Rome was my favorite unit to teach, and standing in the Colosseum with kids is the payoff for every ancient Rome lesson they have ever sat through. This is where the gladiators fought, and no kid is bored by that.
Book a tour ahead, ideally one made for families or one that includes the underground and arena floor. A good guide brings it to life, the wild animals kept in cages below, the trap doors, the tens of thousands of roaring spectators. Without the stories it is a big broken oval. With them it is the greatest show in the ancient world.
Right next door is the Roman Forum and Palatine Hill, the ruins of the actual city center of ancient Rome, where you walk the same stones as emperors. It is mostly outdoors and open, good for letting kids roam, but it is exposed with little shade, so this is a morning activity, not a midday one in summer.
Prep your kids with the stories before you go, gladiators, emperors, chariots, and they will look at the ruins with real wonder instead of dragging their feet.
Wear real shoes and bring water. It is uneven ground and a lot of walking.
The full Rome with kids guide is here: Rome With Kids. Want Italy planned for you? Work with me.
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