The cradle of Western civilization is a great learning experience for children.
Travelling with kids is a challenging but highly rewarding experience. As parents we want to show and teach them what we already know and share the experience of discovering something new. But kids, as most parents already are aware of, are not always interested in the same things that we parents are so a choice must be made.
Monastiraki Market Square in Central Athens
Athens – A Great City for Kids
At first glance Athens may not seem like a very child friendly city at all with all the traffic and the busy crowds on the streets of the city center. But don’t let this deter you, Athens is a very interesting and delightful city for young and old alike and Greece is one of the safest countries in Europe to travel with children.
So I have decided to list a few suggestions for you. I have personal experience with some of the places and activities listed here. Frankly, after bringing up two children, I found that I received as much joy from their excitement as I did visiting an art museum or archaeological site. They grow up so fast so if you have young children try and have as much good fun with them as you can for as long as you can.
Take a walk through the National Gardens of Athens. A treat for young and old.
A WALK IN THE PARK
Perhaps the easiest of all is to take a walk through the National Gardens. While strolling through this cool and serene oasis in the middle of the busy city you will find a duck pond, a playground and a mini zoo.
Young historians with Despina, their Athens Walking Tours Guide.
The Quintessential Attraction
Visiting the Acropolis is definitely a must with children no matter how old they are. Prepping them with stories from Ancient Greek Mythology will also help. Sign up for an Acropolis and City Tour and enjoy a comprehensive tour in English of the Acropolis and the most important attractions of Athens with a licensed guides. The best thing about this particular tour with the Athens Walking Tours are the guides; not only is their knowledge and expertise exceptional but each of them has a charismatic way of bringing the information across. The second best thing is that these are small intimate groups so you don’t have to get worried about getting lost in the crowd and or your little youngsters not hearing your guide.
Learning about Ancient Greece is fun and educational at the Foundation for the Hellenic World.
Ancient Greece in Technicolor
The next two suggestions are great for kids and my kids always loved going to both.
I will start with the Hellenic Cosmos, a super cool, ultra modern virtual reality take on the Greek world. You will be amazed at how many things you can do and to say that one day is not enough is no exaggeration. Choose from:
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Interactive exhibitions
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Virtual Reality Tours
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Educational Programmes
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Conferences
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Theatrical Performances
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Internet Café
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Documentaries
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Art events
While in Athens don’t miss your favorite movie under the stars.
Movie Fun Under the Stars
Next on my list of things to do would definitely be visiting a summer outdoor movie theater This is a great experience for all kids and you will definitely find a movie somewhere that is suitable for all ages. Cine Thisseio, voted as the best outdoor cinema in the world by CNN and my favorite, has a great view of the Acropolis and usually plays classic films and PG rated movies. Movies are shown with subtitles and are not dubbed so non Greek speakers can enjoy. You can find the Cine Thisseio on the Archaeological Promenade starting from the Thiseio Metro Station.
Walk upon the ancient path of philosophers in the Ancient Agora.
Daily Life In Ancient Athens
Give your kids an idea of what everyday life in Ancient Athens was like with a guided tour of the Ancient Agora. They will learn about the philosophers Socrates and Plato who often spoke there and they will see the prison of Socrates where he waited for his sentence from the council of Athens.
And keep in mind that merely bringing them to the cradle of Western civilization is an experience of a lifetime. For them to see what great minds thousands of years created and thought will expand their horizons. The purpose of travel in the first place is not only relaxation but also to learn something new and an opportunity for cultural exchange. So make the best of it for your children and for yourselves while you are in Athens.
Keep following this blog for more useful suggestions and helpful information.