ATHENS DOWNTOWN WITH KIDS
What would a visit to Athens be without going to the Acropolis to see the Parthenon temple? Travel back to ancient Athens and show your kids the birthplace of democracy. If you enter the Acropolis archaeological site from the main entrance, you will see not only the world-famous Parthenon but also the Theatre of Dionysus and the Odeon of Herodes. It is important to note that the Acropolis is suitable for children starting from 3-4 years old. The New Acropolis Museum is considered one of the most important museums in Greece. It houses more than 3,000 artifacts from the Acropolis. It supports independent learning by making available backpacks filled with activities and family “trails” for families with young children free of charge. Families can choose between a quick and simple visit using one of the booklets, or a longer and more intricate one using one of the backpacks which are also equipped with games. The pack activities require families to work together to solve their challenges.
Plaka, the oldest quarter of Athens, was built in the shadow of the Acropolis, and became the neighbourhood of the genuine Athenians, (or as they were called “gkagkaroi”), born and raised there. Today, although the image of the capital has changed, the quarter of Plaka remains the most “authentic” neighborhood of the city, like a window to the Athens of the past.
The Stavros Niarchos Foundation Cultural Center includes the National Library of Greece and the Greek National Opera as well as a huge city park that provides opportunities for rest and new experiences. Its lush garden landscape, featuring a wide range of trees, water fountains, playgrounds and open spaces turns every family visit into a unique experience. The park is ideal for children who can play undisturbed in its playgrounds allowing the parents to enjoy their time in Greece.
National Archaeological Museum
The National Archaeological Museum is the biggest museum in the country, with a huge range of collections covering all periods of antiquity. The neoclassical museum building is impressive in itself. Children will love discovering exhibits dating from the prehistoric era to the Cycladic and Mycenaean civilizations. They will find also sculptures, figurines and pots from the Archaic Period to the Roman Period as well as a section devoted to Ancient Egypt.
Watch the change of the Guards
All children will love feeding the pigeons and watch the impressive changing of the guards at the central square of Athens. These “Evzones’” are members of the Presidential Guards wearing traditional Greek outfits. They stay completely still next to the tomb of the Unknown Soldier outside the Parliament building until the moment that they can move for the change of the guards that takes place every Sunday at 11:00.
Drinks and snack at the Little KooK café
Here Harry Potter flirts with Snow White and Pinocchio plays with Oliver Twist… Without a doubt there is no other place in Athens appeals more to kids than this fairy tale themed cafe in Psiri neighbourhood. Little KooK transfers your family to fantasyland and is amazingly styled around Halloween and Christmas.