a premium for this, but sometimes it is the best fit for your family.  Don’t feel poorly for going this route, as it does offer some benefits!

Benefits

• A tour company may accept an advance booking, but ask when your named monument tickets will be confirmed and what happens if the required entry slot is unavailable.
• Ask the tour company to confirm the correct free child tickets and explain any guide or service charge. Free admission does not mean a child needs no reservation.
• Added tour bonuses.  Some tours include fun additions, like gelato at the end for the kids.
• Going through a historical site with a guide is a MUST for me.  We learn 5000% more if something is there to explain it.  The guides in Rome are some of the best in the world considering how many visitors they see. They are witty, entertaining, and can really bring the site to life.

Drawbacks

• High cost.  You’ll be paying a premium for them to secure the tickets for you.
• Group dynamics.  Sometimes you can be part of a group that can be tricky with kids.  We’ve taken our five kids on several tours and sometimes the retired traveling group isn’t thrilled.  We forge ahead, but it can make me a little anxious when people are annoyed with my kids.

Tips When Using a Guide To Visit the Colosseum

When you arrive for your tour, be sure to be early.  Follow the arrival and late-entry conditions for your exact ticket and tour. Our group did leave without us when we were late. Sadly, we learned the hard way – through experience.   We were running late, and our group left.  My husband was feeling poorly anyway, and we all felt really defeated.  We had spent a small fortune on the tickets for seven people only to have them leave without us.

We didn’t waste time and quickly found another tour company that would take us 30 minutes later, but we ended up paying twice.  Ouch.

When we missed our booked Colosseum tour · Scene from our film (45 sec)

▶Watch scene from our film 45 sec

Once you find your guide (hopefully they give you good meeting instructions as there will be thousands of people), you’ll get a sticker and be shuffled to security.  

• Be early.  At least 15 minutes, 20 with kids
• Clarify exactly where you are to meet them, and try to get a Whatsapp number to communicate with them.
• Encourage the kids to ask questions.  The guides usually will enjoy their interaction and make it more lively for the kids.
• Bribe the kids with ice cream after the tour if they are well-behaved!

How Your Visit to the Colosseum With Kids Will Go

1. Plan your transport to the Colosseo metro area or the park’s specified meeting point. Check current services and allow for crowds. If using a taxi or car service, confirm lawful local availability, the vehicle needed for your family, and the pickup point rather than relying on the old Uber X/legal-status remarks.
2. Once you arrive, you’ll be overwhelmed by the amount of people.  This is normal.
3. Allow time to find your tour guide and confirm every family member’s ticket. Follow the current child-ticket instructions rather than assuming you must collect them after security.
4. Once your tour starts, or once you are ready to enter at your timed entry time, head to security.  This line alone seems super long, but it moves fairly quickly.
5. Once through security, follow the route and time allowance for your ticket. Do not assume you can remain inside for 1.5–2 hours: the official standard ticket currently specifies a 75-minute Colosseum visit, while other products have different limits.

Roman Forum and the Palatine Hill With Kids

Check the Roman Forum and Palatine access and validity period for your exact ticket. The official product list explains the different routes; a tour’s guided portion may cover less than the admission ticket permits. This historic site, home to the ruins of several important government buildings, was once the scene of busy Roman life, including public speeches and criminal trials. It was also the hub of commercial life in Rome.

Kids can be understandably exhausted after touring the Colosseum, especially on a hot day.  They will likely NOT want to go to these two additional spots, but I’d recommend pushing through that resistance.  Climbing the steps to Palatine Hill may send the kids into a full-on mutiny, but it’s worth it.  Seeing these two spots add even more color to Roman life, and you can see some amazing things there.  

We visited and breezed through pretty quickly.  Our kids enjoyed exploring and running around after being inside the Colosseum for a while. That is our memory, not current visitor guidance: the park’s rules prohibit running and require children to stay supervised.

We continued on to the Roman Forum and Palatine Hill as part of the same history-filled day. Looking across the ruins, we could still see the Colosseum beyond the wider panorama. Those stops added a different perspective after spending time inside the Colosseum. The children liked exploring and moving around after being cooped up inside, and our walk included some time beside the greenery. I would plan the rest of the day with that change of pace in mind, while checking the access included with the exact ticket.

A Change of Pace at Palatine Hill

Our walk and views at Palatine Hill · Scene from our film (10 sec)

▶Watch scene from our film 10 sec

Views Across the Roman Forum

The Roman Forum panorama during our visit · Scene from our film (7 sec)

▶Watch scene from our film 7 sec

A Long Day of History

Finishing our Colosseum, Forum and Palatine day · Scene from our film (25 sec)

▶Watch scene from our film 25 sec

By the end of the day, I called it a banquet of history and asked the children which part had been their favorite. In one closing moment I was carrying a sleeping child, so the day clearly had plenty to take in. That is the balance I would keep in mind with kids: the Colosseum, Forum and Palatine Hill make for a memorable stretch of sightseeing, and children may be ready to rest by the time you finish.

Other Tips for Visiting the Colosseum With Kids

• You’ll likely be climbing some stairs (or many).  Wear appropriate footwear.

• The floors and steps can be uneven. We found a carrier useful, but check the park’s accessible route and lift arrangements for your family rather than assuming strollers cannot be used anywhere.

• Pickpockets love to prey on tourists here.  Make sure your belongings are secure, especially when in a very crowded area.

• Bring the required valid identification. Named tickets are checked against ID; follow the current instructions and bring age/eligibility proof for free or reduced tickets. A passport is not the only possible accepted identity document.

• Scavenger hunts might be a good idea for smaller children and toddlers.  I found this one online.  Print it before your trip.

• It can be VERY hot and sunny.  Bring sunscreen and hats.

• Wear sensible shoes and clothing for walking.  

• Pack snacks and plenty of water.  There are many cafes and stores around the Colosseum, but they are always busy and overpriced.  

• Your total time for these tours will be a half day, 2-4 hours.  You can grab some gelato (remember the bribe?!) or a meal after.  Your tour guide will have some recommendations.

• Prep the kids for the visit!  This is crucial.  Hop onto YouTube, and watch some kid-friendly videos.  Check out Horrible Histories videos about the Colosseum, including Gladiators versus Animals and Colosseum Training, as well as the always fascinating TED-Ed channel and the short film, A Glimpse of Teenage Life in Ancient Rome.

• While I wouldn’t recommend a stroller, now there are elevators.  They had me use it with a toddler on my back along with the older tour members.

• If you need it, there is a nursing room at the Colosseum.  Ask the staff for directions.

• Don’t bring any big backpacks or luggage as they won’t be allowed inside.  Day bags and diaper bags are allowed but will be searched.

• The gift shop has some really cool stuff, so if the kids have some spending money, bring it along!

Other Activities To Add To Your Colosseum Visit

Consider some of these fun activities before or after your visit to the Colosseum:

• Gladiator Show.  Watch “real” gladiators duel it out!

• Become a gladiator for a day!  We loved this additional experience.

• 3-D Time Elevator Rome. This is a multi-sensory experience that combines video, moving platforms, and surround sound. How cool is that?
  
• Colosseum and Roman Forum Tour for Kids and Families. This tour is ideal for keeping kids engaged, with a specially trained guide who tailors the experience to young explorers!

Related options to compare: GetYourGuide. Confirm the exact monument tickets, route, guide service and current terms before booking.

Travel insurance options mentioned in our guide: World Nomads / SafetyWing. Check the current cover and exclusions for your trip.

Travel equipment we use: Sony camera; our Here. Check each site’s current photography rules.

Additional Reading

Traveling In Rome: 28 Of My Best Tips

Pompeii with Kids: What You MUST Know Before Your Visit

How to Choose the Best Travel Insurance for Your Family