How to Spend 5 Days in Heraklion with Kids: Child-Friendly Itinerary That All the Family Will Love

5-day Heraklion itinerary for families with kids. This post includes activities and ideas for spending 5 fantastic days in Crete’s capital with kids. This Heraklion itinerary is perfect for first-time visitors.

Planning a trip to Crete with the family and would like to explore the capital and the rest of the Heraklion region? Then you might be wondering what things are there to do for families with kids. Here, you will find a flexible itinerary to explore Heraklion with kids in less than a week. It includes unique archaeological landmarks that appeal to older kids, good, kid-friendly beaches, water parks for teens, and engaging activities for the family. You will also find kid-friendly restaurants and a few hotels that are perfect for a family vacation in Heraklion. Are you ready? Let’s see what to do in 5 days in Heraklion with kids!

I have specifically planned this Heraklion itinerary for families in a way that combines some of the most appealing attractions in town, kid-friendly museums, and the popular Knossos Palace with interactive attractions, theme parks, fun water activities, and even a road trip for families with teens. All these child-friendly activities can be done in less than a week while maintaining kids’ rhythms in mind so you can follow a slow pace suitable for all ages.

Five days in Heraklion offer enough time to explore the region. It’s short enough to remain entertaining, still flexible, and long enough to factor in downtime at the beach or by the pool at your hotel.

I’ve prepared this guide with small kids in mind. Therefore, I’ve avoided packing too much to do in a day, thus preventing meltdowns and tiredness. I’ve crafted this itinerary, including kid-friendly food places, frequent stops for rest, and plenty of time at each attraction. I hope you enjoy it!

This carefully curated Heraklion itinerary for families combines must-see beaches and child-friendly activities to do in less than a week. It keeps kids’ rhythms in mind so you can follow a slow pace suitable for all ages.

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Things to Remember Before the Trip: Tips for this Heraklion Family Itinerary

Heraklion is a lively and busy city and the capital of the island. It’s also the main city in the Heraklion region, a vast central area in Crete, home to gorgeous valleys and plains, a unique southern coastal village, and plenty of attractions such as theme and water parks. For that reason, you will find a long list of things you could do (with or without the kids) over 5 days. 

During this time in Heraklion, you will sometimes explore areas close to each other, while at other times, you will spend longer on the road. Since Crete’s bus network can be somewhat limited (reaching mostly the towns on the northern coast), renting a car can be the best solution to move around and respect your kids’ timing.

I always suggest renting a car to provide the kids with the best on-the-road experience. This will allow you to make stops as frequently as you (and your kids) need and take your time to admire the landscape and enjoy life on the island.

Remember that car seats are compulsory for kids up to 11* and that you must book them in advance when renting your car. They often come at an extra fee. Do not count on the car rental agency to have them available once you arrive at the destination; it is always better to book the seats in advance to secure the seat or booster.

*All children under 3 traveling in cars in Greece must be placed in a suitable child restraint. Children between 3 and 11 must be seated in an appropriate child restraint for their size. From the age of 12, children over 1.35 m (4.42 feet) tall can wear an adult seat belt.

BUS TRAVEL IN CRETE
Traveling through the region by bus is an affordable option and can be easily done with older kids, but it can be cumbersome if you have toddlers in tow and need to carry a stroller, a baby bag, snacks, drinks, and more.

However, if you’re on a very tight budget or want to venture into our bus network, check out these articles:

• How to Get from Heraklion to Chania
• How to Get from Heraklion to Matala
• How to Get from Heraklion to Agios

Heraklion Family Itinerary: Day 1

Morning: Heraklion Town (Traditional Breakfast) + Venetian Fortress

Devote the first day to get acquainted with the city center and some of the city’s landmarks. I suggest exploring the fantastic Venetian Castle by the sea, known as Koules or Rocca a Mare. The place will fascinate the whole family with its stunning architecture and unique history. Kids will love to explore the different chambers, climb the roof, check out ancient weapons, and admire the city views.

After visiting the fortress, you can walk along the ancient Walls of Heraklion or explore the city center, with its ancient Venetian Fountain in Liontaria Square and the former Venetian Loggia.

If you’re in for a treat and your kids don’t mind trying local tastes, sit at a table in Kirkor’s, Heraklio’s most traditional pastry shop a slice of bougatsa. This sweet pastry is a favorite breakfast option on the island. You will certainly like the flaky, sweet phyllo pastry that wraps a delicious custard or cheese cream with cinnamon and vanilla flavor.
>> Location: Liontaria Square.

Afternoon: Heraklion’s Museums for Kids or Aquaworld Aquarium and Reptile Rescue Center

There are several interesting museums that kids can enjoy in the city of Heraklion, some of them with specific exhibitions and activities that kids will enjoy. These are some that I recommend:

• Natural History Museum of Crete
  This place is a must if you have kids! This educational museum lets kids experience a real earthquake in a seismic simulator and features a living museum with aquariums and terrariums among other exhibitions.
  >> Location: Sofokli Venizelou Avenue, Heraklion.

• Thyrathen Museum of Musical Instruments
  The music museum is perfect for kids to learn about Mediterranean music and traditional instruments. Visitors can experience an interactive tour and a digital tour.
  >> Location: Riga Feraioi Square, Heraklion.

• Museum of Ancient Greek Technology of Heraklion “Kostas Kotsanas”
  This relatively small museum is amazing, especially if you are into technology and machinery! It’s one of my kid’s favorite places in Heraklion. The museum has a great collection of objects that show and explain the principles of ancient technology we still use nowadays.
  >> Location: 18 Epimenidou Street, Heraklion.

Another fantastic alternative place for kids who prefer animals to museums is the Aquaworld Aquarium in Hersonissos. Here, you can check out reptiles and aquatic life (local and from other corners of the world). This is also a rescue center. Kids can feed snakes, turtles, and other animals under supervision.

Evening: Kid-Friendly Cretan Food

It is a good idea to end the first day in town having dinner at a kid-friendly restaurant. If your kids enjoy hamburgers, gyros, and grilled meat. For instance, you can check out Erganos, a Greek restaurant that serves lunch and dinner. It also features kid-friendly amenities such as high chairs, t.v. shows for kids, and the always-welcome outdoor seating.
>> Location: 5, Georgiadiou, Heraklion (website).

Heraklion Family Itinerary: Day 2

Morning: Knossos Palace

Knossos Palace is a must-visit archaeological site in Crete that I recommend visiting with kids at least 5 years old and up. This fascinating site is one of the most visited places on the island and an interesting place to learn about Crete’s advanced ancient civilization.

Since it has been controversially restored with frescoes and colors according to what some scholars thought the Palace used to be, this can be a great plus for small kids to understand how things would be in the past (although adults might not be as fond as these recreations, small kids can be truly entertained and stimulated to learn. The archaeological site allows kids to approach Greek Mythology and discover its key characters, including the Minotaur, Ariadne, and Theseus.

There are tours geared to kids and introduce the history of the Palace through mythology. These can be entertaining and educational. I have also written a guide to visiting Knossos Palace with kids, with a downloadable activity to prepare them for the adventure.

LOCAL MOM’S TIP: I suggest visiting early in the morning to avoid long lines and high temperatures. Pack water, a hat, and sunscreen. After the visit, head to nearby Pasiphae Restaurant for a dish of Greek salad and freshly squeezed orange juice under the shade of the trees.

Afternoon: Labyrinth Park (or Archaeological Museum of Heraklion for older kids and teens)

it’s always a good idea to combine the visit to Knossos Palace with a related activity for kids. Depending on their age, you can choose between a visit to the Labyrinth Park or a couple of hours at Heraklion’s Archaeological Museum, which features one of the most important exhibitions in the country.

Labyrinth Park: For small kids (up to 12 or a bit more)
The Labyrinth Park in Heraklion is an interactive way to introduce children to the wonders of the Minoan civilization. It contains interesting cultural ideas that will engage and entertain them.
>> READ MORE: Crete with Kids: Labyrinth Theme Park, Heraklion

Archaeological Museum of Heraklion: For kids 12 and older, teens and young adults
The museum covers over 5,500 years of Crete’s history, from the Neolithic period (7000 BC) to the Roman period (200 AD). Most objects belong to prehistoric times and the Minoan era, a period named after the mythological King Minos.

>> READ MORE: Guide to Visit the Archaeological Museum of Heraklion

Evening: Dinner in the Mountains (Mochos Village)

Drive up the mountain for an early dinner in the panoramic village of Mochos. Here, all the family can savor a mouthwatering Cretan dinner, walk the alleys of the traditional settlement, and enjoy milder temperatures than you might find by the sea.

The village is 12 km above Stalida, a coastal settlement with a kid-friendly beach, about 30 minutes by car from the center of Heraklion.

Looking for a place to eat? We always dine at Taverna Rodamanthis (reviews), one of the best places for meze and Cretan food in Mochos.

Heraklion Family Itinerary: Day 3

Full Day: Water City Water Park

One of the most fun experiences you can have in Crete is to spend a whole day at a water park. It might not be Mom’s ideal way to spend a day in Heraklion, but the small ones in the family will certainly have tons of fun.

If you must choose a water park in the area, I strongly suggest Water City. It has huge installations with dozens of slides and water games for all ages and is located on a hill overlooking the coastline. This unique position allows them to use the irregular terrain to feature fantastic slides. You can get there by car or with their transport system.

Spending the day is easy. The park features a wide parking area, affordable food options, several canteens, places for ice cream, and many more facilities. You only need to pack a swimming suit, sunscreen, and a hat.

Location: Anopolis, Heraklion.
>> GET YOUR WATERCITY PASSES HERE (and don’t wait in line!)

RELATED POST:
– Why Your Kids Will Love Watercity Water Park in Heraklion!

Late Afternoon / Early Evening: Hersonissos (Arcades + Games)

>> CONSIDER THIS:
After spending a whole day in such a big water park, the kids will be tired and probably want to go to bed early. Therefore, I suggest packing a change of clothes in your backpack before leaving the park and heading directly to Hersonissos for an early dinner, a few games, an ice cream, and an early return to your hotel.

Hersonissos is a coastal town a few kilometers east of Heraklion, known for its entertainment areas, theme parks, and dozens of fun games and attractions for small kids and teens. After spending a whole day in the water park, this can be a relaxing place to visit for a walk, a nice dinner by the sea, tons of ice cream, and some time at a local game hall, a bowling center, or a kid-friendly amusement park.

Iraklio Bowling Center: This place features arcade and PC games for kids, billiard tables, and ten bowling lanes. It also features a restaurant.
>> Location: 11 Ikarou Street, Hersonissos (website).

Kartland: This popular place has a fantastic kart track for the whole family to have a blast. Smaller kids can ride with their parents. Kartland guarantees entertainment for the whole family.
>> Location: 8 Anthousas Ave, Hersonissos (website).

Heraklion Family Itinerary: Day 4

Full Day: Road Trip to the South (Matala Beach + Phaistos for older kids)

An early wake-up call is needed to get on the road and drive south! Today, you can spend the day in Matala, one of the most colorful villages on the island’s southern coast. Your kids will enjoy swimming in the Lybian Sea, and the whole family can enjoy exploring the hippie village and the ancient caves on the beach.

Older kids or families that enjoy nature walks can hike for about one kilometer and visit the spectacular Red Beach. The place offers a shallower beach than Matala Beach, while parents can try the famous mojitos served at the only beach bar and canteen on the beach, Giannis Mojito.

This beach features fine golden sand and a wide area for naturism. The shore is quiet, and the waters are crystal clear. If your family doesn’t feel comfortable here, I suggest exploring beaches like Kommos or Kalamaki, both a short drive from the center of Matala.

Instead, older kids who have enjoyed Knossos and are eager to learn more about the Minoans will certainly appreciate visiting the spectacular Minoan Palace of Phaistos, about 20 minutes from Matala Beach.

RELATED ARTICLES:
– Best Things to Do in Matala
– Guide to Visit the Archaeological Site of Phaistos
– How to Hike to Red Beach (Matala)
– How to Get from Heraklion to Matala

Late Afternoon: Back to Heraklion (Relax by the hotel pool + Gyro street food)

After a whole day on the road, exploring the Matala caves, swimming at the beach, hiking to the nearby Red Beach, or visiting the Archaeological Site of Phaistos, the kids are likely to feel like resting. So my suggestion is to slow down and enjoy a swim at the hotel pool or go for a short walk in town before bed.

Exploring the city center, walking near Liontaria Square, and tasting a delicious gyro wrap for dinner is a good idea. Head to Barba Thymios ((96, 25h August Street) for a good gyro wrap near the square, or walk to Daskalogiannis Square for a delicious gyro at Thraka.

After that, you can have an ice cream in one of the cutest pastry shops in Heraklion: Hans and Gretel. They sell the most delicious gelato, unique chimney cakes, sweets, donuts, and candy. No kid (or adult) can avoid a stop in this fantastic candy store next to the Lions (90, 25h August Street).

Heraklion Family Itinerary: Day 5

Morning: CretAquarium

Devote the last morning in Heraklion to the fantastic CretAquarium, one of the best activities for children to enjoy near the city. The aquarium is in Gournes, a seaside village a short car ride from town, and buses are available.

The aquarium truly feels like a different universe where kids can explore and learn about the mysteries of the Mediterranean Sea. You will notice dark, quiet spaces and a calm vibe as you access the premises. When we visited, we learned that low light prevails to accustom the eye to underwater conditions, making it easier to spot dusky groupers, red corals, crayfish, and other species.

Different tanks feature unique marine life, not just those from the Mediterranean (more info here). Some animals that caught our attention were sharks, octopuses, medusas, stunning sea anemones, and clown anemonefish.

CretAquarium is open all year round.
Summer hours (Apr 1 – Oct 31): 9.30 a.m. to 7. p.m
Winter hours (Nov 1 – Mar 31): 9.30 a.m to 4 p.m.
General entrance: €12 ~ Children (5-17 y/o) and Senior citizens (over 65): €6 ~ Children under 4: Free.
Audio guide: €3.
You can purchase the entrance ticket in advance here.

Afternoon: Amoudara Beach (or Agia Pelagia for Water Sports)

On our last vacation day, no matter the destination, I like to spend a few hours at the beach. This way, the kids can enjoy the last hours by the sea and be tired enough to relax and sleep on the plane back home. If you have a late plane or leave Heraklion the following morning, visiting one of the beaches near the city center is a good idea. Amoudara is a good compromise, quite close to Heraklion town, featuring a wide sandy beach where you can enjoy the last swim.

If you have older kids, I suggest driving or taking the bus to nearby Agia Pelagia Beach. Over here, you will find different shores featuring water activities and beach sports for a thrilling last day at sea. I suggest heading to Psaromoura Beach (one of the many shores in the area) to enjoy a one-hour boat ride to nearby virgin beaches, where kids can jump from the boat and spend time snorkeling.

Evening: Souvenir Shopping in Town

Don’t miss a small shopping spree in the capital if you plan to take souvenirs back home for your friends, family, or yourself. Besides the usual fridge magnet that nobody fails to purchase (but is nowhere near a local product), I suggest checking out authentic Cretan souvenirs, including olive oil and one or two bottles of delicious wine from the Heraklion Wine Region.

Inspira is a company that makes unique T-shirts featuring ancient designs inspired by the Aegean civilizations. All the products are entirely Greek and are a good alternative to the usual “I love Crete” garment.
>> Location: Cretan Physis, 27, 25th of August Street, Heraklion (website).

Kosmima is a shop that offers unique gold and silver creations and many replicas of ancient Minoan jewelry.
>> Location: 2, Sapoutie Street, Heraklion.

Aromattika is the perfect place to purchase local spices and herbs often used in Crete’s gastronomy.
>> Location: Idomeneos Street, Heraklion (website).

>> ALTERNATIVE:
If you want to explore the city’s street markets for souvenir shopping, you can invert this day’s itinerary. Devote the morning to Heraklion’s open market in the town center, then visit CretAquarium in the hottest hours of the day, and head to the beach after 5 p.m. when the heat and the sun are not so heavy on kids. You can end the day with a walk on the pedestrian streets and an ice cream in the city center.

Convenient Kid-Friendly Hotels in Heraklion

These are some of the best hotels in the region for families with children. I’ve picked hotels in town that include pools since Heraklio’s city beaches are not the best in Crete. Some of them also feature a playground and other child-friendly facilities.

• Sofia Hotel
  It features family rooms, children’s cots (free and upon request), a seasonal pool, and a delicious breakfast.
  >> BOOK HERE

• Capsis Astoria
  The hotel offers a pool, children’s cots (upon request), family rooms, three restaurants with different dietary options, babysitting services, board games and puzzles, and pet-friendly facilities.
  >> BOOK HERE

• Galaxy Iraklio Hotel: It’s one of my kids’ favorite hotels in Heraklion because of its fantastic pool. It is close to the city center but quiet and features one of the best breakfasts in town!
  >> BOOK HERE or CHECK OUR REVIEW

(Note that in some cases, certain services for children might have an extra charge).

I hope this child-friendly Heraklion itinerary helps you plan your time with the whole family on the island!

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Family Itinerary in Crete: 5 Days in Heraklion with Kids

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