Exploring Crete with kids: 12 family-friendly activities

The largest island in Greece, Crete is a haven for families looking to escape on a European holiday together. From toddlers to teens, there’s something for everyone to look forward to! Go snorkeling in the glittering Aegean Sea, explore ancient Greek archaeological sites, splash in the shallows at jaw-dropping beaches, or have a fun day at the island’s water parks. Crete is a destination that perfectly combines relaxation and fun experiences with family-friendly activities seemingly in every nook and cranny. If that sounds like the perfect vacation for you, get planning with this list of the best things to do in Crete with kids.

The best things to do with kids in Crete at a glance

The best thing to do with young kids in Crete: Crete is a haven for families with young children, but little ones will love exploring Dinosauria Park or the Acqua Water Park.

The best activity for teens in Crete: Teens will love heading out on adventurous activities in Crete, like exploring the island by Land Rover or hiking through the Samaria Gorge.

The best free, family-friendly experiences in Crete: Lounging on a beach is one of the best family-friendly things to do in Crete. The best part? It’s totally free!

1. Swim, splash, and lounge at Elafonissi Beach

Known for its magical pink sand, Elafonissi Beach isn’t just beautiful—it is also a great stretch of coast for a family-friendly beach day! Head to the far western edge of Crete to spend the day lounging in the sun, swimming in the ocean, and renting water sports equipment like SUPs, which is particularly fun for older children. You’ll find amenities like beach bars, umbrellas, lounge chairs, and bathrooms, which add to the family-friendly ante. Lifeguards are on duty during peak season.

Who is it recommended for?

Suitable for all ages.

Address

Kissamos 730 01.

2. Learn about Greek history at the Minoan Palace of Knossos

Uncover Crete’s fascinating history with your crew at the Minoan Palace of Knossos, one of Crete’s best museums. You’ll explore this UNESCO ancient Greek archaeological site, learning more about the island's unique history, once said to be the home of minotaurs. Remember that the Palace of Knossos is almost entirely exposed to the sun and lacks shade. Be sure to bring water and sunscreen!

Who is it recommended for?

Suitable for all ages.

Address and opening hours

Knossos 714 09. Open 8:00 AM–5:00 PM daily.

3. Take a traditional Cretan cooking class

Crete is known for its zingy, zesty Mediterranean cuisine. Dive into a cooking class with your kiddos, following the instructions of a local. Many cooking classes in Crete take place at local olive farms, allowing you to learn about the island’s olive farming and oil-making process. Not only will this help kids get excited about culinary experiences, but they might even be interested in testing ingredients they never had before.

Who is it recommended for?

Best for children 10 and older, but some tours allow all ages.

4. Dive below the waves without getting wet on a semi-submarine expedition

Have little ones that would love to see schools of fish swimming in the sea but aren’t quite old enough to snorkel? Hop on a semi-submarine to do just that. Semi-submarines are vessels that have an underwater seating area surrounded by glass windows. You’ll cruise around the Mediterranean, just off the coast of Agios Nikolaos on Crete’s northeastern coast, spotting different fish species along the way.

Who is it recommended for?

Suitable for all ages.

5. Slide down waterslides at Acqua Water Park

Take the entire family to Crete’s Acqua Water Park for a fun day of flying down water slides, wave pools, a young children’s swim area, a lazy river, and more. Families with teens will love testing their mettle on the extreme water slides or challenging each other on the racing slides. Little ones of all ages can also join in the fun in the Kids Area with splash pads, a central swimming pool, and playgrounds.

Who is it recommended for?

Children must be at least 4’ tall to use the larger water slides, but there is also a children’s water slide area.

Address and opening hours

Kastelli Road, Chersonisos 712 00.

6. See colorful fish and reefs on a snorkeling excursion

One of the best things to do in Crete with kids is set sail on a snorkeling excursion around the island. You’ll explore the nooks and crannies of the island on a luxury catamaran, stopping in glittering bays and alcoves to swim, snorkel, and lounge on the deck. Lunch, snacks, and beverages are also typically provided. This adventure is great for children of all ages, as you can also simply swim or enjoy the sailing portion of the cruise.

Who is it recommended for?

The sailing portion of most snorkeling excursions is suitable for all ages, but children must be over 5 years old to snorkel.

7. Explore Crete’s rugged interior by Land Rover

Looking to get teens and older children excited? Head out on a thrilling excursion, discovering a hidden side of Crete in a Land Rover. You’ll travel down rugged, backcountry roads to reach isolated areas of the island you would never see otherwise, stopping for a delicious local lunch along the way. Explore the countryside and its abandoned towns, tiny villages, remote beaches, and mountaintops with the entire family, making for one of the most memorable days of your trip.

Who is it recommended for?

Children 10 years of age and older.

8. See a life-size T. Rex at Dinosauria

Every family has a dinosaur lover! Head to Dinosauria, just outside Heraklion, to see life-size dinosaurs up close. See how dinosaurs roamed the earth at the robotic exhibits, visit the fossil museum, dig in the dirt at the excavation area, or watch VR movies at the 5D cinema. There are over 50 life-size dinosaurs to see along the way. Keep in mind that Dinosauria closes in the winter months.

Who is it recommended for?

Suitable for all ages.

Address and opening hours

DEKK, Gournes 715 00.

9. Learn more about the history of Crete at the Heraklion Archaeological Museum

Inspire the next generation of history buffs by seeking out the fascinating artifacts at the Heraklion Archaeological Museum. Along the way, you’ll discover bits and pieces of the past that have been collected from across the island, including busts, frescoes, jewelry, and pottery shards. Admission is inexpensive, so even if your kids have a short attention span, this museum is well worth the stop!

Who is it recommended for?

Suitable for all ages.

Address and opening hours

Ξανθουδίδη και, Chatzidaki 1, Iraklio 712 02. Open 8:30 AM–3:30 PM Thurs-Tues; 10:00 AM–5:00 PM Wed.

10. Walk through Chania

Chania is one of the largest cities on Crete, tucked in the northwest corner of the island. Explore the ancient city’s Old Town on foot as a fun activity for kids. Stroll the colorful streets, sample classic Cretan dishes, and learn about history from a guide who will reveal more about the city’s Ottoman and Venetian influences. This is also a great opportunity to snap fun family photos and pick souvenirs to remember your trip.

Who is it recommended for?

Suitable for all ages.

11. Hike through the Samaria Gorge

The Samaria Gorge is one of the most beautiful locations on Crete and the perfect place for a family adventure. Link up with a local guide who will guide you into the gorge, trekking down switchbacks until you reach the Tarraios River. Cool off in these cool streams before continuing down to a black sand beach. The hike is 10 miles in total and is considered difficult, which is important to remember if you have little ones in tow.

Who is it recommended for?

Children 6 and older will enjoy this most.

Address

Sfakia 730 11, Greece.

12. Sail out to Spinalonga Island

Once a leper’s colony, Spinalonga is a gorgeous island off the northern coast of Crete. Take a cruise or ferry out to this rocky isle to explore the ruins of the hospital, church, and living quarters of the hundreds of lepers who once lived here. Aside from its heartbreaking past, the island also serves as a great spot for swimming and snorkeling in Kolokythas Bay.

Who is it recommended for?

Suitable for all ages.

FAQ

What are the best museums for kids in Crete?

Head to the Heraklion Archaeological Museum so kids can connect the dots through history throughout your trip.

What are some fun outdoor activities for kids in Crete?

Kids will look forward to snorkeling, hiking, and sliding down water slides, just some of the endless outdoor activities in Crete.

What are some things to do with older children and teens in Crete?

Teens in particular, will love exploring Crete’s rugged landscapes by Land Rover. You’ll visit isolated beaches and tiny villages along the way, all while navigating back roads.

Where should I take young children in Crete?

Young children will love visiting Dinosauria Park or sliding down the waterslides at Acqua Water Park.

Are there any free kid-friendly activities in Crete?

There’s no better free kid-friendly activity in Crete than lounging on one of the island’s beautiful beaches. Elafonissi Beach is one of the best for small children due to its calm water, and teens will love the ability to rent water sports equipment.