Best tour to do in Rome with kids- Gladiator School

Why Gladiator School Was One of Our Kids’ Favorite Experiences in Rome

When most people think about Rome with kids, they picture tossing coins into the Trevi Fountain, eating endless bowls of pasta, or touring the Colosseum. And yes, all of those things are absolutely worth doing. But there are other tours and activities you can do that are enjoyable for both your kids and you. If you really want your kids to feel Ancient Rome instead of just hearing about it, Gladiator School might end up being the highlight of your entire trip.

I wasn’t sure what to expect going into it. I wondered if my older kids would think they were too cool to dress up and do it but from the second we arrived, I realized why families rave about this experience. It ended up being one of those activities our kids talked about nonstop afterward — and one of the most memorable things we did in Rome as a family. The parents are able to watch for free without needs to pay.

Gladiator School takes place just outside the city center along the ancient Appian Way, which already makes the whole experience feel a little more authentic and immersive. Instead of standing in another museum line, our kids were stepping into the world they had been learning about while exploring Rome.

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From the moment we walked in, the energy was fun, interactive, and incredibly family-friendly. The experience starts with a short introduction to gladiator life and Roman history, where kids get to see weapons, armor, and artifacts up close. But this definitely isn’t one of those “don’t touch anything” history lessons. The entire experience is hands-on, which made such a huge difference for our kids. The kids instantly got excited to participate.

Then came the best part: dressing like gladiators!!!

The kids got dressed in the costumes, wooden swords in hand. Watching them fully commit to the role was half the fun for us as parents. There’s something really special about seeing history click for kids in a way that feels playful instead of forced.

The instructors were fantastic — energetic, funny, and so good with kids. They taught basic gladiator fighting techniques, battle stances, and mock combat skills in a way that felt exciting while still being safe and organized. The training sessions are designed for beginners and families, so no one feels intimidated.

‍What I loved most was how active the experience was after days of sightseeing, walking through museums, and navigating busy Rome streets, this gave the kids a chance to move, run around, laugh, and burn energy while still learning something meaningful. It felt like the perfect balance of education, play and

One of my favorite parts was seeing families participate together. Parents battling kids in the arena, siblings cheering each other on, everyone laughing while trying to master gladiator techniques. It became one of those rare travel experiences where every age group was genuinely engaged.

The setting itself also added to the experience. The sandy training arena, the Roman-inspired surroundings, the old-world atmosphere — it all helped transport the kids back in time. For a couple of hours, they weren’t just hearing about Ancient Rome. They were living it.

At the end of the session, the kids received certificates and proudly walked away feeling like official Roman gladiators. But more than that, they left feeling connected to the city in a completely different way. It’s easy to check landmarks off a list. But the moments kids truly remember are usually the ones where they get to participate, explore, imagine, and experience a destination for themselves. Gladiator School turned Ancient Rome from something our kids simply saw into something they actually felt part of — and that made all the difference.

If you’re traveling to Rome with kids and looking for something beyond the typical sightseeing itinerary, I genuinely can’t recommend this enough.

What I loved Most:

Parents do not have to pay for a ticket if they do not attend the course. They can sit closely and watch or take pictures. This is the kind of tour the kids talk about for months to come. We had friends and their kids with us so 8 kids in total did it from ages to 4-14 and they all participated and liked it! Instead of walking through a museum telling your kids the history of the Romans they get to actually experience it. Then they even give you a certificate of completion at the end! Such a great experience and worth the $$.

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What to know before you go:

• Sessions are 2 hours - you are kinda in the middle of know where so eat before or plan to take a taxi to get food nearby after

• Wear comfortable clothes and closed-toe shoes — kids will be running and practicing mock battles

• Morning sessions are best during summer since Rome gets very hot in the afternoon

• Located near Parco della Caffarella

• Great activity to pair with a Colosseum visit for a full day of activities.

• Parents can participate too, which makes it extra fun for families!

• Bring water, sunscreen and bug spray (the sun was hot and the bugs were kinds bad when we were there in May)

• Booking ahead is highly recommended - especially during the busy peak seasons

The certificate they give you at the end with your name on it

This was my sons sword he got as a souvenir the first day in Rome at a souvenir shop

FAQ about Gladiator School

Q: Is Gladiator School in Rome worth it for kids?
A: Yes — especially if your kids enjoy hands-on experiences, history, or active activities. Gladiator School is one of the most interactive family experiences in Rome because kids get to dress up, learn gladiator techniques, and actively participate instead of simply touring a museum or landmark.

Q: What age is Gladiator School best for?
A: Most Gladiator School experiences in Rome - where we booked it, says it is ideal for kids ages 6 and up but my 4 year old did it and LOVED IT!!! But younger children may still enjoy watching, but school-aged kids tend to get the most out of the training, games, and historical storytelling.

Q: How long is Gladiator School in Rome?
A: Most sessions last around 2 hours, making it a great half-day activity for families visiting Rome.

Q: Is Gladiator School educational?
A: Absolutely. While it feels fun and playful, kids also learn about Ancient Roman history, gladiator culture, Roman weapons, and life in Ancient Rome through interactive demonstrations and storytelling.

Q: Where is Gladiator School located in Rome?
A: Many of the popular Gladiator School experiences are located near the historic Appian Way (Via Appia Antica), just outside Rome’s busy city center. It is about 20 minutes from the Colosseum.

Q: Should you book Gladiator School in advance?
A: Yes — especially during spring, summer, and holiday travel seasons. Family-friendly experiences in Rome can sell out quickly.

Q: What should kids wear to Gladiator School?
A: Comfortable clothing and sneakers are best since kids will be moving around, practicing mock combat, and participating in physical activities.

Q: Is Gladiator School in Rome good for families?
A: It’s one of the best Rome activities for families because it combines entertainment, movement, and education in a way that keeps both kids and adults engaged.

Q: Can adults participate in Gladiator School too?
A: Yes! Many Gladiator School experiences are designed for both kids and adults, which makes it especially fun for families traveling together.

Q: What are the best interactive activities for kids in Rome?
A: Some of the best family-friendly activities in Rome include Gladiator School, golf cart tours, pizza-making classes, Vespa sidecar tours, and guided Colosseum experiences designed specifically for children.