The Ultimate Guide To Explore Athens With Kids

– This post was written by Emma Levin –

Athens is an exciting hub of ancient history, vibrant culture, and delicious cuisine. If you’re wondering if you should visit Athens with kids, you’ll be happy to know it’s the perfect place for your next family vacation.

With over 5,000 years of history in the city, there are plenty of engaging and fun things to do in Athens. Between the ancient attractions and legendary Greek myths, many children are mesmerized by the exciting characters and dramatic stories found within the city walls. It won’t be as difficult to find child-friendly activities as it will be to narrow down your list of must-sees! 

So, if you’re planning your next big family trip, spend time perusing this ultimate guide to visiting Athens with kids. There are several family-friendly activities, neighborhood recommendations, and a quick guide to the best time to visit Athens. This incredible city is guaranteed to provide an enriching life experience and an unforgettable family vacation.

Six fun things to do in Athens with kids 

1. The Acropolis 

The Acropolis is one of the landmarks that you absolutely cannot miss while exploring Athens with kids. The ancient site is home to many beautiful ruins and architecture, like the Theatre of Herodes Atticus, the Erechtheion Temple, the Theatre of Dionysus, and the Panathenaic Way. Finally, as you approach the top of the Acropolis, you’ll arrive at the amazing columns of the Parthenon, Athena’s temple. 

As you plan to visit one of the most iconic outdoor activities in Athens, remember to grab this skip-the-line ticket to avoid waiting in long lines. Also, it’s easy to spot the beautiful Acropolis from most central city areas. You may want to make a few dinner reservations at rooftop restaurants to see the Parthenon as it presides over the city. 

2. The Olympic Games Workout in Athens

This fun, action-packed activity will have the whole family laughing as you learn about the ancient Greek Olympics. You’ll race one another in the first modern Olympic Stadium, the Panathenaic Stadium, and learn about the first modern Olympics held in Athens in 1896.  

Get ready to compete against your family and friends by participating in original Olympic Games like shot put and long jump. You’ll work out in a 19th-century gym and learn how the Olympic Games were transformed for the modern age. 

It’s one of the best outdoor activities in Athens, especially if you have kids who enjoy sports. Grab your tickets to this unusual experience for what may just be the highlight of your trip.

3. Koilon Theatrical Show 

This hilariously entertaining theater performance should be at the top of your list of fun things to do in Athens. The show follows a 21st-century tourist transported 2,500 years ago to embark on a whirlwind odyssey of ancient Athens. 

It’s an educational and entertaining show designed to teach a modern audience about Greek history and mythology. It’s an easy way to introduce Greek history to your kids so they can better appreciate their trip to Athens. 

Plus, the show is set underneath the Acropolis, offering a stunning backdrop and a better context of Greek mythology. Be sure to grab tickets so you and your family can laugh with Grecian actors as they journey through ancient Athens. 

 Insider Tip: Looking to grab some dinner before heading to the show? There are plenty of delicious restaurants near the Acropolis, many of them with incredible rooftop views. Couleur Locale is a beautiful rooftop restaurant with delicious food for kids of all ages, like burgers, pizza, and finger food.

4. Museum of Illusions Athens: Skip The Line Ticket

This mind-altering museum is a wonderful break from learning about Greek history and mythology. Test the limits of your brain as you and the kids try to make sense of these amazing illusions. 

The museum is designed to teach visitors about perception and psychology. There are several different illusion rooms and installations that are sure to make the kids giggle, and the parents break out the camera. 

Walk through a colorful kaleidoscope, maintain your balance in the Upside Down Room or do your best to avoid Plato’s Intense Gaze. These visual and sensory illusions create a playful environment, making it one of the most fun things to do in Athens.

5. Live Ancient Greek Murder Mystery

This family-friendly activity makes learning about Greek history a lot more fun and engaging. It’s an interactive theater experience that uses vibrant characters to teach the audience about life in Ancient Greece.

You’ll be transported back in time to the 5th century BC to help a quirky police officer, Nikarchos, solve a murder. You’ll help him piece together clues, interview suspicious subjects, and search for holes in characters’ stories.

Don’t let the murder mystery theme sway you–the show is child-friendly with plenty of comedic moments. Plus, it’s set on a modern rooftop in central Athens that overlooks the stunning Acropolis. This lighthearted and educational adventure is one of the best activities to do in Athens with kids.  

6. Athens: Street Food Tour

If you’re planning to visit Athens with kids, then you’d be wise to combine food and culture into one activity. This Athens Street Food Tour will teach your family about thousands of years of Greek culture while you munch on delicious cuisine. 

Eat your way through Athens as you try out different delicacies, like local produce, grilled meats and vegetables, Greek coffee, and olives, of course! The guide is very enthusiastic and passionate about the local dishes, and they’re ready to answer any questions you have about Greek culture. 

This is one of the best outdoor activities in Athens, where you’ll meet locals and become familiar with popular Greek food. Make sure you and the kids bring big appetites! 

Insider Tip: The Athens Street Food Tour ends in the Monastiraki neighborhood, one of the oldest and most central areas of Athens. Within this neighborhood, you’ll find many local artisans, street vendors, and entertainers all vying for your attention. Spend some time exploring this iconic neighborhood, which represents a sort of modern-day Agora, an Ancient Greek mall. While walking through Monastiraski, you’ll see many historic ruins, like the Ancient Agora and the Gate of Athena Archegetis.

Where to stay in Athens with kids

Athens is a very child-friendly city, and the Greeks are known for their multigenerational families. However, there are a few neighborhoods that are safer and better for those traveling in Athens with kids. 

Kolonaki

Kolonaki is a central neighborhood that’s still far from the bustle of the crowds. It’s near all the major attractions but with much quieter and cleaner streets. It’s also known for its upscale shopping boutiques with several parks and playgrounds within its limits. It’s adjacent to the Athens National Garden, which is a beautiful large park with native and exotic flora. Since it’s mainly a residential area, you may have to leave the neighborhood if you ever have a night off from the kids. If you’re looking for a kid-friendly place to stay in Kolonaki, the St. George Lycabettus Lifestyle Hotel is a great choice. It’s a family-owned hotel with spacious, comfortable rooms and incredible views of the Acropolis.

Pagrati 

Pagrati is another central neighborhood close enough to the historical sites minus the overwhelming crowds. Pagrati has become artistic and hip in recent years while still maintaining its middle-class roots. There are plenty of art galleries, sidewalk cafés, and traditional tavernas for families to enjoy. It’s also home to the Panathenaic Stadium for any fans of the Olympic Games. The Omnia Pagrati Apartments is a great choice for families who want to stay together while enjoying the perks of a fully equipped apartment. 

Plaka 

This neighborhood is in the main area of the city and in the shadow of the Acropolis. However, do not let the local tourist attractions keep you from staying in this area. This neighborhood is one of the oldest in Athens and is known for its quaint, narrow streets, colorful buildings, and cafés. It’s a gorgeous neighborhood where you’ll likely hear Greek music from the tavernas. However, the convenience of this neighborhood means some of the accommodations may be more expensive. The Home and Poetry Hotel is a solid choice, with ample space for both kids and parents. Many suites even offer a connecting room or loft perfect for children. 

Best time to visit Athens 

The best time to visit Athens is during the shoulder seasons, considered to be late April to early June and late September to early November. The shoulder months have the least amount of crowds, and the weather is more temperate. It is the best time to visit Athens because you can expect more mild temperatures and little rain compared to the winter months. 

The summer gets quite crowded in Athens since everyone has time off from school and work. Plus, the peak summer months of July and August reach very high temperatures under a scorching Greek sun. 

If you visit from November to March, the weather can be a bit unpredictable, but you may get lucky! It will be the least expensive to visit during this time of year, with very few people competing for a spot in front of the Acropolis. 

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Prepare for your next big trip to Athens by checking out this list of exciting things to do in the city.