10 Things to Do in Heraklion with Kids

Heraklion is a city for the whole family, with a variety of attractions to enjoy. In its magical spaces children can be captivated by archaeological history, horseback riding, the city's aquarium, local beaches and a variety of theme parks.

In this port area, children can learn about and become involved in Cretan culture. The activities on this itinerary are a great option for everyone, even adults. For example, you can visit the Archaeological Museum, considered one of the best things to do in Heraklion because of the variety of exhibits.

CRETAquarium or the Heraklion Aquarium is an ideal attraction to take the kids if you want to experience the best holiday in the Mediterranean. There are educational programmes that will introduce the little ones to maritime history, as it is a protectionist space.

There are 60 tanks that house 2000 marine animals, distributed among 200 species. It is the perfect opportunity for children to learn while having fun.

Details of interest

• Price: from 10 €. An audio guide may be an additional cost.
• Location: located near the base of the Gournes Area Force.
• Distance: fifteen to thirty minutes from the centre, depending on your transport.
• How to get there: you can take a public bus for around €2, it will take you about thirty minutes to get to the aquarium. If you want a more private option and want to get there in around fifteen minutes, then get a taxi for around €24 or use a hire car.

The Lychnostatis Open Air Museum is an ideal place to experience the history and archaeological heritage of Crete from a different point of view. It recreates the daily life of the Cretans in an open-air setting.

It's a fun activity to share with the family, as there are spaces where local legends are narrated. You can also attend a dance show, as well as taste the famous Heraklion honey.

At the back there is access to a public beach, as the museum is located in the coastal area of Heraklion.

Interesting details

• Price: costs approximately €6. The audio guide is around €2, but well worth it.
• Location: Located in the Hersonissos area, in the coastal area of Heraklion.
• Distance: 25 minutes from the centre.
• How to get there: The quickest way to get there is by taxi for around €40, or by rental car. If you prefer a cheaper option, I suggest taking the public bus for around €3.

It's a touristy street and in high season it's usually crowded, as it's one of Heraklion's main tourist attractions. It is named after the massacre of Cretans and British by Turkish tribesmen in 1898.

Although it is a tragic story, it is now a commercial area, where old buildings and archaeological sites abound. In the area you can visit the Church of St. Titus, the patron saint of Crete.

You can also visit the Venetian Loggia which was the meeting place of the nobility. It is also one of the best connection points to other attractions in the city.

If you've finished walking the street and don't know what else to do, I suggest you take advantage of the Heraklion sightseeing bus tour with free stops. It allows you to see the main monuments of the city, plus one of the stations is located five minutes away from the 25th of August Street.

Interesting details

• Location: it is a street in the Old Town.
• Distance: it is about five minutes away from the city centre.
• How to get there: you can get there on foot, but if you are in other parts of the city, I suggest you take a bus or a taxi so that the children don't get tired.

Children like to connect with nature and animals, so you can plan a family trail around Heraklion. It is a different and ideal destination to appreciate the city from the heights and breathe fresh air.

The mountains of Finikia and Giouchtas are quiet areas, less crowded with tourists than other sights in Heraklion. There are different options for horseback riding, most of which are suitable for all ages.

Usually before you start you can take a training session and tour the area on foot. Horse riding is a very famous sport in Greece, introduced as a discipline during the Second World War. It can be practised by children, young people and older adults.

The horses in the area are friendly, so it is a safe experience for children and adult beginners.

From these mountains it is possible to view an incredible natural spectacle, known as the sleeping mountain of the Greek god Zeus. This mountain was born on a plateau in Lassithi, a town about an hour from Heraklion, but it is possible to see it from the heights of Finikia and Giouchtas.

Details of interest

• Price: Tours including horseback riding are available from €70.
• Location: Finikia and Giouchtas mountains.
• Distance: It will take you approximately fifteen minutes to get there, both mountains are within easy reach.
• How to get there: Some tours include a transfer to and from various points in the city. If you are on your own, I suggest you take bus number 15, which runs three times a day. It costs about €1 per person and takes about 20 minutes. The quickest option is to take a taxi for around €15.

The museums and palaces of Heraklion are very interesting and offer something for all ages, including children. The Archaeological Museum of Heraklion has many Minoan artefacts and Cretan art. It also has interactive areas that are ideal for children.

The museum is also home to a collection of unique archaeological artefacts, which will make you feel like you're in a labyrinth full of history. It is an experience recommended for children over the age of five, who can get more out of the sensory experience and soak up Greek culture.

On the other hand, the Palace of Knossos is a labyrinthine complex that preserves details of Minoan culture. Here children can learn more about the myth of the Minotaur, or interact with ancient artefacts.

Details of interest

• Price: There are tours that take you to both sites for around €42, which are ideal because they include skip-the-line access. Alternatively, you can visit on your own - the museum costs around €4, while access to the palace costs around €6. In addition, children under the age of 25 can enter for free.
• Location: The museum is located in the Iraklio area at 712-02, while the palace is at 714-09.
• Distance: From the centre to the museum is about a two-minute walk, to get to the palace you will need ten minutes from the centre.
• How to get there: If you are moving from the centre, you can walk to the museum. There are also public buses or you can get a pass for the Heraklion sightseeing bus, which makes stops at both monuments.

With this plan the whole family will have fun on the best beaches of Heraklion, the coves in the area have crystal clear waters and a pleasant Mediterranean climate most of the year.

In Crete there are different types of beaches, specifically in Heraklion you can find shallow beaches, ideal if you are travelling with children. There are some with heated water, some with sand or pebbles and most of them have stunning marine colours.

If you decide to visit a pebble beach, be careful. Children are restless and these areas can be dangerous for them. Instead, I suggest you take them to:

• Karteros: a sandy beach just ten minutes from the centre, ideal for sunbathing in the summer, playing in the sand and eating in the surrounding beach bars. There are hotels where you can stay and there is also the famous Xenia hotel, abandoned in the 1970s.
• Palaiokastro: Palaiokastro is about 20 minutes by car from the centre and is a lovely beach. There is a bridge over the sand and a medieval Venetian castle called Palaiokastro Fortress.
• Agia Pelagia: is a thirty minute drive from the city. Between June and September, many Cretan families move to the area to make the most of the summer. There are plenty of water activities for the whole family and the waves are gentle, so it is a safe area for children.

Interesting details

• Price: Some beaches are free, while others require an entrance fee or a donation. Parking may be charged by the hour or day.
• How to get there: You can get there by road or local bus.

Ram Rules is an interactive museum, ideal for exploring children's abilities. It is also known as the Computer and Games Museum of Heraklion, as it has arcades. You can check them out if you like video games and computers.

Children can learn about Greek technology and discoveries, both modern and ancient. Here it is possible to try out computers and gadgets that were used years ago, when the first models were released.

Interesting details

• Price: from €5 per person.
• Location: located on Meramvellou Avenue in the Iraklio area.
• Distance: 5 to 15 minutes from the city centre.
• How to get there: You can get there by bus in eight minutes, walk for fifteen minutes or go by car to get there in about five minutes.

The Experience Crete theme park is ideal for children, focusing on sensory experiences and three-dimensional attractions. In addition, there are displays that explain little-known facts about Minoan culture. There is even a 9D attraction that simulates flying above the Palace of Knossos.

You can also travel back in time and experience ancient times. It is so real that some people often cry, laugh and feel adrenaline. Additionally, there are quieter areas where you can appreciate the murals of Knossos.

Details of interest

• Price: from €11 per person.
• Location: Located in the Efessou area.
• Distance: It is very close to the centre, depending on the method of transport you use, it can take up to five minutes.
• How to get there: It's such a close route that you can get there in two minutes by car, or in six minutes if you choose to walk or take the bus.

In Heraklion, children's fun is also a priority, which is why it's common to find family attractions, such as theme parks ideal for spending the afternoon playing and exploring. The Labyrinth Park is a great all-rounder, offering activities for all ages.

When you enter the labyrinth, you will find mysteries linked to Greek mythology, which you must solve in order to get out. I recommend that you set aside at least three hours for this adventure, as it can take some time to solve the riddles.

It is a mental challenge, ideal for stimulating the creativity of the little ones. The most important thing is that you never go back, as it will take you twice as long to find the exit. Note that this park also offers mini-golf courses, archery games, horse riding lessons and more.

All additional activities are at an extra cost. For example, to ride the Trojan horse, access the underworld game, go horseback riding or ride the quad bikes, you have to pay around €3.

Interesting details

• Price: To enter the mazes you pay around €10, children under four are free.
• Location: The Maze Park is located near the Acqua Plus theme park in the Chersonisos area.
• Distance: The Labyrinth Park is located about 25 minutes from the centre.
• How to get there: The best way to get there is by car, but there are also bus stations nearby.

The Dinosaur Park is on the outskirts of the city, specifically in the neighbouring mini-town of Gournes. It's an interactive park with fossil replicas and animated game rooms.

It's a worthwhile experience, as you'll find 50 species of dinosaurs that once inhabited the area. There are statues and interactive robots that children will love. There is also a museum that preserves their history, as well as a collection of bones.

The fun doesn't stop there, you can find excavation areas and a gift shop. There are other options, such as strolling around the facilities, taking the kids to the playground or taking a ride on the park's mini train, where children under the age of eight get a free ride.

Additionally, there is a 5D dinosaur cinema, a planetarium, exhibition halls and augmented reality rooms.

Details of interest

• Price: To enter the Dinosaur Park, you can buy a ticket from €14, with more expensive plans including entry to other rooms.
• Location: located in the Gournes area.
• Distance: Fifteen minutes from the centre.
• How to get there: the best way to get there is by car.