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The Colosseum and the Roman Forum with kids

Going to Rome as a family is a fantastic idea, but like all trips with children, there is a trick to it. Here are some tips to make your visit to the Colosseum go smoothly.

Carmen Navarro

Carmen Navarro

5 min read

The Colosseum and the Roman Forum with kids

The interior of the Colosseum with a group visiting the arena. | Ahmed Almakhzanji

If you are planning a trip to Rome with the family and there is a little one in the group, don't worry: the Colosseum will amaze them. It's true that it can be a long visit, so it requires a bit of organization to make it a success. I'll tell you about it!

Get your tickets online and in advance to avoid the queues

Colosseum entrance| ©Justine Camacho
Colosseum entrance| ©Justine Camacho

This will always be the first piece of advice I will give to anyone setting out to visit the Colosseum and Roman Forum, but if there are also children in the group, avoiding queues for them is essential.

If you buy tickets to the Colosseum in advance, you will save long lines under the sun, where obviously the little ones will lose patience (and energy). In addition, prices not only do not vary, but online you will have more freedom to choose date, time and compare types of tickets and rates.

There are usually a lot of crowds around the amphitheater, so you will feel privileged when you get there with your tickets in hand and avoid any waiting time.

Keep in mind that children under 18 have special conditions on ticket prices and guided tours, so when you go to book tickets you will have to indicate their ages to access the discounts.

Book tickets to the Colosseum, the Forum and the Palatine Hill

Immerse them in history

Experience history| ©Matthew Waring
Experience history| ©Matthew Waring

One of the things that never fails is to introduce them to the fascinating history of Ancient Rome and the Colosseum. By telling them a little about what life was like in the Roman Empire, how the gladiators dressed, etc., they are sure to let their imagination run wild and feel like they are the protagonists of a movie.

There are stories, comics and even some cartoon chapters that will help you summarize the story or prepare them for what awaits them in Rome.

In addition, around the Colosseum there are usually people dressed in typical gladiator costumes ready to take pictures with children (and adults), greet them and leave them impressed with their armor and their cases. If you complement the experience with the interactive exhibition Welcome to Rome, they will leave even happier.

Book a visit to the Colosseum with virtual reality goggles

Come prepared with snacks and refreshments

Cool off and beat the heat| ©barnimages.com
Cool off and beat the heat| ©barnimages.com

Even if you don't travel to Rome in the summer, you may still get a very hot day (or at least a lot of sun) in the Colosseum and Roman Forum area. Keep in mind that there is very little shade, so it is necessary to protect them from the sun.

Put sunscreen, a hat and do not hesitate to carry in your backpack some refreshments or snacks in case they get hungry or thirsty during the visit. Right there you will see stalls selling ice cream and soft drinks, which can also be a good idea to replenish your strength.

Book tickets to the Colosseum, Forum and Palatine Hill

Visit the Colosseum first, then the Roman Forum

Roman Forum| ©Antônia Felipe
Roman Forum| ©Antônia Felipe

The visit to the interior of the Colosseum is undoubtedly the most interesting: the dimensions and the amount of details, tunnels and galleries that are preserved is incredible. It is also the most intense part of the visit, so it is best to do it as soon as possible, when the energy level is still very high.

You can then take a break to rest in the area around the Colosseum before taking a pleasant walk to visit the Roman Forum, where you have more time to decide how much time you want to spend, how much detail you want to go into, etc.

Some tickets allow you to visit the Colosseum one day and the Roman Forum the next day, which can be a good option if you are traveling with very young children or if you notice that they are too tired after the visit to the amphitheater. By the way, remember that tickets to the Roman Forum are included in all tours and tickets to the Colosseum, which allows you to visit it without having to pay extra - a great tip!

Book a visit to the Colosseum, the Forum and the Palatine Hill

Early in the morning, better

Colosseum illuminated by the morning light| ©Rudoni Productions
Colosseum illuminated by the morning light| ©Rudoni Productions

Besides the fact that the kids at that time will not be so tired yet, visiting the Colosseum in the fresh air is essential to enjoy it to the fullest.

In addition, early in the morning there are usually not so many visitors or large groups, which will be more pleasant to pay attention to the details, take pictures or even take a break during the visit to regain strength. You have this and other tips in my list of tips for visiting the Colosseum and the Roman Forum in this article.

Once you finish walking around the area, the rest of Rome is waiting for you to go at your own pace discovering the historic center of the city.

Explore the idea of taking the guided tour with virtual reality

Child enjoying with VR| ©Jessica Lewis
Child enjoying with VR| ©Jessica Lewis

If your children are fond of new technologies, they will certainly enjoy this specialized guided tour prepared with them in mind. Among the many options available for a guided tour of the Colosseum, there is an option that includes a virtual reality recreation of Ancient Rome and the Colosseum.

Throughout the visit to the Colosseum you will be accompanied by a guide who will provide you with special glasses so that you can compare the current state of the Forum and the Colosseum with scenes of the time that will seem that you are living in first person.

In addition, the fact that you will be accompanied by a specialized guide will make the visit much more enjoyable and will keep them entertained and curious, so you will not have to worry about occupying their time constantly.

Book a visit to the Colosseum with virtual reality goggles

If you have a baby stroller, leave it at the hotel.

Inside the Colosseum| ©rjzaar
Inside the Colosseum| ©rjzaar

The Colosseum and the Roman Forum have stairs, cobblestone or sand floor and even in the Colosseum you will find galleries and stands that are almost impossible to access with a stroller.

If you want the visit to go smoothly and without interruptions, it is best not to take the stroller to this area (there are other places in Rome where it is easier to handle the stroller, such as the Vatican or the streets of the historic center).

For the visit to the Colosseum or the Roman Forum, I recommend that if your little one is not yet old enough to walk, you should consider carrying him or her in a backpack or baby carrier so that you can move around more freely.

Plan your meals

Taste the delicious Roman food| ©Pinar Kucuk
Taste the delicious Roman food| ©Pinar Kucuk

Another important point during your visit to the Colosseum and the Roman Forum will be where to eat before or after the visit. As you will see, the area does not have too much gastronomic offer, so before sitting in the first place you come across, I recommend you to check my article with the best places to eat near the Colosseum. That way you will be sure to get it right.