Top 5 Things to Do in Greece with Kids

There are only a few countries in the world as family friendly as Greece. This gorgeous country offers a combination of incredible beaches, great weather, rich culture and history, and tons of outdoor activities. Indeed, Greece has something to offer for every family member. But with so many beautiful places to discover in Greece, deciding where to go and what to do can be tricky. So, here’s our list of the top things to do in Greece with kids.

1. Take a History Tour of Athens

As the country’s capital city, Athens is worth a stop on your family trip in Greece. It’s home to the famous Parthenon. Here, your kids will enjoy exploring the Acropolis rock and visualising how life must have been 2,000 years ago. Aside from the Parthenon, your history tour of Athens will also take you to the ancient Agora, another archaeological wonder guaranteed to delight your curious kids. 

There are also tons of museums specifically dedicated to kids in Athens. For instance, the Museum of Greek Children’s Art is centred around arts created by children. Your kids will have fun wandering through the galleries and checking out a wide range of collections at the museum. 

The other child-friendly highlights in Athens include exploring the National Garden, witnessing the Changing of the Guards in Syntagma Square, and trying out delicious Greek street foods, such as souvlaki and gyros.

2. Head to the Beach in Crete 

If there’s one Greek island that has everything, it’s got to be Crete. As the largest of all Greek islands, it’s almost a country in its own right, even having its own culture, traditions, and regional accent. But perhaps, the island’s biggest draw is its countless spectacular beaches. 

One of the most child-friendly beaches in Crete is Elafonissi Beach in Chania. It’s a lagoon in the western part of the island, which has shallow waters, safe enough for your toddlers to play. A short drive from Chania, you’ll find Marathi Beach, an ideal spot for families with kids. Its clean and shallow waters are well-protected from the winds, creating a safe place for kids to splash around. One of the best things about travelling to Crete with kids is you’ll have plenty of family-friendly accommodations to choose from. But if you want to make your family holiday truly relaxing, consider staying in a Greek family villa near the beach. 

Of course, there’s more to Crete than its beautiful beaches. The island has plenty of archaeological sites to explore, such as Knossos, the home of King Minos. The Venetian castles and the site of Phaistos are also great places to visit, especially for kids who love history.

3. Swimming Outside Santorini

If you’ve got an image in mind of what the Greek islands look like, it’s probably one of the islands in the Cycladic. And of all these islands, Santorini is the most popular. With its white-washed villages, blue-domed churches, and idyllic beaches with crystal clear waters, Santorini perfectly represents a beautiful Greek island. 

Swimming outside Santorini is one of the top things to do in Greece with kids. Due to the island’s past volcanic activity, the beaches in Santorini have a unique appeal. Perivolos Beach is a wonderful beach for families to visit since it’s well-organised. It’s about 3 km from Perissa town, on the southern side of Santorini and is easily accessible by car. The beach is equipped with many amenities, such as lifeguards, umbrellas, and public restrooms. 

If you’re looking for a beautiful beach with a unique landscape that the entire family will enjoy, check out Kamari Beach. Located on the east coast of Santorini, about 10 km southeast of the town of Fira, the beach is famous for its scenic views. The beach has a long promenade lined with shops, cafes, restaurants, and hotels. There are also long chairs and umbrellas from which the adults can lounge around while the kids play at the shore.

4. Small Ship Cruise Island Hopping 

A small ship cruise island hopping in Greece is exciting for families with kids. As you know, kids love adventure, and enjoying the big blue seas from a sunny deck can be very relaxing for everyone. Most of the Greek islands are well-connected, and you’ll have plenty of route options to choose from. 

There is no island too small or too large for your family to conquer. Some islands are more cosmopolitan than others, while many secluded islands offer calm and serenity and are home to untouched beautiful beaches covered in whitewashed houses and old fortifications. 

Athens would be a great starting point for your island hopping in Greece. Take advantage of the proximity of the marinas to explore famous sites like the Parthenon and the Acropolis. Then set off to Aegina, which has the right number of beaches not prone to mass tourism. From Aegina, sail to Poros, which is also close to Athens. 

After spending some time in Poros, set sail to Palaia Epidavros, a remote destination known mainly as an escape for sailors living in Athens. For families interested in history, you’ll see some artefacts here. Stop by the theatre, which is only a 10-min walk from the bay.