The capital of Greece, Athens, is one of the oldest cities in the world. With a history that stretches back over 3,400 years, this city certainly deserves its reputation. Finding great things to do in Athens with kids is really not that difficult as it offers a mix of ancient history, beautiful parks, and many family-friendly activities.
Here are our pick of the of the top things to do in Athens for kids:
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Ancient Sites & Mythology
The Acropolis
The best-known ancient site in Greece is, of course, the Acropolis.
The Acropolis, which literally translates to “highest point of the town,” was the location of the citadel originally occupied by the Mycenaean kings. As the centuries progressed, the Acropolis became home to several temples, shrines, and sanctuaries. The most famous of the temples is the temple to Athena, the Parthenon.
A fantastic way to learn about Greek Mythology in Athens is to book a private guide with a local writer who can tell you all about the Gods and Legends.
Read our Complete Guide to visiting the Acropolis for more.
Acropolis Treasure Hunt
Participate in a treasure hunt at the Acropolis!
This walking game is technology-assisted and will require imagination, creativity, and a keen eye for riddles & puzzles to complete.
Book below for 15% off!
The Temple of Olympian Zeus
The Temple of Olympian Zeus was completed in 132 AD after being partially built and in limbo for over 600 years after its original conception.
It was originally built with 104 Corinthian-style columns of which today there are only 15 left. You will notice the temple from many high vantage points across the city and it is only a short walk from the center of town.
Where: Leoforos Vailisis Amalias Road – a short walk west from the Acropolis and south from Syntagma Square/Parliament, just below the National Gardens.
When: Open daily 8 am – 7:30 pm
Cost: 2€
The Panathenaic Stadium
The Panathenaic Stadium is the only arena constructed completely of marble. The stadium was initially constructed in the fourth century BC, reconstructed in the second century AD, and then again in the nineteenth century.
The stadium hosted a variety of occasions, including sporting competitions, religious celebrations, and musical concerts. The Panathenaic Games, which were conducted in honor of the goddess Athena every four years, were the most well-known occasion to take place at the stadium.
The stadium is 204 meters long and 33 meters broad, and it can hold up to 50,000 spectators. The track is 192.27 meters long, and 28.5 meters wide, and has a tunnel where the competitors can enter and exit. It is shaped like a horseshoe.
Where: Leoforos Vailisis Amalias Road – a short walk west from the Acropolis and south from Syntagma Square/Parliament, just below the National Gardens.
When: Open daily 8 am – 7:30 pm
Cost: €5 Adults
Ancient Agora
The word Agora means ‘market’ or meeting place in Greek. It is located on the Northwest slopes of the Acropolis right between the popular neighborhoods of Plaka and Monastiraki.
For over 5000 years this thriving marketplace was used by millions of people to trade, reside, and for recreational purposes and it was modified and rebuilt countless times during the various occupations by the Romans, Ottomans, Byzantines, and more.
There are two buildings still standing, the Stoa of Attalos and the incredible Temple of Hephaestus. Other things to see around the site are ancient drainage canals, altars, shrines, a bath, and the remains of a prison as well as a roman statue. There is a very good museum on-site as well.
Location: Adrianous Street, west of Monastiraki Square
When: daily between 8 am and 3 pm
Cost : Adult: 8€ Student: 4€
Panathenaic Stadium
Museums and Cultural Centres
The Acropolis Museum
The first Museum of Acropolis was completed in 1874 and underwent a moderate extension in the 1950s. However, subsequent excavations on the Acropolis hill brought many new artifacts to light and the museum’s capacity was significantly expanded and modernized in time for the 2004 Olympic Games. It includes the creation of a gallery for the exhibition of the Parthenon Marbles which to this day remains in The British Museum in London.
Read our complete guide to visiting the Acropolis and the Acropolis Museum!
This is an excellent museum. Big, bold, and home to some extraordinary artifacts as well as some real excavations. There are a couple of good cafes, and it is easy to get around. I suggest you visit it on the same day as the Acropolis.
The Children’s Museum
This interactive museum offers a range of exhibits and activities designed to engage children and spark their curiosity about science, art, and other topics. It is located in the suburb of Pangrati which is quite close to the ancient center.
Founded in 1987 the museum features a variety of exhibits and activities that are designed to stimulate children’s curiosity and creativity.
Some of the highlights are The Discovery Room, a hands-on exhibit that allows children to explore science and technology through interactive displays and experiments, The Art Room, which features a variety of art materials and tools that children can use to create their own art projects and the Theater Room, a room that features a stage and props, allowing children to put on their own performances and plays.
There is also the Farm Room, an exhibit that allows children to learn about farming and agriculture through interactive displays and activities, and an outdoor play that includes swings, slides, and other equipment that children can use to burn off energy and have fun.
The Athens Children’s Museum also hosts a variety of educational programs and workshops for children of all ages, including art classes, science workshops, and theater camps.
The Hellenic Children’s Museum
This museum offers a range of hands-on exhibits and workshops designed to engage children and encourage learning through play.
It was also founded in 1987 and is located in Plaka in a beautiful neo-classical building.
Some of the highlights of the museum include The Water Room – an interactive exhibit that allows children to learn about the properties of water and how it moves. Children can experiment with water wheels, dams, and other water-based activities, and the City Room, an exhibit that allows children to explore a miniature city, complete with a traffic light, a mini-market, and other features. Children can play the roles of shopkeepers, pedestrians, and drivers.
There is also the Shadow Room, where kids can experiment with shadows and light, and discover how shadows change as the position of the light source changes, the Sound Room where they can experiment with sound and music and the Natural Environment Room which allows children to learn about the natural world and the environment through interactive displays and activities.
In addition to its exhibits, the Hellenic Children’s Museum also hosts a variety of educational programs and workshops for children of all ages, including art classes, science workshops, and theater camps.
The Goulandris Museum of Natural History
Kids can learn about the natural world and explore a range of exhibits and interactive displays at this fascinating museum, located in Kifissia.
Founded in 1964 it has become a leading institution for natural history in Greece. The museum features a variety of exhibits and collections that cover a wide range of topics related to the natural world.
Some of the highlights include the Dinosaurs Gallery, a collection of dinosaur skeletons and fossils from around the world, as well as interactive displays and multimedia installations that allow visitors to learn more about these fascinating creatures and the African Savannah which recreates the ecosystem of the African savannah, with a variety of animals and plants that are native to the region.
There is also a section on Greek Fauna and Flora and the Mineralogy and Geology Gallery that features a collection of minerals and rocks from around the world, as well as interactive displays that allow visitors to learn about the geological processes that have shaped our planet.
In addition to its exhibits, the Goulandris Museum of Natural History also hosts a variety of educational programs and workshops for children and adults, including guided tours, lectures, and nature walks.
The Hellenic Maritime Museum
The Hellenic Maritime Museum honors the nation’s lengthy maritime heritage and is located close to Piraeus Port, the largest passenger port in Europe. The museum was established in 1985 and is housed in a structure that was formerly the Navy Officers’ Club.
Ship models, paintings, maps, and navigational tools are only a few of the exhibits and objects in the museum’s collection that are connected to Greek maritime history. A trireme, a sort of ancient Greek warship that was propelled by oars and was frequently used in naval warfare, is one of the highlights of the exhibit.
Additionally, there are displays of World War II artifacts, shipwreck items, and uniforms and weapons from the Naval Service.
Museum Ship Averof
Not far from the Maritime Museum at Flisvoa Marina is this early 1900s armored Navy cruiser, The Averof, which people can explore to see what things were like then both below and above deck.
The Technopolis Cultural Center
Located in the Gazi district in downtown Athens this is a multifunctional cultural venue housed in an industrial complex that was once a gasworks.
The center features a variety of spaces for exhibitions, performances, and other events. Some of the highlights of the center include The Industrial Gas Museum, The Pireos 260, a large indoor performance space that hosts concerts, theater performances, dance shows, and other events, and The Outdoor Amphitheater, an open-air performance space that can accommodate up to 2,500 spectators for concerts, film screenings, and theater performances.
There is also a Cultural and Artistic Space featuring a selection of art exhibitions, as well as workshops, seminars, and other events related to the arts. The Technopolis Cultural Center also hosts a variety of festivals and events throughout the year, including the Athens Street Food Festival, the Athens Photo Festival, and the Athens Technopolis Jazz Festival.
The Stavros Niarchos Cultural Centre
Opened in 2016 the Stavros Niarchos Cultural Centre is home to the Greek National Opera, the National Library of Greece, and the beautiful Stavros Niarchos Park. It was funded by a foundation founded by Greek Shipping Tycoon Stavros Niarchos.
It is a remarkable feat of architecture designed by the famous Italian architect Renzo Piano and offers a variety of outdoor activities as well as tours during the week.
Activities in winter include ice skating and throughout the year there is bike hire, cycling, dancing fountains, art installations, exercise classes, festivals, and concerts as well as Opera and Ballet performances indoors.
Where: Evripidou & Doiranis St, Kallithea
When: Vary but the visitor’s center is open from 8:30 am to 10 pm.
Cost: many are free ( for all events see official website)
Stavros Niarchos Cultural Centre
image @ eugenides foundation
Other educational Activities with kids in Athens
The Athens Planetarium
The Athens Planetarium is one of the largest and most advanced planetariums in the world.
The Eugenides Foundation, a nonprofit organization that promotes science and technology education, established the planetarium in 2003.
The planetarium has a dome-shaped projection screen that displays high-definition images of the stars, the night sky, and other celestial events. There is also a variety of interactive exhibits and displays that let guests learn about astronomy and space science while they explore the cosmos. Solar system model replicas, telescopes, and interactive universe-explaining displays are among the exhibits.
Additionally, a variety of presentations and programs are available, including 3D immersive experiences that transport viewers on virtual space voyages.
Other educational facilities run by the Eugenides Foundation include a conference centre, a library, and a museum of technology.
Where: Evripidou & Doiranis St, Kallithea
When: Night shows last between 30 and 40 minutes and are held at various times in the evenings. Workshops and exhibits are usually longer and are held in the afternoons.
Cost: prices vary
check the official website for shows, times, and prices
Figoures kai Koukles Puppet Theater
Figoures kai Koukles (which means “Fingers and Puppets” in Greek) is a well-known puppet theater in the historic Plaka neighborhood, just a short walk from the Acropolis.
The theater produces puppet shows that are suitable for all ages and the puppets used in the shows are all handmade, and each one is unique.
The performances are based on popular fairy tales or stories from Greek mythology, and also some original works. The shows incorporate music, dance, and humor, and are designed to be engaging and entertaining for the whole family.
In addition to its regular performances, Figoures kai Koukles also offers puppet-making workshops for children, where they can learn the basics of puppet-making and create their own puppets to take home.
Technopolis Park Gazi
Gazi is a vibrant part of the ancient centre located just behind Pysri and Thiseio. It’s about a 10-minute walk from Monastaraki or 15 minutes from Plaka.
This is where a lot of the main nightlife in Athens is found and there are clubs that are open around the clock. But before the sun goes down it is actually a place that is still worth visiting especially for Technopolis Park, a multi-function space in a former gas factory that is home to a number of events, exhibitions, and other activities.
The park is 30,000 square meters in size and hosts a variety of annual events, including musical performances, plays, exhibitions, and art installations.
The highlights of the park include The WatchTower, the Industrial Museum of Light Gas, the Baths, the Retorts, and the beautiful Christmas Factory at the end of each year are just a few of the attractions. The Athens Dinner in the Sky is also located here.
Several art and design schools, as well as workshops and studios for artists and creatives, are located at Technopolis Park. There is also a big children’s playground and several kiosks and foot outlets.
It also hosts the annual Athens Technopolis Jazz Festival, which takes place in May each year and attracts jazz musicians from all over the world as well as the Athens Open Air festival which runs from June through to September.
Where: 100 Technopolo Athens, 11854, Gazi
When:
Winter (15.10 to 15.04)
Tuesday-Sunday: 10.00-20.00 (last entry: 19.00)
Summer (16.04 to 14.10)
Tuesday-Sunday: 10.00-18.00 (last entry: 17.00)
Closed: every Monday, January 1, Easter Sunday, May 1, 15
August, October 28, December 25 & 26
Cost: prices vary
check the official website for shows, times, and prices
The Technopolis Cultural Center
Evzones
The soldiers are selected according to their height, excellent physical condition, psychological state, as well as character and morality, and it is considered a great honor to serve as an Evzone, who are much admired.
Where: outside Parliament at the end of Syntagma Square
When: each hour,on the hour, and an official weekly ceremony at 11am on Sundays.
Cost: Free
Further reading : The Elite Greek Presidential Guard
Mount Lycabettus
Lycabettus hill is the highest point in Athens and its central location means it has the best views in the city. It can be accessed car/taxi, on foot from the inner suburb of Kolonaki or by Funicular.
At the top you can enjoy 360 degress of Athens and can easily see the Acropolis, Temple of Olympian Zeus and the Panathenaic Stadium which is all especially beautiful at dusk when the lights all come on. You can see right out over the Aegean and the Saronic Islands.
There is a lovely restaurant at the top called Orizontes with incredible sunsets views, and a Church and cafe as well.
Where : Corner of Ploutarhiou & Aristippou Streets, Kolonaki
When : the Funicular runs daily between 9:30am – 2:30am
Cost : 10 euro for a round trip
The National Gardens
The National Gardens are a beautiful, tranquil oasis in the heart of Athens, offering plenty of space for kids to run around and enjoy nature.
It is a large public park located in the heart of the city directly behind the Greek Parliament building and Syntagma Square. It covers an area of 15.5 hectares.
The Gardens were created in the mid-19th century as part of the palace grounds of the first King of Greece, Otto von Wittelsbach. The gardens are home to a wide variety of flora and fauna, including over 7,000 trees, many of which are rare or exotic species. There are also several ponds, a small zoo with birds and animals, and several monuments and statues throughout the park.
One of the main attractions of the National Gardens is Zappeion Hall, a neoclassical building that was built in the late 1800s for the first modern Olympic Games. Today the hall hosts conferences, exhibitions, and other cultural events.
Food & Markets
Athens Markets
For fresh food, the biggest market is the Central Market also known as the Varvakeios market. It’s not only where the locals get their groceries, but also where the chefs get their fresh fish, nuts, vegetables, and meat.
The market is divided into two areas, the indoor area which sells fresh meat and fish and there are also some small traditional restaurants where you can order homemade dishes.
Across the road and in the area of the surrounding street are the vegetables and fruit stands with an abundance of olives, wine, nuts, and small goods for sale.
Where: between Monastiraki and Omonia on Athinas street,
When: Monday through Saturday till 3 PM.
Cost: free to look
Tip: There is also the famous Monistiraki Flea Market right behind Monastiraki Square and Metro Station. This is open every day but the casual stall holders come on Sundays which is the main market day. Browse through a treasure trove of vintage collectibles, bric-a-brac, records, artwork, furniture, and more.
Walking Food Tours
There are several really excellent Walking Food Tours in Athens.
The local guides are extremely well connected and knowledgeable and will take you to carefully selected specialty food shops, where you’ll taste some of the finest olive oil, cheese, and honey available in the city, as well as local delicacies such as pastries, cured meat and local drinks too. Anna is always happy to tailor tours to suit customer needs including dietary requirements, and if there are kids on the tour you can be assured that gelato will be on the menu!
Who: Athens Food on Foot – use the promo code ‘greecetravelplanning’ for a further 10% off
Further reading: Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Greece
Cooking Classes
There are several great cooking classes kids can do in Athens. This is a great way to not only find out about one of the healthiest diets in the world but also how to make some local dishes and snacks to make at home too.
Kids Cooking Club is completely dedicated to children this space, located in Glyfada on the Athenian Riviera, this was the first of its kind in Europe. Designed entirely for mini-chefs they offer classes for babies right through to teenagers as well as corporate and school programs.
Child friendly Cafe's in Athens
Athens is heaving with cafes and tavernas and really they are all child-friendly. Greeks love kids and it’s not unusual to see children out with their families well into the wee hours of the morning.
Some cafes are going to be of more interest to children than others, especially the likes of Little Kook. This incredible place is located in Psyri and is completely decorated in three themes each year – Mary Poppins, Halloween, and Christmas. In fact, they decorate the surrounding laneways around them too so it feels like a mini district, not just a single shop. Stay for great drinks, cakes, and light meals too.
Just around the corner from there you will find Nancy’s Sweet Home a dessert shop that serves up giant size desserts that will have your kids’ eye’s the size of saucers!
Other places to check out in the ancient center are Fairytale, Hard Rock Cafe, and Ellyz which is an Instagrammers haven in pink.
The Beach!
Many people are surprised to learn that there are many excellent beaches in Athens. The Athenian Riviera alone has over a dozen beaches and the first is just a 15-minute drive from the ancient center. There are also numerous beaches along the east coast of the city too.
A lot of people even choose to stay at the beach and do a day trip to the Ancient Centre although we do think the historic center deserved at least two days on its own. If you have a few extra days or have visited Athens before then staying at the beach makes perfect sense, especially in Summer.
Highlights of the beaches in Athens with kids are:
Kalamaki
The closest beach to the historic center here you will find a number of very popular beach bars and activities including Bolivar, which gives Mykonos a run for its money at times.
There are many sunbeds for hire and lots of water sports and floating toys and castles for much of the year.
Glyfada
A popular suburb for beach holidays as this is where there are lots of shops and restaurants as well as a marina and transport options.
It is also where you will find the incredible Ellinikon Experience Park, a new cultural and entertainment complex that was constructed on the site of the former Ellinikon International Airport. It is also one of the largest urban rehabilitation projects in Europe.
The park spans an area of more than 2 million square meters and offers a variety of experiences, including cultural events, music festivals, sporting competitions, and educational programs. It is home to a huge amount of green space and gardens, a skate park, a water maze, a riding arena, and an adventure park. as well as a performing arts theatre, an exhibition centre, and a digital museum. A hotel, a shopping centre, and a restaurant hub are also under construction.
The beaches around Gylfada are very family-friendly and there are a lot of water activities and good facilities on offer.
Vouliagmeni
South of Glyfada is the upmarket suburb of Vouliagmeni, home to many politicians and Greek personalities as well as a number of exclusive restaurants, beach clubs, and luxury hotels, including the only Four Seasons in Greece.
There is an expensive beach club on Astir Beach which often hosts events and pop-up collaborations with brands like Gucci and Dior, or a popular public beach behind that which has good facilities and activities on offer including tennis.
This is a great spot to spend your last night or two in Greece as it is only 20 minutes from the Airport and it’s also a good base to visit Cape Sounion and the Temple of Poseidon which is forty-five minutes south.
Varkiza Beach
A little further east towards the airport from Vouliagmenis is Varkiza Beach, also a good spot for families with lots of water sports activities on offer at places like Shark Watersports.
There is a good beach club to hang out at, Yabanaki, and several good tavernas and cafes. It is also where you will find a big soccer field right on the beach.
Rafina
Rafina is actually a town rather than a beach or suburb and is home to Athens’s second busiest ferry port, which services ferries mostly from the northern Cyclades islands like Mykonos and Tinos.
Again, this is a place we often recommend people stay the night before their flight home ( or their first night if it is late) as it is only 10 minutes from the airport.
Families will find affordable accommodation and cheap and cheerful places to eat and drink here, as well as waterfront views and some reasonable beaches.
It is also only 20 minutes from the Archaeological Site of Brauron, an often overlooked site that was one of the oldest and most important sanctuaries in Attica.
Further reading: Top Beaches in Athens
