Greeks adore children, and Athens is a city where little ones are welcome everywhere, even in tavernas late in the evening. Ancient history, told through myths, becomes an adventure: the Parthenon is the home of Athena, the goddess who won the contest with Poseidon by giving the Athenians the olive tree; the Erechtheion is where the sea god struck the rock with his trident. Reading a few stories together before the trip helps: see Greek myths for schools and Athena.
Monuments with children
| Place | Why children like it | Tip |
|---|---|---|
| Acropolis | The climb, the gigantic temples, the view | Go at opening time; no buggies, use a carrier |
| Acropolis Museum | The glass floor over the excavations, the Caryatids | The museum offers family trails and activities |
| Agora | Space, trees, tortoises, the temple of Hephaestus | Perfect for a picnic in the shade |
| Changing of the guard | The uniforms, the funny steps, the Sunday band | Arrive a few minutes early |
| Panathenaic Stadium | Running the Olympic track and climbing the podium | Ideal after a museum |
| Lycabettus | The funicular and the view from the top | At sunset, with a jacket |
Parks and green spaces
The National Garden, behind Parliament, has ponds with ducks and turtles, a small zoo, a playground and plenty of shade. The park of the Stavros Niarchos Foundation Cultural Center, by the sea at Faliro, is Athenian families' favourite: lawns, water games, bike hire, free workshops and a canal to walk along. See the Riviera.
Museums and activities
- The Eugenides Foundation Planetarium in Palaio Faliro, with dome shows and an interactive science museum.
- The Goulandris Natural History Museum in Kifissia, with dinosaurs and animals.
- The Children's Museum and the workshops of the Benaki and Cycladic Art museums, often in English.
- Attica Zoological Park at Spata, near the airport, with animals from around the world and Greek wildlife.
- The battleship Averof, a museum ship at Faliro, where you can explore decks and cabins.
- Open-air cinemas in summer, often showing films in the original language.
The sea
On hot days the best solution is the Riviera, reached by tram: organised beaches at Glyfada, Voula and Vouliagmeni, shallow water in many bays and Lake Vouliagmeni, where the water is warm all year. See the Riviera.
Practical tips
- Heat: in summer visit outdoor sites early in the morning and late in the afternoon; in the middle of the day rest, a museum or the beach.
- Buggies: at archaeological sites the ground is uneven and the marble slippery; a baby carrier is more practical. Plaka and the archaeological promenade, however, are easy.
- Entry: children and young people enter state sites and museums free.
- Transport: small children travel free on public transport; someone always gives up a seat on the metro.
- Food: souvlaki, meatballs, pasta, yoghurt with honey and loukoumades win over even fussy eaters. See where to eat.
- Where to stay: Koukaki, Makrygianni and Pangrati are quiet and convenient; an apartment with a kitchen makes life easier. See where to stay.
See also itineraries and day trips, including the Corinth Canal and the Saronic islands, much loved by children.