GemmaIf you’re planning a trip to Campania with your family, get ready for a mix of history, culture, nature, and unforgettable experiences. From ancient ruins to breathtaking coastal views, Campania has something that will captivate both kids and adults alike. In this guide, I’ll share 14 family-friendly things to do in Campania that you truly need to see, explore, and enjoy. From my own personal experience, traveling here with a mix of toddlers, teenagers, and grandparents is absolutely possible, and it can be one of the most enriching trips you’ll ever take.
1. Explore the Ruins of Pompeii
No visit to Campania is complete without stepping into history at Pompeii. This ancient city, frozen in time by the eruption of Mount Vesuvius in 79 AD, is a treasure trove of stories. Kids often love imagining life in Roman times while walking past the preserved homes, shops, and amphitheaters.
If you want to make it educational yet fun, consider joining a guided tour specifically designed for families. They highlight interesting spots like the bakery, the brothel, and the amphitheater in ways that spark curiosity. Also, a tip from my own personal experience: bring water, sun hats, and comfortable walking shoes because the site is vast, and it’s easy to underestimate the heat, especially in summer.
2. Hike Mount Vesuvius
For families that enjoy a bit of adventure, hiking Mount Vesuvius is a must. The trail to the crater isn’t too difficult, and once you reach the top, the view of the Bay of Naples is absolutely stunning. Kids love peering into the active crater and spotting steam rising from the ground.
Make sure to start the hike in the morning to avoid the hottest hours, and pack snacks. It’s one of those experiences where everyone feels a sense of achievement when they reach the summit. Plus, it’s a perfect opportunity to teach children about volcanoes in a hands-on way, which is far more exciting than textbooks.
3. Wander the Streets of Naples
Naples is vibrant, chaotic, and utterly captivating. From my overall experience, the city can feel overwhelming at first, but wandering its streets with kids is a treasure hunt of colors, sounds, and tastes. Try sampling the authentic Neapolitan pizza right where it was born, at places like Sorbillo or Da Michele.
Visit the Naples Underground to explore ancient tunnels and aqueducts – it’s like stepping into a secret world beneath the city. Make sure to pace yourself; Naples has an energy that’s contagious, but it can also tire you out quickly if you’re not careful.
4. Discover the Amalfi Coast by Boat
The Amalfi Coast isn’t just for romantic getaways. A boat trip along this stunning coastline is magical for families too. The cliffs, hidden beaches, and sparkling waters are mesmerizing from the sea. Many tour operators offer family-friendly excursions, including opportunities for swimming and snorkeling in calm bays.
Kids will love spotting sea caves and watching the colorful villages like Positano and Amalfi unfold from the water. From my own personal experience, a boat ride with sandwiches and juice in hand can turn into an unforgettable picnic on the waves.
5. Visit the Royal Palace of Caserta
The Royal Palace of Caserta is often called the “Italian Versailles,” and it’s easy to see why. Its opulent halls, expansive gardens, and fountains make it a wonderland for children and adults alike. Exploring the gardens feels like stepping into a storybook, and the fountains, sculptures, and hidden groves make perfect spots for family photos.
Plan to spend a few hours here, and don’t miss the aqueducts and cascades in the gardens. It’s a space where kids can roam safely while adults marvel at the architecture and history.
6. Spend a Day on Capri
Capri is more than a luxury destination; it’s a place full of natural beauty and adventure. Families can take the funicular from the port up to the town, stroll through the gardens of Augustus, and explore the iconic Piazzetta.
Don’t forget the Blue Grotto, though it might require patience with small children waiting in line. From my own personal experience, timing your visit early in the day helps avoid crowds and makes the experience more enjoyable for everyone.
7. Explore Herculaneum
Herculaneum is smaller than Pompeii but equally fascinating. Its ruins are better preserved, and the narrow streets, homes, and mosaics provide an immersive glimpse into Roman life. Kids often enjoy seeing the ancient baths, frescoes, and even the skeletons that tell stories from almost 2,000 years ago.
Unlike Pompeii, Herculaneum feels less overwhelming, making it ideal for families with younger children who might struggle with long walks. It’s also cooler, quite literally, because some areas are shaded, which can be a relief on hot days.
8. Take a Pizza-Making Class
If your family loves food, a hands-on pizza-making class in Naples is an absolute must. Children love kneading dough, choosing toppings, and seeing their creations baked in a real wood-fired oven.
It’s fun, educational, and leaves everyone with a delicious reward at the end. Based on my overall experience, these classes are great not just for kids but for adults too – everyone gets to tap into their inner chef.
9. Visit the Amalfi Paper Museum
In Amalfi, the Paper Museum offers a unique experience where kids can see how handmade paper is created. From pulp to the final sheet, the demonstrations are fascinating, and the tactile experience makes it memorable. You can even make your own small sheets to take home as souvenirs.
This is one of those unexpected gems that families often overlook but will remember long after the trip. It’s educational without feeling like a school lesson, which is always a win.
10. Relax on Family-Friendly Beaches
Campania’s coast is dotted with beautiful beaches perfect for families. From sandy stretches in Sorrento to pebbly coves in Amalfi, you can find spots to swim, build sandcastles, and enjoy the Mediterranean sun.
Look for beaches with calm waters and facilities nearby, so everyone stays comfortable. Based on my own personal experience, having a cooler with snacks, drinks, and sunscreen makes the day far more relaxed, especially when kids want to spend hours in the water.
11. Explore Paestum’s Ancient Temples
Paestum is home to some of the best-preserved Greek temples outside Greece. The open space allows children to run and explore, while adults marvel at the sheer scale and history of these ancient structures.
The onsite museum offers artifacts and informative displays, making it a full-day educational adventure. From my overall experience, a mix of exploration and storytelling keeps kids engaged without overwhelming them with too much history at once.
12. Take a Funicular Ride in Sorrento
Sorrento’s funicular ride from the town to the port is short but delightful. The views of the cliffs and the Bay of Naples are stunning, and kids love the novelty of riding a funicular.
Combine this with a stroll along the Marina Grande, where you can enjoy gelato and watch the fishing boats, and you have a relaxed, family-friendly experience.
13. Enjoy a Day at the Naples Zoo
For animal lovers, the Naples Zoo offers a fun and educational outing. It’s smaller than some European zoos, which makes it manageable for families, but it has a variety of species and interactive exhibits.
From my own personal experience, planning your visit in the morning ensures that animals are active and the kids have more energy to enjoy the exhibits.
14. Visit the Underground Naples
Naples isn’t just about what’s above ground. The Naples Underground tour is an adventure for families who enjoy exploring hidden spaces. Walking through ancient tunnels, aqueducts, and bomb shelters gives a sense of the city’s layered history.
It’s thrilling, slightly mysterious, and surprisingly family-friendly, especially if you have children who enjoy stories of secret passages and hidden worlds.
Final Thoughts on Family Travel in Campania
Campania is a region that balances history, adventure, and natural beauty perfectly. From ancient ruins to modern-day experiences like pizza-making classes and boat rides, there’s something to captivate every member of your family. From my own personal experience, planning a mix of educational and leisurely activities ensures that both adults and children remain engaged and excited throughout the trip.
Remember to pace yourselves, pack essentials like water, sunscreen, and comfortable shoes, and leave room for spontaneous discoveries – some of the best memories come from moments you didn’t plan. Exploring Campania with your family is not just about seeing sights; it’s about creating stories, laughter, and experiences that you’ll all remember for a lifetime.
I’m Gemma, a passionate lifestyle blogger sharing my creative world with you. Gemitaliano.com is my little corner of the internet, glad you’re here.