What age is Romeo and Juliet for?

Shakespeare’s play is usually studied around ages 13–14. Gentle children’s retellings introduce the story to ages 6–9, best read together with a grown-up.

When was Romeo and Juliet written?

William Shakespeare wrote it in the mid-1590s, and it was first printed in 1597.

Where does Romeo and Juliet take place?

In Verona and Mantua, two cities in northern Italy.

For parents

Romeo and Juliet for Kids: A Parent’s Guide

Two feuding families, a masked ball and the most famous balcony in the world. How to bring Shakespeare’s love story to young readers, gently.

By Sean Lee · October 27, 2026

What is Romeo and Juliet about?

William Shakespeare’s play, first printed in 1597, is set in Verona, Italy, where two proud families, the Capulets and the Montagues, have quarreled for so long that their servants fight in the streets. Romeo, a Montague, slips into a Capulet masked ball and meets Juliet, a Capulet, and the two fall in love at first sight.

They marry in secret with the help of kind Friar Laurence and Juliet’s Nurse. But a quarrel in the hot sun, a hurried plan and a letter that never arrives lead to a sad ending, and at last the two families clasp hands and make peace.

Meet the characters

Romeo Montague: a gentle dreamer who believes in poetry and peace instead of fighting.
Juliet Capulet: a bright, brave girl who speaks her own mind.
Friar Laurence: a wise friar who hopes the marriage will end the feud.
The Nurse: Juliet’s warm, talkative nurse, who has cared for her since she was a baby.
Mercutio: Romeo’s witty best friend, full of jokes.
Tybalt: Juliet’s proud, quick-tempered cousin.
Lord Capulet: Juliet’s commanding father.

Isn’t the ending too sad for young children?

Romeo and Juliet is a tragedy, and a faithful retelling keeps its ending. For children ages 6–9 it helps to read the last chapters together and talk as you go. A gentle retelling tells those moments briefly, without frightening detail, and ends with the families forgiving each other and Verona at peace. Many children find it a good first story about how anger and old quarrels can hurt the people we love.

Big ideas to talk about

Old quarrels and anger can hurt everyone, even people who weren’t part of the fight.
People are more than their family name. Get to know them for who they really are.
Slowing down and asking a trusted grown-up for help can stop small problems from growing.
Forgiveness takes courage, and it can bring a whole city peace.

Activities

Design a masked-ball mask from paper, feathers and glitter.
Act out the balcony scene, with Juliet on a sturdy step and Romeo below.
Make a peace sign for Verona’s square showing two families shaking hands.
Use our free Romeo and Juliet discussion questions, character cards and unit study.

Questions

What age is Romeo and Juliet for?: Shakespeare’s play is usually studied around ages 13–14. Gentle children’s retellings introduce the story to ages 6–9, best read together with a grown-up.
When was Romeo and Juliet written?: William Shakespeare wrote it in the mid-1590s, and it was first printed in 1597.
Where does Romeo and Juliet take place?: In Verona and Mantua, two cities in northern Italy.

The book

All books

Romeo and Juliet
Ages 6–9, 72 pages

Romeo and Juliet characters: who’s who