Colosseum Tour for Kids with the Roman Forum

Step into history together. Where gladiators once battled, your kids now imagine, learn, and make memories
From US$639 privately
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Tour Details
Duration
2.5 hours
Product Type
Tour
Venues
  • Colosseum
  • Roman Forum
Photos & Highlights
  • From schoolbooks to iconic movie scenes, our expert guides bring scattered stories together, making the Colosseum easy to understand and hard to forget.
  • Discover the Colosseum without the stress of keeping your kids entertained or playing tour guide.
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Tour Description
You’ve waited for the right moment to bring your family to the heart of the Ancient world, Rome, and now it’s here. Maybe it’s your first international trip together, or the first time your kids are stepping into history beyond the pages of a book. 

On this 2.5-hour Colosseum Kids Tour, your family will explore the iconic arena from the inside. Along the way, you’ll hear gripping tales of gladiators, emperors, and the games that once shook the ancient world, like Spartacus, the gladiator who escaped and led a revolt against the Roman Empire. Then, you will head into the Roman Forum to imagine daily life in the heart of the empire, hearing myths and legends from the ancient streets.

Led by an experienced storyteller who knows and loves to connect with children, you will embark on a journey that ignites curiosity in both kids and adults. Gain a sense of wonder with your kids, a newfound respect for Rome's legacy, and shared stories from the eternal city to bring home with you.

Choose this tour if...

  • You want more than a guidebook. An experience that has something for everyone, from little ones swept up in gladiator tales, to teens exploring Roman politics and history. 
  • Your child(ren) are eager to become gladiators-in-training, practicing sword moves, and picturing Colosseum victories.
  • You want this experience to spark your children’s curiosity and a love of travel, making them eager to keep exploring the world year after year.
  • You still remember your first visit to the Colosseum, and now you’re ready to share that moment with your children.
  • You’re ready to hand over the reins to an expert, so you can relax and enjoy watching your kids connect, learn, and have fun.
  • You want to make the most of every minute in Rome, especially with younger travelers who have plenty of energy but shorter attention spans.
Experts
Simona Simona
Local Guide & Teacher
Francesca Francesca
Local Guide
Guido Guido
Tourist guide
Vannella Vannella
Art Historian
Emily Emily
Art Historian
Giuseppe Giuseppe
Local Guide
Simona Simona
Archaeologist
Cecilia Cecilia
Art Historian
Valentina Valentina
Local Guide
Jose Jose
Artist
Michele Michele
Local Guide
Valeria Valeria
Archaeologist
Cecilia Cecilia
Art Historian
Maria Stella Maria Stella
Art Historian
Liz Liz
Architect
Emanuela Emanuela
Tour Guide, Archaeologist
Fiorenza Fiorenza
Art Historian
Andrea Andrea
Historian
Francesca Francesca
Art Historian
Sandro Sandro
Local Guide Art Historian
Arianna Arianna
Art Historian
Brenda Brenda
Art Historian
Patrizia Patrizia
Art Historian
Antonella Antonella
Archaeologist
Tiziana Tiziana
Art Historian
Kasia Kasia
Local Guide
Theresa Theresa
Art Historian
Luisa Luisa
Local Guide
Francesca Francesca
Archaeologist
Dony Dony
Art Historian
Maria Emilia Maria Emilia
Art Historian
Alessandro Alessandro
Archaeologist
Jeannette Jeannette
Art Historian
Jade Jade
Archaeologist
Mara Mara
Local Guide
Massimo Massimo
Local Guide
Traveler Testimonials

The Tour We Didn’t Know We Needed

Beyond expectations. Best tour guide in Rome. He understands how to avoid crowds and find the shady spots. His attention and communication to the children (ages 8,10, and 15) was both thoughtful and educational. We learned so much.
-Lauren C.

Like Hearing Ancient Secrets

Best tour ever! Guide was so knowledgeable and patient with us and gave us an archeologists perspective of this ancient civilization that made it feel like we were told secrets that other people didn’t get.
-Kimberly D.

Perfect for All Ages and Tight Schedules

Our guide was great with our kids (ages 12, 10 & 8) and, despite our having been on the adult Colosseum tour two years ago, had great information for the parents, too! Anyone visiting with limited time should especially consider this tour because it completes one of the must-sees in a timely, complete, and very fun manner.
-Kyle M.
Enjoy a family experience where you’re not just there to take pictures. With a guide who adapts to your family’s interests and energy, you’ll be part of the story too, asking questions, joining the conversation, and watching your kids light up as they connect what they’re seeing with books, movies, or things they’ve learned in school. Together, you’ll walk away with more than just photos; you’ll share a memory of discovering the Colosseum’s meaning, one that just might shape how your kids see the world.

Where did gladiators train? What did they eat? Did they really fight lions? Your adventure begins inside the Colosseum itself, where you'll walk the same corridors that once echoed with the roar of 50,000 people. Stand where crowds once gathered, look up at the emperors’ box, and imagine the games unfolding with all their drama and danger.

Next, you'll follow the footsteps of the ancient citizens of Rome through the Forum, wandering among ancient temples and markets, hearing stories of myth, politics, and daily life. You might pause where senators once debated, or stand where children learned arithmetic beneath the porticos. You will look over the remains of the Ludus Magnus, the underground training arena where gladiators prepared for battle.

Get more than just a generic commentary and dusty, dry facts that lose your kids' attention. This tour invites the whole family to step beyond the postcard version of ancient Rome and get the real stories, sights, and surprises of life in the biggest Arena of its time. With your expert guide leading the way, you'll step into history not as observers, but as participants.
  • Colosseum - Did you know that this arena once held up to 80,000 spectators? This architectural marvel of ancient Rome was not only a venue for gladiatorial contests but also for public spectacles like mock sea battles, animal hunts, and dramas based on classical mythology.
  • Roman Forum - Once the epicenter of Roman public life, hosting triumphal processions, elections, public speeches, and criminal trials. 
Tickets
  • Includes tickets to the Colosseum and the Roman Forum
  • Our special tickets will get us to a reserved lane, where our group will have to stand in line due to security measures and a strictly enforced maximum capacity at the Colosseum.
  • Upon receiving your order, our team will secure a guide. Once the venue tickets are released, we will purchase them. Our team will be in touch with alternative options if we cannot secure tickets for the date and time you requested. 
Please note that we require the full name (as it appears on the ID) and the age of each participant in order to purchase tickets. The venue conducts name and ID checks at the entrance, so it’s essential that the name on the ticket matches the identification document. This is especially important for families with participants who are 17 or 18 years old, as free tickets are only valid for those who are 17 or younger on the day of the tour. Once a participant turns 18, a full-price ticket is required. To avoid any issues at the entrance, please double-check the ages provided before booking.

Headsets
  • Depending on your group size, we may be required by the venue to order headsets in which case you’ll see a “Headset Fee” added to your order. 
Resources
  • For more information on planning your tour, take a read through our How to Tour the Colosseum resources page.
  • Check out our upcoming online lectures which transport you back to Ancient Rome, accompanied by a leading Context Expert. 
General Information
  • This tour is expertly crafted to captivate children aged 3 to 13, offering a fun and interactive exploration of the Colosseum. 
  • To enhance your family's experience, we kindly request details about your children's interests. This information will help us pair you with a guide who is most suited to your family's unique preferences and needs, ensuring a personalized and memorable tour.
  • For those traveling with teens or adults seeking a more in-depth experience, we recommend our longer-duration flagship Colosseum Tour.
  • You will meet your Context guide at a location near the entrance gates to the Colosseum. You'll receive additional details, along with a map, with your confirmation email.
  • The tour typically concludes in the Forum, offering you the opportunity to further explore its fascinating grounds at your leisure, or venture to Palatine Hill for more self-guided discovery and enjoyment.
Wheelchair accessibility
  • The Colosseum and the Roman Forum are wheelchair accessible, however there may be several points where the pavement is uneven or tricky to maneuver. 
  • Additional information is available here.
  • Please reach out to our team to discuss any mobility concerns.
Service Dogs
  • Service dogs are allowed if you have a medical certificate proving the need. 
For more information about Context Tours, please visit our FAQ page.

Will I need to bring identification to enter the Colosseum?
Yes, original identification is required to be presented upon entry to the Colosseum for all visitors including children. These should be original documents, copies will not be accepted.   

Is it true that Colosseum admission tickets often sell out months in advance?
Yes, tickets to the Colosseum often sell out months ahead for dates during peak season. To guarantee your spot, we strongly advise booking as far out as possible. This allows our team ample time to secure your preferred tour date and time.

Do we have to buy tickets on-site?
For this tour, your Colosseum tickets are pre-purchased, which allows you to go directly to the security line where you will have your pre-purchased ticket scanned.   

I have purchased the Roma Pass, can I use it on my Context tours?
You cannot use the Roma Pass on your Context tours. Roma Pass holders have to wait in a long line for the non-reserved public entrance to the Colosseum. In order to save time and expedite the tour, we purchase regular tickets so you may enter as quickly as possible. 

What should we bring for our kids?

Comfortable walking shoes, hats, sunscreen, and water are essential, especially during warmer months. A small snack might also be helpful as tours can last a couple of hours.

Are strollers allowed in the Colosseum?
Strollers are allowed in the Colosseum but keep in mind that there are areas with uneven surfaces and stairs, which might require carrying the stroller.

Are there facilities for families?
The Colosseum has restrooms, including facilities for changing babies. However, amenities like family restrooms or nursing areas may be limited.

What is the best time to visit the Colosseum with kids?
To ensure a more enjoyable experience, this tour is scheduled during early mornings and later afternoons when crowds are usually thinner. This also allows your family to avoid the hottest times of day in the summer season.

Is the Colosseum safe for kids?
Yes, it's safe, but always keep an eye on your children as it can get crowded, and there are some areas with high, open spaces. Adults must remain with their children for the full length of this tour.

Can we bring food and drinks?
Small snacks and water are fine, but large meals and glass containers are not allowed.

How long should we plan to spend there?
A typical visit lasts about 1-2 hours, which is usually enough time to explore without overwhelming young children.

Do you reserve headsets for this tour? 
Depending on your group size, we may be required by the venue to order headsets in which case you’ll see a “Headset Fee” added to your order. If you would like to guarantee headsets for your tour regardless of your group size, please email us and we’ll be happy to get them reserved for you.
Book with confidence — see Context's flexible cancellation policy here.
Where You'll Start
(4.74) 539 Reviews

Reviews can only be left by Context customers after they have completed a tour. For more information about our reviews, please see our FAQ.

It's really good for younger kids (says the 16 year old), but honestly everyone loved it. Thanks for a great experience.
Emily was amazing. I have two active boys ages 10 and 12. She somehow managed to hold their attention for the entirety of the tour, and we learned so much! Highly recommend!! Thank you for a wonderful tour, Emily!
Dony was amazing! He knew everything about the Colosseum and Rome. My kids and I loved the tour today!