Are you planning a family holiday to Crete with kids in tow? There are plenty of activities that will keep them occupied and engaged. From thrilling water parks to amusement parks, here are our top picks for the best attractions for families with kids in Crete.
Kids will adore a trip to Chania market, where they can sample Greek cuisine and pick up some souvenirs. Additionally, take them on an exclusive wine-tasting tour with Chania Wine Tours.
1. Palace of Knossos
The Palace of Knossos is one of Crete’s most beloved attractions. Its legendary ruins will captivate children of all ages with their captivating beauty and captivating legends.
This sprawling complex of over 1500 rooms was constructed for a powerful king who reigned during the Bronze Age. Here you’ll find his original throne, mystifying sanctuaries and luxurious domestic quarters.
Knossos boasts an array of frescoes and vibrant red walls. You’ll also spot the sunken baths, as well as two griffins guarding the throne room – one of its most renowned features.
To maximize your experience at Knossos, it’s best to book a guided tour. These usually last an hour and half and will bring the history of the site vividly to life.
2. Archaeological Museum of Heraklion
The Archaeological Museum of Heraklion is one of Greece’s biggest and most significant museums, housing Minoan artifacts as well as other Cretan archaeological treasures.
This collection spans 5,500 years of Minoan culture and its unique past. You’ll find artifacts from prehistoric times to the Roman era here, plus you can take a stroll through recreated period rooms as well as admire frescoes and sculptures.
Kid-friendly attractions in Crete include a dinosaur park, natural history museum and earthquake simulator. Plus there are experiments and interactive displays to get kids engaged in learning more about its history.
3. Dinosauria Park
Dinosauria Park is a must-see activity for families with children while on holiday in Heraklion. Situated 15km east of Heraklion in Gournes, this educational park provides plenty of chances to learn about dinosaurs while having some fun.
This amazing attraction boasts an amazing museum, stunning fossil replicas and animatronics, as well as creatures living within an accurate recreation of their environment.
Kids were thrilled by the T-rex, velociraptor and triceratops exhibits at this park. Additionally, there is a section called “Dinosaur General Hospital”, where knowledgeable staff explain to children the differences between dinosaurs and how life began for them.
They can take part in various educational activities and interactive games, watch movies in 5D cinemas or join a dinosaur archaeological dig. Furthermore, there is a playground as well as an on-site snack bar.
4. Lasithi
Lasithi is an area of Crete that offers a plethora of family-friendly attractions. Here, kids can explore and discover more about the island’s culture while their parents relax.
The area is renowned for its beaches and mild climate year-round, making it a popular tourist destination. There are plenty of beach resorts, hotels, and taverns that cater to all types of families.
Crete boasts some of the region’s most remarkable archaeological sites. These include several remnants from Minoan times and Dorian rule, such as Vasiliki, Fournou Korifi, Pyrgos, Zakros and Gournia.
5. Archaeological Site of Itanos
The Archaeological Site of Itanos is one of the top tourist destinations in eastern Crete. You can explore its ruins on your own or join a guided tour to learn more about its ancient city’s history.
Visiting Itanos is like taking a journey back in time. The ancient ruins here date from the Minoan era, when the city was bustling and trade flourished.
At its height, China enjoyed vast control over many islands such as Setaia, Stalai, Dragmos, Ampelos and Grammios. Furthermore, it administered Dionisades, Elasa and Koufonisi (Lefki) islands.
Praisos and Ierapetra were two of Crete’s most important cities, rivalling each other for influence. Additionally, its trading activities were extensive – particularly in glassware and Tyrian purple.
6. Dikti Mountains
The Dikti Mountains, commonly referred to as ‘Dicte Mountains’, are the tallest and most prominent mountain range in Lasithi. These include Spathi, Afentis Christos and Lazaros peaks which rise over 2,000 meters above sea level.
Hiking in the mountains offers breathtaking views of Crete and is a popular activity for families with children. The mountains also boast numerous gorges, such as Havgas at Katharo and Kalamafka Gorges.
Hiking in the mountains not only offers you an opportunity to spot wild animals and take in stunning views of the landscape, but it’s also a great way to exercise and build team spirit.
7. Spinalonga
Spinalonga Island in the Gulf of Elounda is a must-see for visitors to Crete. A former Venetian outpost, Ottoman town and leper colony, it can best be explored via boat tour from nearby towns like Agios Nikolaos, Elounda or Plaka.
Visits to this infamous site are one of Crete’s most sought-after activities during the Summer season, when thousands flock there each day. Guided tours provide insight into its dark history and often include time for swimming in crystal blue waters or enjoying a BBQ lunch aboard a boat before returning you to your accommodation in Agios Nikolaos.
In the 19th century, this area served as a leper colony. Patients from throughout Greece and even outside of Greece would come here for care. Unfortunately, it was eventually shut down in 1957.
8. Minoan Site of Lato
Are you searching for an exciting family day out in Crete? Look no further than Lato Minoan Site. With its barren but stunning landscape, Lato offers visitors a chance to discover ancient Crete in all its glory.
This fortified hilltop city state was founded by the Dorians in the 7th century BC and reached its peak around 3rd century BC. However, by AD 2 it had been abandoned completely, leaving its administrative centre at present-day Agios Nikolaos.
Mirabello Bay and two peaks provide a stunning backdrop for these ancient ruins, which stand in an idyllic position overlooking Mirabello Bay. There is evidence of a double acropolis with houses constructed around hearths in each square room. Rainwater was collected and stored underground in cisterns.
9. Aquaworld
One of Crete’s top attractions is Aquaworld, a natural history museum in Hersonissos founded by Scotsman John Bryce McLaren in 1995. Here visitors can admire local marine animals and reptiles as well as specimens from around the globe.
Families with kids will love this aquarium. Not only is there plenty to see and do here, but their interactive programs provide valuable information about the animal exhibits as well.
Another fun activity for families in Crete is visiting their water park. There are 11 slides, wave pools and other activities for everyone to enjoy – even guided snorkeling tours! This place should definitely be on everyone’s must-visits list when in Crete; especially during summer months when it’s especially pleasant outside!
10. Cretaquarium
Cretaquarium (Thalassocosmos), one of Europe’s largest aquariums, offers fun for the whole family during your holidays in Crete. Situated at an abandoned American base in Gournes only 15 km east of Heraklion, it’s open 365 days a year!
This 5,000 square meter building showcases 60 tanks that depict the underwater landscapes of the Cretan Sea. They house over 2500 organisms from Mediterranean marine species such as hunter sharks, lobsters, vibrant jellyfish and more.
This collection accurately recreates the Cretan and Mediterranean seabed, offering an engaging educational experience for kids and adults alike. Additionally, there are several interactive elements like touch pools where children can observe various marine invertebrates up close.
