Hello

we are a family three children aged 9,6,1.

are we better going to Ostia Antica outside Rome or to Pompeii or to Herculaneum.

We are staying somewhere on Amalfi Coast and in Rome so just depends when I do it.

Thanks

Lynn

How are you getting to the Amalfi Coast? If you are training, you will pass Pompeii on the way and you could stop then. They have luggage storage available.

I don't think anything quite compares with Pompeii. Ostia Antica and Herculaneum are also interesting but just not as much, IMHO.

I agree with Jean. Having been to all 3, nothing compares to Pompeii.

Herculaneum and Ostia Antica are great for those that want to really dig into details of ancient Roman life, but the events that led to Pompeii are unique.

Thanks for the quick reply.

Pompeii sounds like the correct one to pick. Is it not too big for the children? and do I need a tour or can I just print one off.

About how long would you recommend to spend there?

thanks

Lynn

Nine yr old might love it - prepare with stories of Ancient Rome and volacnic eruptions. Six yr old gets a different version of the same. May not have much patience - but that depends on the kids.

The one year old will love it, in that unjudgmental way they have ...

There are always guides around the entrance of Pompeii forming groups. Another option is to rent their hand-held audio guide. The sites are numbered and you just enter the number for the one you want. You don't have to follow a set route. Plan to take a break at the cafeteria in Pompeii to refresh the kids.
www.pompeiisites.org

The ground at Pompeii is not stroller friendly, so if you go, bring a backpack type carrier for the toddler.

"but the events that led to Pompeii are unique."

As Herculaneum was buried in the same eruption as pompeii, I would disagree with the above statement.

With 3 young children, I think boredom may become a problem sooner, rather than later. For that reason I would recommend Herculaneum as it is far smaller, less expensive to visit and can be visited in a couple of hours.

Pompeii is a much bigger site - I think many people are surprised to see just large an area it covers. Although probably the best of the three names places, it gets very busy, and takes a long time to see properly.

Hi B,

With 3 young children, I suggest Ostia Antica.

It is smaller and easier to get to.

I suggest Pompei in another 5 years.

An alternative is to visit Paestum when you are on the AC. It is compact, has an interesting museum and is the site of the oldest Greek ruins outside Greece. (I think)

We took the ferry to Salerno, the train to Paestum, back to Salerno by train and the SITA bus back to Positano via Amalfi.

Same eruption, but events at Pompeii and Herculaneum were very different.

Pompeii experienced earth tremors and falling volcanic material that caused extensive damage to buildings, many of which collapsed, and serious injuries to inhabitants. There was little warning. Volcanic ash fell for days and eventually solidified.

Herculaneum inhabitants saw the eruption and nearly all fled the town. Very little ash fell on Herculaneum, there were no significant earth tremors and no major damage to buildings. The first pyroclastic flow (volcanic mud) raced down the mountain at 100 mph and carbonized the surface of all organic material, "sealing" the town. Subsequent flows added more layers.

Hello again

I was concerned about the size of Pompeii for the boys.

Also I think visual information is better for the children. We have been reading about it all so they will have some background.

What is the walk up mount vesuvio like?

we have a back pack. and are travelling by car so getting to them will be okay.

I am planning to visit Paestum.

thanks again but now I'm still unsure.

Just see as much of Pompeii as you wish. Even if you spent the entire day there, you wouldn't/couldn't see it all.

As you've been talking about it with your older kids, see the things they've heard of or could relate to as parts of a real town: the bakery and other commercial areas, a temple/church, the street of tombs, the baths, the amphitheatre, the Forum area, some houses (don't miss the Villa of Mysteries), etc. At the souvenir stands outside the main entry, look for a book of photos of Pompeii with reproductions painted on plastic overlay pages. It will help the kids visualize the way it used to be. (We also saw these books at souvenir stands in Rome.)

FYI, there is a cafeteria near the Forum area.

More FYI, when we were there a few years ago, there were packs of dogs living in the ruins. They're probably still there. They appear to be well-fed and cared for and seemed harmless to us. They were mostly interested in the occasional gelato mishap.

Everyone has a different take on this. I have been to all three. Pompeii is outstanding but always crowded, and it will be hard to push strollers, or walk for very long with small children. They will not have any chance to run ahead, climb over this or that etc.
Ostia is I think a better choice for small children. Not as well known but has all the same elements with lots of grass for letting off that steam or sitting down if tired. Lots of school trips their so facilities are inside with nice restrooms, and lunch area or bring your own and eat on lawn behind amphitheatre. Also lots of shade as compared to Pompeii where there is none.
Pompeii is easy to reach via the train either from Naples or Sorrento train station it stops right at site you walk across the street and get ticket and pick up tour guide.
Ostia is a 30 min train ride from Rome and short walk to site. I did not see any tour guides hanging around as they do at Pompeii but the audio rental deal was great and worked for us. What I like about Ostia is the little hidden spots, gardens, baths, and a walk down a simple street. See photo
Contact me and I can send you some Ostia photos so you can judge for yourself if it appeals.
Herculaneum is a repeat of Pompeii and if you have to choose then put it at bottom of the list.

I am sure you will 100 different opinions on this.

JoanneH, just so you know, the Bosworth trip is in Dec./Jan., part of a 5-week Italian adventure. No serious crowds, heat, need for shade, etc. I think if they've been learning a bit about Pompeii, there's nothing quite like seeing it to make learning seem worthwhile and fun.