Planning a visit to the Colosseum with kids? This iconic Roman landmark will not only impress them with its grandeur but also immerse them in the world of gladiators and ancient Roman tales.
In this guide, you’ll find out which tickets are best for families, which tours capture kids’ imaginations the most, and what you need to know to make the experience smooth, fun, and full of exciting memories for your little travelers.
Seeing the Colosseum from the outside is fine, but I highly recommend going inside too – even with young children.
The arena is impressive, and there’s so much to learn from a guided tour of the Colosseum.
Visiting the Colosseum with kids is a fantastic way to get them interested in Ancient Rome and aspects of Roman daily life that aren’t taught in school but are still fascinating and worth knowing.
I’ve visited the Colosseum many times – with and without kids – and I try to go back regularly whenever new sections open or new tours are offered.
Access Rules for the Colosseum
In 2022, special safety measures were introduced for entering the Colosseum. These may include mandatory use of FFP2 masks and showing a vaccination card or negative test.
Please make sure to check and follow the access rules provided by your ticket provider to avoid any disappointments.
You can find the official mask and pass requirements for Italy here.
Colosseum or Coliseum?
Before we dive into tips for visiting the Colosseum with your family, I just want to clarify something about its spelling. Online, you’ll often see it written as either *Colosseum* or *Coliseum*, but the two words actually mean different things.
Colosseum refers to the specific building in Rome, named after the colossal statue of Nero that once stood next to it.
Coliseum, on the other hand, is a generic name often used for modern arenas or stadiums with an elliptical shape.
So in Rome, you don’t have a coliseum – you have the Colosseum.
Practical Tips for Visiting the Colosseum with Kids
1. Book your Colosseum tickets for kids as early as possible. The Colosseum sees a huge number of tourists every day, and tickets sell out fast.
I strongly recommend booking as soon as you know for sure you’ll be in Rome – or at the very least, a few weeks before your preferred date.
Important things to know about the Colosseum’s ticket booking system:
How early you can book depends on the type of ticket or tour you choose.
The more affordable Coopculture ticket (sold directly by the Colosseum) usually becomes available only about a month in advance.
I say “usually” because they constantly change their rules. Working with them can be frustrating – as if selling tickets and serving tourists who want to visit the Colosseum isn’t their main job. But if you can deal with this, you’re in for an unforgettable visit with kids at a price you won’t find anywhere else. So my advice – bring some patience when booking!
Private ticket providers for Colosseum visits with kids can often offer tickets much further in advance. That’s partly why their prices are higher. If you have specific travel dates in mind, this is often your best option.
>>> You can read my full article on the best Colosseum ticket options here. <<<
2. Get tickets that include a guided tour of the Colosseum (or at least an audio guide). I believe you can see most of Rome without a guide, but the Colosseum is an exception.
Why? Because there’s so much history packed into it – and to truly understand what you’re looking at, you need someone to explain it. Inside, there are very few info signs, and the ones that exist are sparse.
If you don’t want to pay extra for a guide, you can use the free audio guides provided by the Colosseum itself.
They’re called:
- Parco Colosseo
- Y & Co
You can download them for free from your phone’s app store. I highly recommend doing this ahead of time so you don’t have to rely on spotty Wi-Fi in the area.
If you prefer a guided tour, the best Colosseum tours for families include (see the table below too):
Coopculture’s Underground Colosseum Tour: this is a very affordable option since it’s offered by the Colosseum itself – Coopculture.
Don’t worry if it’s not officially labeled as “for kids” – it’s suitable for all ages.
When we went, the guide made a clear effort to bring the kids forward and let them ask questions and see the most interesting spots up close.
It’s a great budget-friendly option for families or for kids who are happy to follow along without needing extra tools like iPads.
Families with elementary school-aged kids who prefer more age-specific, interactive tours should consider a specialized family tour.
These often include iPads and other learning tools to help children visualize what the Colosseum used to look like and make them feel actively involved in the experience.
The ones I recommend are:
LivTours’ Private Colosseum Tour for Kids – styled as a treasure hunt, this tour is offered by one of the best family tour companies in Italy.
Family Tour of the Colosseum and Ancient Rome by Raphael Kids Tours of Rome – another great option for families who want a kid-centered experience with a knowledgeable guide.
Family Gladiator Tours of the Colosseum by Grey Line – a fun group tour with guides who engage kids directly. These are typically in larger groups, which makes them more budget-friendly.
Best Colosseum Tickets for Families + Top Family-Friendly Colosseum Tours
With so many options for Colosseum tickets and tours, choosing the right one can feel overwhelming.
To help you decide, I’ve put together a list of the best Colosseum tickets and tours for families with kids that I’ve come across.
1. Standard ticket for access to the Colosseum and Roman Forum. What I love about this is the low price (in fact, you probably won’t find cheaper Colosseum tickets than these). What I don’t like is that if you don’t use your ticket on the selected date, you lose your money – or you’ll need to pay extra for a different day and time. These tickets are a great budget-friendly option for families who don’t mind using the free audio guide.
2. This ticket gives you access to the arena and underground level of the Colosseum with a guide. It has the same pros and cons as the one above.
3. Ticket for arena and underground access with a guided tour. Great price, kid-friendly. But if you miss your assigned day and time, you won’t get a refund. This option is ideal for budget-conscious families who are fine with a standard guided tour.
4. Kid-focused Colosseum tour with a treasure hunt by LivTours. A guided tour that’s not cheap, but absolutely worth the price for the experience you’ll get.
5. Colosseum tour for kids by Raphael Kids Tours. This tour is designed to be fun and engaging for children. The guides are excellent, and the price reflects the quality.
6. Guided tour of the Colosseum underground, Roman Forum, and Palatine Hill by Civitatis. A good alternative for exploring the underground area when direct tickets are sold out. Mid-range pricing. Suitable for kids, though not specifically designed for them. These tickets to the Colosseum are great for families who don’t want to miss the underground part but can’t buy directly from the official provider.
What’s the Best Time to Visit the Colosseum with Kids?
When booking your Colosseum tickets, I recommend choosing one of the following time slots:
In winter, go around midday: I visited at 1:00 PM and it was great – the sun was high enough to keep us warm (which you’ll appreciate, especially in the chilly underground areas).
In other seasons, choose early morning or an evening tour if your kids are older. During peak and hot seasons, the Colosseum can get very crowded, which makes the visit tiring and overwhelming.
Here are some extra tips to make your Colosseum visit with kids smoother:
1. Leave the stroller at home
While the Colosseum is technically stroller-accessible, it’s not easy to navigate through the crowds. If you can, opt for a baby carrier instead.
If bringing a stroller is necessary, don’t worry – there are elevators in most parts of the Colosseum. The exception is the very top level, where you’ll need to fold the stroller and carry it up.
Also, leave bulky diaper bags at home. For security reasons, large backpacks and oversized bags aren’t allowed inside the Colosseum.
Regular-sized bags are fine, but overstuffed ones might be flagged. The security staff are generally understanding about children’s needs, but try to pack light and be ready for bag checks at the entrance.
2. Wear terrain-appropriate shoes
There is no dress code for entering the Colosseum (unlike the Vatican, where one exists due to its religious significance), but for practical reasons, make sure you wear comfortable walking shoes.
While the terrain isn’t difficult, there are many steps inside the Colosseum, and you’ll be standing for long periods: comfortable shoes for both you and your children will help a lot.
3. Bring your own food
There are several bars and cafes around the Colosseum, but most are extremely overpriced due to their location.
With kids, I find it easier to bring snacks: although you can’t eat inside the Colosseum, you can have a small picnic in the park right in front of it. Sightseeing with kids always goes better on a full stomach!
4. Bring a water bottle
There are drinking fountains both inside and outside the Colosseum. Bring a bottle so you can refill it for free.
5. Bring some cash
Once you have your tickets, you won’t need additional cash inside the Colosseum, but it’s helpful to have coins for the public toilets just outside. They’re manned and well-maintained, but there’s a €1 fee.
Please note: in early 2022, the outside toilets weren’t available. I recommend using the facilities in a nearby café – buying a coffee or a pack of gum makes you a customer, which grants access to their restrooms.
There’s also a souvenir shop inside the Colosseum that sells some pretty cool items for kids. If you’d like to buy your child something, having some cash may come in handy (a friend of mine got her son an archaeologist kit – super fun!).
6. Get a “then and now” book
The Colosseum is an amazing architectural monument, but it impresses kids even more when they see what it looked like in its prime.
My favorite way to get kids to say “wow” is by showing them colorful reconstructions of the Colosseum as it once was. You can find specialized books like this in many bookstores in Rome.
7. Start your visit from the outside
Once you’ve got your tickets, you might be tempted to head straight inside – but don’t. Take time to explore the outside first with your kids.
The exterior of the Colosseum holds amazing stories. Did you know there used to be a huge lake where the Colosseum now stands? And that a colossal statue of Nero once towered beside it, visible from all over the city (you can still see the base where it stood)? What about all the holes – can you guess why the marble has so many?
These and other fun facts will help your kids get acquainted with the Colosseum and bring the place to life even before you step inside.
8. Beware of “gladiators” posing for photos
For many years, actors dressed as gladiators outside the Colosseum posed for photos – for hefty prices.
This practice is now illegal in Rome and shouldn’t be an issue. However, since “gladiators” are tempting for kids to photograph, make sure you’re vigilant. Avoid getting sucked into one of those snapshots – you might end up having to pay a small fortune to the local “gladiators.”
9. Explore the underground level of the Colosseum
In my opinion, the most interesting part of the Colosseum for kids is the underground level. This is where stage props were stored, and you’ll learn about what used to remain hidden from the average visitor’s view.
These days, you can even see the lift they used to raise animals up to the arena! Just imagine teams of men pulling ropes to raise an elephant or lion – seeing the reconstructed lift in person is truly impressive.
Keep in mind that tickets for the underground area are hard to get – access is limited. My strong advice: don’t promise your kids access until you’ve actually secured your spot!
10. Don’t miss the belvedere
If the underground is the most educational part for kids, the belvedere (viewing terrace) is arguably the most visually stunning.
High up and offering incredible views, it’s bound to thrill kids just for the height, but it also provides amazing context – here, you can see the nearby forum and, in the distance, St. Peter’s Basilica.
Note that the top level isn’t always accessible. However, make an effort to reach the highest level that is open on your visit day – the view is stunning, no matter where it leads.
11. Be prepared for gruesome stories
The Colosseum often fascinates children for its stories of gladiators, which is worth mentioning if you have sensitive kids.
Fortunately, most stories and facts about the Colosseum focus on more than battles and gore. In fact, many tours emphasize that gladiators didn’t always fight to the death, and not every show ended in a bloodbath.
Still, the Colosseum was a site of death, including executions – not always swift or painless – from the Roman perspective.
It’s important to be aware of this, especially if you’re with a sensitive or young child. Luckily, it’s easy to redirect their attention when you reach those parts of the tour.
Should You Visit Both the Colosseum and the Roman Forum – or Is One Enough?
The Colosseum and the Roman Forum sit side by side, and a ticket for one typically grants access to both.
The Colosseum usually captures most of the kid’s attention, but I highly recommend saving time for the Forum – especially the Palatine Hill area. Be sure to grab an audio guide since there are few informational signs there.
>>> You can find my guide to the Roman Forum and Palatine Hill here <<<
How Much Time Do You Need to Visit the Colosseum with Kids?
A standard visit to the Colosseum lasts less than 2 hours, and around 3 hours if you’re on a family tour that includes the Forum.
Personally, I think a whole morning is ideal to explore both sites – and be prepared for a lot of walking.
Other Things to Know Before Visiting the Colosseum with Kids
1. Transportation
The easiest way to get to the Colosseum is via public transport: the metro drops you off right in front, and kids ride for free. It’s an easy and budget-friendly way to start your visit.
The Colosseum sits in modern-day Rome’s center – you don’t need to plan a day trip. If you’re staying nearby, you might even walk to it.
2. Price & Opening Hours
Children under 18 are admitted for free.
The Colosseum is open nearly every day from 9:00 AM until one hour before sunset. Typical hours include:
08:30–16:30 (Nov to Feb 15)
08:30–17:00 (Feb 16–Mar 15)
08:30–17:30 (Mar 16 to last Saturday of March)
08:30–19:15 (last Saturday of March to Aug 31)
08:30–19:00 (Sept)
08:30–18:30 (Oct to last Saturday of October)
The Colosseum is free on the first Sunday of each month.
It’s closed on Christmas (Dec 25), New Year’s Day (Jan 1), and Labor Day (May 1).
For security, you’ll be asked to open your bags and pass through a metal detector at the entrance.
What to Bring When Visiting the Colosseum with Kids
- Shoes with non-slip soles
- Baby stroller or baby carrier
- Weather-appropriate clothing (sunhat for summer, warm layers for winter)
- Small bag to breeze through security
- Snacks and water for outside the venue
- Small change – for public restrooms and souvenirs
- Funds to buy a “then and now” book with color reconstructions of the Colosseum
I hope this quick guide helps you make the most of visiting the Colosseum with your kids!