Beautiful, mysterious and lively, the city of Naples(Napoli in Italian) has a lot to offer families. From unusual tours to Europe's most famous volcano and play parks, children won't be bored on a trip to the Amalfi Coast. By alternating between must-see sights and children's games, your little family will have a dream vacation in and around Naples. Follow the Petit Futé guide to discover the 10 things to do in Naples with children.
1. The catacombs of Naples, to do with children
If Naples is one of Italy's top 10 cities to visit, it's partly for the secrets it holds. The catacombs of Naples, laid out like cemeteries, are one of those mysterious places that children love to visit! Between interest and thrills, they'll be sure to stay close to you, but will keep an impenetrable memory of their unusual visit to the catacombs of San Gennaro and San Gaudioso.
Discover what lies beneath the city of Naples by booking this tour of the San Gennaro catacombs.
2. Visiting Vesuvius with children: a must!
It's impossible to miss one of the world's most impressive volcanoes. With our tips for visiting Mount Vesuvius from Naples, you're in for a memorable expedition. At 1,281 metres high, it is rich in history. By car, train or bus, take the whole family to Mount Vesuvius for a memorable guided tour.
Book my guided tour of Mount Vesuvius
3. Dive into Pompeii's past with your family
As well as climbing Mount Vesuvius, we also stop off to visit visit Pompeiito discover one of the cities most affected by the volcano. Choose from the three best excursions to link Naples to Vesuvius for a unique experience. As you explore the remains of the ash-buried city, you'll discover a civilization and its history. In the same spirit, a visit to Herculaneum offers families an exciting historical tour.
Explore the historic ruins of Pompeii on a guided tour led by an experienced archaeologist by booking right here.
4. Discover Naples' castles with children
The Castel dell'Ovo is one of the 18 must-see castles in Naples. Children will surely be interested in one of the legends behind the "castle of the egg": the poet Virgil is said to have hidden an egg in the castle's foundations. If it broke, the castle would collapse. With the castle still standing, could the egg still be intact? It's worth investigating!
For its part, the Castel Nuovo is another must-see for families in Naples. Located near the port, it offers an attractive stopping-off point for children as you explore the city.
Discover the castles of Naples on an exciting excursion bookable right here.
5. Family fun at Valle Dell'Orso
Fun for all the family at Valle Dell'Orso, near Vesuvius National Park. The Adventure Park with its tree courses, and the Water Park, are a treat for the whole family! From slides to whirlpools and the Laguna Baby Spray Park, parents and children alike have a great time.
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6. Museo di Paleontologia, the museum to visit in Naples with children
If museums are rarely popular with children, this is not the case with Naples' Museum of Paleontology. Nearly 50,000 specimens have been found to date, from dinosaurs and fossil fish to marine and flying reptiles. This tour can be complemented by a visit to the city's Archaeological Museum.
Click here to book your guided tour of the National Archaeological Museum of Naples.
7. Edenlandia, the park to do in Naples with children
A gargantuan entrance welcomes you to Edenlandia, a "mini Disneyland" amusement park in Naples. The rides enchant children, while the décor astonishes young and old alike. With its princess castle , roller coasters and waterfalls, the park is as astonishing as it is entertaining. A great place to visit in Naples with children!
8. Fun and learning at the Città degli Scienti di Napoli
Planets, bodies, insects: no subject is left to chance at Naples' Cité des Sciences. Children and teenagers have a particularly interesting time. The interactive activities are ideal for young and old alike, making for a great time in Naples with the whole family.
Explore the world of human sciences in Naples by booking your ticket to the Città della Scienza museum here, and have some fun with the whole family.
9. Spend a family day at Naples Zoo
Home to rare animal and botanical species, Naples Zoo attracts visitors and scientists from all over the world. From the most exotic specimens to endemic species, every animal and plant immerses you in a magical world that's sure to make children dream. Workshops complete your family visit.
10. The Botanical Garden, relaxing in Naples with children
The Naples Botanical Garden takes you from alleyways to exotic greenhouses, to discover exceptional trees and plants. Mangroves, tropical flowers and a botanical museum make for a magical family visit in the San Carlo all'Arena district. Magnificently maintained, this exceptional garden will put stars in everyone's eyes.
Discover also the most popular things to do in Naples:
Where to stay in Naples with your family?
There are many hotels in Naples offering family suites. Little legs will love staying in the heart of the city.
- Top of the range
Immerse yourself in Neapolitan luxury at the luxuriously decoratedHotel Decumani. When you book your room hereask for the 4-person suite, with a double bed for the parents and two children's beds, you'll be at the top of your game!
- The best location
Located close to the sea, the Chiaja Hotel offers rooms for 4 people, as well as a babysitting service. Baby cots and extra beds can be provided on request, in this quality establishment, bookable here.
- The most complete
Parents and children enjoy relaxing in the outdoor swimming pool at theHotel Royal Continental in Naples. Book a room here in this establishment offering large rooms and an exceptional view.
And, of course, don't forget to enjoy some fine Italian cuisine along the way! Discover here the best traditional restaurants in Naples, to enjoy day after day with your family.
What to do in Naples with a baby
If climbing Mount Vesuvius with a baby isn't an option, Pompeii has a signposted route suitable for strollers. The rest of the tour can be done in a baby carrier. Many visits around Naples can also be made by boat or ferry, a mode of transport particularly well-suited to strollers. A visit to the catacombs is also possible in a baby carrier (and it's free for the little one!). The various castles and museums, as well as the Botanical Gardens, are of course accessible to families traveling with very young children.
Smart Tip : we advise you to travel in April, so that baby doesn't suffer too much from the summer heat. You can also leave in May, on a bridge, to visit Naples in 3 days.
What to do on the Amalfi Coast with children?
The Amalfi Coast is a favorite destination for family travel not far from France. In particular, we recommend a trip to the island of Procida, where the beaches (free of charge!) offer the chance to relax in enchanting surroundings. The adjoining town, with its many colorful houses, is a delight for the whole family. As already mentioned, Pompeii and Herculaneum are two other must-sees on the Amalfi Coast. If you're planning to climb Mount Vesuvius with children, choose the coolest time of day. Finally, for a day out on Capri, kids will love taking the funicular and chairlift! Do your children love beautiful landscapes? A trip to the island of Ischia is the perfect way to round off your holiday!
With its mix of culture, leisure activities and hiking, Naples is a dream destination for vacations with children. The city is one of Campania's must-sees, as is Sorrento. A visit to Amalfi and its 11 must-sees will also convince you of the region's beauty. Prefer to escape the crowds? Head for the island of Procida, a little paradise on the outskirts of Naples. See you soon to discover the 27 must-sees of Italy, a country of 1,000 wonders to be discovered from boot to heel!
