If you’re visiting the Colosseum for kids it really is a magical, wonderful trip. Find out how Gladiators, Rome’s Colosseum and a tiny toothpick came together to entrance our children on a fantastic trip to Rome. See all our top tips and where to get Colosseum tickets here.
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Visiting the Colosseum for kids – Gladiators, Rome’s Colosseum and a tiny toothpick
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Here we were in the true heart of the Roman Empire, in a literally colossal surrounding. And it was the smallest, almost insignificant item which brought the place immediately alive for me.
A tiny toothpick used two millennia ago and found in the dusty ruins of the Colosseum. This incredible piece of minuscule history told a story as large as the building itself.
It’s easy to miss out on these small details. But they’re well worth seeking out.
The size of the Colosseum
The Colosseum played host to gladiatorial battles for the entertainment of all of the city’s people in Ancient Rome. From senate to slaves.
The remains of the arena, plundered and stripped of their rich marble, metals and colourful frescos over hundreds of years since the fall of the Empire, cannot help but still be breathtaking.
You will not fail to be blown away by the size of the building which could easily hold 50,000 people. You can still see the seats of the rich and powerful in their original place.
It’s also possible to see the areas furthest away from the stage where the poorest citizens would sit and be entertained for hours on end. There were executions, gruesome battles and events where wild animals of every shape and size were pitched against each other to fight to the death.
Perhaps its sheer size is one of the reasons the Colosseum remains standing to this day.
Not even an earthquake could flatten it. Although one tried several hundred years ago, resulting in the loss of one large part of the upper tiers.
Walking into the building through the dark stone outer corridors and then climbing the same steps the spectators would have used to be greeted by the impressive central arena is such an evocative experience.
You can immediately imagine the baying crowds ready for the day’s bloodthirsty shows.
Visiting the Colosseum for kids – the different sections
Seeing the areas beneath the stage (now long removed) is another wonderful surprise.
“It’s like a maze.” remarked our oldest. The warren of passages, prison-like rooms and caged animals must have surely been a nightmarish labyrinth, lit only by candles and filled with the most unimaginable stench.
It’s possible to wander throughout much of the remaining structure of the Colosseum, with many passages, stairways and levels to explore.
You can also get an incredible view of the remains of ancient Rome on the doorstep of the building. The Colosseum is in good company with the Forum just a short five-minute walk away.
It isn’t hard to imagine life being lived on those streets and locals streaming into the seventy-plus entrances to the stadium.
The visitors – bringing the Colosseum with kids alive
And it’s made even more real when you come face-to-face with that toothpick discarded by one of the thousands of Romans who had visited the battles.
Displayed in a glass cabinet inside the first tier of the building, the picks are accompanied by stones from peaches, chicken bones, and the remains of shellfish imported from France. All part of someone’s picnic on the stone seats – rediscovered two thousand years later.
There are also displays of graffiti left behind on the inner walls and seats showing images of gladiator battles and wild animals. Along with a few animal skeletons for good measure.
The Colosseum is without a doubt a must-see experience as part of a visit to Rome.
It is incredible how easily you can imagine how the stadium would have looked filled with patrons, you just may be surprised how you discover it.
Book your skip the line tickets to the Colosseum here.
We hope you enjoyed our information for visiting the Colosseum for kids. Read more about our day in Rome with kids for more suggestions of what to do in this great city.
I’d absolutely love to take the children to the the Colosseum. Charlie would go bananas he loves all the gory history stuff!
Gsh, I have never appreciated the size of it before, I would love to visit here. Mich x
I love Rome – it is like a live museum full of beautiful sights. We are planning a visit to Rome next year and this is definitely on our to do list – the boys would love it.
Outstanding, I can’t stop looking at the photos! What a fantastic opportunity for you all to see this amazing place!
oh wow looks amazing what a great opportunity for you all x
wow what a place and full of life i bet too , i would love to take my lot there
Wonderful photos and history, thank you.
I saw this place on a movie before and it’s wonderfully beautiful. No wonder, more and more tourist are getting in love in Rome co’z it’s beautiful, historical and informative. Thanks for sharing.