Archaeology for Kids in Crete | Hands-on Activities in Chania

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Last Updated on April 3, 2024 by Celeste.

Archaeology for Kids in Crete

Archaeology for kids doesn’t have to be boring. We visited a special place in Crete where we tried to become archaeologists for a day. Read on about our exciting experience in Archaeolab!

We went to Kissamos, a small town just a half-hour easy drive from Chania in Crete. Our first is the archaeological museum featuring findings from the western part of Crete, mostly Polyrenia, Falasarna, and other smaller ancient towns in the area.

Archaeological Museum of Kissamos

The museum was founded in 2005, and it is housed in a two-floor Venetian monument that once hosted the Headquarters of the Governor of the area. On the ground floor, you will basically admire the findings from Ancient Falasarna and Polyrenia which flourished during the Hellenistic period as well as findings from the prior Minoan era.

On the first floor, you will admire the mosaics that are in very good condition from the Hellenistic period of the area, along with other findings, such as coins, amphorae, jewelry, and tomb findings.

Archaeolab Hands-on archaeology activity for kids

After the museum, we visit Αrchaeolab, the only hands-on activity for archaeology for kids in Crete. A child’s paradise where for the next two hours the kids will enjoy making their own excavations.

We will meet Mrs. Koula Bourboudaki, an archaeologist with a busy schedule, who will welcome us and explain the project she is running.

Archaeology at Archaeolab with Kids

Archaeolab offers kids the opportunity to experience an excavation process, the process of documentation and management of the archaeological finds, and to understand how archaeologists reconstruct the past, based on the findings.

Children are invited to bring an ancient Minoan premise to light, following the instructions given, following the protocols of the archaeologists, and doing professional work.

Kids are invited to reveal: architectural elements (walls/floor residues), storage jars and their contents, constructions, and utensils for the preparation and the production of the food (kitchen), wine press, loom residues, and treasure crypts.

In the process of excavation, kids practice various aspects of contemporary archaeological practice (backfill removal techniques, water, and dry sieve, findings sorting/classification, etc.) and as the sets of findings are revealed, the excavation process resembles the gradual solving of a mystery.

After the excavation, a second lab is taking place, where children are introduced to the art of pottery or other ecological practices. We were amazed to see the construction of a Neolithic house which was made by small children.

Don’t miss the opportunity for something so unique. This place for archaeology for kids in Crete is great. You will never have felt better seeing your children so dusty and proud! – Anastasia

How to get to Archeolab from Chania

Archaeolab can be reached by car via the E65 main road from Chania towards Kissamos, taking about 35 minutes. You can also take a taxi for an average fair of 30 – 40 Euro. A local bus leaves from the Chania central bus station and the journey takes 1,5 hours. Archaeolab address: Tompazi 16, Kissamos, Crete 73400, Greece.

Where to stay in Crete

Crete is a great island for families with many choices in family-friendly accommodation styles from luxury resorts to private vacation villas. We have listed the most kid-friendly areas and things to do in Crete per region in our post Where to stay in Crete with Kids.

For a list of recommended tried and test family hotels and recommended kid-friendly resorts as well as Agrotourism for families, scroll over to The Best Family Hotels in Crete!

Things to do in Crete with Kids

If you are looking for more things to do in Crete with Kids, have a look at the following blog posts:

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