10 fun family-friendly activities in Athens

Athens is a city steeped in history and bursting with life, making it an incredible destination for family exploration. Whether you seek the best Greek food to try or the best things to do in Athens in summer, there is something for you.

This ultimate guide to Athens for families uncovers the mystical world of Greek mythology with the best museums in Athens. Journey back in time to the oldest neighborhood, Plaka, and catch a glimpse of marine life at the Cretaquarium. This guide is designed to provide a taste of the countless family-friendly activities waiting for you in this magical city. Adventure awaits. Here are the top 10 best things to do in Athens with kids.

1. Embark on an Odyssey at Athens National Gardens

Engage your child's imagination with a picnic amidst the lush greenery and playgrounds at the Athens National Gardens, and make your own Odyssey by discovering the numerous ancient ruins scattered throughout the gardens. Encourage your little photographers with the Athens Instagram Tour: The Most Scenic Spots, taking in the National Gardens among many other picturesque locations.

Best time to go:

The best time to visit Athens National Gardens is during late spring or during the fall months.

Address and opening hours:

Leof. Vasilisis Amalias 1, Athina 105 57, Greece. Open daily 6:00 AM-7:00 PM.

2. Experience history at the Acropolis Museum

The Acropolis Museum is one of the top kid-friendly attractions in the city as well as one of the best museums in Athens. It offers a window into ancient history with kid-friendly exhibits and interactive displays. The museum also offers dedicated educational programs designed specifically for children.

Best time to go:

Visit during the earlier hours of the day to avoid heavier crowds during the middle of the day.

Address and opening hours:

Athens 105 58, Greece. Open daily 8:00 AM-8:00 PM.

3. Enjoy panoramic views from Mount Lycabettus

For one of the most breathtaking things to do with children, take a funicular ride to the top of Mount Lycabettus. Enjoy panoramic views of the city and let your children spot famous Athens landmarks from this towering vantage point.

Best time to go:

Visit Mount Lycabettus during sunset for unparalleled views of the surrounding landscape.

Address and opening hours:

Athens 114 71, Greece. The cable car operates daily from 9:00 AM-1:30 AM, though services may stop sooner during winter months.

4. Step back in time at the Athens War Museum

The Athens War Museum offers an engaging way for children to learn about Greece's military history. From ancient wars to more recent conflicts, the vast array of exhibits and life-size replicas of airplanes and tanks are sure to captivate young minds.

Best time to go:

Go on Sunday mornings so you can catch the Grand Changing of the Guards at Hellenic Parliament at 11 AM. Otherwise, you can catch the "regular" changing of the guards every hour daily.

Address and opening hours:

Rizari 2-4, Athina 106 75, Greece. Open daily, 9:00 AM-7:00 PM. Hours may differ on Sundays.

5. Witness ancient Greek architecture at the Ancient Theatre of Epidaurus

One of the most impressive things to do in Athens with kids is a visit to the Ancient Theatre of Epidaurus. Its incredible acoustics and grandeur are still intact, allowing your family to witness a masterpiece of Greek architecture. It’s not uncommon for performances to still be held here, which can be a real treat.

Best time to go:

At sunset for golden hues over the theatre.

Address and opening hours:

Επίδαυρος 210 52, Greece. Open daily 8:00 AM-8:00 PM.

6. Learn about Greek mythology at the Museum of Cycladic Art

The Museum of Cycladic Art is a fantastic place for children to learn about Greek mythology. The museum also hosts family-friendly workshops and activities regularly.

Best time to go:

Early morning or late afternoon are the best times to visit, and during the months of March and November, when there are less crowds.

Address and opening hours:

Neofitou Douka 4, Athina 106 74, Greece. Open 10:00 AM-5:00 PM Monday-Saturday with the exception of Tuesday when it is closed. Open 11:00 AM-5:00 PM on Sundays.

7. Walk through history in Plaka

Plaka is Athens' oldest district. A walk through its labyrinthine streets will transport your family back to old Athens. The district is also home to numerous shops, cafes, and traditional Greek tavernas.

Best time to go:

Early mornings are best to explore the area, just as the cafes and shops start to open and it's not crowded yet.

Address and opening hours:

Plaka District, Athens, Greece. Accessible 24 hours, though individual businesses may vary.

8. Take a mythical journey on the Athens Happy Train

Family-friendly activities in Athens include a sightseeing tour aboard the Athens Happy Train. This charming train takes you on a 60-minute journey through the historical center, passing many of its most famous sights.

Best time to go:

It's best to go in the morning so you can get a lay of the land and decide where to explore further.

Address and opening hours:

Ermou 1, Athina 105 63, Greece. Open daily, 9:30 AM-10:00 PM.

9. Engage with interactive exhibits at the Museum of Illusions

The Museum of Illusions challenges perceptions and encourages exploration, making it a top pick among the many fun activities for kids in Athens. Don't miss the Infinity Room, Vortex Tunnel, and Ames Room. Kids find these exhibits particularly mind-boggling.

Best time to go:

Head out earlier in the day to avoid the crowds and enjoy a relaxed visit at your own pace.

Address and opening hours:

Ermou 119 Entrance from, Astiggos 12, Athina 105 55, Greece. Open daily 10:00 AM-10:00 PM. It stays open an hour later on weekends.

10. Bask in the sun at Vouliagmeni Lake

Vouliagmeni Lake, located a short drive from Athens, is a natural lake with warm, therapeutic waters. The lake's unique ecosystem makes it a natural spa, perfect for a relaxing day trip. There's also a play area for kids, making it a family-friendly destination.

Best time to go:

Head out early to make a day of it.

Address and opening hours:

Vouliagmeni 166 71, Greece. Tour times vary.

FAQs

What are some of the top family-friendly attractions in Athens?

Athens has a plethora of family-friendly attractions to keep children entertained. The Acropolis Museum and the National Gardens are just a few of the places that offer interactive experiences for children. The Allou! Fun Park, the city's largest amusement and water park, is also a great option. The Athens Happy Train offers a fun and relaxing way to see the city's sights, while the Playmobil FunPark in the suburbs is a hit with children.

What are the best museums for kids in Athens?

The Acropolis Museum and the Museum of Cycladic Art provide excellent introductions to Greek history and mythology. For a different experience, the Museum of Illusions offers mind-bending exhibits that challenge perceptions. The Hellenic Children's Museum and the Museum of Greek Children's Art promote creativity and learning through play. Finally, the Athens War Museum provides an engaging way to learn about the country's military history.

What are some fun outdoor activities for kids in Athens?

The National Gardens has playgrounds and ancient ruins, is a great place to spend a sunny day. A funicular ride to the top of Mount Lycabettus offers panoramic views of the city. Vouliagmeni Lake is a great place to swim in a natural, warm lake. The Stavros Niarchos Foundation Cultural Center has a vast park where kids can play, cycle, and paddle in a canal.

What are some unique and off-the-beaten-path experiences to have in Athens with kids?

Athens offers a variety of unique experiences that go beyond the typical tourist trail. A visit to the Ancient Theatre of Epidaurus can be an unforgettable experience, especially if you catch a live performance. The Eugenides Planetarium offers a fascinating journey into the cosmos. Walking through the Plaka district gives you a feel for old Athens.

What are some fun day trips from Athens that are suitable for families with kids?

Playmobil FunPark in the suburbs of Athens is a hit with kids of all ages. Vouliagmeni Lake, just a short drive from the city, is a great place to swim, sunbathe, and relax.