Athens with kids

Athens is a beautiful city, and what makes it even more special is that it is surrounded by the sea. From Athens you can go to so many islands or even do island hopping! But you can also enjoy the city itself with your family and children.

We asked Dimitra Zavakou, a Greek person born in Athens for her tips when discovering the capital with children in tow. Dimitra is living in Berlin, Germany these days and runs the creative studio Little Pop Up.

I would always recommend to visit Athens before or after your summer holidays. But what can you do when you are there with your children? Here are some tips:

A must visit is of course the Acropolis and its museum

The Acropolis of Athens and its monuments are universal symbols of the classical spirit and civilization and form the greatest architectural and artistic complex bequeathed by Greek Antiquity to the world. (Source: UNESCO)
The unique energy is felt immediately and of course one can not miss a visit to the Acropolis.
Not to mention that a visit to the museum can help you explore even more in depth details about this archaeological site. Check out their schedule as they also do have workshops for children over 7 years old.

The Acropolis Museum

A visit at Plaka and Monastiraki

Walk between the small stores from Plaka to Monastiraki, where people can buy special things, from herbs to souvenirs, sandals and even carpets! Discover hidden treasures, bargain when you can and also treat yourself and your family with the Greek cuisine at the various tavernas and enjoy a direct view to the Acropolis.

Monastiraki and Plaka will remind you that the market (agora) has always been a part of our culture. One of my favorite museums in Plaka is The Hellenic Children’s Museum. Check out their schedule and opening times before you visit. You can of course find workshops in English but you would need to contact them before.

As stated on their site, children can broaden their knowledge and experiences in many different areas.

The exhibit Hello Pythagoras helps children understand the concept of geometry. In the playground, they can play with building materials to create different constructions. At the marketplace, they are taught about the concept of supply and demand, and in the kitchen area, they experiment with food ingredients and recipes and have the opportunity to try their hand at cooking.

Picnic at Filopappou

On a warm sunny day, enjoy the shade of Filopappou with a picnic. The hill of the nine Muses, offers a great view of the Acropolis. With pine trees, extinct turtles and more than 100 species of birds. Kids and adults will enjoy this place equally.

Stavros Niarchos Foundation Cultural Center

The Stavros Niarchos Foundation Cultural Center offers a multi complex of arts, education and entertainment. As a support to The National Llibrary of Greece, and the Greek National Opera the Stavros Niarchos Foundation was created. Offering an environmentally responsible park with water, playgrounds, green areas, trees, endemic plants such as oregano, thyme, lavender, rosemary, roses, euphorbias and more. One can really lay back and relax here. This is one of the largest projects donated to the Greek citizens by Stavros Niarchos.
This impressive complex by Italian architect Renzo Piano, has so many activities for adults and kids. You can find artistic gymnastics, workshops, screenings, exhibitions and tours, as well as bike rentals and a rectangular lake.

Shopping downtown

I love the special boutiques from all over the world for their uniqueness and mostly for the personality of their owners. If you are looking for kids clothes visit Poupee Store at Kolonaki. Then go to Dexameni and have a coffee and ice! Finish your day with an open air cinema with your kids or check the concerts at Lycabettus.

Other kids boutiques I like are Frog and the Crown at Neo Psychiko and online Cotton Baby and Alice on board. Also check Ocean Hero for impeccable swim wear.

Visit Balux

Directly on the beach, Balux – this house project is a family paradise. Restaurant, lounge and activities directly by the sea! The concept of this project is to make you feel as if you enter a space with different design rooms: living room, library, playroom or the dining room and a big playground. Explore them all. Start with your bathing suit and stay all day long with family and friends.

Beaches

Kavouri
With a big playground under the trees and several points to have a snack, this place is ideal to spend the whole day. The beach is called Kavouri taking its name from crabs, which you can find there. Kids like to observe them. And if your kids like skimboarding, this is the perfect place as it is long and sandy.

Limanakia
These are several beaches one after the other. Choose any, because they are all amazing. Your kids need to be a little older as these place have rocks. The deal is: jumping all day in the water and climbing back up again! Great fun.

As a big lover of the sea and depending on your kids ages, I would suggest to go on a sailing trip or try a diving school. Check local schools like Vythos that offer a lot of possibilities.

 

Thank you Dimitra!

 

You love to discover new cities with your family? How about New York with children or Paris must-do’s?

 

Slider: Oleksii Khodakivskiy on Unsplash