How to Visit the Acropolis with Children and Have a Great Time!

acropolis with children

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Kids love the Acropolis! It’s an unforgettable adventure and a perfect idea to kickstart your Athens trip with the family.

If you are planning to visit the Acropolis with children, then this is the guide you need to read before you start planning. It also includes tips to visit the Acropolis Museum… Trust me, your little ones will have a blast!
Check out more things to do in Athens with kids!


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Tips and Ideas to Visit the Acropolis with Children and the Acropolis Museum

Acropolis with children

Visiting the Acropolis with Children

acropolis with children
All the family had a blast at the Acropolis!

Embark on a journey back in time with the whole family!

There’s nothing more fascinating than enjoying a day at the Acropolis with your kids, it offers a great opportunity to learn about the origins of our modern civilization and democracy. And if you do it the right way, children will spent an unforgettable day.

When planning the visit, also check the Acropolis Museum page for children, it will offer some great advice and propose activities for you to kickstart the adventure!

acropolis with children
Temple of Athena Nike.

Climbing up the Acropolis hill and discovering the ancient temples and monuments will open a fairy tale world to the children. It will surround the whole family in a mythological atmosphere and will teach tons of interesting things.

Believe me, a visit to the Acropolis will keep your kids entertained for hours, you just need to do it right. And booking a tour that also caters to children can be just the ideal thing to do.

My kids (and me too!) loved the Mythological Tour of Athens: We spent about 4 fascinating hours listening to captivating stories of adventures and courage, with Gods, mighty heroes, and fantastic creatures, all of them related to every monument that we were looking at. It was unbelievable! And the kids adored it!

When planning your visit to the Acropolis with children, keep the following in mind:

Important Tips to Visit the Acropolis with Children

acropolis with children

Athens’ weather can be mild and pleasant from late April until October. During that period, expect to encounter warm temperatures, rising to hot (and sometimes very hot) from June to September. The archaeological site can get extremely hot during the central hours of the day, so remember:

  1. Avoid visiting from 11.00 to 16.00. These are the hottest hours in the day: Try to check the Acropolis early in the morning or at sunset hours to avoid extreme heat and sun. You will also avoid crowds and tons of tourists.
  2. Kids will need extra sunscreen protection, so pack a high-SPF lotion, and add a hat, sunglasses, and plenty of water too.
  • In the Acropolis, children will have to walk, hike, and climb uneven steps, some of them slippery, so being comfortable is important. Make your kids wear comfy walking shoes, well-ventilated if in summer. The rocks on the Acropolis have been eroded as the centuries went by, which makes them very smooth and extremely slippery, make sure their shoes help prevent falls and accidents.
  • Since the Acropolis slopes can be hard to walk around, strollers are not allowed in the archaeological site. Carrying your small child with a sling is the best solution. Do not worry about visiting the Acropolis Museum afterward, they do have baby strollers available and free of charge.
  • While the Acropolis offers toilet facilities, baby changing rooms are only available at the Acropolis Museum.
  • Operating hours tend to change from summer to winter, but also during holidays… and (unfortunately) pandemics. On some days, the entrance ticket can even be free of charge. Keep this in mind when booking your tour. Check the Acropolis official site for more information.

Packing for a Day at the Acropolis with the Kids

  • Don’t overpack. There’s a baggage control system right at the entrance. There is also a cloakroom available to deposit your bags. Do not wear heels (it would not be reasonable, plus they are not allowed in archaeological sites either). Small backpacks are ok, and small backpacks for kids too.
  • Pack your camera to capture all those amazing family moments in the Acropolis. If you want to access the site with a tripod, you need to ask for special permission in advance.

REMEMBER: The Acropolis does not allow baby strollers, but it is a good idea to visit the Acropolis carrying your baby in a baby carrier or sling.
If you plan to visit the Acropolis Museum after, you can borrow a stroller (without any extra cost) from the museum’s cloakroom.

Things to Know When Visiting the Acropolis with Children

Keep this useful info at hand…

Basics about the Acropolis

acropolis with children
It can be really crowded, so keep it in mind and plan accordingly.
  • The steep, rocky hill known as Acropolis is located in the center of Athens and is, in fact, visible from many areas in town. 
  • The Acropolis is a UNESCO World Heritage Monument and the most famous Greek monument of the ancient world.
  • Whenever you can, book a skip-the-line tour or skip-the-line tickets in order to avoid long waiting times in line to access the site. Kids will be thankful for it!
  • Due to the characteristics of the site, the Acropolis is only partially accessible for people with disabilities and reduced mobility. Some visitors can access the site with an elevator. It is available for wheelchairs, people with reduced mobility, and parents attending two or more infants on their own. To use the elevator it is necessary to contact the Acropolis facilities in advance (+30 210 3214172, +30 210 9238470).
  • Want to avoid crowds? The best time to visit the Acropolis is either very early in the morning or late in the afternoon, especially in the summer months.
  • If the kids need to go… You will find restroom facilities both at the main entrance (close to the Theater of Dionysus) as well as inside the site, behind the Parthenon area.
  • Medical services are available on-site, including a first-aid station, a doctor, and an ambulance.

Food and Drinks

  • There are many stores where you may get a snack or a drink before you enter the Acropolis, they are located near the Dionysus Theater entrance.
  • You are allowed to carry only water with you on the Acropolis, please pack a couple of small bottles because your kids will likely get thirsty. Other types of drinks are not allowed.
  • You can access the site with a few snacks for the children.
  • Forgot that water bottle? Worry not! there are public water fountains in the Acropolis.
acropolis with children
The Caryatids, Acropolis.

Acropolis Visiting Days and Hours

  • The Acropolis is not open every day.
  • Opening and closing times change according to the season.

Winter hours: from November 1st to March 31st

  • Monday – Thursday: from 9 am to 5 pm
  • Friday: from 9 am to 10 pm
  • Weekend: from 9 am to 8 pm
  • Every day, the last admission is half an hour before the closing time.

Summer hours: from April 1st to October 31st

  • Monday from 8 am to 4 pm
  • Tuesday – Sunday from 8 am to 8 pm
  • Friday: from 8 am to 10 pm
  • Every day, the last admission is half an hour before the closing time.

Special days

  • The Acropolis is closed on: January 1st, March 25th, and May 1st, Greek easter Sunday, December 25th and 26th.
  • Free admission on March 6h, April 18th, May 18th, the last weekend in September, October 28th, and every first Sunday of the month during the winter season (from November 1st to March 31st).
acropolis with children

Prices for Acropolis Tickets

Types of tickets: You can choose between a standard ticket that grants access to the Acropolis and the slopes or a combined ticket (valid for 5 days) that allows you to visit the Acropolis and other nearby sites including the Ancient Agora and its museums, the Roman Agora, Hadrian’s Library, the Cemetery of Kerameikos Cemetery, and the archaeological site of the Lykeion.

Standard tickets cost €20 (€10 reduced) during summer (April 1st – October 31st) and €10 (€5 reduced) in winter (November 1st – March 31st).

Full tickets cost €30 all year round (€15 reduced).

The entrance is free for European citizens under 18, university students, visitors with disabilities, and people who care for them. Prices are reduced for senior citizens (+ 65 years old), and proof of age is requested.

  • Kids from any country up to 5 years old enjoy free entrance to the site.
  • Age must be confirmed with a copy of the ID or passport.

What to See in the Acropolis

acropolis with children
Odeon of Herodes Atticus Theater.

The site offers things to see both at the top of the hill as well as on the slopes of the hill. On the slopes of the Acropolis, check the Ancient Theater of Dionysus, the Odeon of Herodes Atticus, and the Sanctuary of Asclepius.

To check all of these, make sure to access the Acropolis from the main entrance located on Dionysou Areopagitou Street.

On the Acropolis hill, children will marvel at the Parthenon, which is the largest temple on the Acropolis, but also the Temple of Athena Nike, the Erechtheion, and the impressive access gate, the Propylaea. From here they will also be able to see the imposing views of the city… all the way to the Port of Piraeus on a clear day!

Visiting during the weekend? Keep in mind that on Sundays, there’s a special ceremony at the Acropolis when the Presidential Guard Unit marches up the rock to raise the flag. They are dressed in their traditional uniforms and it is a fantastic experience. Do not miss it!

Best Kid-Friendly Tours of the Acropolis

Acropolis Mythological Tour: We enjoyed our mythological tour so much that we took it on two different occasions… and we would do it again. It was really amazing.

However, there are many more tours, some of them really made to keep kids and parents entertained. Take a look!

# The History of Greek Mythology Private Tour takes you and your kids to visit iconic sites and hear stories and tales of Greek mythology from your local tour guide. Book this tour here.

# Mythology Tour for Families is an engaging family adventure that explores the true roots of Greek mythology in the stunning sights of the Acropolis and the Ancient Agora. Book this tour here.

# Ancient Greek Mythology Exploration Game is a new type of experience, the perfect mix between a tour, outdoor escape game, and treasure hunt to discover the city’s fascinating history and attractions as you solve clues around Athens and travel back in time on a family quest. Book this tour here.

Tips to Visit the Acropolis Museum with Children

acropolis with children
The Acropolis Museum from Acropolis Hill.

Only a few steps from the Acropolis archaeological site, the magnificent Museum of the Acropolis is another amazing place that kids should visit too.

Far from being a boring place, the Acropolis Museum offers activities for the whole family.

Kids love to explore the museum once they have also seen the Acropolis since it adds a whole new perspective to what they have already learned at the site.

The Acropolis Museum is probably the most important museum in Greece and one of the most important in the whole world. It features more than 3.000 artifacts retrieved from the excavations in the Acropolis.

When you visit, the kids will be able to put the missing pieces in the puzzle of the Acropolis back together.

acropolis with children
Visiting the Acropolis Museum with kids can be nothing but super entertaining.

Following your visit to the sacred hill, the Acropolis Museum should be your next stop. It hosts every artifact that has been found on the Acropolis and the surrounding area.

And… although kids tend to get bored in many museums, trust me, this won’t be the case. The Acropolis Museum is far from boring… at all!

One of the most stunning surprises (for kids and parents alike) is the unique LEGO model of the Acropolis, with its magic legendary and historic characters, including goddess Athena, Poseidon, as well as Zeus or the legendary hero Theseus fighting the terrifying Minotaur.

Unexpected and very funny appearances include Alexander the Great and even Gandalf the Wizard and even a souvlaki van outside an ancient temple.

acropolis with children
Athena and Poseidon, Lego version.

Before accessing the museum, don’t forget to inquire about the special family backpacks that come with activities, games, and unique trails to follow.

The backpacks can be borrowed free of charge or purchased at the museum shop. Besides, at the museum shop, you can also find anything from toys, games, and educational material in many different languages! Is there a better souvenir from this experience?

As you can see, the museum makes the past accessible and comprehensible for everyone that visits. My suggestion is to take a look at the Acropolis Museum’s special page for kids before the visit.

It offers practical information and it also features interactive activities for the little ones. On the site, you will also find a list of all the kid-friendly activities in the program.

At the museum, you can also find family tours, an educational lab, and many special family events.

acropolis with children
The New Acropolis Museum in Athens.

The Acropolis Museum with babies and toddlers

  • There are strollers free of charge at the museum’s cloakroom.
  • There is a room for parents on the 1st floor where you can change and feed your baby
  • Hungry kids? The museum restaurant, on the 2nd floor, features a tasty menu for children.

Visiting hours

Winter season: 1 November – 31 March

  • Monday – Thursday: from 9 am to 5 pm
  • Friday: from 9 am to 10 pm
  • Weekend: from 9 am to 8 pm
  • Every day, the last admission is half an hour before the closing time.

Summer hours: from April 1st to October 31st

  • Monday from 8 am to 4 pm
  • Tuesday – Sunday from 8 am to 8 pm
  • Friday: from 8 am to 10 pm
  • Every day, the last admission is half an hour before the closing time.

Remember to check the official site of the Acropolis Museum to be updated on opening times and admission fees. You can access the shops, restaurants, and café in the museum for free.

acropolis with children

Check out these Acropolis Museum Tours

# Acropolis and Acropolis Museum Tour with Entry Tickets: This is a combined-entry tour to experience an informative and fun visit to the Acropolis of Athens and to visit the new Acropolis Museum and learn about the findings exhibited found at the archaeological site – This tour includes skip-the-line entry. Book this tour here.

# The Acropolis Museum Ticket & Access to Ancient Excavation: This is a visit to the New Acropolis Museum as well as a walk under the museum in the excavation site of an ancient Athens neighborhood, to see streets, houses, and shops dating back to 3000 B.C. Book this tour here.

# Athens Attractions Combo: Entry Tickets with Audio Guides: With this tour, you will visit the Acropolis of Athens, the Acropolis Museum, and the National Archaeological Museum with entry tickets for 6 sites and an audio tour. Book these tickets here.

# Acropolis & Museum: Entry Tickets Including Booking Fee: A convenient combo to visit the Acropolis and the Acropolis Museum at your own pace skipping the long lines and with an affordable fee. These tickets are easy to collect and can be redeemed any day within 30 days. Book these tickets here.

# Athens City Card: Combo Ticket Pass for Museums & Hop-On Hop-Off Bus: One handy combo ticket to enjoy Athens’ top museums, galleries, and cultural experiences, and explore the city with the Hop-on Hop-off in your own language. Buy the Athens City Card here.

Useful Information for a Seamless Visit to the Acropolis Museum with Children

acropolis with children
  • On the premises, you must go through a baggage control system before you access the main area of the museum.
  • There’s also a cloakroom for big backpacks, luggage or any other package. For this reason, I recommend you pack lightly when you visit the museum.
  • The only pets allowed are guide and assistance dogs.
  • Mobile phones are only allowed in the following areas: the lobby, café, and restaurant.
  • Photography is allowed in all exhibitions, except in the Gallery of the Slopes of the Acropolis and the Archaic Gallery.
  • Flash is not allowed while special permits are required for tripods and other portable equipment.

Extra Visit: The Archaeological Excavations Beneath the Acropolis Museum

acropolis with children
The entrance to the museum and the excavations are located underneath the entrance.

The building of the Acropolis Museum is based on raised pillars founded on the antique ground, the building has been designed in a way that it creates the impression of a transparent space with unobstructed views. 

In several places, both inside and outside the building, transparent glass floors allow visitors to visit the underlying archaeological excavations.

For the past few years, these excavations underneath the Acropolis Museum have been open to the public. Guided by special museum staff, kids will be able to admire an ancient Athenian neighborhood as they walk through its ancient streets. 

To visit the excavations as well as the museum, it is a good idea to buy a combined ticket and skip the lines.

acropolis with children

Visiting Hours

  • The archeological excavation beneath the Acropolis Museum is open from Monday to Sunday, from 9 am to 5 pm (the last entry is at 4.30 pm).

Check these Combined Tickets Before the Visit

# The Acropolis Museum Ticket & Access to Ancient Excavation: This is a visit to the New Acropolis Museum as well as a walk under the museum in the excavation site of an ancient Athens neighborhood, to see streets, houses, and shops dating back to 3000 B.C. Read more about Combined Entry Tickets.

Getting to the Acropolis, the Acropolis Museum, and the Ancient Excavations

acropolis with children
The Acropolis Station of the Athens Metro.

The easiest, cheapest, and most interesting way to reach the area is via the metro. Why interesting? Well, you will be able to see a lot of amazing objects pertaining to the Acropolis in the metro station, most of them were found during the construction of the metro system.

Your station will be “ACROPOLIS”. Once there, you can walk via the pedestrian road Dionysiou Areopagitou until you get to the main entrance.

If you prefer a taxi, they can drop you off at the beginning of Dionysiou Areopagitou or near the main entrance at the parking lot for tourist buses.

A day at the Acropolis with children can be one of the most exciting experiences during your Greek adventure with the family. Are you ready for your next Athens adventure?

If you’re ready for the trip, then check out these accommodations a few steps from the Acropolis…
Visiting the Acropolis with the kids this season?

Where to Stay Near the Acropolis with Children

Check the following Athens family hotels near the Acropolis to see photos, compare prices, and find out about other guests’ reviews before making a reservation. 

Budget Place to Stay Near the Acropolis for Families with Kids

Metropolis Hotel

2 stars
Location: Monastiraki Square, the location allows you to reach the Acropolis on foot or to easily access the metro station if you prefer not to walk.

This is a fabulous, super economic hotel with excellent reviews, ideal to be close to the Acropolis without spending a fortune, and perfect for families on a budget.

It features family rooms as well as triple rooms and a varied, buffet breakfast is included with the nightly fee. It’s located in the heart of Plaka, an area full of restaurants and shops and within walking distance of the Acropolis and the Acropolis Museum.

5-Stars Hotel Near the Acropolis for Families

Electra Palace Hotel Athens

5 stars
Location: Central Plaka neighborhood, only minutes from the Acropolis entrance.

Right downtown Athens, the hotel is located just blocks from Syntagma Square. A retro chic building with a contemporary vibe, the Electra Palace is a good place for an upscale stay in Athens with children.

Families can pick an executive room with extra sofa beds to accommodate the kids easily. The property enjoys some amazing views of the Acropolis, which can be even better enjoyed in summer when breakfast is served on the roof terrace.

Food: The hotel features a children’s menu with kid-friendly dishes, including spaghetti bolognese, fish and chips, mini burgers, delicious ice cream, and cookies.
Special for kids: One kid-friendly swimming pool.
Babies: Babysitting is available upon request (with an extra charge). All children under 2 years stay free of charge when using existing beds while kids under 2 years are charged €15 per night for a cot or crib.
For mommies and dads: Sauna, fitness center, and spa.

Best Rental Home in Athens for Families

Chloe Boutique Apartments

4/5 rating
Location: Acropolis Area (steps from the Acropolis Metro Station).

A fantastic home for the whole family with plenty of sunshine and ample spaces, ideal for families with up to 6 kids. The best part? It’s close to restaurants, and important landmarks, and right a few steps from the Metro Station which gives you the flexibility to travel everywhere in town without a sweat!

There is a seating area to rest after long hours walking in Athens, a dining area, as well as a fantastic kitchen (not that we’ll let momma cook during her holidays, right?). The flat is fitted with three bedrooms and two bathrooms. And the views are simply stunning.

Special for kids: Board games, books, and DVDs for children.
Babies: Children’s high chair, kid-friendly.
More: Elevator, wheelchair accessible.

Read more about Greece with kids!

🛌 Suggested Accommodation in Athens:

🗺️ More resources to book your trip to Greece:

Pin this Guide to Visit the Acropolis with Children for your Upcoming Family Adventures in Athens!

Acropolis with children

About me:

Gabi Ancarola | The Tiny Book

Gabi Ancarola

I moved to Crete in 2016. During these years, I learned so much about the island! In Crete, I juggle being a solo mom, hosting culinary tours, and writing for several travel media. I’ve written for Greek Reporter, published travel guides about Greece, co-authored DK Eyewitness Top 10 Crete, and had more glasses of frappe than any regular person could ever handle.

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