Athens with kids offers a delightful blend of history, culture, and fun that captivates both young and old. Picture your children marveling at the ancient ruins of the Acropolis or enjoying a family walk through the vibrant Plaka district.
You’ll find plenty of activities to make your visit memorable and engaging for children. In this article, discover exciting attractions and travel tips to turn your family vacation into a fantastic adventure.
Athens With Kids: The Ultimate Family-Friendly Guide
In Athens, your family adventure begins with a visit to the iconic Acropolis. Here, kids can explore ancient ruins and imagine life in ancient Greece. Nearby, the Ancient Agora offers open spaces perfect for little explorers.
For breathtaking views, head up Mount Lycabettus. You can either hike the trail or take the funicular. Kids love the excitement of the journey and the sweeping city views at the top.
The fun continues in Monastiraki Square. It’s a great spot to witness lively street performances. Kids can marvel at street art or nibble on street food from nearby vendors. Plaka is another must-visit with its colorful alleys.
Enjoy family-friendly dining at restaurants like Smile Cafe Restaurant, which offers delicious Greek dishes that kids will enjoy. If you need a break, visit the National Garden. It’s a peaceful green spot with playgrounds and a small zoo, making it ideal for families.
Meanwhile, the Athens Planetarium offers entertaining and educational shows perfect for curious young minds. For a splash of fun, plan a short trip to the beautiful beaches around Athens. Astir Beach is particularly known for its clear waters and kid-friendly atmosphere.
A great way to end the day is with a delicious Athens food tour, which offers family-friendly tastings of local specialties. This ensures kids have fun trying new flavors.
Enjoy your adventure!
Must-Visit Attractions for Families
Athens is a treasure trove of history and culture, perfect for families eager to explore ancient wonders. From climbing ancient hills to marveling at artifacts, there’s plenty to engage kids and adults alike.
Explore the Acropolis – A Mythological Adventure
The Acropolis is the crown jewel of Athens. Your family will be captivated by the myths and stories surrounding this ancient citadel. Perched atop a rocky hill, the walk to the top is an adventure itself, offering stunning views of the city.
As you approach the Parthenon, imagine the city as it was over 2,000 years ago. Kids will love hearing tales of gods and goddesses like Athena and Zeus.
Bring a camera to capture these unforgettable moments.
📍 Location: Acropolis Hill
🎟️ Entrance Fee: €20 (adults), free for kids under 5
🕒 Best Time to Visit: Early morning to avoid heat
Acropolis Museum – A Hands-On Experience for Kids
After exploring the Acropolis, make your way to the Acropolis Museum. This modern museum is designed with families in mind. Its light-filled spaces are home to artifacts that tell the story of Athens’ past. Kids can participate in interactive exhibits that make history come alive.
From touching models to examining ancient sculpture close-up, there’s plenty to engage young minds.
Don’t forget to check out the museum café, which offers great views over the ancient site.
📍 Location: Near Acropolis
🎟️ Entrance Fee: €10 (adults), free for kids under 5
🕒 Best Time to Visit: Mid-morning
The Ancient Agora – Athens’ Historic Playground
The Ancient Agora is a place where history and relaxation meet. Once the heart of political and social life in Athens, it’s now a spacious archaeological park perfect for families. Kids can run around freely as they explore ruins of old temples and stoas.
The shaded pathways are ideal for a leisurely stroll. Stop by the Temple of Hephaestus, one of the most well-preserved structures here. Just imagine the hustle and bustle that once filled these grounds as your family enjoys a peaceful picnic in this historic setting.
📍 Location: Monastiraki
🎟️ Entrance Fee: €10 (adults), free for kids under 5
🕒 Best Time to Visit: Late morning
Outdoor Fun & Family-Friendly Walks
Athens is a fantastic place for families, offering a mix of natural beauty and historical sites. You can enjoy sprawling gardens, get panoramic city views, and ride a cable car to new heights. These activities provide both education and entertainment, perfect for making memories with your kids.
Run & Play at the National Garden
The National Garden is a peaceful oasis amidst the busy city. It’s a great spot for kids to run, play, and explore. This large garden covers 38 acres, featuring winding paths, a duck pond, and shaded trees. There’s even a small zoo with animals like peacocks and goats.
Take time to visit the charming children’s library, where storytelling sessions occasionally take place.
Nearby, you’ll find benches and picnic areas perfect for a snack break.
The garden is close to Syntagma Square, making it convenient to access other attractions afterward.
📍 Location: Next to Syntagma Square
🎟️ Entrance Fee: Free
🕒 Best Time to Visit: Afternoon
Climb Philopappos Hill for Amazing Views
Philopappos Hill, also known as the Hill of the Muses, offers fantastic views of the Acropolis and Athens. The climb is not too steep, making it manageable for families with children. As you ascend, enjoy the natural surroundings and even spot some ancient ruins along the way.
At the top, the Philopappos Monument stands proudly as a tribute to an ancient Athenian hero. The panoramic views make it worth the climb and offer great photo opportunities.
Consider bringing a picnic to enjoy a relaxing meal with a view, overlooking the city’s skyline and landmarks.
📍 Location: Near Acropolis
🎟️ Entrance Fee: Free
🕒 Best Time to Visit: Sunset
Ride the Lycabettus Hill Cable Car
For an exciting adventure, take the cable car up Lycabettus Hill. This experience is thrilling for kids, offering a unique perspective of the city. The ride takes about three minutes, quickly whisking you to the top. At the summit, the views are breathtaking, with the Aegean Sea visible on clear days.
There’s a café where you can grab a drink while taking in the sights. If you’re visiting in the evening, the city lights create a beautiful scene. The hill is well-connected to public transportation, making it easy to integrate into your day’s activities.
📍 Location: Kolonaki
🎟️ Entrance Fee: €10 (round trip)
🕒 Best Time to Visit: Sunset
Interactive Museums & Kid-Friendly Learning
When exploring Athens with kids, interactive museums offer the perfect mix of education and entertainment. From creative activities to ancient science, these museums make learning fun for the whole family.
Let’s take a closer look at some top choices.
Hellenic Children’s Museum – A Fun & Educational Spot
The Hellenic Children’s Museum is a vibrant place where kids can learn through play. Located in the city, this museum features engaging exhibits.
Kids can enjoy activities like a bubble area, a shopping and kitchen play area where they pretend to be grown-ups, and a science room that delves into geometry and nutrition. The museum encourages hands-on interaction, ensuring young minds stay active and curious.
Interactive play is the focus here, making it a notable stop in Athens with kids for its blend of fun and learning that appeals to various ages.
It’s a lively spot you shouldn’t miss when in the city.
📍 Location: Plaka
🎟️ Entrance Fee: Free
🕒 Best Time to Visit: Mid-morning
The Museum of Greek Children’s Art – Creativity & Culture
Nestled in the heart of Athens, the Museum of Greek Children’s Art is a treasure trove for young artists. This small but charming museum is perfect for children who love to create and explore. Kids can engage in art projects, showcasing their creativity.
Classic Greek themes are often highlighted, introducing children to the nation’s rich cultural heritage. The museum might be small, but it’s packed with opportunities for kids to paint and express themselves.
It offers a delightful hour-long stop that can add value to your itinerary while exploring Athens with kids. This museum isn’t just about seeing art; it’s about making it and understanding the stories behind it.
📍 Location: Plaka
🎟️ Entrance Fee: Free
🕒 Best Time to Visit: Afternoon
The Herakleidon Museum – Ancient Science for Kids
The Herakleidon Museum reimagines ancient science for a younger audience. Situated close to the Acropolis, this museum offers an exciting glimpse into the scientific wonders of Ancient Greece. Exhibits at the Herakleidon Museum are interactive, allowing kids to touch and explore.
From the ancient engineering marvels to early technology, the exhibits are both educational and inspiring.
Young visitors can see inventions that shaped history and learn through doing. Visiting this museum offers a unique way to combine history with playful learning, making it an exceptional choice for families spending time in Athens with kids.
📍 Location: Thissio
🎟️ Entrance Fee: €5 (adults), free for kids under 6
🕒 Best Time to Visit: Late afternoon
Best Family-Friendly Restaurants in Athens
Athens offers a variety of dining spots perfect for families. From traditional Greek street food to delightful desserts, the city provides a rich culinary experience that both adults and children will enjoy. Explore different flavors and find welcoming atmospheres in these top family-friendly restaurants.
Try Greek Street Food at Kostas Souvlaki
If you and your family are craving authentic Greek street food, make sure to stop by Kostas Souvlaki. This small eatery is famous for its souvlaki, a popular Greek dish made with grilled meat served on a skewer or in pita bread.
The simplicity and quality of the ingredients make it a favorite among locals and tourists. Your kids will love the delicious, soft pita filled with tender meat, fresh veggies, and a drizzle of tzatziki sauce. Kostas Souvlaki is easy on the budget, allowing you to enjoy a great meal without breaking the bank.
The friendly staff contributes to the welcoming atmosphere, making it a perfect spot for families exploring Athens with kids.
Eat Pizza & Greek Meze at Oineas
Oineas is a wonderful place to enjoy a mix of Greek and international flavors. Their menu includes both pizza and delightful traditional Greek meze, offering something for everyone in the family. Whether you want to share a spread of small plates or dig into a cheesy pizza, Oineas has you covered.
The lively atmosphere and helpful staff make dining here a pleasure. Kids can enjoy classic pizza flavors while adults might savor dishes like olive tapenade or grilled vegetables. Conveniently located and highly rated for its cozy vibe, Oineas is an excellent spot for those spending time in Athens with kids.
Enjoy Greek Yogurt & Ice Cream at Stani
No visit to Athens is complete without trying Greek yogurt, and Stani is the ideal place for it. Known for its creamy, fresh yogurt, Stani also offers a variety of ice cream flavors that your children will love.
Toppings like honey and nuts add the perfect touch, creating delightful desserts that highlight Greek culture. Beyond yogurt, the ice cream flavors are rich and satisfying. The cozy interior is inviting, perfect for taking a break during a day of sightseeing.
Treat your family to a sweet break at Stani and add a delicious, memorable touch to your experience in Athens with kids.
Evening Fun & Relaxation for Families
In Athens, there are unique evening activities perfect for relaxing with your family. Watch the sun set over historical ruins, or catch a movie under the stars. Enjoy the traditions and beauty that Athens offers families looking for memorable experiences.
Sunset at the Temple of Poseidon (Cape Sounion)
Watching the sunset at the Temple of Poseidon offers a magical end to the day. Located about an hour from Athens, Cape Sounion delivers stunning sea views. Arriving before sunset allows time to explore the ancient temple.
Kids will love imagining the myths surrounding Poseidon, the god of the sea. As the sun dips below the horizon, the lighting makes the marble columns glow, creating a captivating scene. Bring a picnic for an enchanting family dinner while enjoying nature’s beauty.
The experience is both relaxing and awe-inspiring, providing a perfect way to end a busy day in Athens with kids.
📍 Location: 1-hour from Athens
🎟️ Entrance Fee: Free to admire from outside
🕒 Best Time to Visit: Sunset
Watch the Changing of the Guard at Syntagma Square
Each evening at Syntagma Square, you can witness the changing of the guard at the Greek Parliament building. This traditional ceremony features the Evzones, elite soldiers dressed in distinctly Greek uniforms with pom-pom adorned shoes.
The precision and discipline during the ceremony can captivate audiences of all ages. Afterwards, enjoy a leisurely stroll through the nearby National Garden. As twilight sets in, Athens transforms, showcasing its unique blend of history and modernity.
This experience offers an authentic taste of Greek culture and creates lasting memories for families exploring Athens with kids.
📍 Location: Syntagma Square
🎟️ Entrance Fee: Free
🕒 Best Time to Visit: On the hour
Catch an Outdoor Movie at Cine Thisio
Round off an evening by catching an outdoor movie at Cine Thisio, hailed as one of the best outdoor cinemas in the world. Nestled against the backdrop of the Acropolis, the cinema provides a unique film-watching experience.
Families can watch a blend of classic and recent films, often in their original language with Greek subtitles. Kids are especially captivated by the ambiance as stars twinkle overhead. Snacking on traditional Greek treats, like souvlaki or baklava, adds to the enjoyment.
This activity combines entertainment with a classic Athenian vibe, just right for spending a cozy evening in Athens with kids.
📍 Location: Thissio
🎟️ Entrance Fee: €8 (adults), €6 (kids)
🕒 Best Time to Visit: Evening
Final Thoughts
Visiting Athens with kids can be an exciting and educational experience for the entire family. The city is a living history book, where ancient ruins sit side by side with bustling modern life.
You’ll find a mix of activities that keep young ones entertained while also enriching their minds with stories of ancient myths and legends.
Must-Visit Spots:
- Acropolis Museum: Perfect for learning about the ancient world.
- National Garden: Offers a peaceful break from the city hustle with plenty of space for kids to run around.
- Stavros Niarchos Foundation Cultural Center: A delightful mix of culture and green space.
For the foodies, there are plenty of treats to enjoy in Athens with kids. Savor souvlaki, a popular local dish, and don’t miss out on the sweet taste of baklava. You’ll find these culinary delights in family-friendly spots like Klimataria Taverna and O Thanasis.
Accommodation choices are varied in Athens. For family comfort, try staying at the New Hotel, known for its quirky design and convenient location.
Alternatively, the Electra Metropolis offers stunning views and a rooftop pool.
Tips for an Enjoyable Trip:
- Consider using public transit to explore; it’s efficient and often an adventure for kids.
- Engage a local guide for a children’s tour to make historical sites more exciting.
- Don’t forget comfortable shoes! You’ll be walking quite a bit through this vibrant city.