Day Trip: Rome to Pompeii

IMO Pompeii is a large site that is more appreciated by adults than small children. There are plenty of relic sites in and closer to Rome that would be easier to visit and less taxing to everyone. Bon Voyage.

In summer I would say no way, but IF you think you will never get back and it is something really important to you, then March is a good time because the heat in summer can be oppressive.
You need to look at the train schedule to see a good departure time for you. I would break up the trip and stop for lunch in Naples, then hop on the bus or train to Pompeii. See if you can make some of the transport align with nap time. It is basically two legs: long train and short train or bus ride.

https://community.ricksteves.com/travel-forum/italy/pompeii-day-trip-from-rome-2c38f926-9036-480d-95fd-403dd7694e4a

If you have a stroller for whine-backup, note that even if they let it in, (?) a stroller is unusable on ancient Roman paving. Pompeii is HUGE.

We were just at Pompei a couple weeks ago and it was wonderful not having crowds or heat. I think things should still be good in March. It will be a long day but if your daughter is a good traveler I think it’s doable. Just don’t try to see all of the ruins on that visit, it’s way too big. Focus on what you’re looking at and stop when everyone gets tired. Good luck!

Ostia Antica, just a commuter train ride away from Rome, would be closer, not the same, but still a good site.

But going to Pompeii is not out of the question. The train ride has gotten extremely easy, just 2-3 hours each way, with another 30-45 minutes to get to the site. While Pompeii is huge, you can see most you would be interested in, in a couple hours, 3 hours is plenty for most people.

I have not taken kids, but I will disagree about not being able to use a stroller. They do allow them, and since disabled access is a requirement, there is a route called "Pompeii For Everyone" that is wheelchair accessible, and hits many highlights, so a stroller for that part would be no problem.

I am with Paul in suggesting Ostia Antica for your 'Pompeii like' experience, without all the travel. Much more manageable size and much closer.

Do 4 year olds really ride in strollers? Been some time since my kids were that age, but when they were that age we did DisneyWorld without a stroller.

I was thinking the same, Joe: age 4 is a bit old for a stroller but maybe not all children object to them as I my nieces/nephews/grand nieces/grand nephews would have at that age. Whatever the case, I wouldn't bring one.

I haven't done the scavi with a munchkin but you won't be dealing with the heat in March, and crowds should be lighter so why not give it a go? You might also consider hiring a guide that tailors their tour to the small people: "Mama Loves Italy" has some recommendations, and there are others you can find with an internet search:

https://mamalovesitaly.com/pompeii-with-kids/

She makes special mention of this one:
https://mamalovesitaly.com/rome-to-pompeii-and-vesuvius-with-kids-tour-review/
https://pinocchiotours.com/pompeiiandcampaniatoursforkids

I don't think I'd include Vesuvius simply because the scavi AND the hike up part of the cone would be a bit much for short legs, IMHO.

I probably would contact a tour operator in advance to see what they may or may not recommend for your particular child, and it there are any age limits (some have a lower limit of age 6). If you go on your own, you could move at your own pace and extend your exploring as long as she's engaged and energetic but you'll need to do your own research in advance for the more interesting things to see/tell her about. Be sure to pack along water and snacks, and use a restroom before setting out. Honestly, if the child is generally interested in new places and experiences, your bigger issue may be keeping her from scrambling all over some of the fragile ruins; enticing piles to climb/sit on where small persons are concerned! :O)

All of that said, I would go along with the suggestion for Ostia Antica as it's much smaller and so much closer to Rome; altogether not nearly as tiring/expensive as doing Pompeii as a day trip from Rome.

Here's another vote for Ostia Antica. Pompeii is great but it's not worth bringing along a 4 year old on a day trip that is 2-3+ hours each way. You're talking about a day trip that will take 6-7 hours at a minimum to get to the site, if not more. Ostia has wonderful ruins, and you can have a very lovely day there. There is lots of green space on the site as well, so you could easily bring a picnic lunch along and enjoy it there. And it's only about 30 minutes outside Rome. https://www.ricksteves.com/watch-read-listen/read/articles/ostia-antica-near-rome

Thank you so much for all the great tips and suggestions. Yes she is probably the typical 4 year old regarding strollers. At this point, It carries stuff more than her until her adventurous spirit needs a break or a nap. Rome with her after 10 days thru Germany and Northern Italy will be a handful yet We've travelled with her internationally since she was born so she adapts very well as long as we only push her a bit outside her comfort zone each day.

I've done Pompeii as a day trip from Rome twice. I also have traveled in Europe with a four year old who was an excellent traveler. I would not have taken her on a day trip to Pompeii-it's too long of a day.