A visit to Pompeii is like stepping into a time capsule, offering families a fascinating journey through history. This ancient Roman city, nestled at the foot of Mount Vesuvius in southern Italy, provides a rare and captivating glimpse into daily life as it was two thousand years ago. Its cobbled streets, grand buildings, and colorful frescoes tell the story of a bustling society that came to an abrupt halt when the volcano erupted in 79 AD. For families visiting Pompeii with kids, it’s an incredible opportunity to make history come alive and spark curiosity about the ancient world.
We’ve explored many Roman ruins before, but nowhere else have we found such a vivid and complete picture of the past. Pompeii isn’t just a collection of broken columns or scattered stones that require imagination to piece together. Instead, it feels like a real city frozen in time. Walking through the ruins, you can clearly see how people lived, worked, and socialized. Shops, bakeries, homes, bathhouses, and even ancient fast-food restaurants line the streets. Kids will especially enjoy spotting the ruts left by carts that once rolled through the city, making it easy to picture the hustle and bustle of Roman life.
In this blog, we’ll cover everything you need to know about visiting Pompeii for families. From its rich history and must-see sights to helpful tips and how to combine your visit with a trek up Mount Vesuvius, we’ll help you plan a fun and educational day out. Whether you’re a history lover or just curious about this world-famous site, Pompeii promises to be an unforgettable experience for parents and kids alike.
What Is Pompeii Known For?
Pompeii is one of the most remarkable archaeological sites in the world and a fantastic destination for families exploring Italy’s history. Located near Naples in southern Italy, this ancient Roman city gives visitors—young and old—a rare chance to see what life was like almost two thousand years ago. Once a thriving trading hub with around 11,000 residents, Pompeii prospered thanks to its location along major trade routes and its busy port. It was a well-organized city with paved streets, a central forum, bathhouses, theaters, and elegant villas decorated with beautiful frescoes and mosaics. The people of Pompeii enjoyed a typical Roman lifestyle, filled with markets, festivals, and social gatherings in the bathhouses.
Everything changed on a catastrophic day in 79 AD. Mount Vesuvius, which had peacefully towered over the city, suddenly erupted. Within hours, Pompeii was buried under meters of volcanic ash and pumice, destroying the city but also preserving it in incredible detail. Today, families visiting Pompeii can explore streets, buildings, and even household objects that were left just as they were at the moment disaster struck. It’s a place where kids can see history frozen in time and feel like real-life explorers uncovering ancient secrets.
The rediscovery of Pompeii began in the 18th century during the Baroque period, when parts of the city were accidentally unearthed. Since then, archaeologists have worked tirelessly to excavate the ruins, revealing an astonishing level of detail about Roman life. From the layout of public spaces to the richly decorated rooms of noble houses, Pompeii offers families a chance to walk through history and imagine what life was like in ancient times.
One of the most striking features of Pompeii is the plaster casts of the victims. These haunting yet fascinating casts were created by pouring plaster into cavities left by decomposed bodies. They provide an emotional and powerful reminder of the human side of this tragedy. While they may be a bit intense for younger children, older kids and teens often find them deeply moving and thought-provoking.
What makes Pompeii so special is how complete it feels. Walking along the Via dell’Abbondanza, the city’s main street, it’s easy to imagine merchants selling goods, families gathering for meals, and children playing in courtyards. For families with kids, Pompeii is more than just a history lesson—it’s an adventure through time that’s both fun and educational.
Top 9 Attractions in Pompeii for Families
#1 The Roman Baths
Pompeii’s ancient bathhouses are some of the most fascinating places to visit. The Stabian Baths are the most famous and date back to the 2nd century BC. These baths were the go-to place for Romans to relax and freshen up, as most people didn’t have private bathrooms at home.
Walking through the baths, you’ll see separate rooms for cold, warm, and hot water baths. Kids will be amazed by the intricate mosaics on the floors and the clever underground heating systems that kept the rooms warm. It’s a great chance to show children how advanced the Romans were, especially when it comes to engineering. Bathhouses were not just places to get clean—they were social hotspots where Romans came to chat, network, and unwind. For families visiting Pompeii with kids, the bathhouses are a fun way to bring Roman culture to life.
#2 Lupanare
One of Pompeii’s most talked-about sites is the Lupanare, the only building confirmed to have been a brothel. It’s a small structure with ten tiny rooms, each containing a stone bed. What really draws attention are the erotic frescoes on the walls, which are believed to have served as a sort of ‘menu’ for clients.
While the Lupanare might not be the best stop for very young kids, older children and teenagers may find it fascinating as part of understanding Roman society. It’s also a good opportunity to explain that Pompeii was a real, living city with all aspects of daily life, including the less glamorous ones. The Lupanare is one of the most visited places in Pompeii, so if you’re visiting during peak season, be prepared for queues. We visited during the low season and found it much easier to explore without the crowds.
#3 The Plaster Casts of the Victims
The plaster casts of Pompeii’s victims are some of the most emotional and unforgettable sights in the ruins. When volcanic ash hardened around the bodies, it preserved their shapes. Archaeologists later filled these cavities with plaster, creating detailed casts that capture the exact positions people were in during their final moments.
Families visiting Pompeii with kids often find these casts to be a powerful way to connect with the history of the site. While younger children might need some gentle explanations, older kids are usually fascinated by the casts and the stories they tell. Maps provided at the entrance mark the locations of these casts, making it easy to plan your route.
One of the most moving displays we saw was in an exhibition inside the old palace, where there were casts of two figures intertwined and even one of a small child. It’s a reminder of how sudden and devastating the eruption was, and it gives families a chance to reflect on the human side of history.
#4 Via dell’Abbondanza
Via dell’Abbondanza is the main street that runs through Pompeii, and for us, it was one of the most impressive parts of the site. Walking down this road feels like stepping into the daily life of ancient Rome. From the deep grooves left by carts to the remains of bakeries, shops, and luxurious houses, this street is full of details that make history come alive.
Families will enjoy peeking into ancient storefronts, spotting ovens in bakeries, and seeing the remains of mosaics and frescoes inside Roman homes. Some houses are open to visitors, allowing you to step inside and imagine what it must have been like to live there. One highlight is a large villa complex that is still being excavated. Covered to protect the delicate ruins, the site features raised platforms where you can watch archaeologists at work.
Tip for families with strollers or younger kids: there’s an elevator to the viewing platforms, making it accessible for everyone. After enjoying the excavations, continue to the nearby café for a beautiful view of Pompeii from above before heading back down.
#5 Villa dei Misteri
Just outside the main part of Pompeii, the Villa of the Mysteries is a must-see for families looking to explore more of the site’s art and culture. This large Roman villa is famous for its stunning frescoes, particularly in one room where the paintings are believed to depict scenes from mysterious religious ceremonies.
The vivid colors and dramatic artwork make this villa a hit with older kids and teens, especially those interested in mythology and ancient traditions. It’s worth noting that visiting the villa requires an upgraded ticket, so be sure to check ticket options in advance if you want to include it in your itinerary.
#6 The Forum
The Forum was the social and political center of Pompeii, where people gathered for markets, religious ceremonies, and public meetings. Surrounded by the remains of temples, government buildings, and market halls, it gives a sense of how central this space was to city life.
Highlights include the Temple of Jupiter and the Macellum, a market thought to have sold fish and meat. While the Forum is often considered one of Pompeii’s main attractions, we found it slightly less unique than other parts of the site. Roman forums can be seen in several other ancient cities, but what makes Pompeii special is the mix of everyday life and personal stories told through its ruins.
#7 Large Palaestra
The Large Palaestra was once a massive sports and training complex for young Romans. Families with kids will find this site particularly interesting because it’s not just about ruins—it also features an exhibition showcasing everyday objects found in Pompeii.
At the center of the complex is a large swimming pool, measuring 23 by 35 meters. The exhibition displays plaster casts of victims along with household items like beds, toys, and even loaves of bread preserved in ash. It’s a powerful and personal look at the daily lives of Pompeii’s residents and helps children connect with the people who once lived here. This stop turned out to be one of the most memorable moments of our visit, and we highly recommend making time for it.
#8 The Amphitheater
Built around 70 BC, the Amphitheater is one of the oldest in the world and could seat up to 20,000 people. It hosted gladiator battles and other dramatic events, making it a great spot for kids to imagine the excitement of ancient Roman entertainment.
Tip: the entrance near the amphitheater is usually less crowded than the main gate, so it’s a great option to avoid long lines during busy periods.
#9 Teatro Grande
The Teatro Grande could hold about 5,000 spectators and was used for plays and musical performances. It’s a stunning example of Roman architecture and offers insight into how cultural events were organized in ancient times. Right next to it, you’ll also find a smaller theater that’s equally charming.
For families exploring Pompeii with kids, the theaters are a fun and visual way to learn about Roman culture. The grand size and impressive design make it easy to imagine the excitement of performances held here centuries ago.
Pompeii or Herculaneum?
Trying to decide between Pompeii or Herculaneum? It’s not an easy choice, as both sites offer a fascinating glimpse into life during Roman times. However, they each provide a slightly different experience. If you’re visiting Pompeii with kids or planning a family-friendly trip, we can help you weigh the options and make the best decision for your visit.
Pompeii is by far the more famous and larger of the two. It gives you a full-scale impression of an ancient Roman city, complete with vast public spaces like the Forum and Amphitheater, long streets lined with cart tracks, and beautifully preserved homes with colorful frescoes. The size of Pompeii is awe-inspiring, and walking through its ruins feels like wandering through a real, frozen-in-time city. However, this also means that exploring Pompeii can take more time—easily a full day, or even two if you want to dive deep into its history. Because of its popularity, Pompeii tends to attract larger crowds, especially during the high season.
Herculaneum, on the other hand, is smaller and more compact but just as fascinating. Located a bit farther from Mount Vesuvius, it was buried not in ash but in a thick layer of volcanic mud. This unique preservation means that Herculaneum has retained more delicate features than Pompeii, including wooden doors, furniture, and even food remains. The houses and frescoes here are often in better condition, offering families with kids a chance to see Roman life in greater detail.
The manageable size of Herculaneum makes it a great choice for families who may not want to spend an entire day exploring ruins. You can see the highlights in about half a day, making it ideal for younger kids or those who prefer shorter excursions. It also tends to be quieter than Pompeii, which is another bonus if you’re looking for a more relaxed atmosphere.
If you have time, we highly recommend visiting both sites, as they complement each other perfectly. Pompeii lets you experience the grandeur of a bustling Roman city, while Herculaneum focuses on the finer details of everyday life. That said, if you have to pick just one, we’d suggest Pompeii for families. Its sheer scale and variety of sights—from shops and bakeries to theaters and bathhouses—make it feel like a complete city brought back to life. For kids, it’s a thrilling adventure where history jumps off the page and into the real world.
Combining Pompeii with a Visit to Mount Vesuvius
A trip to Pompeii isn’t complete without seeing Mount Vesuvius, the volcano that buried the city and preserved it for centuries. Towering above the landscape, Vesuvius is still an active volcano and now a designated national park. Many families visiting Pompeii with kids choose to combine their trip with a hike up the volcano, turning the day into an exciting mix of history and adventure.
Climbing Vesuvius is an unforgettable experience. From the top, you can look directly into the crater and enjoy sweeping views of the Bay of Naples and the surrounding countryside. Most families start their day exploring Pompeii and then head to Vesuvius in the afternoon. The hike begins at a parking area about 1,000 meters above sea level. From there, it’s a 20-30 minute walk to the crater rim. While the hike isn’t particularly steep, the sandy and uneven terrain means sturdy shoes are essential.
You can organize this combo trip independently by car or public transport, or opt for one of the many guided tours that combine Pompeii and Vesuvius in a single day. These tours often include transportation between the two sites and sometimes even a guide for the hike. It’s a convenient option for families who want to simplify their planning.
While combining Pompeii and Vesuvius is a fantastic experience, it can also be physically demanding—especially on hot summer days. Make sure to pack plenty of water, sunscreen, and hats to keep everyone comfortable and hydrated.
Budget Tip: Entry to both Pompeii and Mount Vesuvius is included in the Naples Pass, which can save you money if you’re planning to visit multiple attractions in the area.
Practical Tips for Visiting Pompeii with Kids
How to Get to Pompeii
Getting to Pompeii is surprisingly easy, whether you’re traveling by train, car, or as part of a guided tour. For most families, the Circumvesuviana train is the most convenient option. It connects Naples and Sorrento with Pompeii and stops at Pompeii Scavi – Villa dei Misteri, which is just a short walk from the main entrance. Tickets are inexpensive—only a few euros each way—and trains run frequently, making it a stress-free option for families.
If you’d rather not manage transportation yourself, consider booking a guided tour. Many tours depart from Naples, Sorrento, or even Rome and include transport, tickets, and often a guide. While they cost more, they remove the hassle of planning and transfers, making them a great option for families who want a smooth experience.
Driving to Pompeii is also an option. The site is easily accessible via the A3 highway—just take the Pompeii Ovest exit. You’ll find several parking areas near the entrances, but keep in mind that these can be expensive and often fill up quickly during peak times. Arriving early is recommended if you’re driving.
Parking for Campervans: If you’re traveling with a camper, there are dedicated parking areas and campsites close to Pompeii. While some are pricey, we found a budget-friendly option right by the Amphitheater entrance for just € 4 per day. To find it, navigate to Piazza San Giovanni XXIII or check the Park4Night app for listing #322705 (which is the same as #389870). It’s a spacious lot, perfect for families needing extra room for larger vehicles.
How Much Does a Ticket to Pompeii Cost?
A standard ticket to Pompeii costs €18 for adults. Young visitors aged 18 to 25 with an EU passport can enter for just €2, while children under 18 get free admission. If you’re planning to visit additional sites, like the Villa of the Mysteries, you’ll need a slightly more expensive combined ticket that covers these extras.
Budget Tip: Admission to Pompeii is included in the 3-day Naples Pass, which also grants access to Herculaneum, Mount Vesuvius, the Royal Palace of Caserta, and many museums in Naples, as well as public transportation. This pass can be a budget-friendly way to visit multiple attractions without breaking the bank.
If you’re visiting during peak season, it’s highly recommended to book your tickets online in advance via the official Pompeii website. This not only allows you to skip the lines at the ticket office but also guarantees entry, as there’s now a daily visitor limit in place starting November 2024. Tickets can sell out, especially in summer, so planning ahead is key. We visited during the off-season and had no trouble purchasing tickets at the entrance, but during busier months, booking ahead can save time and stress.
Budget Tip: Entry to Pompeii is free on the first Sunday of each month, as is the case with many national museums and archaeological sites in Italy. This can be a great way to save money, particularly for families with kids, but keep in mind that free admission days tend to be much busier, so expect larger crowds and longer lines.
Should You Visit Pompeii with a Guide?
Pompeii is vast, and without context, it can sometimes be hard to make sense of what you’re seeing. While exploring independently with a map is an option, hiring a tour guide can make the experience much more engaging. A guide brings the ruins to life with stories about ancient Roman life, explanations of the frescoes, and insights into the impressive villas and public buildings. Guided tours typically last about two hours and cost €15–€20 per person, and we think they’re worth every euro.
Prefer to explore at your own pace? An audio guide or mobile app is a great alternative. These allow you to move through the site at your own speed while still learning the stories behind what you’re seeing.
For families visiting Pompeii with kids, we found that using an app was the best choice. It let us pause for breaks, follow the kids’ energy levels, and avoid feeling rushed. Parents will know that exploring with (young) children often requires a bit more flexibility, and the app allowed us to adapt as needed while still providing plenty of interesting facts.
Pro Tip: We also used ChatGPT during our visit, and it turned out to be incredibly helpful. When we came across something unfamiliar, we simply snapped a picture and asked ChatGPT what it was. It even helped us create kid-friendly explanations for things like the volcano, ancient houses, and streets. This made it much easier to keep our toddler engaged and curious throughout the visit.
How Much Time Do You Need for Pompeii?
How much time you’ll need in Pompeii depends on how much you want to see. If you’re short on time, you can explore the main highlights—like the Forum, the Amphitheater, and the Via dell’Abbondanza—in half a day. However, if you want to dive deeper and explore details like the bathhouses, the brothel, and multiple villas, we recommend planning for a full day.
For true history enthusiasts, even a full day might feel too short. My parents, for example, spent two full days exploring Pompeii and still didn’t feel like they’d seen everything.
If you’re visiting Pompeii with kids, we recommend taking a slower pace and focusing on a few key sights. Start early in the morning to avoid the heat and crowds, especially in summer. Try to finish early, too, so you’re not far from the exit as closing time approaches—the site is massive, and it’s easy to underestimate how long it takes to get back to the entrance.
Keep in mind that some houses and buildings close earlier than the site itself, so it’s worth checking the official opening hours beforehand.
What Should You Bring to Pompeii?
A little preparation goes a long way in making your visit more enjoyable, especially if you’re visiting with kids. Comfortable walking shoes are essential, as the streets are uneven, with cobblestones and loose stones in some areas. In summer, pack hats, sunscreen, and a refillable water bottle to stay hydrated. Fortunately, there are several water fountains throughout the site where you can refill bottles, so there’s no need to carry large amounts of water.
We also recommend bringing your own snacks and lunch. While there are a few cafés and restaurants inside Pompeii, they tend to be overpriced and the food is fairly basic. Packing sandwiches and snacks is not only more affordable but also allows you to take breaks whenever and wherever it suits your family.
There are plenty of quiet spots throughout the site where you can sit and have a picnic, but trash bins are few and far between, so be prepared to carry any waste with you. After your visit, you can also head into modern Pompeii for a proper Italian meal, although prices near the archaeological site are generally higher than in other parts of Italy.
Visiting Pompeii with Kids: More Helpful Tips
Exploring Pompeii with kids can be a memorable adventure, but it does require a bit of planning to keep everyone happy. Parents will know how challenging it can be to balance sightseeing with kids’ energy levels, so here are some tips to make your visit smoother.
Strollers or Carriers? While strollers are allowed, they’re not always the easiest option. Pompeii has accessible pathways for strollers and wheelchairs, but the terrain can still be bumpy and uneven. For younger kids, a baby carrier is often the better choice. However, if your toddler refuses to be carried—like ours did—a stroller can still work, even if it’s a bit of a rough ride.
If your kids need a break from the ruins, there’s a children’s museum marked on the site map. We didn’t visit it ourselves because our kids were already busy exploring the main site, but it could be a fun stop for younger visitors looking for a change of pace.
Take Breaks and Let Them Play. Be sure to plan regular breaks for snacks and water. We found several shaded areas and open spaces where the kids could run around and burn off energy. Gardens, plazas, and larger courtyards are perfect for this.
Don’t Overdo It. Pompeii is huge, and it’s impossible to see everything in one day—especially with kids. Focus on the main highlights and don’t stress about missing some areas. We covered less than half the site but still felt like we saw everything we wanted.
Prepare for the Plaster Casts. The plaster casts of the victims can be intense, so it’s worth preparing kids in advance. We explained to ours that the casts aren’t real bodies but molds made by archaeologists. If you think your kids might find it too upsetting, you can easily skip these areas.
Baby Pionts: Pompeii offers designated ‘Baby Points’ throughout the site—small rooms where you can change diapers or feed your baby in privacy. These spots are clearly marked on the official site map, so be sure to grab one at the entrance to locate them easily.
More Archaeological Sites Near Naples
The area around Naples is packed with Roman history, much of it beautifully preserved under layers of volcanic ash from Mount Vesuvius. While Pompeii is the most famous site, there are plenty of other fascinating ruins nearby that are perfect for families looking to explore beyond the main tourist trail. Some of these spots are even free to visit, offering budget-friendly options for families visiting Pompeii with kids.
#1 Herculaneum
Herculaneum is often described as the smaller, quieter sibling of Pompeii, but it’s every bit as impressive—if not more so in certain ways. Unlike Pompeii, which was buried under ash, Herculaneum was submerged in a flow of volcanic mud. This preserved not just the buildings but also delicate features like wooden doors, furniture, and even the upper floors of houses—details that were lost in Pompeii.
One of the highlights is the House of the Deer, an elegant villa with sculptures, courtyards, and sea views. The frescoes in Herculaneum are stunningly vibrant, and the mosaics look so fresh that you might think they were placed there recently. Because Herculaneum is more compact, it’s ideal for families visiting with kids. You can explore it comfortably in half a day, leaving plenty of time for a relaxed lunch or even another activity in the afternoon.
Another big advantage is that Herculaneum is much quieter than Pompeii, even during peak season. Families with kids will appreciate the calmer atmosphere, which makes it easier to explore at your own pace and really take in the details. If you’re looking for an alternative to the grandeur of Pompeii, Herculaneum is a fantastic choice for a more intimate look at ancient Roman life.
#2 Naples Archaeological Museum
If you really want to get the most out of your visit to Pompeii or Herculaneum, a stop at the Naples Archaeological Museum is highly recommended. This incredible museum houses many of the most valuable artifacts discovered at both sites, including statues, frescoes, and mosaics that were moved here for protection. It’s the perfect way to add more depth to your visit, especially for families interested in art and history.
One of the standout pieces is the famous Alexander Mosaic from the House of the Faun in Pompeii. Its intricate details and vibrant colors make it one of the museum’s most breathtaking displays. The museum is also home to the Secret Cabinet, which showcases erotic art from ancient Rome—a section that might be best skipped if you’re visiting with younger kids but could spark curiosity in older ones learning about Roman culture.
This museum is huge, so plan to spend at least a few hours here. For families, it’s a great way to complement the ruins with more preserved pieces, helping kids connect the artifacts in the museum to what they saw during their visit to Pompeii. Located in central Naples, the museum is easy to reach by metro, making it a convenient stop before or after exploring the ruins.
#3 Villa Arianna and Villa Marcus
Just outside Pompeii, in Castellammare di Stabia, you’ll find two hidden treasures—Villa Arianna and Villa San Marco. These luxurious Roman villas were summer retreats for wealthy families, offering stunning views over the Bay of Naples and an inside look at elite Roman life.
Villa Arianna is named after a fresco of Ariadne found inside. It’s a large villa filled with beautifully preserved frescoes depicting mythological scenes, as well as colorful paintings of landscapes. Families will enjoy wandering through the different rooms, from reception halls to baths and bedrooms, imagining how Roman families once lived here. Its hilltop location provides sweeping views, showing exactly why this spot was such a desirable getaway for the Roman elite.
We found Villa San Marco even more spectacular. It’s larger and better preserved, with mosaics, columns, and an expansive peristyle garden surrounded by porticoes. Walking through its courtyards and halls, you get a sense of just how luxurious Roman life could be. The ongoing excavations at the site make it even more exciting for kids, who can watch archaeologists at work and see history being uncovered in real time.
What makes these villas especially appealing for families is how quiet they are compared to Pompeii and Herculaneum. When we visited during the low season, we were the only ones there, which made it feel like we had traveled back in time. Even better, entry is free, making these villas a fantastic budget-friendly stop after exploring some of the larger and more expensive sites.
