The National Garden of Athens was designed in 1836 by the German architect Friedrich von Gaertner, and was initially an idea of Queen Amalia, who reigned in that period. Until 1974 it was named Royal Garden. The area which it covers, extends from Amalias Avenue to Irodou Attikou, where the Royal Palace used to be situated and from Vasilissis Sofias Avenue to the Zappion. Visitors to the Garden can see an interesting variety of plants and trees, some ancient remains, statues of famous poets and politicians, a sundial, ponds with ducks and fish, a small zoo and several pergolas and secluded romantic corners. Athenians love to walk in the quiet, cool Garden, which is open from sunrise to sunset, children can play in the specially designed playground with swings and seesaws, or visit the children?s library and adults can enjoy a coffee or a light lunch at the coffee shop.
Recommended for Things to Do with Kids because: Kids can play safely, roam the paths, feed the ducks and have the time of their life
Nelly's expert tip: A cool oasis right in the center of Athens, with a special atmosphere of peace
The Playground at Golden Hall, with its luxurious appearance is covered on one side by the vibrant colors of the flowers, plants, shrubs and trees, which provide welcome shade in the summer months . On the other side the playground overlooks the unique Golden Hall. The sound of the children's laughter is accompanied by the sounds of the various birds which drink from the fountain located beside it. The Golden Hall Playground is a paradise for children and their parents as well, who can enjoy their shopping while the children play in this small paradise, climbing the specially designed frame or being entertained by the various events and activities which take place.
Recommended for Things to Do with Kids because: A small paradise for children in one of the largest shopping centers in Athens
Nelly's expert tip: Enjoy your shopping at Golden Hall while the kids entertain themselves at the playground
Kids and adults of course will love sightseeing Athens with the bright red Athens Happy Train. This sightseeing tour in the historical center of Athens and the most famous ancient sights and monuments, on the hop-on Athens Happy Train, is an exciting and interesting experience. The Athens Happy Train is a toy-like street train that starts its tour from Syntagma Square and Monastiraki Square and follows a route through the historical center of the city, the old neighborhoods and the hill of Acropolis. The tour has a 60-minute duration and includes the Acropolis, Plaka, Temple of Zeus, Thission, Monastiraki Square, Ancient and Roman Market, Zappeion, Panathinaiko Stadium, Theater of Herodes Atticus, Hadrian's Arch and the New Acropolis Museum. From the open-style train carriages, you can hop-on hop-off as you please and see Athens in your own time and pace, in safety and comfort. Hop-off the Athens Happy Train in Monastiraki Square to explore the narrow streets of Plaka, the oldest neighborhood of Athens, or hop-off at the New Acropolis Museum to visit the hill of Acropolis, the Parthenon or the Museum. The Athens Happy Train stops at these points for about fifteen minutes. If you want to spend your time there, you can use the same ticket and hop-on any of the next trains for the next two hours. The Athens Sightseeing Tour with Athens Happy Train, operates all year round. Tours start at 9.00 a.m. until 12.00 p.m. every thirty minutes, every day of the week. All the tours are guided with a hostess or steward on board and commentary in English and Greek.
Recommended for Things to Do with Kids because: An exciting and interesting experience for all the family
Nelly's expert tip: An enjoyable sightseeing tour of Athens for kids and adults
The Museum of Greek Children's Art, in Plaka is centered on art created by children. Visitors to the Museum can see drawings and three-dimensional artwork created by children from 4 to 14 years of age. The collections include 7.000 works from entries to the art contests held and also creations from the workshops. All exhibition themes focus on education through art. Current exhibitions aim to familiarize children with their rights as they are mentioned at the Convention on Children's Rights. In addition, they aim to learning about the work of famous painters while also getting acquainted with various materials and art techniques. The interactive section of every exhibition, offers the possibility to enjoy games, fairytales and books, which help to approach the exhibits in a more stimulating way.
Recommended for Things to Do with Kids because: Budding artists love this museum, where they can fully express their talent
Nelly's expert tip: Kids art paradise
The Children's Museum, which operates in collaboration with the Municipality of Athens, is very popular with young visitors, who enjoy the exhibits and the possibility to develop their observation skills, learn more about the cultural heritage and understand everyday life through games. Children can play at the shops of the Market, make their own biscuits at the Kitchen, journey through time at the Attic, learn about their body at the exhibit How do I move?, experiment and play with water and much more. Children under six years love the playroom where they can play with building blocks and visitors of all ages appreciate the toyshop with original toys and handmade objects.
Recommended for Things to Do with Kids because: The destination for kids in Plaka, where they can learn through games
Nelly's expert tip: Ideal place for kids to enjoy themselves, playing and learning
The Goulandris Museum of Natural History in the suburb of Kifissia is centered on the study, conservation and protection of the natural environment, and is one of the top museum visited by schoolchildren throughout the year. Visitors of all ages enjoy the experience of knowing more about the kingdom of plants and animals and the balance of ecosystems, not only by seeing the permanent collections but also the various exhibitions which take place. Over four decades the Museums collections number hundreds of thousands of specimens, divided into the departments of botanology, entomology, marine biology, minerals and paleontology, presented so as to attract the interest of visitors. At Gaia Centre, right next door, visitors can find out the way planet Earth has been functioning for millions of years and how it functions today, watching the Geosphere, which shows the rotating planet, and presents geological evolution over the ages. Educational programs are held often for children of various ages.
Recommended for Things to Do with Kids because: Kids will enjoy the exhibits and learn many interesting things about natural history
Nelly's expert tip: Astonishing knowledge about nature and the environment
The Museum of School Life and Education is located in a historical building of the 19th century, on Tripodon street in Plaka, the oldest street in Athens, with impressive painted ceilings and decorative details. The permanent exhibition includes important moments in the history of education, with exhibits such as school and children's books from all over the world, school equipment and a reconstruction of a class of the previous century. Special educational courses are held and also guided tours for adults and children in Greek and English, for groups over five persons. Original ideas for souvenirs can be found at the gift shop.
Recommended for Things to Do with Kids because: Important moments in the history of education from all over the world
Nelly's expert tip: Children will find this museum interesting, with its history of school and education
The Cultural Park is located in the area of Mesogeia in the direction of the airport, in an expanse of 25.000 sq.m. and is a point of interest for visitors of all ages. Art workshops, a shop selling worry beads, a display of handmade jewelry and areas for childrens activities are amongst the most attractive features. Visitors can learn about Greek folklore and culture or just enjoy the natural surroundings. The Museum of Greek Ethnography is widely visited by tourists from all over the world and also by students from various universities. A special section is dedicated to old fashioned trades and the exhibits include old olive presses, placed in natural surroundings, amongst olive groves and vineyards. Tours for children include ponies and donkeys, retro bicycles and even a small train. Children love planting herbs and aromatic plants, taking care of the animals, learning to cook and hunting for treasure, in the specially planned activities.
Recommended for Things to Do with Kids because: Children love gardening, taking care of the animals, treasure hunting
Nelly's expert tip: Fun for all the family in natural surroundings
Karavi at Schinias is the ultimate beach destination close to Athens and is extremely popular with the young public who enjoy the vibrant atmosphere. Extending over a hundred meter sandy beach, Karavi offers many amenities to visitors, such as a restaurant, beach bar, athletic grounds, windsurfing school and beach volley field. Sunbeds, shady umbrellas and water sports make this beach a relaxed but also exciting place to pass the whole day in summer. Visitors appreciate the friendly atmosphere, the affordable luxury and the attractive surroundings. Karavi is open from 9 a.m. to 9 p.m. for swimming, sunbathing, snacks, drinks, windsurfing, paddle board and beach volley. Entrance is free and the spacious parking can accommodate up to 1.500 vehicles. Karavi has been awarded the Blue Flag for eight consecutive years, for the clean waters, the quality of service and the organized facilities.
Recommended for Things to Do with Kids because: One of the best beaches close to Athens, for swimming with the kids
Nelly's expert tip: Swimming, sunbathing, sports and fun make Karavi such a popular destination
Allou ! Fun Park in the neighborhood of Rentis, is one of the most popular destinations for kids and adults, offering a wide choice of entertainment and fun. An impressive choice of games for all preferences attract crowds specially on weekends, who enjoy the excitement. Four dimension experiences at the 4D Gate, crazy rotations at Crazy Mouse and Big Apple, rafting at La Isla the only House of Fear in Greece with real actors and many more rides and games for unforgettable moments. At Kidom, the park only for kids, a series of unique games keep children happy, like the Carousel, the Bongo flying elephants, trains, the Youpi Tower, Bloom Bloom boats and the mega colorful inflatable toys. Happenings, events and concerts are often held at Allou, which also provides relaxing moments for all the family at the restaurants and cafes on the location.
Recommended for Things to Do with Kids because: A favorite destination for kids, who enjoy every moment
Nelly's expert tip: Fun and entertainment for all the family