Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
Greece for Kids
Sights & Activities
While even the most modern Greek museums are often quite simply filled to the gills
with relics and objects that not all children are going to appreciate, the settings are often
intriguing as kids wander through the ancient palace-like buildings. The stories behind
the objects can also captivate kids - ancient statues hauled up from the depth of the sea
or helmets worn by gladiators. Generally more popular than the museums are the many
ancient sights where kids enjoy climbing and exploring.
The beach is one of the best sources of entertainment for children in Greece. In sum-
mer, many of the larger, popular beaches have boogie boards, surfboards, snorkelling
gear and windsurfing equipment for rent. Many also offer lessons or trips on boats or gi-
ant, rubber, air-filled bananas. While some beaches have steep drop-offs or strong cur-
rents, there is generally a calmer side to each island or a shallow, protected bay that loc-
als can direct you to.
Most towns will have at least a small playground, while larger cities often have fant-
astic, modern play parks. In many cases, you can admire children's innate ability to over-
come language barriers through play while you enjoy a coffee and pastry at the park's at-
tached cafe. Some of the larger and more popular locations (such as Rhodes, Crete and
Athens) also have water parks.
Dining Out
Greek cuisine is all about sharing; ordering lots of mezedhes (small dishes) lets your
children try the local cuisine and find their favourites. You'll also find lots of kid-friendly
options like pizza and pasta, omelettes, chips, bread, savoury pies and yoghurt.
The fast service in most restaurants is good news when it comes to feeding hungry
kids. Tavernas are very family-friendly affairs and the owners will generally be more
than willing to cater to your children's tastes. Ingredients like nuts and dairy find their
way into lots of dishes so if your children suffer from any severe allergies, it's best to ask
someone to write this down for you clearly in plain Greek to show restaurant staff.
Accommodation
Many hotels let small children stay for free and will squeeze an extra bed in the room. In
all but the smallest hotels, travel cots can often be found, but it's always best to check
this in advance. In larger hotels, cities and resorts, there are often package deals for fam-
