With a downtown area that is compact, safe, and boasts several parks, playgrounds, and many kid-friendly activities, Athens can be an ideal vacation destination for families. Best of all, Greeks love children and welcome them everywhere. Are you wondering what toddlers can do in Greece? Here are the top things to do in Athens with toddlers!
Top Things To Do in Athens with Toddlers
1 Historical center of Athens stroll around
The historical center is great for a stroll with toddlers. The cobblestone roads are not difficult to navigate with a stroller (you need a sturdy one, though). Most of the historical center around the Acropolis is car-free. Start from Dionysiou Areopagitou street and walk all the way up to the entrance of the Acropolis.
During this walk, you will get to admire all the famous monuments around the Acropolis while your kids will admire the colorful street artist, food stands, and souvenir vendors. Don’s miss the Plaka neighborhood to enjoy Acropolis views and car-free walks.
If you are interested to join an organized tour around Athens’ famous sites, have a look at these family friendly guided (walking) tours in Athens.
2 Visit the National Garden
For rest and relaxation, as well as a good number of things to see and do, visit the National Garden. Right in the heart of Athens, between Syntagma Square and the Kallimarmaro (Panathenaic Stadium), this former Royal Garden is a must-visit in Athens with young kids.
The park is freely accessible and there are well-paved walking paths for your stroller. Inside the gardens is a modern wooden playground covered by trees for shade. You will also find a mini zoo with some goats and rabbits, a turtle pond, and a small but picturesque lake with ducks.
The zoo inside the National Garden is small. If your kids love animals, and you want to explore more petting places, read our post about Animal parks in Athens.
For a tour around the National Garden and other relaxing spots in Athens, check Athens Instagram Tour: the most scenic spots
3 Feed the pigeons and watch the Presidential Guard
Combine your visit to the National Garden with a stop at Syntagma Square. In front of the parliament building, you can watch the impressive ceremony of the changing of the guards or ‘Evzones’. This spectacle takes place every hour and is an attraction for young and old. While parents admire the march of the guards at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier, kids will love the numerous pigeons and colorful street vendors. Don’t miss the beautiful fountain in the middle of the square!
Having been exploring downtown with my kids so often, I created a walking tour for parents with young kids. In One day in Athens with Kids Walking Tour, you can find the walking route starting from Syntagma Square.
You can also watch the National Guard and other hotspots during a guided organized private tour.
4 Beach play on the Athens Coast
The Athens Riviera is the place to be for parents with young kids! Kids will love swimming in the turquoise waters of the golden beaches on the Athens Coast. Besides sand and water play at the beaches of Kavouri, Glyfada, Voula and Lagonissi, you can also find accessible walks, beautiful sunsets, food options, and playgrounds along the coast. The Athens Riviera is easily accessible via tramway from the center.
You can find a list of tried and tested activities and things to do with kids on the Athens Riviera in Top Things to do on the Athens Coast with Kids.
If you rather visit the Athenian Riviera with a guide, check out these organized experiences on the Athens Coast.
5 Athens with Toddler: Take a One-Day Cruise
For a luxurious and relaxed family excursion, we also recommend a one-day cruise from Athens to the Saronic Islands (Hydra, Poros, Aegina, Agistri). You may wonder if this is toddler suitable, but we can tell you from experience that it’s definitely possible. The cruise boats are comfortable in indoor areas, safe for young kids to run around or admire the view from the windows. Kids will love swimming in the turquoise waters, listening to the seagulls, and enjoying playing games while parents unwind and savor Greek delicacies.
You can find our review of the cruise with young kids in A One-Day Cruise from Athens and Best Family-Friendly Day Trips from Athens. Click here to book your own one-day-cruise to the Saronic islands.
6 Tour the Athens Riviera
Besides sand and water fun on the beautiful beaches, the Athens Riviera hosts several other family-friendly activities. If you rent a car, we recommend you to visit the Archelon Sea Turtle Protection Society and Lake Vouliagmeni. Kids will meet the Greek sea turtle, Caretta Caretta, which hatches exclusively on the Greek coast. The brackish Lake Vouliagmeni is nearby and offers thermal waters and stunning nature.
If you don’t swim, you can explore the green area next to the water (with a play area) or have lunch in the restaurant. You can end your Athens Riviera tour at the stunning archaeological site of Cape Sounion where families can watch the sunset over the Temple of Poseidon. It is the perfect trip for young families.
Click here to book your own guided tour around the Athens Riviera
7 Lunch at Flisvos Marina
The Floisvos Park Marina in Paleo Faliro is a few tram stops away from Athens center. It hosts one of the largest public playgrounds in the city. Here you can enjoy the fresh sea air, sea views, innovative game constructions, and a special play area for the little ones. Inside the marina, young kids will love watching the boats and the grass areas. There is also a small entertainment park with a bouncy castle (with supervision), bumper cars, a carousel, and lots of candy. For lunch, you can opt for one of the family-friendly restaurants inside the Flisvos Marina such as TGI Friday’s with high chairs, a kids menu, and some toys for the kids. Don’t forget the ice cream!
You can read more here about our experience at the Flisvos Playground in Athens.
PS: The Benaki Toy Museum is right opposite the Flisvos Marina. It’s small and exhibits toys from antiquity till today from all over the world.
8 The Stavros Niarchos Foundation
For more outdoor play near the sea, head to the Stavros Niarchos Foundation (SNFCC). The SNFCC is a multifunctional, environmentally sustainable center of education, arts, sports, and recreation. This place is attractive for toddlers because there is a large lush garden landscape featuring toddler-age-appropriate wooden playgrounds, water fountains, accessible walking paths, a labyrinth, and many other outdoor surprises. There are also picnic areas, family-friendly cafés, libraries, and organized activities for kids. This center is one of the top destinations for parents in Athens!
9 Attica Zoological Park & Aquapolis
The Attica Zoological Park is located outside of the city near Athens Airport. Young kids will love the up-close animal exhibits, the petting farm, and the playground at the Attica Zoo Park. Among the zoo’s other family activities are a Birds of Prey educational program, a small natural history museum, and lots of grass areas for a picnic. Next to the Zoo is Aquapolis, an animal-themed water park with a designated play area for toddlers. You can visit both places in one day.
Here you can read our review of the Aquapolis Water Park.
Is Athens Toddler Friendly?
I believe that it is. There are car-free roads in the historic center, the metro station is stroller accessible, and generally, Greeks love kids. The weather in Greece helps to be out and about and Athens is a safe city for parents, or women, to be going around. Are there any challenges? Yes, there are always when traveling with kids. But with a positive mindset and an open attitude, we believe that you will have a great time in Athens with your todds!
Athens with Young Kids
If you are interested in an organized tour focussed on kids, I recommend you to read my tour reviews 4 Exciting Walking Tours in Athens with Kids.
For more fun ideas in Athens, have a look at Top Things to do in Athens with Children. For outings with babies and toddlers, we also recommend the following articles:
