Visiting the Colosseum with Children: Tickets and Useful Tips

The Colosseum is one of Rome’s most fascinating attractions, but visiting it with children can sometimes seem like a challenge.

The trick is to engage the little ones and take advantage of the cues the amphitheater offers to excite young visitors.

So, how to make the experience fun, educational and stress-free for the whole family? Fear not: there are many possibilities!

Are you planning a visit to the Colosseum with your children? Find out all the useful tips, engaging activities and ticket information for a perfect day at the world’s most famous amphitheater!

Want to take your kids to the Colosseum? Read on to better plan your visit and make the experience unforgettable for both you and them.

ALT! Remember that only by booking online can you avoid long lines and other stress! Book your Colosseum tickets here and get ready to experience history with your family!

Colosseum tickets: free kids and family deals

Historical reenactment of the Roman Empire | ID 53123125 | Colosseum © Shopartgallerycom | Dreamstime.com

How much do tickets cost for children?

There are different opportunities for children and young people under 18 than for adults: in fact, no payment is required for minors to enter the Colosseum!

As for adults, however, everyone can purchase their own single ticket or, if there are at least 9 of you, you can book a guide and group admission.

Below, I present some packages dedicated to small groups and families that might be right for you:

Colosseum + Guided small group tour for families

A package that will allow you to take advantage of a guide who will accompany you and your family through the Colosseum, the Forums and the Palatine Hill.

Starting at 89 euros, the price will increase depending on the number of participants with very advantageous prices for the little ones.

The experienced escort will know how to engage the little ones, with glorious stories of gladiators and emperors!

Colosseum gladiator tour for children and families

Starting at 63 euros, this ticket instead guarantees admission to the amphitheater only. However, an expert guide will make the visit unique through animmersive exploration with dynamic narratives, quizzes and engaging activities designed especially for young children.

A shorter tour may be ideal in case of very young children who may not like an overly prolonged visit.

Another advantage of this package: up to 24 hours before booking you can cancel your reservation and get a refund!

I also recommend that you check out our article related to available tickets, so you can also choose from the other possible options.

Where to purchase tickets?

Your tickets can be purchased online or at the Colosseum’s official ticket office. However, keep in mind that should you choose to buy your ticket locally, you will risk waiting a long time in line before you can enter the Colosseum.

By booking online, on the other hand, you will be able to go directly to the security checkpoint without waiting at the ticket office!

How to make the visit fun for children?

Gladiators in a bas-relief inside the Colosseum | ID 30387887 © Pierre Jean Durieu | Dreamstime.com

Tell the story as an adventure

To succeed in engaging your children and prevent the experience from being too long and tiring for them, you can take some steps.

For example, I suggest you turn the visit into a time travel. Explain that the Colosseum was an arena for gladiators, with exciting fights and shows.

Tell them about the great emperors and battles of Rome: if you can arouse the right curiosity in them, they will look forward to seeing with their own eyes the sand on which the glorious fights took place!

To succeed in engaging them to the fullest, try to intrigue them by using anecdotes and trivia

For example, did you know that the Colosseum could be flooded to stage naval battles?

Tell your children about how that huge theater was filled with water and large ships appeared on the arena!

Choose interactive tours and activities

To make the experience more enjoyable for your children and keep them involved, purchase packages that include guided tours for children.

These are experiences designed to engage young children with stories, games and interactive quizzes that will keep their concentration high and, most importantly, their enjoyment.

Sometimes, some tours are organized that, for example, offer maps and quizzes to explore the Colosseum in a playful way.

Plan the route well

Finally, to help your little ones have a stress-free experience, it is advisable to take some organizational steps: first, it is best to enter early in the morning or late in the afternoon to avoid the heat and crowds.

Since there are no refreshment stations inside, take snacks and water with you, especially if your visit takes place during the hottest period. If you are opting for a full visit, include in your schedule a short break at the Imperial Forums: they are a great place to let your children play a bit and in the process tell them more stories of ancient Rome.

Practical tips for a stress-free visit

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Accessibility and stroller routes

The Colosseum has accessible elevators and paths: they are designed especially for wheelchairs and are also usable for strollers.

However, the terrain can be uneven, and a visit with a stroller can become uneasy.

If possible, the use of a baby carrier in place of a stroller to move more nimbly is highly recommended.

Bathrooms and refreshment facilities

There are 8 public restrooms at the Colosseum, but they are located only at the entrances and exits.

You will find no facilities inside the arena! The bathrooms are all accessible to visitors with mobility disabilities and some are equipped with changing tables.

Also remember that although the Colosseum used to function just like most modern stadiums, today you will not find any bars inside: bring snacks and water, maybe something you know your children will like.

Where to eat near the Colosseum with children?

Trattoria Luzzi: an informal setting capable of welcoming both young and old where you’ll find typical Roman cuisine.

La Biga Wine Food: want to make the little ones happy? At this restaurant you’ll find fabulous pizza and even more kid-friendly options

Gelateria Fatamorgana: have you already had lunch and are opting for a great snack? This establishment is for you, an artisanal ice cream for a mouthwatering break.

And if you want to choose from more options, all you have to do is read our article on where to eat near the Colosseum.

Frequently asked questions

Conclusion

In this article we have seen together how to organize a visit to the Colosseum with your children.

I explained how to make it an unforgettable experience for your children, combining teaching and fun: I explained the best tickets and provided tips for a stress-free visit full of fun activities organized by qualified staff used to doing tours with young children.

I’ve also provided you with helpful hints on restrooms and where to eat near the Colosseum so you won’t miss anything and ensure the best for you and your family.

Finally, I have answered the most frequently asked questions related to the topic of younger people at the Colosseum.

Still have some questions? Ask us whatever you want in the comments section!

Now you know how to make this an unforgettable experience for the whole family. On the other hand, if you have already visited the Colosseum with your children, then tell us about your experience in the comments!

And remember! Organized tours, especially those involving families and young visitors, are very popular: should you decide to visit the most important amphitheater in the world… don’t forget to book your tickets!

The magic of ancient Rome is waiting to be experienced by you and your little explorers, ready to dream among stories of gladiators and epic battles! Book your tickets now and get ready for an unforgettable experience.

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