Athens is an ancient wonderland, but did you know it’s also a fantastic destination for families? Whether your little explorers love history, adventure, or delicious food, there are plenty of things to do in Athens with kids that will keep everyone entertained. From interactive museums to hands-on experiences, Athens is packed with family-friendly activities that are as fun as they are educational.

Let’s dive into the best things to do with kids in Athens and make your family trip unforgettable!

1. Climb Mount Lycabettus & Ride the Cable Car 

For breathtaking panoramic views, head up Mount Lycabettus!

Take the Lycabettus Cable Car for an easy and exciting ride to the top.

If your family loves adventure, take the hike up the trails, passing through lush greenery and enjoying the peaceful surroundings.

Pro tip: Bring some snacks and water for a scenic break at the top, where you can soak in the views over Athens and even spot Piraeus port on a clear day.

At the summit, you’ll find the charming Chapel of St. George, a small whitewashed church that adds a picturesque touch to the panoramic scenery. There’s also a café and a restaurant where you can enjoy drinks or a meal while taking in the stunning views of the city.

Ymittos Mountain & Kalopoula Picnic Area 

For a more off-the-beaten-path adventure, head to Mount Ymittos, a lush mountain with scenic trails, Kaisariani monastery, and breathtaking city views. Kalopoula is a wonderful spot to take a break, surrounded by nature. Pack a picnic and enjoy a peaceful meal under the shade of pine trees while kids explore the open space.

2. Explore the Ancient Wonders 

A visit to Athens wouldn’t be complete without seeing the Acropolis, but there’s more history to explore:

Acropolis Museum – Engaging exhibits and a LEGO model of the Acropolis make it a must-visit.

Ancient Agora & Stoa of Attalos – Walk where ancient philosophers once gathered, and let kids imagine life in classical Athens.

Roman Agora – Discover ancient ruins that were once a bustling marketplace in Roman times.

Tip: Grab a family-friendly tour that brings Greek mythology to life! Many tours include interactive storytelling and treasure hunts, making history fun for kids.

3. Enjoy a Delicious Athens Street Food Tour 

What’s one of the best things to do in Athens with kids? Eat like a local! Athens is a foodie paradise, and there’s no better way to experience it than with a street food tour.

Greekality’s Athens Street Food Tour is a top-notch experience that introduces families to Greek flavors in a fun and interactive way.

Why kids love it:

They get to taste yummy snacks like peinirli (Greek-style-pizza) and loukoumades (Greek donuts with honey).

It’s a walking adventure, so no sitting still for too long!

They get to interact with friendly local vendors and learn fun facts about Greek food traditions!

Parents will love it too, as they get to explore local areas and hidden gems while trying authentic Greek delicacies.

4. Family-Friendly Museums 

Athens is home to some fantastic family-friendly activities that combine fun and learning:

Hellenic Children’s Museum – Hands-on exhibits designed for younger kids to learn through play.

Museum of Greek Children’s Art (Plaka) – Inspiring creativity with exhibitions and workshops.

Museum of the Ancient Greek Technology – Showcasing the incredible inventions of ancient Greece.

Benaki Toy Museum – A nostalgic trip through the history of toys, with dolls, board games, and traditional Greek playthings.

Museum of Illusions – A fun and mind-bending experience that will have kids giggling and parents taking hilarious photos!

5. Discover the Athens Riviera 

Take a break from the city and explore in the stunning Athens Riviera:

Temple of Poseidon (Cape Sounio) – Catch a magical sunset over the Aegean and share the legend of Poseidon with your kids.

Lake Vouliagmeni – A natural spa with little fish that gently exfoliate your feet! Kids find it ticklish and fun.

Flisvos Marina (Faliro) – Stroll along the promenade, enjoy a waterfront meal, and explore the historical battleship and trireme.

Glyfada – A great spot for shopping, coffee, and visiting the Archelon Turtle Rescue Center, where kids can learn about sea turtle conservation.

Pro Tip: Make exploring the Athens Riviera a breeze for little legs with the Hop-On Hop-Off Bus or tram. These convenient modes of transportation allow you to enjoy the stunning coastal views without too much walking. 

Don’t miss Greekality’s Athens Riviera Private Tour, which can be tailor-made for kids and families! Children will get excited learning about the fascinating world of bees while tasting delicious local honey.

6. Walk, Walk, Walk! A Fun Walking Itinerary

Athens is best explored on foot! Here’s a great walking itinerary:

Start at the Panathenaic Stadium – Walk inside the underground tunnel and imagine being an ancient Olympic athlete!

Temple of Olympian Zeus – Marvel at the giant columns.

Plaka & Anafiotika – Wander through charming alleyways that look like a Greek island village.

Monastiraki Flea Market – Perfect for souvenir shopping.

Psyrri – Stop by Little Kook, a fairytale-themed café with whimsical decorations kids will love.

Varvakios Market – See a traditional Greek market in action.

Syntagma Square – Watch the Changing of the Guard (Sundays at 11 am have the big parade!).

National Garden – A green oasis with a playground, a small zoo, and shaded pathways for a relaxing stroll.

Alternative Activities 

If you’re looking for unique things to do with kids in Athens, try:

Cooking Lesson – Greekality’s “Cook Like a Greek” Cooking Lesson is an unforgettable experience, that can be customized to suit our little friends’ tastes!

Escape Room – A fun challenge for older kids and teens.

Graffiti Tour – Awesome Experiences offer a creative street art adventure, and workshops where kids can even try their own graffiti art.

Stavros Niarchos Foundation Cultural Center (SNFCC) – A massive park, library, and cultural hub offering kid-friendly events, bike rentals, and even sailboat rides in a canal!

Evgenides Foundation – Home to one of Europe’s most advanced planetariums, offering space shows that will fascinate young astronauts.

What to Eat & Drink in Athens with Kids 

Based on our experiences with kids & families on food tours, here are some delicious and kid-approved Greek dishes:

Street food favorites – Souvlaki, gyros, peinirli, traditional pies and so much more!

Traditional dishes – Pastitsio, Makaronia me kima, Biftekia, Kolokythokeftedes, Tzatziki, Greek salad, Saganaki.

Desserts – Baklava, Loukoumades, Greek yogurt, masticha ice-cream, offering a delightful taste of Greece! 

Local Drinks – Try refreshing beverages like lemonade (lemonada) or sour cherry juice (vyssinada) from local brands like Epsa and Lux. A newly popular iced mountain tea (Tuvunu), infused with aromatic herbs, perfect over ice.