ATHENS – THINGS TO DO WITH KIDS: A FAMILY-FRIENDLY TRAVEL GUIDE TO ANCIENT GREECE
Step into a city where legends were born, where gods once debated atop marble peaks, and where
history lives on in every stone. Welcome to Athens with kids — an unforgettable blend of ancient
wonders, modern fun, and sunshine-filled days designed to delight families of every size and age.
Whether you’re tracing the footsteps of mythological heroes, watching guards perform a perfectly
choreographed march, or exploring museums that invite you to touch, play, and discover — Athens
is a treasure chest of family adventures. And the best part? It’s all wrapped in that signature
Greek warmth, where kids are not only welcome, but celebrated.
This family travel guide is packed with must-sees, local tips, and memory-making moments —
perfect whether you’ve got a toddler in tow or a teen ready to snap every Instagram-worthy view.
Let’s get started on your Athenian odyssey!
THE ACROPOLIS WITH KIDS: A MYTHICAL ADVENTURE
No trip to Athens is complete without a visit to the Acropolis, the crown jewel of ancient Greece —
and believe it or not, it can be an absolute hit with children!
Make your ascent feel like a quest. Along the winding path up the hill, tell your kids about the
ancient competition between Athena, goddess of wisdom, and Poseidon, god of the sea. The
winner got to name the city. Poseidon struck the ground and created a saltwater spring. Athena, on
the other hand, gave the people a humble olive tree. Ask your kids: which would they have chosen?
Spoiler alert — Athena won, and the city still bears her name!
Bring water, hats, and plenty of sunblock if you’re visiting in summer. The terrain can be bumpy, so
baby carriers are better than strollers here. And once you reach the top? The sweeping view of
Athens is your reward — rooftops rolling out toward the sea, framed by the majestic Parthenon
standing tall behind you.
Tip: Arrive early in the morning or late afternoon to avoid the heat and the crowds.
The Acropolis Museum: Where History Becomes Play
Right at the foot of the Acropolis lies the Acropolis Museum, a sleek, modern space that brings
ancient history down to a child’s eye level.
This isn’t your average museum. Here, kids can walk on glass floors peeking down at real
excavation sites, handle replicas of ancient tools, and borrow themed backpacks filled with
games, puzzles, and scavenger hunts.
Don’t miss the miniature LEGO model of the Acropolis — a guaranteed hit. Kids can spot
temples, animals, even tiny tourists! And after a morning of exploring, head to the museum’s
rooftop café. It offers kid-friendly snacks and panoramic views of the Parthenon. It’s the perfect
spot for a cool drink and a little storytelling.
Changing of the Guard at Syntagma Square
Kids love a good show — and the Changing of the Guard at Syntagma Square delivers just that.
Happening every hour on the hour in front of the Hellenic Parliament, this ceremony features the
elite Evzones in traditional uniforms — white kilts, red caps, and pom-pom-tipped shoes. The
synchronized, slow-motion march, the stiff posture, and the solemn expressions are mesmerizing to
watch.
Tip: Arrive 10–15 minutes early for a front-row spot. The Sunday 11 AM ceremony is especially
elaborate, complete with a full marching band.
Mount Lycabettus: A Family-Friendly Ride to the Top
For panoramic views without a strenuous climb, head to Mount Lycabettus, the highest hill in
Athens.
Hop on the funicular railway — a quick, enclosed cable car that zips up the hillside. Kids love the
ride through the tunnel, and once you’re at the top, you’ll be treated to views stretching all the way
to the Aegean Sea on a clear day.
There’s a small chapel, a café, and lots of photo-worthy corners. Come for sunset if you can — it’s
magical.
Parks and Playgrounds: Take a Break in the Shade
Even the most enthusiastic explorers need time to rest and recharge. Luckily, Athens is dotted with
green spacesperfect for family breaks.
National Garden
Just behind the Parliament building lies the shady, stroller-friendly National Garden. This peaceful
haven is home to:
• Duck ponds
• Shady paths
• A small playground
• A petting zoo with goats, peacocks, and rabbits
Let your kids roam, snack on koulouri (a sesame bread ring), and enjoy a moment of calm away
from the bustling city streets.
Stavros Niarchos Foundation Cultural Center (SNFCC)
This modern cultural hub in the Kallithea district is a favorite for local families. It features:
• Wide stroller-friendly paths
• Fountains and splash zones
• A huge park with bike paths and open-air concerts
• Free weekend events, from puppet shows to storytelling sessions
Bring a blanket and enjoy an easy afternoon in the sun.
Museums with a Twist: Learning Through Fun
Hellenic Children’s Museum
Located in Plaka, this gem is designed for children aged 4–12. The exhibits are fully interactive and
cover:
• Ancient coin-making
• Science experiments
• Mini markets where kids can “shop” with pretend money
There’s also a small library and play zone for toddlers.
Museum of Illusions
Step into a world of wacky angles, disappearing heads, and rooms that turn reality upside down.
This small, central museum is pure fun and will have the whole family giggling. Don’t forget your
camera!
Goulandris Natural History Museum (Kifissia)
A short train ride north to Kifissia leads you to this nature-lover’s dream:
• Life-size dinosaurs
• Rocks, fossils, and crystals
• Insect exhibits and environmental workshops
Great for budding scientists and perfect for a cloudy day.
Herakleidon Museum
Dive into the fascinating world of ancient Greek technology — where kids can discover how the
ancients built cranes, designed musical instruments, and even invented the world’s first computer
(the Antikythera Mechanism).
The Athens Riviera: Sun, Sand & Splash Time
Just 30–45 minutes from the city center lies the beautiful Athens Riviera, a coastal escape filled
with family-friendly beaches.
Best Spots for Families:
• Vouliagmeni Beach: Organized, with shallow waters and umbrellas
• Alimos Beach: Easily accessible by tram, with play areas and calm surf
• Lake Vouliagmeni: A natural thermal lake with spa-like waters and fish that nibble your
feet (in the best way!)
Tip: Bring sand toys, floaties, and plan a seafood lunch by the water.
Athens with a Stroller: What to Expect
Athens is walkable, but it’s not always stroller-friendly — especially near historic ruins and in old
neighborhoods like Plaka. That said, plenty of areas are accessible and perfect for babies and
toddlers.
Easy-to-navigate spots:
• Ermou Street (pedestrian shopping zone)
• Kolonaki (stylish and stroller-friendly)
• SNFCC and National Garden
For the Acropolis and Agora, a baby carrier is the way to go. And the Athens metro is mostly
equipped with elevators — making it easier to move between destinations.
Family-Friendly Day Trips from Athens
Ready for a little escape? These day trips from Athens offer something special for families.
Aegina Island
Just a one-hour ferry ride from Piraeus port, Aegina is an ideal destination for a kid-friendly island
adventure. Visit:
• Calm beaches
• Pistachio stands (the island is famous for them!)
• The ancient Temple of Aphaia, a hidden gem with incredible views
Cape Sounion
At the southern tip of Attica, Cape Sounion is home to the stunning Temple of Poseidon, perched
on a cliff above the Aegean Sea. The sunset views are unforgettable, and the drive is scenic. Perfect
for an early evening picnic.
Attica Zoological Park
One of the largest zoos in southeastern Europe, located near the airport:
• Over 350 species, from lions to lemurs
• Educational exhibits and feeding times
• A perfect full-day activity if you’re traveling with animal lovers
Greek Food for Kids: Delicious and Family-Approved
Greek cuisine is a treat for little taste buds and grown-up palates alike.
Kid-approved favorites:
• Souvlaki: Grilled meat on a stick — easy and fun to eat
• Gyros: Wrapped in pita with fries and tzatziki
• Spanakopita: Spinach and cheese pie — crispy and delicious
• Pastitsio: A Greek version of lasagna
And of course — dessert!
Sweet treats to try:
• Loukoumades: Little honey-drenched dough balls, often topped with cinnamon
• Baklava: Flaky, nutty, sticky perfection
• Greek yogurt with honey and walnuts: A classic combo that kids and parents love
• Koulouri: Sesame bread rings perfect for on-the-go snacking
• Pistachio ice cream: Try it at Kokkion or Le Greche for local favorites
Festivals & Cultural Fun: Local Life for Little Travelers
Athens is a city of festivals — and many are surprisingly family-friendly!
Look for:
• Summer cultural festivals with outdoor theater, live music, and food stalls
• Technopolis in Gazi — a former gasworks turned cultural center with rotating exhibitions,
open-air markets, and science fairs
• The Christmas Factory — a winter wonderland with lights, crafts, rides, and yes, Santa!
Tip: Ask locals or your hotel about what’s happening during your stay. There’s often a neighborhood
celebration or church feast nearby.
Smart Tips for a Smooth Family Adventure
• Start early: Beat the heat and the crowds by heading out in the morning
• Stay hydrated: Carry water bottles, especially in summer
• Use the metro: Efficient, stroller-friendly, and fun for kids
• Break up busy days: Alternate sightseeing with fun stops like parks or cafés
• Plan for downtime: Kids need breaks. So do adults.
• Use city passes: Save on entry to major archaeological sites
• Always have snacks: You’ll thank us later!
Athens with Kids: A Trip to Remember
Whether you’re telling myths on the steps of the Acropolis, floating in a hidden lake, or chasing
pigeons through a marble square, Athens with kids is full of unexpected magic. It’s a city that
celebrates families, encourages discovery, and creates memories that last far beyond the flight
home.
So bring your sense of adventure, your camera, and your curiosity.
Because in Athens, the gods may have moved on — but the stories, the smiles, and the wonder are
still very much alive.