The historical city of Athens, the capital of ancient and contemporary Greece, is an excellent choice for families with children. Visit centuries-old temples and ruins to learn about Greek art, history, and myths; investigate ancient political life in the birthplace of democracy; savour family-friendly Mediterranean cuisine; unwind in the city's peaks and parks; and swim and sunbathe on the beaches of the Attica Peninsula. These are the top 14 things to do with kids in Athens.
It's virtually a must if you visit Athens with children to spend time amid its historical sites, which now serve as a living history lesson. Climb to the Acropolis, Greece's most recognisable sight, a 5th-century B.C. citadel overlooking the city. Learn about Greek mythology as you explore sites dedicated to the goddess Athena, such as the Temple of Athena Nike, the Odeon of Herodes, the Dionysus Theater, the Erechtheion, and, of course, the Parthenon.
Undoubtedly, these excellent sites will captivate visitors of all ages. Children under 18 are free. However, families with younger children should know that the historical site could be more stroller-friendly. Because these are outdoor locations, we recommend visiting in the morning during the warmer months; the hill may get rather hot, so bring plenty of water and snacks.
A short stroll from the Acropolis will take you to the ancient Agora, once the city's commercial, political, and residential centre. This is where prominent Greek intellectuals would rub their elbows. It is the ideal site to introduce your family to the ideals of Plato, Sophocles, and Socrates and travel back to Pericles' Golden Age and the beginnings of democracy. The Temple of Hephaestus and the Stoa of Attalos rebuilt in 1956 and now houses a museum, are the highlights of the Agora.
The magnificent Acropolis Museum is one of the best sites to visit in Athens with kids. On the ground floor, you can see an archaeological excavation of an ancient Athenian neighbourhood via the museum's glass flooring. The second story shows a replica of the Acropolis created out of 120,000 LEGO bricks. The museum offers family backpacks stocked with educational resources, puzzles, maps, painting kits, and exhibition-based activities and games that inspire the whole family to work together to solve difficulties while you explore the museum.
The National Archaeology Museum, the country's largest museum, will immerse your family in ancient Greece. Allow at least one afternoon to explore the wonders of Greek Antiquity. (You can also visit this museum on an expert-led, kid-friendly tour with Context.) Explore ancient Greece through the prism of Greek mythology or ordinary life in ancient Athens—the museum has a collection to suit your family's interests. The museum contains about 11,000 objects, including significant collections of Neolithic, Cycladic, Mycenaean, Egyptian, and Cypriot antiquities, as well as one-of-a-kind metalwork, jewellery, vases, paintings, and terracotta figurines. The museum displays one of the world's largest collections of Ancient Greek sculptures.
For families visiting Athens with children, the historic Syntagma Square is worth a visit. Changing the presidential guard before the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier will delight children. It happens every hour, with the ceremonial ceremony on Sundays at 11:00 a.m.
The lush National Garden, just off the square, is a lovely area to spend time in Athens with children. The grounds, which include a botanical garden with 500 varieties of plants, flowers, and trees from across the world, a mini-zoo, a playground, and two duck ponds, are a terrific location to rest and unwind during your visit. Athenians frequently visit public parks to read, picnic, and exercise. There is also a children's library with reading rooms, a music and film room, and a fairy tale room in the gardens.
The stunning Panathenaic Stadium, just next to the gardens, is one of Greece's most important monuments and a must-see for families with children visiting Athens. During the 4th century B.C., the stadium was the ancient site of the Panathenaic Games, one of the city's signature events. The Romans rebuilt it entirely in marble in the second century, but it fell out of usage in the fourth century with the emergence of Christianity.
The historic stadium was resurrected for the first modern Olympic Games in 1896 and again in 2004. An audio tour teaches families about the stadium's history, and youngsters can run around the track, following in the footsteps of ancient and modern world-class athletes.
Another enjoyable activity for Athens families is taking the Happy Train from Ermou Street to Syntagma Square. The red toy-like street train will take families on a 40-minute tour of some of Athens' most essential sights and historic districts, including the Temple of Olympian Zeus, the Panathenaic Stadium, Hadrian's Arch, the Museum of Cycladic Art, Monastiraki, and Plaka. The tickets are valid for ten hours, so you may jump on and off at your leisure to explore the various locations.
For families with children visiting Athens, sampling Greek cuisine is a must. Popular Greek street foods for kids include souvlaki (grilled meat and vegetables), tyropita (cheese pies), kioftes (meatballs), and koulouri. (sesame bread). Decadent Greek pastries and desserts such as bougatsa (cream-filled pastry), loukoumades (Greek doughnuts), baklava (Phyllo and honey pastry), halva (fudge-like candy) and artisanal Greek ice cream are available. Varvakios Agora, the principal food market, offers a diverse selection of fruits, vegetables, fish, spices, olives, almonds, and more.
Riding the cable car up to Mount Lycabettus is a must-do experience for families visiting Athens. Mount Lycabettus was formed, according to legend, when the goddess Athena dropped a massive boulder she was carrying after receiving unpleasant news. The hill rises 900 feet above Athens and provides fantastic panoramic city views. In addition, children will appreciate the funicular ride to the top. The Acropolis, Syntagma Square, and the Panathenaic Stadium are visible, as is the port of Piraeus, the Aegean Sea, and the Peloponnese Mountains. The best time to visit is in the afternoon to see the sunset. After taking some shots, explore the modest Greek Orthodox Agios Georgios Chapel at the top of the hill.
Plaka, Athens' oldest residential area, is a beautiful spot for families to explore. Because many streets are car-free, the charming, centrally located neighbourhood is ideal for a stroll. There are ancient sites like the Tower of the Winds and the Medrese Door, as well as numerous restaurants, cafes, souvenir shops, and jewellery stores. The Hellenic Children's Museum, which includes instructive, interactive exhibits and places like the Bubble Room, the Room of Pythagoras, and a children's market, is ideal for families with children under twelve." While it is less instructive than some other museums in Athens, it can be a pleasant respite for families with younger children who require space to play.
There are many gorgeous beaches just outside of Athens that only some people are aware of. After a few days of museum-hopping, a day at the beach is ideal for spending a day in Athens with your family. Astir Beach is one of the greatest, where you can enjoy the crystal-clear waves and sand at a private beach club with clean and family-friendly amenities. There are other beaches, of course, with varied rates and services, but public beaches should be avoided due to crowds and inadequate facilities. Other possibilities for families with children are Grand Beach Lagonissi, an afternoon at Balux Cafe in Glyfada for more secluded options, and Yabanaki Beach for a public beach.
The "George Averoff" battleship converted naval museum is an excellent destination to visit in Athens with kids, located on the outskirts of Flisvos Marina in an Athens suburb. It served in the Balkan Wars and WWII and is now a memorial to Greek naval history. The spectacular main deck and the views inside the sailors' quarters, captain's cabin, and kitchens will appeal to young children. After visiting the museum, the Flisvos Marina provides many family-friendly activities with its many parks, cafes, and a big pedestrian area.
The Eugenides Foundation serves as both a recreational and educational resource. Children and families may learn about astronomy, space, science, and astrophysics with cutting-edge technology at the digital planetarium. On the planetarium's large hemispherical dome, visitors can witness digital projections of the solar system, 40-minute digital performances and film screenings. (Audio in English is available.) Visitors can brush up on their science skills and participate in interactive physics, chemistry, mathematics, robotics, and biology exhibits at the Science and Technology Center.
The Stavros Niarchos Foundation Cultural Center, which houses the National Library of Greece and the Greek National Opera, is a fun place to visit with kids in Athens. Concerts, festivals, photography exhibitions, and cinema screenings are held in the neighbouring park (Athens' most prominent green space). During the summer, children and families can sail, kayak, or bike along the canal; in the winter, they can go ice skating. Numerous playgrounds, gardens, and open spots for picnicking throughout the park exist.
Athens may be an excellent destination for families with children of all ages. Many buildings and museums provide much to keep children and adults entertained, and the lovely parks and seaside are ideal places for families to unwind after a day of sightseeing. On interactive, kid-friendly Context tours, you may see the most popular sites, including the Acropolis and Agora and the National Archaeology Museum.
