The 8 best places for kids around Heraklion in Crete

One of the key advantages of Heraklion as a family destination is that it offers numerous different options for families who want to get the best out of their holiday stay.

1.Knossos

The history of the glorious Minoan civilization starts in the Palace of Knossos. Visit it and ‘unwind’ your own thread of Ariadne… if you have an iphone, make sure you download the mobile app Kids Love Knossos, a series of audio stories about Knossos. Rest assured that your whole family will travel back in time to the glorious era of the Minoan civilization.

For a private guided tour to the Palace of Knossos with your family click HERE:

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2.CretAquarium/ Thalassokosmos

‘Nemo’ and his friends invite your family to pay a visit to the impressive CretAquarium in Gournes, 15 minutes west of Heraklion. There you will get the chance to experience many different sea creatures of the Mediterranean and Greek seas. A fun day trip which will surely give your kids a big smile and unforgettable memories!

3.Labyrinth Park

A relatively new theme park for the family, 20 minutes drive from Heraklion and 10 minutes from Hersonissos. Labyrinth Park blends harmoniously Greek mythology with children’s amusement. Your kids will love the engagement in solving educational quizzes found in the maze. At the same time, they will be challenged physically and mentally in an effort to find the way out of the maze and escape from the terrible Minotaur. For a more detailed description of the Labyrinth Park, click here.

4.Dinosauria Park

Visit Dinosauria and admire the legendary dinosaurs in their real size. The park is in Gournes, 15 minutes from Heraklion, and only a couple of minutes away from CretAquarium. The park is suitable for young kids as who are keen on admiring and learning about these prehistoric animals. We particularly like the polite staff who works there.

5.Minoiki Avli (Minoan Yard) at the Riding Club in Heraklion

This is one of our favorite activity around Heraklion, as it is innovative, fun and educational at the same time. Minoiki Avli (Minoan Yard) is a dance show which takes place in the stoned theatre of the Riding Club of Heraklion. Professional male and female dancers dressed as Minoans will showcase some of the Minoan rituals including the bull fighting. What a unique way to teach history to the whole family… an absolute must especially after a visit to the Palace of Knossos as well as the Archaeological Museum of Heraklion.

6.Archanes

Ask your family to put their most comfortable shoes on and discover the beauty of the Cretan nature by hiking up the mountain of Giouchtas. Admire the view of Heraklion and in your descent make sure you stop at the nearby ‘gourmet’ village of Archanes, one of the most traditional villages of Crete. Definitely a must do if you wish to delve into the Cretan local culture.

For a family day trip to Archanes village and the mountain of Giouchtas:

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7.Water City

The options for swimming in the Cretan sea are endless… However, if you are a big fan of water parks and you need a break from the beach, we recommend that you visit Water city, in Anopolis, just 17 km from Heraklion. The water slides will bring a big smiles on your kids’ faces… and possibly yours!

8.Rhous Winery

Traditionally, grapes growing and wine making has been an integral part of the Cretan economic activity. We highly recommend that you visit Rhous Winery. Introduce yourself to Maria Tamiolaki, the owner, and ask her to guide you to the ‘magical world of Cretan wine’. While your children play in the garden, you will have the opportunity to taste Cretan varieties and experience by first-hand how ‘ wine gladdens the heart of a man’.