Family trip to Attica Region with children. Ideas on where to go with your child

Greece is a great place to go on vacation with kids. Here you will find clean sand beaches with flat shores and many sightseeing attractions along with interesting museums oriented toward even small children. You will definitely need to go to Attica Zoological Park, which is located in the Athens suburb of Spata, Greece (Yalou | Thesi Gialou, Spata). This place is rather new; it started to accept visitors around 10 years ago, but it is the biggest zoological park in Greece. Every child will be enthused by watching wolves, lynxes, white lions, leopards, and many other animals. The park is well equipped, you will easily find cafes and places to have some rest. It is better to plan your visit for weekdays since on weekends the park is very crowded.

Your little nature-lovers might want to see ARCHELON – the Sea Turtle Protection Society of Greece (the address is Solomou 57, behind tram stop "Paleo Demarhio"). It is rather far from the city center, but your child will remember this trip because here he or she will be able to become friends with turtles and even to feed them. If your kid is older than 5 years old, it is necessary to visit together the Parthenon, the Acropolis of Athens and other sights, which are the symbols of Greece familiar to every cultured person. Your young explorer might want to see the Acropolis Museum where it is possible to see the ancient household items, tools and other things found during different archaeological excavations. If your child is older, you can go together to the Meteora; being one of the religious hubs of Greece it is a rock formation in the central part of the country. This place has a distinguished view, which will be present to the mind of a traveler of any age. Just keep in mind that you will need to come upstairs on foot that is around 300 stair steps, and not every kid will be able to overcome such an obstacle.

At the hottest day time in Athens we recommend you to visit the National Garden with your child. This public park is an oasis of shade located in the center of the Greek capital and is a perfect place for hiking. At the same time there, you can see interesting mosaics, ancient building, and sculptures. The Syntagma station of Attiko Metro and the Parliament House will be the landmarks for you. The National Garden is connected to Zappeion Gardens, which will be an object of interest for little kids. Here you can find playgrounds, a small zoological garden, and ponds with ducks. It is also possible to take a snack break at the local cafes here. Copyright www.orangesmile.com

Children of any age will be excited during the visit of the Greek Children's Museum located at Kydathineon 14, Plaka district. Here you will find the art works of little artists of Greece (the works of children under 14 years old are exhibited) and will participate in different games, contests, and quests. The museum is interactive and hands-on, so it is possible to touch most of the exhibited items, to examine them from all sides. Therefore, be sure your child will not be bored.

You may want to go to Haridimos Shadow Puppet Museum-Theatre (address: Melina Cultural Centre, 66 Iraklidon & Thessalonikis sts). It is an interesting and extraordinary choice for family leisure. This theatre is situated near Thissio metro station. The Ancient Agora of Athens is also located nearby, so it is possible to combine the visits to the ancient ruins and the theatre. The Cultural Centre Hellenic Cosmos offers an interactive exposition and on-line excursions for children and adults (the address is Pireos 254 Tavros, Athens). Here, through a game or performance, your child will have an opportunity to learn the history of Greece. By the means of the special equipment, your kid will see the monuments of the ancient architecture in the way they were used to be many years ago.

Also there is the Planetarium in Athens (the address is 387 Syngrou Avenue). Young explorers might want to see the planets and stars and to learn how our Universe appeared.

We would like to recommend you to bring your child to patisserie Aristokratikon. If your kid loves chocolate, he or she will have a chance to taste the best sweets and desserts in Greece. On weekdays the patisserie is open from 9 till 21. Children would like to visit Archaion Gefseis Restaurant in Psirri (Κοδράτου 22). You will not find traditional tables here, all visitors sit on the pillows laying on the floor.

Bring your kid to the entertainment park. If your child already goes to school or is a teen-ager, visit Allou Fun Park (Kifisou & Petrou Ralli | Ag. I. Rentis, Athens). Here you will find amusement rides and entertainment for any taste, besides they have a great ice-cream in the local café. With a younger child, you can go to the park area located nearby and designed for little kids.

The most popular place for a beach vacation in Athens is Flisvos Marina. It is the seaside where you will find lots of entertaining recreational facilities for children and adults such as different amusements, a giant chess set, a floating museum, cafes, and many others.