24 hours with the family in Athens: what to do with kids

Do you only have one in Athens, Greece? Twenty Four is nowhere near enough, but if it’s all you’ve got, this itinerary from a lifetime local will help you make the most of it.

Visit the Acropolis and the Acropolis Museum

The most important landmark of Athens is the Acropolis with its ancient old monuments such as the Parthenon. The Acropolis of Athens is a must-visit for anyone in the Greek capital. We recommend you to visit the Acropolis in the morning.

The archaeological findings from the slopes of the Acropolis are hosted in the Acropolis Museum nearby. Discover how the Athenians lived in Ancient Greece and admire a Lego Acropolis replica. After that, you can enjoy a beverage or lunch at the Museum Restaurant on the top floor with a beautiful veranda and enjoyable view of the Parthenon.

To make the most of your visit to the Acropolis and the Acropolis Museum, we recommend the family-friendly Classic Acropolis Tour.

Taste Greek Food in Monastiraki and Plaka

Plaka is the most historic neighbourhood in Athens. Its car-free roads are great for exploring with kids. You will admire beautiful mansions and ancient monuments too. Monasteraki is famous for its colourful flea market. You can find anything from souvenirs and antiques, to toys and jewellery. There are plenty of ice-cream shops around here, as well as some of the best places to try Greek street food such as souvlaki.

If your family loves to try yummy food, consider a food tour for families in Athens. During our Mythology Food Tour you will discover the food of Ancient Greece, the Greek gods, and their stories. Your family will touch, taste, and smell traditional Greek products and delicacies in historic Athens.

Join a playful walking tour

Another fun way of going around the most important sites in Athens is our Hunt for Heroes walking tour for families. The tour is ideal for those families who want to explore the city on foot, have limited time (only 2.5 hours) and love Greek mythology and storytelling.

If your kids love the books of Harry Potter or Percy Jackson, then Athens is a great place to visit. You can discover the magical worlds of both beloved characters through our Harry Potter Experience and our Percy Jackson Tours in Athens.

Walk around the National Garden and admire Zappeion

The National Garden, found next to the Parliament on Syntagma square, is a gorgeous and cool place during hot summers for a welcoming break. Take your kids there for a walk and feed the ducks in the pond, while enjoying botanical gardens and mysterious paths. Inside the National Garden, you will also find the Zappeion. This building was created for the first modern Olympic Games in Athens and is famous for its many classic statues and impressive facade. The square in front of Zappeion is great for running around and let go of excessive energy!

You could also consider The Olympic Games Workout. This is an ideal activity for people who want to make the most of their time in Athens being active with their kids. Starting at Zappeion near the National Garden, families take part in their very own family Olympics in the Olympic Stadium in Athens! You will learn about the Olympians, have a fun gym session, and end with a family race at the Panathenaic Stadium.

Concert at the Theatre of the Herodion

The Odeon of Herodes Atticus, also called Herodion is an impressive ancient stone Roman amphitheater structure located on the south-west slope of the Acropolis built in 161 AD by Herodes Atticus. In summer, the theatre is still being used for musical or dance performances. It is the experience of a lifetime to enjoy a starry summer night in Athens watching one of the numerous concerts, operas and plays staged here.

Catch the Happy Train, for younger kids

This open-style street train will take your family around all the important sites in Plaka, Thiseio, and Syntagma while you sit back relaxed in your seat and get a good impression of the city. The train goes very slow and is great for young kids. You can hop on and off at several spots. The Happy Train starts in Ermou shopping street across from Syntagma square.