Athens With Kids

Visiting Greece with kids? Athens, birthplace of democracy and cradle of Western civilization, isn’t just for history buffs. With its vibrant culture, delicious food, and countless family-friendly activities, Athens offers an unforgettable adventure for parents and kids alike. Discover the top family-friendly attractions, accommodations, and tips for making the most of your adventure in Athens with kids.

Why Visit Athens With Kids?

• History Comes Alive: Immerse yourselves in the myths and legends of ancient Greece. Explore the Acropolis, imagine battles fought in the Panathenaic Stadium, and stand in awe of the Temple of Olympian Zeus. History lessons come to life as kids visualize stories of gods, heroes, and mythical creatures.
• Fun-Filled Museums: Forget stuffy museums! Athens offers interactive exhibits perfect for little minds. Uncover ancient artifacts at the Acropolis Museum with its kid-friendly audio guides, or explore the world of ancient ships at the Hellenic Maritime Museum, complete with a recreated trireme warship.
• Delectable Cuisine: Greek food is a crowd-pleaser! Kids will love fresh pita bread with gyros, creamy tzatziki sauce, and crispy fried donuts called loukoumades. Explore local markets for delicious treats, or enjoy a family meal at a taverna with views of the Acropolis.
• Beachside Bliss: Take a break from sightseeing with a refreshing dip in the Aegean Sea. Several beaches close to Athens offer shallow waters, perfect for young children. Build sandcastles, splash in the waves, or simply relax with a picnic under the warm Greek sun.

Things to Do in Athens With Kids

• Explore the Acropolis: Marvel at the majestic Acropolis, a UNESCO World Heritage site, and teach your kids about its significance in ancient Greek history. Don’t miss the Acropolis Museum, featuring interactive exhibits and artifacts.
• Take a Mythology Tour: Embark on a mythology tour designed for families, where knowledgeable guides bring Greek myths to life against the backdrop of Athens’ historic landmarks. It’s an entertaining way to learn about ancient legends and heroes.
• Climb Mount Lycabettus: For a panoramic view of Athens, take a funicular railway or hike up Mount Lycabettus, the city’s highest point. At the top, enjoy breathtaking views of the Acropolis, the surrounding neighborhoods, and even the Aegean Sea!
• Discover the Athens Zoo: Treat your little ones to a day at the Athens Zoo, home to a diverse array of animals from around the world. With interactive displays and educational programs, it’s a fun and educational outing for the whole family.
• Explore Plaka: Wander through the charming Plaka neighborhood, a maze of narrow streets lined with colorful shops and traditional tavernas. Kids will love spotting hidden cafes, browsing unique souvenirs, and indulging in delicious street food.

Best Places to Visit in Athens With Kids

• The Acropolis: No trip to Athens is complete without visiting the iconic Acropolis, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Explore the Parthenon, the Temple of Erechtheion, and the Propylaea gateway. Be sure to pack water and hats for the climb, and consider visiting early in the morning or later in the afternoon to avoid the crowds.
• The Acropolis Museum: After exploring the Acropolis, head to the Acropolis Museum, home to a vast collection of artifacts from the Acropolis and surrounding areas. The museum offers kid-friendly audio guides and interactive exhibits that bring the ancient world to life.
• The Ancient Agora: Step back in time at the Ancient Agora, Athens’ bustling marketplace in ancient times. Explore the ruins of the Temple of Hephaestus, the Stoa of Attalos, and imagine philosophers like Socrates debating ideas here.
• The Panathenaic Stadium: Feel the spirit of the Olympic Games at the Panathenaic Stadium, the venue for the first modern Olympic Games in 1896. Kids can imagine themselves as ancient athletes competing in races and chariot events.
• The National Archaeological Museum: Housing one of the world’s finest collections of ancient Greek artifacts, the National Archaeological Museum offers a fascinating glimpse into Greek history and mythology. Explore the Mycenaean Collection, the Cycladic Art Collection, and marvel at the gold funerary mask of Agamemnon.

Best Neighborhoods to Stay in Athens

• Plaka: This charming neighborhood offers a quintessential Greek experience with its cobbled streets, colorful houses, and traditional tavernas. Stay in the heart of the action, just steps from the Acropolis and other historical attractions. However, keep in mind that Plaka can be noisy and crowded.

• Psiri: A trendy neighborhood known for its lively nightlife and artistic atmosphere. PsirI offers a family-friendly vibe with plenty of cafes, restaurants, and small shops. It’s close to the Acropolis and Plaka, but with a more relaxed atmosphere.
• Monastiraki: Located near the Plaka and Syntagma Square, Monastiraki is a great option for families who want to be close to the action. This lively area is famous for its flea market, perfect for finding unique souvenirs. However, similar to Plaka, it can get quite noisy, especially on weekends.
• Koukaki: Escape the tourist crowds and experience a more local vibe in Koukaki. This up-and-coming neighborhood offers a variety of restaurants, cafes, and playgrounds, perfect for families. It’s well-connected to other areas by public transportation, making it easy to explore the city.
• Glyfada: For a beachside escape, consider staying in Glyfada, a southern suburb with a relaxed atmosphere. This area boasts beautiful beaches, family-friendly resorts, and a variety of restaurants and shops. It’s a perfect choice if you want to combine sightseeing with some beach relaxation.

Best Family-Friendly Hotels in Athens

• Family Roof Garden Hotel: Located in Plaka, this hotel offers stunning views of the Acropolis and family rooms with balconies. They also have a rooftop pool, perfect for cooling off after a day of exploring.
• Herodion Athens: Situated near the Acropolis Museum, Herodion Athens features spacious family rooms, a rooftop pool, and a dedicated kids’ club with activities and games.
• Nafplion Hotel: This charming hotel in Plaka offers a variety of room options to suit families, including connecting rooms and suites. They also have a rooftop terrace with stunning views and a playground for the little ones.
• Athens Gate Hotel: Located near Syntagma Square, Athens Gate Hotel provides comfortable family rooms and a rooftop pool with amazing city views. They also offer babysitting services upon request.

Best Time to Visit Athens

• Spring (March-May): Mild temperatures, blooming flowers, and fewer crowds make spring an ideal time for family travel to Athens.
• Fall (September-November): Pleasant weather, cultural events, and lower hotel rates make fall a great time to visit with kids.
• Summer (June-August): Despite the heat, summer offers longer days for sightseeing and opportunities to enjoy Athens’ beaches and outdoor activities.
• Winter (December-February): While temperatures may be cooler, winter in Athens means fewer tourists and the chance to experience traditional holiday celebrations.

How Long to Stay in Athens

The ideal length of your Athens vacation with kids depends on your interests and travel style. Here’s a general guideline:

• 3-4 days: This is a good amount of time to see the major highlights of Athens, such as the Acropolis, the Acropolis Museum, and the Ancient Agora.
• 5-7 days: With a week in Athens, you can explore the city at a more relaxed pace, venture out to nearby beaches or historical sites like Delphi or Olympia, and experience more of the local culture.
• More than a week: If you have more than a week, consider combining your Athens trip with island hopping in the Aegean Sea or exploring other parts of Greece like the Peloponnese region.

Athens Family Itinerary

Day 1: Ancient Wonders

• Morning: Start your day with a visit to the Acropolis, the crown jewel of Athens. Be sure to purchase tickets online in advance to avoid long lines. Explore the Parthenon, the Temple of Erechtheion, and marvel at the breathtaking views of the city. Consider hiring a family-friendly guide to bring the history and myths of the Acropolis to life for your kids.
• Afternoon: After a delicious lunch break in Plaka, head to the Acropolis Museum. The museum offers interactive exhibits, multimedia presentations, and kid-friendly audio guides that make learning about ancient Greece fun and engaging.
• Evening: Enjoy a relaxing dinner at a rooftop restaurant in Plaka with stunning views of the illuminated Acropolis. Afterward, take a stroll through the charming neighborhood, browsing through shops and soaking up the lively atmosphere.

Day 2: Exploring the City’s Heart

• Morning: Immerse yourselves in ancient Athenian life at the Agora, the city’s former marketplace. Explore the ruins of the Temple of Hephaestus, the Stoa of Attalos, and imagine philosophers and merchants gathering here centuries ago.
• Afternoon: Head to the National Archaeological Museum, a treasure trove of artifacts from across Greece. Kids will be fascinated by the Mycenaean gold death masks, ancient pottery, and sculptures depicting scenes from Greek mythology.
• Evening: Take a break from sightseeing with a funicular ride up Mount Lycabettus, the highest hill in Athens. Enjoy panoramic views of the city and the surrounding areas before heading back down to explore the vibrant Monastiraki neighborhood with its lively flea market.

Day 3: Fun & Games

• Morning: Start your day with a visit to the All About Athens Museum, a unique museum designed specifically for children. Dress up in ancient Greek costumes, participate in interactive exhibits, and learn about Athenian history and culture through play.
• Afternoon: Escape the city heat with a refreshing dip at a nearby beach. Glyfada or Vouliagmeni offer beautiful coastlines with shallow waters, perfect for young children. Build sandcastles, enjoy a picnic lunch by the sea, and take a break from sightseeing.
• Evening: Experience a traditional Greek puppet show at the Rod Puppet Theater. Vibrant characters and captivating stories will keep children entertained, while adults can appreciate the artistry of this unique art form.

Day 4: Farewell to Athens

• Morning: Depending on your departure time, you can squeeze in some last-minute shopping at Plaka or Monastiraki. Browse through souvenir shops, pick up some locally-made crafts or delicious Greek treats as mementos of your trip.
• Afternoon: Enjoy a final family meal at a local taverna, savoring fresh Greek cuisine before heading to the airport for your departure.

Tips:

• Purchase a combo ticket that includes entry to the Acropolis, the Acropolis Museum, and several other archaeological sites. This will save you money and time waiting in lines.
• Pack comfortable walking shoes for exploring the city.
• Bring sunscreen, hats, and plenty of water, especially during the summer months.
• Take advantage of the free walking tours offered in Athens. These tours are a great way to learn about the city’s history and culture in a fun and interactive way for the whole family.

Getting Around Athens

Athens has a well-developed public transportation system consisting of metro, buses, trams, and trolleybuses. Purchasing a multi-day travel card is a cost-effective way to get around the city.

• Public Transportation: Athens has an extensive metro, tram, and bus network, making it easy to navigate the city with kids.
• Taxi Services: Taxis are readily available and convenient for shorter trips or reaching destinations not accessible by public transport.
• Walking: Many of Athens’ attractions are within walking distance of each other, allowing families to explore at their own pace and discover hidden gems along the way.
• Rental Cars: While not necessary within the city, renting a car can be useful for day trips or exploring areas outside of Athens.
• Cycling: Athens offers bike rentals and dedicated cycling lanes, providing a fun and eco-friendly way for families to see the city.

This itinerary provides a starting point for your Athens family adventure. With its rich history, vibrant culture, and countless kid-friendly activities, Athens is sure to create lasting memories for families of all ages.