Family Days Out in Naples
A city kids can taste
Children tend to win over Naples through food first. A pizza a portafoglio, folded like a wallet and eaten in the street, costs EUR2 to EUR3.50 on Via dei Tribunali, and fried pizza stuffed with ricotta is EUR3.50 to EUR5.50. A sit-down Margherita at Da Michele, Sorbillo or Starita is EUR7 to EUR14. Warm sfogliatella pastries at Pintauro or Attanasio are around EUR2 to EUR3, and a cup of gelato on the seafront rounds off an afternoon.
Herculaneum for short legs
Of the Roman sites, Herculaneum suits families best. The ancient seaside town at Ercolano Scavi is compact enough to cover in half a day, and it has upper floors, wooden beams and boat houses that make the past easy to picture. Under-18s go free, adults pay EUR16, and the Circumvesuviana from Napoli Garibaldi takes about 20 minutes. Until 14 October the site is open 8:30 to 19:30, and from 15 October it closes at 17:00 with last entry at 15:30. See the Herculaneum ticket information .
Pompeii is larger and hotter, 25 km away and about 35 minutes by train. It suits older children who can manage a full day of walking, and tickets carry a name because of the daily cap of 20,000 visitors.
Science and sea life
Citta della Scienza, at Via Coroglio 57 in Bagnoli, is a hands-on science museum. Its Corporea exhibition explores the human body, and the planetarium costs about EUR3 extra. Opening hours vary through the year, so check the Citta della Scienza site before setting off.
The Stazione Zoologica Anton Dohrn aquarium in the Villa Comunale is among the oldest public aquariums in Europe, founded in the 1870s. It sits next to the seafront gardens, so a visit pairs well with a gelato and a run along the promenade.
Funiculars and views
A funicular ride is a treat in itself. Take the Montesanto line up to Vomero on a regular Unico ticket, about EUR1.20 to EUR1.30 and valid for 90 minutes, then climb to Castel Sant’Elmo for views over the bay, Vesuvius and the islands. The ticket also covers buses, metro and trams.
Craft and workshops
San Gregorio Armeno is a street of workshops making nativity figures, including tiny caricatures and miniature scenes. Children can watch figures being painted. In the evening a pizza-making class is another option, typically EUR45 to EUR85 per person; you can see family pizza classes on GetYourGuide and compare what is included.
The Teatro di San Carlo runs guided visits of its gilded hall; confirm times at the Teatro di San Carlo site .
Parks and green space
Teenagers and younger children both do well in the Real Bosco di Capodimonte, a large royal park on the hill above the city, which is closed on Wednesdays. The Villa Comunale gardens along the seafront are free and flat, which suits strollers.
Practical points
- Napoli Sotterranea has 136 steps down to 40 metres and cool air, so it suits children who walk well, and tours leave hourly from Piazza San Gaetano 69.
- Pickpockets target the Circumvesuviana and Piazza Garibaldi, so keep bags zipped in front.
- Do not hire a car for the centre. Camera-controlled traffic zones have fines of roughly EUR80 to EUR335 and their hours differ by gate.
- Children under 18 enter MANN free; adults pay EUR20, and the museum is closed on Tuesdays.
Aim for one big outing a day and a long lunch in between. The 2-day itinerary shows how to pace it.