GemmaIf you’re planning a family trip to Italy and want an experience that mixes history, adventure, and a sprinkle of wonder, Herculaneum should be at the top of your list. Often overshadowed by its famous neighbor, Pompeii, Herculaneum is a hidden gem that offers a more intimate, less crowded, and utterly fascinating glimpse into ancient Roman life. From exploring well-preserved ruins to strolling along scenic streets, there’s something here for every member of the family. In this guide, I’ll walk you through 14 must-see things to do in Herculaneum for families, that you truly need to see.
Herculaneum is not just a historical site. It’s an adventure where your imagination can run wild. As you wander through its streets, peek into ancient homes, and marvel at centuries-old mosaics, you’ll feel like time is bending around you. And yes, it’s family-friendly too — even kids will find ways to get curious about the past without ever realizing they’re learning.
Let’s dive in.
1. Explore the Ancient Streets of Herculaneum
Walking through Herculaneum is like stepping into a living history book. Unlike Pompeii, which can feel overwhelming due to its sheer size, Herculaneum’s compact layout makes it perfect for families. The streets are well-preserved, with cobblestones, stepping stones, and ancient sidewalks that show you how Romans lived over 2,000 years ago. Kids love imagining what it was like to navigate these streets in chariots or sandals.
From my own personal experience, taking a slow walk along the main streets allows you to notice little details, like carved graffiti or ancient shop fronts, which are often overlooked on guided tours. Pointing these out to children makes the visit interactive and memorable.
2. Marvel at the Frescoes and Wall Paintings
Herculaneum is famous for its well-preserved frescoes and wall paintings. These colorful works of art decorate villas, baths, and public buildings. Many depict mythological scenes, everyday life, or intricate patterns. Children are often fascinated by the bright colors and stories behind the art.
Make it a mini art hunt: challenge your kids to find certain animals, gods, or objects within the frescoes. It turns learning into a fun game and keeps them engaged throughout the visit.
3. Visit the Villa of the Papyri
This villa is a must-see for families with older kids who have a curiosity about ancient literature. The Villa of the Papyri was the luxurious home of Julius Caesar’s father-in-law and contained a library with over 1,800 scrolls — the only surviving library from the ancient world.
You can walk through rooms that were once filled with knowledge and luxury. From my overall experience, the villa sparks imagination about what it must have been like to live in such a grand house, surrounded by art, philosophy, and scholarly texts.
4. Discover the Ancient Baths
Roman baths were not just places to clean up — they were social hubs. Herculaneum’s baths, such as the Suburban Baths, are incredibly well-preserved, showing hot rooms, cold pools, and even changing areas. Kids are often amazed by the size of the pools and the complexity of the heating system under the floors.
Explain to them that Romans used these baths for relaxation, business meetings, and social gatherings — it’s a fun way to connect history to daily life.
5. Walk Along the Seaside
One of Herculaneum’s unique features is its proximity to the sea. Families can enjoy a stroll along the ancient shoreline, imagining fishermen casting nets or traders arriving by boat. The coastline is quieter than nearby tourist spots, offering a peaceful break from the ruins.
From my personal experience, this is a perfect spot for a picnic. Bring some snacks and let kids run around while adults soak in the stunning views of the Bay of Naples.
6. Explore Ancient Houses
Herculaneum’s houses are some of the best-preserved examples of Roman residential life. The House of the Deer and the House of the Mosaic Atrium are particular highlights. Kids often love peeking into kitchens, bedrooms, and courtyards, imagining themselves as Roman citizens.
Encourage them to notice little details like mosaic floors, frescoes, and storage areas — it’s an interactive way to learn about ancient daily life.
7. Visit the Boat Houses
Herculaneum was a seaside town, and the boat houses (or maritime villas) reveal how Romans lived by the water. Some have terraces overlooking the sea, and others contain preserved wooden structures, giving families insight into ancient engineering. Kids can marvel at how Romans built homes that lasted thousands of years.
Make it engaging by turning it into a storytelling activity: “Imagine you’re a Roman fisherman here — what would your day look like?”
8. Check Out the Thermopolium
The thermopolium is essentially an ancient fast-food spot. Archaeologists discovered counters and storage jars where Romans bought ready-made meals. Kids often find this fascinating because it’s something they can relate to — everyone loves a snack spot!
You can even create a fun comparison: “Would you prefer pizza or garum (a fermented fish sauce Romans loved)?”
9. Climb Up to the Terrace Views
Some ruins in Herculaneum offer elevated terraces where families can enjoy panoramic views of the ancient town and the bay. These viewpoints are excellent for photos and give a sense of the town’s layout.
From my overall experience, standing on these terraces helps families visualize the eruption of Mount Vesuvius in 79 AD — it’s history made real and dramatic.
10. Learn About the Eruption of Vesuvius
Herculaneum’s preservation is thanks to volcanic ash and mud from Vesuvius’ eruption. Families can explore the story of the eruption through exhibits or guided tours. Kids are often fascinated by how the ash preserved entire buildings and even wooden structures.
Use simple storytelling: “Imagine running to escape a sudden wave of ash — this is what the people of Herculaneum experienced.” It makes history tangible and memorable.
11. Explore the Skeletons and Artifacts
Archaeologists uncovered skeletons, tools, and household items in Herculaneum, giving families a direct connection to the past. Children often enjoy seeing these personal artifacts — from cooking utensils to jewelry — and imagining the lives of their owners.
Make it interactive: ask your kids what they think people used certain objects for. It encourages curiosity and observation.
12. Visit the Museum Exhibits
Herculaneum has small museums with artifacts from the site, including pottery, statues, and even jewelry. The museums are perfect for families because they offer context for the ruins. Kids can see objects they just explored in the houses, making the history more cohesive.
From my own personal experience, combining a museum visit with the ruins helps children connect dots and retain information longer.
13. Enjoy Local Cuisine Nearby
After exploring, treat your family to some authentic Italian food nearby. The area around Herculaneum offers pizzerias, gelaterias, and trattorias that are perfect for families. Kids can enjoy pizza or pasta while adults sip espresso and plan the next adventure.
Sharing food in this context becomes part of the cultural experience, letting everyone savor the region’s flavors.
14. Take a Guided Family Tour
Finally, consider taking a guided tour designed for families. Guides often include stories, activities, and interactive elements to keep kids engaged. A knowledgeable guide can bring the ruins to life in ways that self-guided tours cannot.
From my overall experience, a family-focused guide transforms the visit from simply looking at stones into an immersive adventure where history feels alive.
Herculaneum is more than just ruins — it’s a living classroom, a playground for the imagination, and a place where families can connect over history and adventure. By exploring the streets, villas, baths, and coastline, you create memories that last long after the trip. Each step you take reveals a story of life frozen in time, waiting for you and your family to discover it.
So pack your walking shoes, bring your curiosity, and prepare for a journey that combines learning, laughter, and the awe of ancient Roman life. Herculaneum isn’t just a destination; it’s an experience you and your family will truly love.
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.