Family-Friendly Adventures in Kifissia, Greece!

Goulandris Natural History Museum

Why Visit?

Welcome to a delightful day at the Goulandiris Natural History Museum in Kifissia, Athens! Perfect for families, this museum offers an unforgettable journey through the natural world.

Morning Arrival

Begin your day early by arriving at the museum around 10:00 AM to make the most of your visit. The museum is easily accessible by public transport; take the green line metro to Kifissia and enjoy a scenic 15-minute walk through this lush suburb. If you"re driving, there is parking available in the area.

Explore the Exhibits

Start at the Earth Sciences exhibition, where you can marvel at the rich geological diversity of Greece. Don"t miss the impressive collection of minerals and fossils — kids will be fascinated by the ancient bones!

Next, head to the Botanical section. Here, you"ll learn about Greece’s flora and how the country"s climate affects its plant life. The interactive displays are particularly engaging for younger visitors.

Lunch Break

Around noon, take a break and enjoy some refreshments at the museum café. They offer a variety of kid-friendly options and some delightful choices for adults too.

Afternoon Activities

Post lunch, visit the Zoological collection which features a range of species from marine life to mammals. The dioramas depicting Greek habitats are meticulously detailed and educational.

Special Programs

Check the museum’s schedule for any family workshops or guided tours available on the day of your visit. These programs are designed to enhance your museum experience with hands-on activities and expert insights.

Departure

Aim to wrap up your visit by 4:00 PM, leaving you with plenty of cherished memories and new knowledge. Before you leave, stop by the gift shop for some educational games or books as a souvenir from your enriching day at the Goulandris Natural History Museum.

Family-Friendly Tips: Check for specific amenities and accessibility features relevant to family-friendly travelers.

Ghika Gallery (Pinakothiki Ghika)

Why Visit?

Embark on a captivating family adventure to the Ghika Gallery, situated in the heart of Athens, Greece. This cultural gem is nestled within the scenic neighborhood of Kolonaki, at 3 Kriezotou Street.

Morning Delight: Ghika Gallery Exploration

Start your day early by heading to the Ghika Gallery – part of the Benaki Museum – which opens its doors at 10:00 AM. Easily accessible via the Syntagma Metro Station, it"s a short 10-minute walk from there to the gallery. As you wander, enjoy the bustling Athenian streets and chic boutiques of Kolonaki.

The Ghika Gallery, housed within the former home and studio of the renowned Greek painter Nikos Hadjikyriakos-Ghika, showcases a fascinating array of artworks, including paintings, sculptures, and personal artifacts that narrate the artist’s life and work. Engage the kids by discussing Ghika"s influence on modern Greek art and how his travels across Europe and North Africa inspired his vibrant, geometric style.

Lunch Break: Local Flavors

By noon, stroll over to a nearby local café or taverna. Enjoy traditional Greek dishes like moussaka or souvlaki, offering both a tasty and educational experience about Greek culinary culture.

Afternoon Stroll and Play: National Garden

Post-lunch, take a leisurely 15-minute walk to the National Garden, a lush oasis right in the center of Athens. Here, the kids can play amidst nature, visit the small zoo, or row a boat in the pond, while you relax in the shade of ancient trees.

Evening Wrap-up: Mount Lycabettus

If energy permits, end your day with a sunset view from the top of Mount Lycabettus. Just a vigorous hike or a funicular ride away, the panoramic views of Athens from this vantage point are breathtaking and provide a perfect, peaceful end to an exhilarating day.

This family-friendly itinerary combines art, culture, and outdoor activity, ensuring a memorable Athens experience that educates and excites!

Family-Friendly Tips: Check for specific amenities and accessibility features relevant to family-friendly travelers.

Athens War Museum (Polemiko Mouseio)

Why Visit?

Morning: Visit to the Athens War Museum (Polemiko Mouseio)

Start your adventure at the Athens War Museum, located at Vassilissis Sofias Avenue, easily accessible by the Athens Metro (Evangelismos Station) or a short walk from Syntagma Square. The museum opens at 9:00 AM, so it’s perfect to start early and explore the rich history of Greek military achievements. Fascinate your family with the extensive collection of weaponry, uniforms, and artifacts from various periods, including ancient times, the Byzantine era, and both World Wars.

Engaging Fact: Don"t miss the fighter jets and helicopters displayed in the museum"s outdoor area, a sure hit with kids who dream of flying!

Lunch: Quick Bite Near the Museum

After exploring the museum, grab a quick Greek lunch at a nearby café—try some local souvlaki or gyros to refuel.

Afternoon: National Garden and Zappeion Hall

A 10-minute walk from the museum will take you to the National Garden. It’s a serene escape from the city buzz where the kids can enjoy the playground, and you can admire the variety of plants and the small zoo. Just adjacent to the garden is Zappeion Hall, a historic building with beautiful architecture, often used for exhibitions and ceremonies.

Engaging Fact: The National Garden was commissioned by Queen Amalia in 1838 and features more than 500 species of plants and trees from around the world.

Evening: Dinner and Stroll in Plaka

Conclude your day with a stroll to the charming neighborhood of Plaka, just a 15-minute walk from the National Garden. Plaka offers picturesque streets lined with neoclassical buildings, small shops, and tavernas where you can enjoy a traditional Greek meal.

Engaging Fact: As you wander through Plaka, look out for the "Anafiotika" area, resembling a Cycladic Island, a hidden gem built by islanders from Anafi in the 19th century.

This itinerary offers a perfect blend of history, culture, and relaxation, ideal for a family day out in Athens!

Family-Friendly Tips: Check for specific amenities and accessibility features relevant to family-friendly travelers.

Olympic Stadium (OAKA)

Why Visit?

Embark on a fun-filled day at the Olympic Stadium (OAKA) in Athens, crafted especially for families!

Morning Arrival: Start your adventure by catching the Metro to the "Irini" station on Line 2, which is conveniently located near the Olympic Stadium. Exiting the station, you’re just a short walk from the impressive OAKA complex, which played a pivotal role in the 2004 Summer Olympics.

Stadium Tour: Begin with a guided tour of the Olympic Stadium itself at 10 AM. The tour will intrigue you with facts, like its renovation by the famous Spanish architect Santiago Calatrava and how it hosted the opening and closing ceremonies of the Olympics. Kids will love hearing about the world records set here!

Explore the Complex: After the stadium tour, explore the surrounding facilities including the Olympic Indoor Hall, Aquatic Center, and Tennis Center. Each venue offers its own slice of Olympic history.

Lunch Break: Around noon, head to the nearby shopping and entertainment complex, The Mall Athens, for a variety of dining options that cater to all tastes, from fast food to traditional Greek cuisine.

Afternoon Fun: Post lunch, visit the expansive OAKA playground. It"s a great spot for children to burn off some energy on modern play equipment, while parents relax in the adjacent cafe.

Evening Wrap-up: Conclude your day with a leisurely stroll in the OAKA’s beautifully landscaped gardens. Don’t miss the tranquil Agora sculpture and a series of murals depicting Greek athletes, perfect for some memorable family photos.

Departure: As the day winds down, simply walk back to the "Irini" Metro station, carrying with you a day"s worth of memories from a place where athletes once competed for Olympic glory.

Family-Friendly Tips: Check for specific amenities and accessibility features relevant to family-friendly travelers.

Hellenic Motor Museum

Why Visit?

Embark on a thrilling journey through the evolution of automotive history at the Hellenic Motor Museum located in the heart of Athens. This museum is a paradise for car enthusiasts of all ages, featuring a stunning collection of over 110 classic and antique cars.

Getting There

The museum is situated atop the Athenian Capitol shopping mall, easily accessible via public transport. Take the Metro to Victoria Station and then a short 5-minute walk will lead you to the museum, or you can drive and use the mall’s parking facilities.

Start Your Adventure

Begin your visit by marveling at the meticulously curated exhibits spread over the museum’s three floors. Each floor represents a different era in automotive history, starting from the early 20th century to contemporary times.

Interactive Experiences

Children will love the Formula 1 simulator on the third floor, where they can experience the thrill of racing. Don"t miss the turntable presentation, where selected cars are showcased, giving fascinating insights into their history and technological advancements.

Educational Workshops

Participate in the educational workshops offered by the museum, which are designed to engage young minds in the principles of automobile mechanics and engineering through interactive and fun activities.

A Walk Through Time

Each car in the collection comes with a story—like the 1902 Dion Bouton, believed to be one of the oldest cars in Greece, or the sleek DeLorean DMC-12, famously known from the movie "Back to the Future".

Plan Your Visit

The museum is open from Thursday to Sunday. Tickets can be purchased at the entrance or online to avoid queues. Make sure to check the museum’s website for any temporary exhibitions or special events during your visit.

Wrap up your visit at the museum"s gift shop, where you can pick up unique souvenirs like miniature car models and thematic books, making your visit to the Hellenic Motor Museum a memorable journey through the history of automobiles.

Family-Friendly Tips: Check for specific amenities and accessibility features relevant to family-friendly travelers.