A visit to Pompeii is a remarkable experience and a great opportunity to take in the rich history and fascinating ruins of this ancient Roman city. Planning a trip with a family requires a bit more planning to account for the differing ages, interests, and physical abilities of various members of your family. But if done right, it can be an amazing experience. One of the most important things to consider when planning is how long it takes to visit Pompeii.
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HOW LONG FOR POMPEII
For a family visit, 3 hours is plenty of time for a trip to Pompeii. With older kids, closer to 4 hours can work. Either way, you’ll have plenty of time to go at a nice relaxed pace and explore the fascinating site.
You will be able to see the House of Faun, the Forum, the Amphitheater, and the Villa of Mysteries. This will allow everyone the chance to see the main sites as well as the interactive learning experiences and enjoy a hands-on experience.
For a full-day visit (6-8 hours)
If you have the opportunity, take advantage of a full-day visit. This immersive experience will allow you to explore Pompeii deeper and see some of the less popular sites such as the suburban baths and private residences.
You’ll have plenty of time to wander through the well-preserved streets and neighborhoods giving you a more in-depth view of ancient Roman life.
When making plans, you’ll have to take into account several things for your family’s visit to Pompeii.
Children’s ages and interests
How old your children are will play a major factor in how long you’ll want to stay at Pompeii. Younger children may lose interest quickly, while older children may be able to learn more about the site before visiting and then have more of an interest in the visit.
Mobility and pace
Pompeii is a massive site, so keep in mind the mobility and physical ability of all in your family. You can’t rush through because there’s so much to see, so plan a comfortable pace because it’s going to be a lot of walking. Be prepared to take breaks.
Educational Opportunities
There is so much to learn during a visit to Pompeii, including a peak into ancient Roman life, architecture, and history. Adding a guided tour is a great way to make the city come to life for kids and will hold their interest and make it more exciting for them.
You can purchase tickets to a kid’s tour of Pompeii here.
TIPS VISITING POMPEII WITH KIDS
Plan Ahead
Plan ahead by identifying the key areas you want to explore at Pompeii to make the most of your visit. With such a large site, it’s easy to feel overwhelmed, so research the must-see attractions, like the Forum, Amphitheater, and preserved homes, and prioritize those that interest your family.
Consider the ages and interests of your group when creating a flexible itinerary. This way, you can make sure that everyone enjoys the visit while leaving room for breaks and unexpected discoveries along the way.
Family-Friendly Tours and Activities
Make history come alive for kids with these engaging activities at Pompeii:
- Kid-Friendly Tours: Guides use storytelling and visual aids to captivate young minds while exploring key sites like homes and marketplaces.
- Interactive Treasure Hunts: Scavenger hunts or maps turn the visit into a fun game for kids to discover landmarks and artifacts.
- Hands-On Workshops: Kids can try mosaic-making or pottery for a hands-on historical experience.
- Audio Guides: Download family-friendly apps with entertaining narrations tailored for children.
Take breaks, stay hydrated
Plan to explore Pompeii at a relaxed and steady pace to fully appreciate its fascinating history without feeling overwhelmed. Trying to rush through the vast archaeological site can quickly lead to exhaustion and frustration, especially with kids in tow.
Instead, allow time to pause and take in the surroundings. Remember to take regular breaks in shaded areas, stay hydrated by drinking plenty of water, and pack some snacks for energy.
Focusing on comfort and enjoyment ensures you make the most of your visit. On our trip, we decided to cut our time at Pompeii slightly short, but we still managed to explore a significant portion of the site and thoroughly enjoyed the experience.
Bring supplies
Be prepared with the essentials:
Hats
Snacks
The site is out in the open with very little shade, so a warm sunny day can become overwhelming if you’re not prepared.
ENJOY YOUR VISIT TO POMPEII
Visiting Pompeii is an outstanding educational experience that provides an amazing look into ancient Roman life. If you prepare well, your entire family will have an unforgettable visit. Once you have Pompeii on your itinerary, you have to make sure you know how to get there. Check out our essential guides to see how to make the trip from Rome or from Naples.
