The Colosseum is one of the most iconic landmarks in Rome, and for good reason. It’s a historical marvel that draws millions of visitors each year, but if you’re planning a visit with your kids, it’s important to know the ins and outs to make your trip as smooth and enjoyable as possible. In this guide, we’ll answer one of the most common questions families ask when visiting the Colosseum: Is the Colosseum free for kids? Plus, we’ll give you all the essential details to help plan your family’s visit to this ancient wonder.
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Are Kids Free at the Colosseum?
Yes, children under 18 years old can enter the Colosseum for free! However, they must be accompanied by an adult with a valid ticket. To enter for free, children will typically need to show some form of identification (like a passport or a national ID card) to verify their age. It’s always a good idea to have the IDs ready when you get your tickets to avoid any delays.
Ticketing Overview
- Adults: Full price tickets to the Colosseum are around €16 for an adult. There are also reduced tickets available for EU citizens aged between 18 and 25 years, priced at €2.
- Children: As mentioned, children under 18 can enter free of charge with the proper ID.
- Family Passes: While children get in for free, you can save even more with family tickets. Family passes often combine entry to the Colosseum, Roman Forum, and Palatine Hill. Prices for these family tickets can vary but typically range from €40–€50 for a family of four.
Where to Get Tickets
- Official Ticket Counters: You can get tickets at the Colosseum’s official ticket office, but be prepared for long lines, especially during peak tourist seasons.
- Online Tickets: To save time, it’s a great idea to purchase tickets online ahead of your visit. Online tickets cost a bit more (around €2 extra), but you’ll skip the lines, which is especially helpful when visiting with kids.
Skip-the-Line Tickets: These tickets can help avoid the typically long wait times at the Colosseum. If you want to make the most of your time, consider investing in a skip-the-line pass, which often includes entry to the Colosseum, Roman Forum, and Palatine Hill. Book your skip-the-line tickets here!
How to Get Free Tickets for Kids
Getting free tickets for your kids is straightforward, but there are a few things to keep in mind:
Where to Collect Free Tickets
- At the Ticket Office: When you arrive at the Colosseum, head to the main ticket office to collect your tickets. Simply show your child’s ID or passport, and they’ll receive their free entry ticket.
- Online: You can also book your tickets online, but for children under 18, you’ll still need to bring proof of age to the entrance. Some websites allow you to enter children’s details when booking, and they’ll offer a free ticket as part of the order.
What to Bring
- Proof of Age: This is usually a passport, national ID, or any official document that confirms the child’s age.
Adult Tickets: Remember, while children are free, an adult ticket is still required for entry. You can purchase these tickets on-site or online.
Ticket Alternatives and Discounts for Families
If you’re visiting multiple attractions around the Colosseum, a family pass or combined ticket might be the best option for you. Here are some alternatives and family discounts:
Family Passes
The Roma Pass and Colosseum Family Ticket are great options for families planning to visit multiple attractions. These passes typically cover:
- Entry to the Colosseum (including the Roman Forum and Palatine Hill)
- Skip-the-Line Access
- Discounts at museums and local attractions
- Public transportation (metro, buses, and trams) within Rome
Free Entrance on Special Days
- First Sunday of the Month: Entrance to the Colosseum is free on the first Sunday of each month. However, this day is very popular, so expect long lines. Arriving early is essential.
EU National Holidays: Children under 18 from the EU enjoy free entry on certain national holidays in Italy. Make sure to check the calendar for these special offers.
Best Time to Visit the Colosseum with Kids
The Colosseum can get incredibly crowded, especially during the summer months. If you’re traveling with children, it’s important to plan your visit during quieter times to avoid the heat and large crowds.
Best Time of Day
- Early Morning: The Colosseum is less crowded early in the morning, especially as it opens. This is an ideal time for families to explore before the crowds flood in.
- Late Afternoon: Another great time to visit is later in the afternoon when the midday heat has subsided. The lines are shorter, and the crowds are thinner.
Off-Peak Seasons
If you’re looking to avoid the summer rush, the best months to visit the Colosseum are April to June and September to October. The weather is still pleasant, and there are fewer tourists compared to the peak summer months.
Kid-Friendly Tips for Visiting the Colosseum
Visiting the Colosseum with kids can be an exciting and educational experience, but there are a few things to keep in mind to ensure a smooth trip.
What to Bring
- Snacks and Water: There are cafes and vending machines inside the Colosseum, but having snacks and water on hand can help keep your kids energized and hydrated.
- Comfortable Shoes: The Colosseum’s floors are uneven, and you’ll be doing quite a bit of walking, so make sure your kids wear comfortable shoes.
- Stroller: The Colosseum is not fully stroller-friendly, but if you have young children, it’s worth bringing a compact, foldable stroller for use at the entrances and around the Roman Forum.
What to Expect
The Colosseum is quite large and can feel overwhelming, especially for young children. There are plenty of places to sit, but be prepared for long periods of walking and standing. If your child is particularly young or sensitive to the heat and the sun, consider bringing a hat, sunscreen, sunglasses and a fan.
Interactive and Educational Opportunities
- Guided Tours: Many companies offer kid-friendly tours of the Colosseum that focus on fun facts and interactive storytelling, making the experience more engaging for children.
- Audio Guides: An audio guide or kid-specific guide can help your little ones understand the history behind the Colosseum in a fun and interactive way.
Attractions Around the Colosseum for Kids
The Colosseum is located in the heart of ancient Rome, and there’s much more to see around it that your family will enjoy.
Roman Forum and Palatine Hill
The Roman Forum and Palatine Hill are included in most Colosseum tickets and offer a fascinating look at ancient Rome. Kids will love walking among the ruins and exploring the area.
Family-Friendly Restaurants Nearby
After your visit, you can grab a bite to eat at one of the family-friendly restaurants near the Colosseum. Some top recommendations:
- Trattoria Da Valentino: A kid-friendly spot known for pasta and pizza.
- Caffè Greco: Great for a casual break, located just a short walk from the Colosseum.
Parks and Green Spaces
For a more relaxed break, head to nearby green spaces like Villa Doria Pamphili, where your kids can run around and enjoy some outdoor time.
Our Family’s Trip to the Colosseum
Our trip to the Colosseum with the kids was an unforgettable experience. Even if you’re not a history buff, the sheer scale and history of this ancient monument leave you in awe. There’s something truly special about being able to walk through its corridors, touch the stone walls, and imagine what it was like centuries ago.
The size of the Colosseum is hard to convey until you’re standing inside it, feeling the history seep through the cracks of this monumental structure.
As soon as the Colosseum came into view, our kids were fascinated. They couldn’t stop asking questions, and we did our best to answer as many as we could.
We didn’t choose a tour, as we didn’t want to commit to a strict time frame and weren’t sure how long they’d want to explore. We wanted the flexibility to go at our own pace. On our next trip, though, we might consider a family-friendly tour to dive deeper into the history and details of the Colosseum.
Entering the Colosseum, we were struck by the sheer magnitude of it. The towering corridors and wide arches reminded us of a modern sports stadium in terms of scale and design, but with a much richer, older history.
We were grateful for the chance to explore the space at our own pace, wandering the ancient grounds and soaking in the atmosphere.
Occasionally, we’d stumble upon a guided tour group and pick up some interesting tidbits of information, which was a nice addition to our self-guided adventure.
While we debated whether to take a guided tour, the flexibility of exploring on our own was perfect with kids. We could move around, take breaks, and just enjoy the experience without feeling rushed.
It’s definitely something we appreciated, especially since we could enjoy the quieter moments and find our own rhythm.
A tip we learned quickly: The Colosseum can get very hot, especially during the summer months, and there’s very little shade once you’re out in the main arena.
Make sure to bring hats, sunglasses, and sunscreen, especially for younger kids. We arrived later than planned, closer to noon when the sun was at its peak, and the heat became overwhelming.
For families, it’s best to visit earlier in the morning or later in the afternoon to avoid the scorching midday sun.
We began our exploration on the first level, where we marveled at the impressive architecture. Afterward, we made our way to the second level, which offered a unique and breathtaking view of the Colosseum’s interior.
It was a perfect way to cap off our time in one of Rome’s most iconic landmarks, and it truly became a highlight of our family trip to Rome.
Common Questions About Visiting the Colosseum with Kids
Is the Colosseum Stroller Accessible?
The Colosseum is not fully stroller-friendly, especially due to its ancient and uneven floors. However, you can use a stroller to navigate the exterior areas and around the Roman Forum. For easier access, consider a foldable stroller.
Can Kids Participate in Tours?
Yes, kids can join regular tours, but there are also kid-friendly tours available that use storytelling and interactive elements to make the visit more engaging for children.
Are There Any Age Restrictions for Kids?
There are no strict age restrictions for kids at the Colosseum, but some tours or activities may be better suited for older children, particularly if they have a strong interest in history.
Prepare For An Amazing Trip To The Colosseum
A visit to the Colosseum is likely going to be the highlight of your trip to Rome, so make sure you have a plan and enjoy it. While the Colosseum may be the most famous monument in Rome, it’s not the only one worthy of a visit. Be sure to check out these other remarkable landmarks and prepare for your trip to Rome with our comprehensive planning guide to Rome so that you’ll have an awesome trip! Safe travels!
