EUGENIDIS DIGITAL PLANETARIUM

Europe’s most technologically sophisticated planetarium is at the Eugenides Foundation, in an auditorium that seats 280. The planetarium screens impressive 3D virtual trips to the galaxy, as well as IMAX movies and other shows, suitable for kids aged 5 and up, and with simultaneous narration in English (€1). Kids can also enjoy an interactive science exhibition.

INFO

387 Syngrou Avenue. Paleo Faliro • Metro Syngrou and from there, the 550 or B2 bus to Onassio stop • Tel. (+30) 210.946.9600 • www.eugenfound.edu.gr • Admission full €6-8, reduced €4-5 • Snacks? Yes, there’s a café, open Wed-Fri 17:30-20:30, Sat & Sun 10:30-20:30

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NATIONAL GARDEN/ZAPPEIO

Commissioned by Queen Amalia in 1838, the then Royal Garden was initially home to over 500 species of plants and a selection of animals. Apart from wonderful verdant walkways studded with benches, a café, ancient ruins scattered on lawns, ponds with fish, frogs and turtles, and a section with exotic birds, peacocks, wild goats, rabbits, geese and ducks, there is also a large, generally clean playground (with toilets) where your kids can entertain themselves for hours. The adjacent Zappeio Garden is also a great place to set your kids free to play and run around. At the nearby Athens National Gym grounds (entrance from Vasilissis Olgas Ave), you’ll find two basketball courts (balls can be rented for €1), two large trampolines (€1.50 for 15 minutes) and a café serving freshly made pizzas and salads.

INFO

Entrances from Amalias Avenue & Irodou Attikou • Metro, bus or tram Syntagma • Admission Free • Snacks? Café in National Garden, Aigli in Zappeio, café in National Gym • OPEN sunrise to sunset.

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ANCIENT STEPS FOR LITTLE FEET

Discover Greek Culture, a tour operator offering hands-on experiences, has created the Young Explorers tour especially for children aged 5-13. The tours, which parents are required to chaperone, take kids through experiential visits to the Acropolis Museum, the Theater of Dionysus, the Sanctuary of Asclepius, the Parthenon and the Ancient Agora. There is spirited narrative, story-telling, games and activities to encourage enthusiastic and meaningful understanding of the places and their history.

INFO

Tours are between 9:30-12:30. For more information, call (+30) 211.215.3585 (Monday to Friday from 9:00 to 17:00) or (+30) 697.012.0878 • Prices: 1 child + 1 adult €100, 1 child + 2 adults €120

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HERAKLEIDON MUSEUM & ANNEX

Here you’ll find interactive science, math and art exhibitions for children aged 4 and up. The main building’s exhibition presents interactive exhibits and art, introducing kids to the meaning of symmetry in nature and art. The second floor takes them on a historical journey through the stages of scientific, mathematical and artistic

breakthroughs.

INFO

16 Iraklidon, Thiseio • Metro Thiseio • Tel. (+30) 210.346.1981 • www.herakleidon-art.gr • Admission €6 per child, adults free, €4 for annex exhibitions • Snacks? No • OPEN daily 10:00-18:00

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GOULANDRIS NATURAL HISTORY MUSEUM & GAIA CENTER

Located in the leafy suburb of Kifissia, the museum’s fascinating permanent exhibition centers around zoology,

botany, marine life, ornithology, entomology, herpetology and paleontology specimens – the latter starring a dinosaur, the Triceratops, which is 7.16m long (the original is in the American Museum of Natural History). With a combination ticket visit the environment-themed and interactive exhibitions at the Gaia Center down the road.

INFO

13 Levidou, Kifissia • Metro Kifissia • Tel. (+30) 210.801.5870 • www.gnhm.gr • Admission €6 (adults), €4 (children) • Snacks? Café Ammonites • OPEN Tue-Fri 9:00-14:30, Sat & Sun 10:00-15:00

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HELLENIC CHILDREN’S MUSEUM

Fun, creative, educational, interactive play with themed areas suitable for kids aged 2 and up. On one floor you will find a room with a toy grocery stre, a fishmongers, bakery and butcher shop, an area dedicated to water play (aprons are provided) and a construction site. There are various rooms with themes such as measurements, musical instruments, cooking and more. Exhibits are in Greek but most of the friendly and helpful museum staff speak English.

INFO

14 Kydathineon, Plaka • Metro Syntagma or Acropolis • Tel. (+30) 210.331.2995 • www.hcm.gr • Admission Free • Snacks? No • OPEN Tue-Fri 10:00-14:00, Sat & Sun 10:00-15:00

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GREECE ISATHENSEXPERIENCEACTIVITIES

Family Fun in Athens

Don’t despair; from museums to parks and organized tours, Athens offers lots of indoor and outdoor activities for children.

Alexia Amvrazi | December 15th, 2015

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