Colosseum with Kids: all you need to know when visiting the Colosseum with your Family

Planning a vacation in Rome with your family? Among the landmarks you can’t miss there’s the Colosseum, one of the symbols of Italy itself. Our article features all the info you need to know in order to get to most out of a visit to this iconic building.

Why is the Colosseum worth visiting?

The Colosseum (also known as the Flavian Amphitheater) is the most famous symbol of Rome, one of the 7 Wonders of the World and a UNESCO World Heritage site (together with the historic center of the city).

Its construction began under Vespasian and it was officially completed in 80 CE, under the rule of his son, emperor Titus. This means that it’s almost 2000 years old!

This amphitheater was public, meaning that the Roman population could access it to enjoy exciting combats between gladiators and even mock naval battles. Tens of thousands of spectators could sit there! It’s no wonder that tourists coming to the city regard it as a must-see, an evocative place rich in history and deeply intertwined with Rome itself. After all, it was famously said: “When the Colosseum falls, Rome will fall, and when Rome falls, the whole world will fall”. Luckily for us, however, the Colosseum still stands, waiting for you right in the heart of the city.

Can I visit it with my kids?

The short answer is: yes, absolutely! But how?

The Colosseum is so iconic that you may be tempted to think that it will be love at first sight for your kids too. However, you may want to prepare something specific for them, to ensure a smooth and enjoyable experience for your whole family.

First of all, we recommend booking a kid-friendly tour, possibly including the incredibly well-preserved Roman Forum and its many interesting highlights. Interactive experiences that mix together learning and entertainment are perfect to make children feel included and stimulate their curiosity.

Your kids will discover the world of emperors and gladiators by exploring it through games and trivia, instead of just reading about ancient Rome in books. You can also engage your little ones beforehand, thanks to children’s books, cartoons or apps: it’s ideal that they’re already familiar with the Colosseum before actually seeing it. If history is your kids’ cup of tea, why not have them “lead” your family tour, too? This way, they will feel even more interested in the experience.

Secondly, we all know that kids bore easily. Make sure to book your tickets in advance and to arrive early, but not too early! Otherwise, it might be a frustrating waste of time. Make sure to bring fresh water with you, especially if you’re visiting the city in the summer, and bring in little snacks as well. On the same note, we recommend preparing weather-appropriate clothes and comfortable shoes. During the tour, you will have to climb stairs and generally walk for a while, therefore appropriate clothing is essential.

Finally, be flexible. Not every moment of the tour needs to have something scheduled. Children are curious by nature and want to explore the world! Near the Colosseum there’s plenty of green space where they can run around and play, such as the Parco Celio or the Parco del Colle Oppio.

What are the challenges?

Here are some challenges you can expect and prepare for when visiting the Colosseum and other Ancient sites in Rome:

First of all, the city is famous for its cobblestone streets and uneven sidewalks. If you're using a stroller, be aware that this can cause some discomfort and slow you down. Remember to take your time and don't rush.

Second, the city is quite chaotic and the traffic can be unbearable at times. Again, after a while you will learn to go with the flow, but it can be stressful, especially for your little ones. We recommend that you plan some breaks where you can rest and your children can play, for example in the park.

Third, Rome is one of the most popular tourist destinations in the world, which means it can be very crowded. We recommend that you book all your tickets for the places you want to visit in advance to minimize the time you spend waiting in line.

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What else can I see in the area?

As we already mentioned, the Colosseum is located right in the heart of Rome, and it’s surrounded by many other remarkable archaeological sites. Depending on your schedule and interests, you can take a leisurely walk along Via dei Fori Imperiali and pass by the Forum of Trajan and the Forum of Augustus.

Here, you’ll also find the monumental, 20 meters high and 25 meters wide Arch of Constantine and the Circus Maximus, once the great venue dedicated to chariot-racing. Finally, make sure not to miss the Monument to Vittorio Emanuele II, a majestic construction dedicated to the first King of Italy and to the unification of the country.

What to pack before visiting the city?

Here’s a list of items we recommend you take with you before exploring Rome:
• A stroller (remember what we said about the cobblestones!)
• Comfortable clothes, shoes and backpack
• Sunscreen and hats (in the summer)
• A bottle of water
• Snacks
• One or two small toys to entertain your children while waiting

Where can I stay with my family?

In order to enjoy the experience to the fullest and properly rest during your vacation, we recommend you and your family stay in a family-friendly hotel. Rome offers plenty of options among which you can choose, depending on the price range and the distance from the most important landmarks of the city. Take a look at our article dedicated to the top 20 family-friendly hotels in Rome: https://italywithkids.com/where-to-stay-in-rome

Where should we go eat?

Rome is famous for its rich culinary heritage: there’s something for everybody! Finding a good restaurant is relatively easy and can ensure a more pleasant eating experience for the whole family. Kid-friendly restaurants in Italy may not have a separated menu for kids, but you can ask them to make a reduced portion of a certain dish, or to provide a more palatable alternative, such as pasta with tomato sauce.

As you now know, visiting the Colosseum with your family is a thrilling adventure and a once-in-a-lifetime experience! Create incredible memories with your little ones and discover all the secrets of this remarkable masterpiece of Roman architecture.