Naples is considered one of the most beautiful Italian cities because of its distinctive atmosphere, its culinary tradition and the warmth of the local people.
Being such a popular destination, we have prepared a list of 30 activities suitable for visitors who want to spend a relaxing and enriching vacation with their children. These activities include museums, theme parks, historical monuments and picturesque places.
If you’re in Naples with your family and want to make the most out of your vacation, take a look at this list we’ve put together for you!
1. National Archaeological Museum: the MANN is one of the most renowned museums in Italy thanks to its immense heritage. Visitors will find the Egyptian collection as well as the exhibits that focus on items excavated from Pompei, including everyday objects and mosaics.
2. Napoli Sotterranea: this unique itinerary allows visitors to explore the underground area of the city. Among the highlights of the paths there are the remains of the Theater of Nero and the War Museum dedicated to WWII.
3. Villa Comunale: the garden of this villa is today an important gathering place for both tourists and locals thanks to the quiet atmosphere that can be enjoyed here.
4. Cappella Sansevero: this Chapel located in the heart of Naples contains a real treat for art lovers, the Veiled Christ. This iconic statue depicts the dead body of Jesus covered by a transparent veil, and its dramatic intensity makes it one of the most appreciated masterpieces in the Western history of art.
5. Teatro San Carlo: this opera house was founded in the 18th century and today houses opera events, piano festivals, ballet performances and much more. If you and your family want to learn more about this remarkable symbol of Neapolitan history we recommend you book a tour of its museum.
6. Giardino Botanico: the Botanical Garden of Naples was founded in the 19th century and functions as an important research center for the University of Naples. Visitors enter for free and can follow different thematic itineraries related to special plants or the influence of water on biodiversity.
Be Part of Our Online Community
Get the latest tips and ask outher moms in our online community! It is free and you get access to all the info you need for your family travel planning.
7. Zoo of Naples: this zoological garden is an important Neapolitan institution whose goal is to educate and inform visitors about the nearly 100 species of animals and 200 species of plants that are housed there. The zoo also organizes activities for children.
8. The Planetarium of Città della Scienza: if your kids are fascinated by space and astronomy, make sure to plan for a stop here. This planetarium can seat more than 100 people and allows for an immersive experience: you can learn about the secrets of the dark matter, retrace the missions to the moon and admire the night sky.
9. Parco Virgiliano: this early 20th century scenic park located in the Posillipo district of Naples features a series of terraces overlooking the Gulf of Naples. From there you can enjoy a stunning view of Ischia and Capri islands, as well as Mt. Vesuvius.
10. Try the local desserts: Naples is a paradise for foodies with a sweet tooth. As you explore the highlights of the historical center grab a fioccodineve (“snowflake”) (a brioche filled with cream) or a “sfogliatella” (a pastry that you can find in two versions, riccia or frolla). The rich Neapolitan tradition also include seasonal cakes and sweet treats that you can purchase during Christmas or Easter.
11. Mixtreme: this is an adventure park located in the Mostra D’Oltremare. It includes many family-friendly attractions such as trampolines, inflatables, water balls and the “Jumping Frog”.
12. Certosa di San Martino: visit the National Museum of San Martino, which preserves the Carthusian monastery and its heritage. Among the highlights you can’t miss here there are the hanging gardens, originally dedicated to the cultivation of medicinal herbs and vegetables. From here you will enjoy an enchanting view of the Gulf of Naples.
13. Take the funicular: in Naples there are 4 funicular lines: Montesanto, Chiaia, Mergellina and Central. The last line is great for crossing the historical center as it stops there, and it can be a fun way to explore the city, especially with children.
14. Museo di Capodimonte: with its tens of thousands of items, the Capodimonte Museum is one of the largest in the world. The artists whose masterpieces are housed here include Michelangelo, Caravaggio, Raphael, Titian, Botticelli, Gentileschi and many more. The complex also includes the Real Bosco, the largest urban park in Italy, where you’ll find the unique Anglo-Chinese garden.
15. Via dei Presepi: the famous Via San Gregorio Armeno is known during Christmas time as “Presepi Street”, or the street dedicated to traditional Neapolitan nativity scenes. If you and your family plan on visiting Naples during this time of the year we recommend you make time for a stroll through this thoroughfare to admire it in all its shining beauty. Enjoy the authentic Christmas atmosphere with your little ones!
16. Try the best pizza: Naples is the capital of pizza, this is why the traditional art of making pizza in Naples is part of the UNESCO Intangible Heritage. Try this iconic dish in all its variations, such as the “pizza fritta” (fried pizza) and the “pizza a portafoglio”, the pizza in a street food size.
17. Lungomare Carracciolo: this promenade crosses many areas of Naples and allows you to enjoy the stunning view of the sea and breathe the fresh breeze as you take a walk. There’s also a green area where children can play.
18. Castel dell’Ovo: this iconic symbol of Naples can be reached after a walk on the Lungomare Carracciolo. According to a legend, the magical egg hidden under the castle (hence the name) will bring good luck to the city for as long as it will remain intact. We recommend you book a guided tour to make the most out of the visit.
19. Vesuvius National Park: the goal of this park is the preservation and protection of the territory surrounding the only active volcano in continental Europe. Visitors can hike to the top, look over the crater and admire the breathtaking view of the gulf. The park includes the Museum in the municipality of Boscoreale.
20. Try the best gelato: there’s nothing better than a leisure walk by the sea while tasting some authentic Italian gelato. Just like other major Italian cities, Naples has numerous ice-cream shops scattered throughout the historical center. Make sure to try the artisan gelato made with fresh fruit and high-quality ingredients!
21. Take a day trip to Pompeii: this world-famous archaeological park and UNESCO World Heritage Site is just 25 km from Naples! We recommend you book a guided tour and choose the kid-friendly options. You will admire frescoes, mosaics, villas and other remnants of the towns of Pompeii and Herculaneum, which were destroyed by the eruption of the Vesuvius in 79 BC.
22. Day trip to Sorrento: take the Circumvesuviana train and spend a day in Sorrento, the jewel of the Gulf of Naples. This charming city is a feast for the eyes and perfect for families with kids: admire its many highlights and the stunning landscape from the cliff overlooking the sea.
23. Day trip to Procida: this picturesque island is located in the Gulf of Naples and can be reached by ferry. This is the perfect destination for a day trip for the entire family, as you will walk through the colorful alleys and admire the crystal clear waters from the coast. If you’re a fan of cinema, try to spot the locations where the movie The Postman was filmed!
24. Staircase of Palazzo Mannajuolo: the main attraction of this early 20th century Liberty-style building is its breathtaking elliptical staircase adorned with marble steps and wrought-iron parapets. Be aware that this is a private building, so you need to ask permission to admire the staircase and it’s forbidden to climb it.
25. Palazzo Sanfelice: this 18th century palace is a hidden gem in the city. Visitors can admire the courtyard, which is characterized by a remarkable double-flight staircase, a true architectural masterpiece.
26. Santa Chiara Monastery: this impressive complex was built in the 14th century and its cloister is richly decorated with frescoes and tiles depicting rural, mythological and religious scenes. This colorful corner of the city is a must see for tourists!
27. Toledo Metro Station: why should someone visit a metro station? Well, this is the greatest result of the Art Stations project and was even nominated as the most beautiful in Europe. The unique design represents different aspects of the city and the most remarkable decoration is the “Crater de la Luz”. Prepare to be dazzled by colors and lights!
28. Pietrarsa Rail Museum: this museum is perfect for train enthusiasts. Here you’ll admire engines, machinery and models in a unique exhibition located along the first ever railway line in the Italian peninsula.
29. Doll Hospital: this is a perfect destinations for families with small children who love playing with dolls. The name is pretty self-explanatory: this is a recovery room for dolls and puppets. The Hospital also offers workshops where kids, pretending to be doctors, try to heal real patients.
30. Quartieri Spagnoli: our last recommendation is a true hidden gem, the most authentic corner of the city. Here you’ll find many typical artisan stores and the traditional trattorias offering the best dishes of the long-standing Neapolitan culinary culture. You can also reach the upper part of the area and visit the ancient fortress of Castel Sant’Elmo.
