Summer Tips for Athens with Kids

When to go?

July and August are the months that most people come to Greece. These are also the hottest months of the year, with July being the hottest. For a family vacation with babies and young children, it is, therefore, best to visit Greece in May/June or in September/October. Not only is the temperature child- friendlier, it is less crowded at the holiday destinations too. The Greeks go on vacation in July and August and Athens empties in August, especially in the week of August 15th (during the celebration of the Assumption, one of the biggest celebrations of Orthodoxy) With the right preparation, this is a good to time to visit Athens.

Keep young kids away from the sun

Babies and young children can get ill during hot weather (dehydration, heat stroke, sunburn) Take the following precautions: babies less than 6-month-old should be kept out of the sun. Always bring a light sheet, umbrella/cover for your stroller. Young infants cannot be in the sun during the hottest hours of the day. Sun hats with a wide brim and protective flap on the back, protective clothing and sunscreen are a must. Make sure your children drink plenty of water.

Book your family hotel in Athens 

For July and August, make sure that you book your (air-conditioned) accommodation (and everything else such as ferry boat/air tickets etc.) well in advance. Choose one of the city hotels with a swimming pool. Another great option is to stay at the Athenian Coast, also known as the Athens Riviera. There are several family-friendly beach hotels and resorts here, and it is very easy to get to the city from here by either car or public transport.

A list of the best family hotels in Greece

Summer tips for athens with kids: when to go out?

Plan your activities in the morning or afternoon. Visit the archeological sites only in the early morning, they open at 08:00. And do as the Greeks do and take your children out in the evening after sunset. Athens is very hot during the daytime, plan your activities in the mornings and afternoons/evenings. Do as the Greeks do and have a nap together with your children during the hottest hours of the day. You can also take a dip in your city hotel swimming pool (make sure the children stay in the shade) to cool off.

Cool places to visit with your family during the day

• The National Gardens: An oasis of green and always cool in the summer. At the national gardens, your kids can enjoy the little zoo, the turtle pond or have a break at the playground. Older children will enjoy the children’s library or discover the amazing selection of trees and plants in the botanical gardens. There are bathrooms and water fountains inside the playground. The park is stroller friendly. Other cool parks can be found in my article with best parks in Athens here and here.

• The New Acropolis Museum: A must-see for every family visiting Athens. The museum organizes a variety of special family events on a regular basis and there are special family backpacks available. The museum is stroller friendly. Take your children to the kids book corner to relax during the hottest hours of the day or have lunch inside the museum with a view over the Parthenon.

Other museums of interest for your children in the center of Athens are: 

• Hellenic Motor Museum
• The Athens War Museum
• The Museum of Greek Children’s’ Art
• Museum of the Ancient Agora

Have a great summer!