Visiting Naples with kids isn’t usually the first place people think of for a family city break, but it is surprisingly great. Naples is full of energy, history and incredible food. Plus, you can take some of the best day trips in Italy, so it can actually be an amazing destination to explore with children.
My husband and I have visited Naples before, but it was great to go back as part of a Southern Italy road trip and explore through our children’s eyes. Plus, we got to share the best pizza in the world with them!
So, if you’re planning a family trip to Naples, you might be wondering whether it’s too busy, too chaotic, or simply not very child-friendly. The truth is, Naples is lively and a little rough around the edges in places, but that’s also part of its charm.
In this guide, I’ll share the best things to do in Naples with kids, where to stay and practical tips to help you plan a stress-free and memorable family trip.
Eating pizza is one of the top things to do in Naples with kids.
Disclaimer: This post contains affiliate links. If you purchase through one of my links, I may earn a small commission. There is no additional cost to you, and I am extremely grateful, as it helps me to run my blog.
- Is Naples Good for Kids?
- Where to Stay in Naples as a Family
- Best Things to Do in Naples With Kids
- Map for Your Naples with Kids Trip
- Best Family-Friendly Day Trips from Naples
- Where to Eat in Naples, Italy
- Getting Around Naples With Kids
- Frequently Asked Questions About Visiting Naples With Kids
- So, Is Naples Worth Visiting With Kids?
Naples With Kids: Quick Planning
Best Time to Visit:
Spring (April–June) or early autumn (September–October)
Best For:
Families with children who enjoy busy cities, food experiences, and easy day trips.
How Long to Stay:
2–4 days (3 days is ideal).
Getting Around:
Naples is mostly walkable, but expect hills, steps, and busy streets.
Family-Friendly Accommodation:
Angioino Apartments (€ where we stayed) or NH Napoli Panorama (€€ if you prefer a hotel).
Top Sights:
Castel Sant’Emlo
Galleria Umberto I
Piazza del Plebiscito
Activities to Book:
Pompeii Tickets
Is Naples Good for Kids?
Yes, Naples is a great destination to visit with kids. While it may not be as iconic as cities like Rome (Rome was our first trip to Italy with kids, read about it here). Naples vibrant atmosphere, rich history, and world-famous food make it an exciting and memorable place for families.
That said, Naples does have busy streets, uneven pavements, and a fast-paced atmosphere. This can feel overwhelming at times. Staying in a family-friendly neighbourhood and planning a flexible itinerary makes all the difference.
With the right planning, Naples can be both manageable and incredibly enjoyable for travellers with children.
Overall, we had an amazing time in Naples. So, if you’re seeking an authentic Italian adventure filled with culture, history, and incredible food, Naples with kids is a truly rewarding experience.
Children exploring the historic centre of Napoli.
Where to Stay in Naples as a Family
On our previous trip to Naples, we stayed near Napoli Central Station. This area was a little bit sketchy, so I discounted it for a family trip. Many guides I read recommended Chiaia as the most family-friendly area to stay; however, when I was planning, it looked a bit far out from all the top attractions. So we ended up picking a place by the port called Angioino Apartments.
Bedroom at Angioino Apartments in Naples
Angioino Apartments made a great base, the apartment was comfortable, nicely decorated and very budget-friendly. The apartments also have a small kitchen area. Although I had no intention of cooking when the food in Naples is so good, it was still handy for tea and coffee, etc. It was also a great location, making exploring Naples with kids easy.
If you prefer a hotel stay, my choice would have been NH Napoli Panorama. This hotel is also in a great location and offers both family and connecting room options. Or check the availability of all Naples hotels here.
👉 Find your perfect Naples accommodation now!
The useful kitchen in Angioino Apartments
Best Things to Do in Naples With Kids
There are plenty of family-friendly experiences that make it well worth visiting. In this section, I am going to share all the best things to do in Naples with kids.
Over the past few years of travelling with kids, I have learnt not to try to do everything. It is best to select and prioritise what you think will work best for your family.
So in my guides, I like to give honest thoughts on the things we did. If there’s anything we didn’t do that I wish we did and also things we chose not to do, and why!
Wander Along the Port of Naples
Walking along the path by the water was a fun family activity; the weather wasn’t brilliant, but that did mean there was barely anyone around, and my kids liked being able to run about freely.
During our visit, there was a lot of construction going on around the port; some places were completely fenced off, which was a shame.
Once we got out of the construction zone, it was a lovely walk. There is a small garden called Molosiglio Gardens. Unfortunately, there was no playground, but it was a small green space that kids could run in. There was also a small amusement park, which I will talk about below.
Further on, you’ll see incredible views of Mt. Vesuvius. This is a really nice photo spot (marked with a camera symbol on my map).
View of Mount Vesuvius from the waterfront.
Go on Fairground Rides at Litoranea Park
We came across Litoranea Park amusement park in Molosiglio Gardens. Unfortunately, it was closed because my kids would have loved it.
It’s a small amusement park with a few rides, some of which had a €1 price sign, so I assume it is quite inexpensive. Making it an ideal place if you’re visiting Naples with a toddler or young children.
I did some research for the purpose of this travel guide. I can’t seem to find the exact opening times. People seem to have had mixed experiences, and one review said they only open on weekends.
Litoranea Amusement Park
Piazza del Plebiscito
Piazza del Plebiscito is the largest square in Naples. It’s framed by the grand Royal Palace of Naples and the striking Basilica of San Francesco di Paola. On a previous trip to Naples, we spent time here in the sunshine, and it’s a lovely spot to pause and take in the city.
We didn’t make it here with our kids as the weather just wasn’t on our side, but I imagine it’s a great place to let kids run around and burn off some energy, which is something that can be tricky in Naples busier streets.
Even if you’re just passing through on your way to the waterfront, it’s a lovely, low-effort stop that is worth a spot in your itinerary.
See Galleria Umberto I
Galleria Umberto I is a gorgeous, historic shopping centre/ walkway with a beautiful domed glass roof, located in the historic centre of Naples.
It is lined with shops and cafes, and as the building is so beautiful is well worth walking through.
Inside the beautiful Galleria Umberto I
This was more a place that I wanted to see rather than a top thing to do with kids in Naples. However, my three-year-old toddler actually really enjoyed looking at all the animals on the mosaic floor that’s in the centre.
The Zodiac themed mosaic floor inside Galleria Umberto I.
Get in the Festive Spirit on Via San Gregorio Armeno
Via San Gregorio Armeno, also called Christmas Street, is a small street lined with shops selling all things Christmas.
My children loved looking at everything on display here, especially the traditional nativity scenes that move and have special features like real running water fountains.
Visit Castel Nuovo
There are three castles in Naples. The first one I’m going to talk about is Castel Nuovo, which is the Newest Castle in Naples, sometimes referred to as Maschio Angioino.
Personally, I dont feel like you need to go inside all the castles (unless you’re really interested in this area). I would have liked to go inside this one, as I think my kids would have enjoyed it, and it is known for having amazing architecture. Unfortunately, it was closed during our trip.
It seems to have reopened now, and Castel Nuovo is open from Monday to Saturday, 9 am – 6 pm. Adult tickets cost €6, under 18’s visit for free. Buy tickets from the castle on arrival.
The exterior of Castel Nuovo.
Check out Castle Ovo
Set right on the seafront is Castel dell’Ovo. It is a very family-friendly spot in Naples. This historic castle is the oldest in the city. While there isn’t a huge amount inside, it’s a good place to explore.
Kids will love wandering through the stone corridors, climbing up to the terraces, and peeking out over the water. Its biggest selling point is the view. From the top, you get beautiful panoramas across the Bay of Naples, with Mount Vesuvius in the distance.
Castle Ovo is also free to enter, which is always a win when travelling as a family.
Enjoy Views from Castel Sant’Elmo
The third Castle in Naples is Castle Sant’Elmo, which is located at the top of the hill, offering beautiful views of the Bay of Naples and Mount Vesuvius.
It was our plan to ride the funicular train to the top of the hill and explore the castle. I got the directions a little wrong, and by the time we got to the top of the hill, my kids wanted to eat, and we decided to skip the castle. We were still able to see great views from the hill, though.
Castel Sant’Elmo is open daily from 8;30 am – 6;30 pm. Adult tickets cost €5, 18 to 25 year olds are reduced to €2.50 and those under 18 visit for free. You can buy tickets from the castle on arrival, or book online to skip the line here.
Note: the museum inside is closed on Tuesdays.
Views from outside Castel Sant’Elmo
Ride the Funicular Train
We’ve been on a few funicular trains before, including in Le Treport, France and in Los Angeles, and they are always a hit with my kids. I clearly didnt research the Naplease funicular train system as well as I thought. So I’m pleased you are going to be able to learn from my mistake here.
Naples doesn’t have just one funiculaire train; it has a whole system. When I searched on Google Maps, the station that popped up was a middle stop, which ended up taking us about 40 minutes to walk to. It was a nice walk, with great views, just a bit long for little legs. It was also time-consuming as we only had two days in Naples.
Views from the Funicular Train in Naples.
We should have got on an F3 train from Augusteo, which is close to Castle Nueveo, to Piazza Fuga. I’ve marked the stops on this route in yellow on my Google Map (we got on at one of the two middle stops, I’m not even sure which). This takes you up the hill towards Castel Sant’Elmo
Coming back down, we took the route marked in green, and this was a good route! I have shared more on our Naples itinerary in this guide. Read it next to plan your ideal route!
Single journey tickets cost between €1.30 to €1.50, you can pay with a contactless card or Apple Pay or buy a ticket on the machines. Children under 6 ride free; the ticket man told them to climb under the turnstile.
The Naples funicular train was a highlight for our kids.
Praise Diego Maradona in the Spanish Quarter
For anyone (like me) who doesn’t know, Diego Maradona was an incredible football player who played for Naples back in the 80’s.
He is still worshipped in Naples, especially in the Spanish Quarter! His mural is painted on walls, flags representing him are hung like bunting throughout the streets, and his photo is everywhere.
If your kids (or husband) are football fans, this will be an interesting topic for them. My children both left Naples with Maradona football shirts!
Diego Maradona memorabilia in the Spanish Quarter.
Map for Your Naples with Kids Trip
Below is my interactive map of everything you need to know about visiting Naples with kids. I’ve pinned everything I’ve talked about in this post. It includes the best things to do, where to stay and places to eat.
Just click on the top right-hand corner to open it in Google Maps.
The three stars further away from the main group are day trips to Vesuvius, Herculaneum, and Pompeii, which I will also share more information about below.
Best Family-Friendly Day Trips from Naples
One of the best things about visiting Naples with kids is how many incredible, easy day trip options you have. Whether your children love history, boats, or simply exploring somewhere new, there are plenty of options that will turn your trip into something really special.
While Naples itself is vibrant and full of character, getting out of the city for a day can give you a completely different experience and often a slightly slower pace that works well with kids.
Depending on how long you have in Naples, you may want to do all of these or just pick which works best for your family.
Pompeii
If you only choose one day trip from Naples, Pompeii is the most famous choice, and for good reason. I was told visiting Pompeii with young children could be a bit overwhelming, but we decided to visit anyway, and it ended up being one of the most memorable parts of our trip.
Our kids absolutely loved exploring a real ancient city, and they had so much fun! I’ve written a full guide to exploring Pompeii with kids. If you’re planning a visit, make sure to read it before you go.
Visiting Pompeii with kids was such a fun day trip from Naples.
I also got them a pop-up book about Pompeii. This was really helpful in letting them know what to expect and getting them excited for the visit.
It really is best to purchase your Pompeii tickets in advance as they do sell out, especially in peak season.
The simplest way to reach Pompeii is via the Circumvesuviana train from Napoli Garibaldi station. Trains run regularly, and the journey takes around 30–40 minutes. You’ll want to get off at Pompei Scavi, which is right by the main entrance.
Train tickets start at just €3 each way. Visit Omio to check the schedule and book your tickets in advance. Alternatively, there are companies which run coach trips to Pompeii from Naples.
👉Reserve your skip-the-line Pompeii tickets here.
My children enjoying a day in Pompeii.
Herculaneum
If you do think Pompeii might be a bit intense for your family, Herculaneum could be a great alternative. It is often overlooked in favour of Pompeii, but it’s smaller and easier to navigate.
If you’re travelling with younger children or don’t want a slower-paced trip, this can be a much more relaxed alternative.
Herculaneum is even closer than Pompeii, taking just 20 minutes, making it a great option with younger kids. Take the Circumvesuviana train from Naples and get off at Ercolano Scavi. From the station, it’s about a 10-minute walk to the site. Book Herculaneum tickets in advance. Again, you also have the option of an organised excursion by coach.
Again, you can use Omio to check the train schedule and reserve tickets in advance.
👉 Book Herculaneum tickets in advance to skip the line.
Mount Vesuvius
If you’re visiting Naples with older children, a visit to Mount Vesuvius can be a great day trip from Naples. Standing at the edge of a real volcano and looking down into the crater is something children won’t forget in a hurry.
Once you reach the drop-off point near the top, there’s a short but fairly steep walk to the crater. It’s manageable, but definitely better suited to older children rather than toddlers or strollers.
The views from the top are incredible, stretching across the Bay of Naples, and on a clear day, you can see right back towards the city. It’s also a great way to bring history to life, especially if you’re visiting Pompeii, as it helps children understand the scale and impact of the eruption.
You can either purchase the standard entrance ticket and then take the train to Pompeii or Herculaneum. Buses run from both of these stations. Alternatively, a combined entry and transfer ticket from Naples is more straightforward.
Mount Vesuvius would be a great day trip for families with older children.
The Amalfi Coast
We visited Naples as part of a Southern Italy road trip, which finished on the Amalfi Coast. However, it is possible to visit some parts of this beautiful area as a day trip.
With kids, it’s worth keeping plans simple, choosing one or two towns rather than trying to see everything in a day. While the winding roads can be a bit of an adventure in themselves, the scenery more than makes up for it.
The ferry is definitely the nicest way to travel the Amalfi Coast. You can take a ferry straight from Naples Molo Beverello port to either Positano or Amalfi. Use the Ferry Hopper website to find the best times and prices. Be sure to check the times, they vary from one to three hours!
Top-Rated Amalfi Coast Tours from Naples:
Lemon products on the Amalfi Coast.
Where to Eat in Naples, Italy
One of the biggest highlights for families is the food. As the birthplace of pizza, Naples is a guaranteed hit with kids, even the pickiest eaters will find something to love. From authentic Neapolitan pizzerias to indulgent gelato stops, dining in the city is an experience in itself.
Below I will share some of our favourite food places.
Antica Pizzeria Di Matteo
Antica Pizzeria Di Matteo is often claimed to be the best pizza in Naples. Sometimes I find these spots overrated, but that is not the case here!
We first visited Di Matteo almost 10 years ago. Both my husband and I still feel like it is the best pizza in the world. Of course, we had to come back here with our kids.
Outside Pizzeria Di Matteo, where you can grab delicious food to go.
Previously, we bought pizza from the shop window (which people were still queuing to do), but this time we decided to eat in the restaurant. Most of the seating is upstairs. Luckily, we have a great travel stroller, so we could easily fold it up out of the way.
They have so many pizza toppings, and the classic margarita costs just €5. It was plenty big enough for my 3-year-old and me to share!
Di Matteo – the best pizza in the world.
Pizzeria Vesi
We also visited Vesi on a previous trip to Naples, and I remember their pizza being good; again, it still was!
This restaurant offers a calmer experience and has a bit more room if you are visiting Italy with a pushchair (stroller).
With a huge margarita pizza only costing €6.50 (I think!), it is also great value for money.
A delicious meal at Pizzeria Vesi
Il Gelato Mennella Naples
Il Gelato Mennella is a chain with a few stores in Naples. I have pinned them on my map for reference, but one was conveniently located near our apartment. We went there twice and they had a lot of great flavours to choose from!
Ice Cream from Il Gelato Mennella Naples.
Gran Caffè San Marco
This cute little cafe was located right around the corner from the apartment we stayed in. We grabbed coffee and breakfast here, and the pistachio croissant was especially delicious.
It had additional outside seating in a gazebo, making it ideal for families. While I wouldn’t go out of my way to eat here, the staff were really great with my kids, so I thought they deserved a shout-out here!
Pastries for breakfast at Gran Caffe San Marco.
Getting Around Naples With Kids
For the most part, we found Naples to be a walkable city, especially if you’re staying in or near the historic centre. Many of the main sights are relatively close together, and wandering between them is often part of the experience.
That said, it’s not the easiest city to navigate with a pushchair. While we did manage (I highly recommend the Joolz Aer travel pushchair) we found ourselves carrying it up steps in places and navigating uneven cobblestones, particularly in the older parts of the city.
Carrying our pushchair up steps in the Historic Centre of Naples.
A few times, we hit a cobble, and my toddler was jerked forward. He found this hilarious, but it would not be good for a small baby. If you’re travelling with younger children, a baby carrier can make things much easier.
Naples also has a good public transport system, including metro lines, buses, and the iconic funiculars, which are practical and also a fun experience for kids.
Overall, while Naples isn’t the most stroller-friendly city in Italy, it’s still very manageable with kids—and with a bit of planning, getting around can be part of the adventure.
Frequently Asked Questions About Visiting Naples With Kids
Yes, Naples can be a very child-friendly destination, especially if you plan your trip with families in mind. While it’s a busy and energetic city, there are plenty of experiences that work really well with kids—from exploring castles and riding funiculars to eating pizza in its birthplace.
The main thing to be aware of is that Naples isn’t as polished or as easy to navigate as some other Italian cities. Streets can be crowded, pavements uneven, and traffic can feel a little chaotic. However, with a central base and a flexible itinerary, it’s absolutely manageable—and often a lot of fun.
They are very different cities. Rome is more traditional, with iconic landmarks, wide streets, and a slightly calmer, more organised feel, which can make it easier for first-time visitors with kids.
Naples, on the other hand, is more raw, vibrant, and full of character.
If you have the time, visiting both gives you a great balance! However, I would choose Rome over Naples if I could only pick one.
Absolutely, Naples is definitely worth visiting with kids, especially if you’re looking for something a little different from the usual Italian city break. It offers a mix of history, culture, and some of the best food in the world, which makes it surprisingly appealing for families.
There are plenty of great places to take kids in Naples, depending on their ages and interests. Some of the best family-friendly spots include exploring Castel dell’Ovo, running around in Piazza del Plebiscito, riding the city’s funiculars, and walking along the waterfront.
Food is also a big part of the experience; take them to Pizzeria Di Matteo for the best pizza in the world!
So, Is Naples Worth Visiting With Kids?
Naples might not be the most obvious choice for a family city break, but that’s exactly what makes it so special. It’s vibrant, a little chaotic at times, and completely different from other Italian destinations, but it’s also full of character, history, and experiences that kids genuinely enjoy.
From exploring places like Castel dell’Ovo and wandering through lively streets, to eating pizza in its birthplace and taking unforgettable day trips to Pompeii or the Amalfi Coast, there’s so much here to keep a family trip exciting.
It may take a little more planning than other cities, especially with younger children, but if you embrace the energy of Naples and keep your itinerary flexible, it can be an incredibly rewarding place to visit.
If you’re looking for an authentic Italian experience that combines culture, adventure, and some of the best food in the world, Naples with kids is absolutely worth it.
Thank you so much for reading our guide on visiting Naples with kids, I hope we’ve helped you plan your trip to Italy, and you have a wonderful time in Napoli!
Happy Exploring,
