You’ve made the decision to relocate to Athens with your kids but are uncertain about what activities to do in the city. Fear not, the historic Greek capital is filled with family-friendly options for expats looking to settle down in Athens.
The city’s charm primarily lies in its outdoor attractions, such as ancient ruins and rich history. However, there are also numerous indoor activities in Athens that will appeal to your children.
Especially during the summer when the weather can be scorching or on rainy days, Athens offers a wide array of options for family entertainment. As one of the oldest cities in the world, Athens provides a unique and enriching experience for expat families looking to make it their home.
With pleasant weather for most of the year (although it’s best to avoid August due to the heat and crowds), delicious cuisine, and plenty of family-friendly activities, Athens is an ideal destination for expats looking to settle down.
During the summer, it’s also a great idea to blend the city experience with some time at the beach and exploring the islands off the coast of Athens.
So, without further ado, let’s delve into the top things to do in Athens with your kids as expats settling into this vibrant city.
Planetarium
The planetarium in Athens is a must-visit attraction for families, especially for expats settling into the city. The main highlight of this venue is its impressive 950 square metre hemispherical dome, where visitors can enjoy IMAX movies, 3D virtual trips into space, and other captivating shows.
Additionally, the planetarium features an Interactive Science and Technology Exhibition, which is particularly engaging for older children. Here, kids can explore new concepts through interactive materials, audiovisual displays, and hands-on activities.
It’s important to note that the planetarium is open on weekdays from 5:30pm to 8:30pm, offering a limited window of three hours for visitors to enjoy the shows. The films shown at the planetarium typically range from 30 to 40 minutes in length.
For expats looking to visit the planetarium, the address is 387 Syggrou Avenue, Athina 175 64, Greece. The opening hours are as follows: Wednesday to Friday from 5:30pm to 8:30pm, and Saturday and Sunday from 10:30am to 8:30pm. This is a fantastic opportunity for expat families to immerse themselves in the wonders of space and science right in the heart of Athens.
Playmobil Fun Park
For expat families with creative and imaginative children who enjoy playing with Playmobil figurines, the Playmobil Fun Park in Athens is a perfect destination. This park offers a haven for kids to unleash their creativity, design new structures, play, and interact with other children in a fun and engaging environment.
Young children between 18 months and 3 years old can also enjoy a dedicated play area with larger components and rounded surfaces for enhanced safety.
The Playmobil Fun Park ensures a clean and secure environment for children to play, with daily cleaning of the materials and a fenced-in area for added safety.
The park is located at Amaliados 4, Kifisia 145 64, Greece, making it easily accessible for expat families looking for a fun and creative outing with their children in Athens. This is an ideal spot for kids to explore their imagination and enjoy playful activities with Playmobil toys in a safe and welcoming setting.
Attica Zoo
The Attica Zoological Park, located near Athens International Airport in Spata, offers a unique and educational experience for expat families in Athens. Spanning 20 hectares, the park is home to over 300 animal species, half of which are endangered and part of conservation efforts to protect biodiversity.
Visitors to the zoo can encounter more than 2,000 animals from five continents, including giraffes, hippos, monkeys, penguins, brown bears, and dolphins. The park also boasts the world’s third-largest collection of birds, with 1,100 birds representing 300 different species.
The Attica Zoological Park aims to raise awareness about the importance of wildlife conservation and preservation while providing an engaging and interactive experience for visitors of all ages. It’s a fantastic opportunity for expat families to learn about diverse animal species and support conservation efforts in a family-friendly setting in Athens.
Address: Spata, Athens 190 04, Greece.
National Garden
Don’t forget to bring your camera as you embark on a journey through the expansive 15.5 hectares of Greenland, providing a tranquil escape after days of city exploration in Athens.
Immerse yourself in the diverse array of trees, plants, and wildlife that inhabit the National Garden of Athens , offering a refreshing change of scenery.
Pack a picnic and unwind on the park benches, or stop by the cafe for a warm beverage and some relaxation before continuing your leisurely stroll.
Children will delight in the opportunity to roam freely, run around, and revel in the lush green surroundings of the park.
If time permits, be sure to visit the small zoo open to the public, adding an extra element of excitement to your day at Greenland.
Address: Leof. Vasilisis Amalias 1, Athens 105 57, Greece. This picturesque park provides the perfect setting for expat families to unwind, reconnect with nature, and create lasting memories in the heart of Athens.
Aquapolis
https://www.adventure-park.gr/index.php/el/activities-gr/enaeries/aetoi.html Aquapolis will be opening from May 2024. This exciting water park in Athens offers a world of joy and adrenaline for the whole family. Featuring thrilling attractions such as King Cobra slides, Aquatower, Blackhole & Rafting Slide combination, Mini Magicone, Multislide, Tunnel Freefall, and Aquatube & Free Fall combination, Aquapolis promises a fun-filled water adventure for visitors of all ages. Get ready to dive into a world of excitement and enjoy a memorable day at Aquapolis starting this May.
Malakasa Adeventure Park
Adventure Park Malakasa is a recreational area nestled in the forest where nature-inspired activities are organized for visitors. Guests have the opportunity to “fly” from tree to tree, reaching heights of up to 15 meters using specialized equipment. For those who may not be able to experience this aerial adventure, Adventure Park offers a chance to partake in thrilling activities on the ground.
Adventure Park is inclusive and suitable for individuals of all ages and levels of boldness, offering different “routes” with varying levels of difficulty and heights. Equipped with safety gear and following the instructions provided during the mandatory briefing, visitors can enjoy a safe and exhilarating experience in the park.
This new trend of Adventure Park has gained popularity worldwide, appealing to those seeking exciting leisure activities that connect with nature, promote environmental education, and encourage outdoor action. Embrace the thrill of adventure and immerse yourself in the beauty of the natural surroundings at Adventure Park.