Unforgettable Things to Do in Crete with Kids
With an impressive collection of heavenly beaches, Crete may be one of Greece’s best destinations for families with kids. Shallow shores, soft sand, and sunny days are crucial to making everyone happy.
Add tasty and healthy food plus endless attractions, and the island quickly becomes a great family holiday destination. Not sure yet? Let me show you why spending your family holidays in Crete is a winning idea.
📍 Must-do: Balos Cruise 📍 Knossos Palace 📍 Check rental car rates for Crete 🚗
So, the best way to get ready for a Family Holiday in Crete is to plan and organize every detail of your trip. Let’s start by answering some of the most common questions I have received from you through e-mail:
Crete for Families: Frequently Asked Questions
IS CRETE GOOD FOR FAMILIES?
The answer is yes, of course it is! Crete is one of the safest places you can think of. There are plenty of shallow beaches for children to swim and for you to relax. No stress is always a good recipe for the whole family.
Food is also incredibly healthy and super-tasty. Massively using fresh vegetables, olive oil, and other superfoods guarantees that children will eat the right stuff—and they will like it.
Plenty of activities are great for the whole family, but there are also many others, especially for children. You can visit museums and archaeological sites. Or enjoy fun entertainment in theme parks or water parks.
Kids will also enjoy learning from activities dedicated to them, pottery or cooking lessons can be a great idea. Practicing sports that put them in greater contact with nature is also possible.
In a nutshell, from outdoor adventures to feeding animals on a farm, the choice is endless.
HOW IS LIFE ON THE ISLAND FOR KIDS?
On the island, life is simple and relaxed, while contact with nature is still a priority and a way of living.
Families that love adventure can easily camp and enjoy a stress-free stay, as (moms will be happy to learn) there are no dangerous animals in Crete, including no poisonous snakes.
WHERE CAN FAMILIES GO IN CRETE?
Families can go virtually anywhere, as kids will always be welcome all over Crete. More than welcome, I’d say: Greeks tend to adore kids to the point of pampering them over the limit.
For families with newborns and toddlers, the convenience of finding familiar diaper brands and a wide selection of baby food in any supermarket is a game-changer. It’s a relief to know you can travel light and still have everything you need for your little ones.
The best activities for kids usually concentrate on the most popular cities, such as Heraklion, Rethymno, and Chania. Planning a stay within reach of those urban areas is always a good idea when traveling with kids.
WHAT ARE CRETAN BEACHES LIKE FOR KIDS?
Crete has beaches for all tastes. Kids included. And if you are traveling to the beach for the first time with your baby, there’s no need to panic.
Due to Crete’s varied coastal landscape, you’ll be able to find bays that are as calm as lagoons, virtually waveless, and never hit by strong winds or currents.
On Crete’s beaches, your kid can create castles of soft sand, discover the submarine wonders with a pair of goggles, or play pirates on their private islet.
Crete with Kids: Child-Friendly Beaches
In this section, you will find everything about Crete’s best beaches for kids in each region on the island.
HERAKLION
In Heraklion, on the north coast and close to the city center, Sarandaris, Ammoudara, and Ligaria are good beaches for children. This latter is half an hour away from the city and features calm waters thanks to a cape that creates natural protection from the wind.
Sarandaris is quite close to the coastal village of Hersonissos, which can be busy because it’s trendy, but it also offers entertainment opportunities for the whole family.
The south of the Heraklion region allows a more relaxed rhythm. Kids will adore the adventure of crossing the mountains to reach Tsousouras Beach or exploring the caves of Matala.
>> Discover more things to do in Heraklion with kids.
CHANIA
If you plan to stay in the Chania prefecture, the safe coves and bays in the Akrotiri peninsula are ideal for children. There are beaches like Marathi, Loutraki, Kalathas, Stavros, and Tersanas—all perfect for families!
Staying in Akrotiri is a great idea when you travel with kids and want to be close to Chania town. Akrotiri is pretty close to the city center for a walk at night, but it is also peaceful and has all the comforts you might need (supermarkets, taverns, pharmacies).
Families can drive south of Chania through Imbros Gorge to enjoy the calm beach of Frangokastello. This is one of the best beaches in South Crete, with soft sand and clear, calm waters perfect for children.
>> You can read more about the best things to do in Chania with kids here. Other safe, kid-friendly beaches in the Chania region are Paleochora, Elafonisi, and Falasarna.
RETHYMNON
As a mom of two, and despite how much I like Rethymno as a region, the northern coast of Rethymno has never been among my favorites for small kids since it offers open-sea beaches that can sometimes get windy.
However, if you are willing to drive, the beaches in the Bali area are great for kids since they are shallow and protected from strong winds. The village is quiet for the whole family.
For a better experience when it comes to fid-friendly in the region, there are excellent shores on Rethymnon’s southern coast, such as Rodakino, Triopetra, Souda, and Plakias. However, if you wish to experience a magic river flowing into the sea surrounded by beautiful palm trees, Preveli is also a good choice.
LASITHI
The Lasithi region has excellent beaches for kids along Mirabello Bay. In this case, it’s a good idea to stay in Agios Nikolaos. While staying in the area, go with your kids to shores such as Almyros and Ammoudara or Voulisma Beach, which is a few minutes from the center of Agios.
Among the things to do, kids shouldn’t miss a visit to Zeus Cave in the Lasithi Plateau or the mysterious Spinalonga island.
Our favorite place for our kids in Lasithi has always been Makrigialos Beach on the southern coast. It features a safe bay with good restaurants on the shoreline and is quite close to the bigger town of Ierapetra.
>> You can read about the safest beaches for children in Crete.
Best time to Visit Crete with the Kids
Older kids are usually capable of managing the hot season. Instead, for smaller kids, May and early June can have milder, more pleasant temperatures, perfect for babies and toddlers who might suffer in the hottest temperatures in August and July.
Furthermore, May and June often see fewer visitors, which is fantastic if you want to avoid queues and overcrowded places with the kids in tow.
You can also plan your holiday for September when places are again less overcrowded since local kids start school in the second week of the month.
September is fantastic if you’re looking for better prices, fewer tourists, and more tolerable temperatures. There might be an occasional shower (not always), so pack accordingly. Just a light raincoat will do. You won’t need warm clothes in Crete in September.
Crete with Children: Safety
Pediatricians are available in all major hospitals and more isolated areas. Pharmacists are usually very helpful in case of a medical emergency. Most health professionals speak at least two languages, so finding medical attention shouldn’t be a problem.
The main urban centers (Heraklion, Agios Nikolaos, Chania, Rethymnon) have hospitals and specialist doctors.
There are two general hospitals in Heraklion. The University General Hospital (8 km from the city center) is the largest in Crete. The second one is on the road to Knossos, about 4 km from Heraklion.
Other urban centers, such as Ierapetra and Kissamos-Kastelli, also have the necessary facilities for minor health issues.
SAFETY TIPS FOR CAR RENTAL
Almost every car rental company offers kids’ seats when you rent a car. Do not hesitate to ask for this feature whenever you are looking to book a car for your holiday.
Things to Do in Crete with Kids
There are endless activities for the whole family and many others dedicated to kids. Here is a list of different entertaining things that families can do. These are Crete’s most fun attractions for children.
Outdoor Activities in Crete for Children
All the family can enjoy plenty of activities on the island that allow parents and kids to spend fun moments together. If your family enjoys water sports, you can try snorkeling, diving, and sailing.
The island is also famous for hiking and walking. There are many fantastic gorges for all skill levels. Older kids can venture into the well-known Samaria Gorge if they are used to long walks. The whole adventure can take from 5 to 6 hours.
For smaller kids who can endure shorter trails, Imbros Gorge, close to Chora Sfakion (in Chania), or the unique Kourtaliotiko Gorge (in Rethymnon) are great alternatives. Children love Patsos Gorge, a very accessible trail in the Rethymnon region.
Great for smaller explorers is also the gorge of Kounaviano, in Heraklion, which is easy to walk and displays impressive flora and fauna. The kids can also enjoy other activities, such as horseback riding.
>> Consider your kid’s age and skills when deciding on the difficulty level of the path you wish to explore.
Water Parks for Families
Children can enjoy a refreshing time in one of the many water parks on the island.
WATERPARKS IN CRETE
- Watercity: Located in Anopolis, a village about 20 minutes from Heraklion. The park offers water games, including pools and slides (check them out here). The park has rates for kids, different food bars, and a mini-market. But most importantly, there are fully trained lifeguards for any emergency.
- Acqua Plus: A few minutes from Hersonissos, Acqua Plus features water games, safe areas for kids, and extreme slides for adults. There’s also a special place to relax. The park offers specially trained lifeguards, changing facilities, bars, and a restaurant. >> BOOK ENTRANCE TICKETS IN ADVANCE HERE
- Bravo Water Park: This is a smaller park near Amoudara Beach. It offers fewer options for adults but is fun for children. You can learn more about opening hours and fees here.
- Aqua Creta Limnopoulis: This is my kids’ favorite water park. It’s located about 15 minutes from the center of Chania, in the village of Varipetro. This is one of the biggest water parks in Crete, featuring thrilling slides and water games. Limnopoulis features trained lifeguards, and water hygiene is constantly certified. >> BOOK TICKETS HERE
Theme Parks
Another well-known attraction in Crete is the CretAquarium, where kids up to 4 years old get a free entrance and older kids have a reduced fee. The aquarium is located in Gouves, not far from Heraklion. It’s not as big as expected, but it has some impressive tanks with sharks that kids enjoy.
We visited the aquarium several years ago, and we enjoyed the experience as a family. It provided something different to do on a sweltering afternoon. You can purchase CretAquarium tickets in advance to avoid lines.
Kids enjoy other theme parks in the same area, including Dinosauria Park, only steps from the aquarium. My kids loved that visit a lot! Upon entering, after checking a fossils museum, go through a time machine that lands you right in the era of dinosaurs. Walking through the park, you will see dinosaurs in the heart of prehistory.
Near Hersonissos, Labyrinth Theme Park allows kids to explore Crete’s traditions and the Minoan Civilization’s fascinating world. It is a perfect attraction before or after a visit to Knossos Palace with the children.
The park’s main themes are Greek mythology and mazes, such as the Minotaur labyrinth, the laser maze, and many others. Kids will also find a mini golf course, a farm, archery lessons, and pottery classes.
In Chania town, Minoan’s World includes cinemas and reproductions inspired by Minoan frescoes. Emphasis is also placed on the Minoans’ maritime activities and enigmatic language. Myths of Zeus, the Minotaur, and Icarus will fascinate kids. Tickets are available here.
Museums for Kids in Crete
Some museums on the island are exciting for the whole family, but many others have been specially designed for children.
Natural History Museum of Crete (Heraklion): This is one of the most fascinating museums for children. It includes different sections dedicated to animals, plants, and dinosaurs. Yet, the experience that fascinates kids is the incredible earthquake simulator!
There’s also a section known as Light Mysteries, which includes optical illusions, holograms, and 3D images. The Erevnotopos area is a fantastic place for kids to feel like authentic explorers. There, kids discover fossils in the sand and explore the local ecosystem.
Archaeological Museum of Heraklion (Heraklion): This is a fantastic museum for the whole family and a place I always recommend to those interested in ancient history. It’s interesting for older kids and the best visit to combine with the Minoan Palace of Knossos.
I’ve reviewed the visit to Heraklion’s archaeological museum and written a detailed guide to exploring the archaeological site of Knossos with kids. No kid enjoys waiting in line, so it’s a good idea to book a skip-the-line tour of Knossos to make the most of the visit.
If this is your kid’s first attempt at an archaeological site, Malia Minoan Palace is smaller and easy to visit.
Open-Air Museum of Lychnostatis (Hersonissos, Heraklion): This folklore museum focuses on Crete’s traditions and popular culture. It is one of the best museums to visit in Crete with kids. The exhibitions include an ethnographic collection related to local customs and a pre-industrial technology collection.
At the museum, there’s a miniature building of the Cretan house and a mountain mitato (a shepherd’s shelter). They sell handmade objects in the crafts shop. This is the link to their website. Purchasing the tickets online in advance is always a good idea.
Homo Sapiens Museum (Lasithi): This is an original museum-theme park focused on evolution from the times when men lived in caves until today. Kids go back thousands of years and learn about inventions that changed the course of history, like the wheel. The zone dedicated to the Greek gods is also fascinating.
Other Experiences For Fantastic Crete Family Holidays
For kids who love nature and are curious about native species, the Botanical Park and Gardens of Crete (in Chania) is a perfect place for a morning in nature. Kids can see the curious Cretan wild goats (agrimi, or kri-kri, as the locals call them), birds, and butterflies.
There are gardens dedicated to vineyards, fruit, and endemic aromatic herbs. The facilities host a restaurant serving incredibly fresh food with ingredients from the park’s vegetable garden.
Agrotourism activities flourish all over Crete. Kids can learn everything about life on a Cretan farm by experiencing bread or cheese-making and cooking lessons.
We enjoyed making bread and feeding the farm animals in Amari (Rethymno), and we loved visiting a ceramic factory in Anopolis, in the Industrial Park of Heraklion. The Kaparounakis Ceramic Workshop was perfect for the kids to play with clay and make pots and cups (that you can take home!). Learn more on their Facebook page.
Kids can have fun and learn at the Cretan Olive Oil Farm in Agios Nikolaos. Besides hosting a guided tour, there are ceramic lessons, cooking classes, and cheese-making lessons in which it’s possible to milk the goats! Check their website for activities, schedules, and prices.
Snail Farm and Fun is another interesting place in the Tyllisos, a village near Heraklion. There, both kids and adults can learn every secret about snail farming. The bravest can even try them cooked in delicious Cretan dishes. The farm owners honor Cretan hospitality and are very friendly with visitors. This is a must-see place if you are staying in the area.
Cretan Food for Kids
The Cretan diet, closely related to the Mediterranean diet, is a reason to choose Crete as a holiday destination. Children will appreciate natural and seasonal food.
For health-conscious parents, Crete offers a welcome change from the typical fast-food scene. The island’s preferred local fast food, the gyro or souvlaki, is a healthier alternative that your kids will love.
And if your kids find it challenging to eat unfamiliar food when they travel abroad, this guide to Greek food for picky eaters can help!
Furthermore, restaurants will always have rice, pasta, or fried potatoes to offer to children who’d instead pass on vegetables. Fresh fruit and Greek yogurt, locally produced honey, homemade cakes, and pies are available everywhere for snacks on the beach.
Where to Stay in Crete with Kids
Holidays with kids in mind should also cater to at least kid-friendly accommodation, even if it’s not dedicated to kids.
>> This guide has the best hotels and areas to stay in Crete with children.
Many of the island’s resorts are great for families; some have been built with kids in mind. Paradisio Baby and Kinder Hotel in Stavros, Chania, is one of them.
The beach of Stavros is ideal for children since it’s a shallow lagoon. In the hotel, kids will find a park within a 400-m² play area, a go-kart track, a tree-house, a ping-pong table, and an animal farm.
Another hotel that welcomes young travelers is Mythos Palace Resort and Spa, close to Georgioupolis, another calm sand beach ideal for children. The hotel has beautiful gardens and access to a kid-friendly beach, and entertainment includes magic and games.
If your kids are a bit older and all into technology, Olive Green Hotel in Heraklion is also a good choice. This eco-friendly hotel wins over any kid who loves to spend time online. Every room features a tablet, perfect for movies or games. Their restaurant has a delicious menu for kids.
>> Discover these hotels with communicating rooms and these fun hotels with water parks!
Essentials to Pack for Family Travel in Crete
- High UV protection sunscreen
- Aftersun balm
- A good hat
These are the three essentials of any packing list for Crete with kids.
- Other useful things include swimming goggles, hiking shoes, sandals for those interested in exploring the mountains, and water shoes specially designed for pebbles that you can wear on the beach or when you swim. Many kids find walking on pebbles a bit of a nuisance.
- Of course, swimming suits and flip-flops are a must, but a good pair of sunglasses is also handy for children. If your kids don’t love hats, carry a bandana that can be worn on very hot days to keep them cool.
- Pack clothes that are easy to wash and dry and can be ready overnight. Choose natural fibers such as cotton for comfort and light colors to combat heat.
- As a general rule, do not overpack. Good clothes, several international brands, and reasonable prices are available in every important city.
- Bring any prescribed medicine and copies of all prescriptions with the generic names for medicines (if possible in English). It’s also easy to obtain over-the-counter medicines in Crete.
- Include a light raincoat for peace of mind if you travel off the high season. Chances are you won’t use it, but better safe than sorry.
Are you planning to visit Crete with your children soon? The island offers excellent opportunities for a truly fun vacation. Contact me if you need specific advice for your family adventure on the island; I will gladly help.
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Best Thing to Do in Crete with Kids
Gabi, the Crete Insider
Hi, I’m Gabi — your go-to local expert in Crete! I’ve been living in Chania, Crete since 2016, and I’ve turned my love for the island into a full-time passion — guiding travelers, writing for travel media, and curating local experiences.
I co-authored DK Eyewitness Top 10 Crete and other guides. I run the blogs The Tiny Book, Greece Planner, and My Cretan Recipe. Through this platform I help travelers design unforgettable trips to Crete.
