If you’re trying to pick a Greek island for a family holiday, you can’t overlook the biggest of the bunch – not least because there are so many things to do in Crete with kids
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In fact, unlike some of the smaller islands where you can explore the highlights in a week, you’ll need longer to discover everything there is to do on Crete with kids – it definitely pays to pick your base wisely when you’re booking accommodation.
From Venetian history to beaches and boat trips, there’s plenty to tempt near Rethymno (or Rethymnon) and Chania with kids in the western part of the island, and further east towards Elounda, but you’ll find most family attractions near Heraklion, the island’s capital, and Hersonissos.
The south and far east of the island are quieter and less touristy – as well as further from the two airports at Chania and Heraklion, plus the main ferry ports in the north – but whether you’re looking for history and myth, chilled out sun, active adventure or family fun, you’ll find plenty of things to do for kids in Crete.
Read my guide to Greece with kids for more tips and inspiration
Enjoy a beach day
Crete is famed for having some of the most beautiful beaches in Europe, so you can’t plan a family holiday in Crete without a beach day or two.
Wherever you’re staying, you’ll find some of the family-friendly beaches in Crete nearby: there are so many, that it’s hard to know where to begin. But to help narrow them down, I’ve listed a few of my favourites by area.
Family-friendly beaches in the west of Crete
- Falassarna Beach – one of the most beautiful natural beaches in Crete, with fine golden and pink sand and crystal clear waters.
- Platanias Beach – a long sandy beach just west of Chania with plenty of tourist facilities, including hotels, restaurants, water sports, lifeguards, and more.
- Balos Beach & Lagoon – a beautiful secluded beach with white sand and shallow turquoise waters, accessible by (a busy) ferry from Kissamos port or boat tour.
- Frangokastello Beach – a sandy beach sitting below a 14th century castle on the southern coast of Crete.
- Elafonisi Beach – this unique beach is famous for its pink sand thanks to the thousands of broken seashells it contains.
Family-friendly beaches in central Crete
- Matala Beach – Crete’s laid-back hippie beach resort sits in an enclosed bay, surrounded by tall cliffs littered with cave tombs built by the Romans 2,000+ years ago.
- Bali Beaches – for a quiet family beach day, head to the five small sheltered beaches that surround the calm and picturesque beach resort of Bali (nothing to do with the one in Indonesia!)
- Potamos Beach – a popular beach in Crete with local families, this long sandy beach is much quieter than many of the big tourist resorts.
- Hersonissos Beaches – a collection of small local beaches just to the east of Heraklion, with calm, clear waters and plenty of family-friendly facilities.
Family-friendly beaches in the east of Crete
- Voulisma Beach – a large stretch of stunning white sand beach with crystal clear turquoise waters in Mirabello Bay on the northeastern coast of Crete.
- Vai Beach – a secluded beach surrounded by one of the largest palm tree forests in Europe, with plenty of picturesque nature and great hiking routes nearby.
Hit the water
Explore more of Crete’s stunning coastline with some family-friendly fun on the water, including plenty of water sports from scuba diving to sea kayaking.
For scuba and snorkeling, Chania and the north west of Crete is a great area for beginners. You’ll find plenty of diving schools offering lessons for kids around the Bay of Afrata.
Other water sports such as sea kayaking, stand-up paddle boarding, surfing, and jet skis, can be found at beach resorts all over the island. You won’t need to travel far to find to find classes or equipment hire.
Spend a day at Lake Kournas
For a slightly more mellow day out with younger children, head to Lake Kournas, the only freshwater lake on Crete. Nestled in a beautiful valley, there’s loads to do around the lake for a fun family day out.
You can take a walk around the lake (a full lap takes around an hour), stop for a picnic along its banks, or make the most of the sun loungers and umbrellas on the several small pebble beaches.
On a warm day, you can also take a swim in the lake or hire a pedalo to head out onto the water. And don’t forget to grab some food to feed the lake’s many ducks.
If you don’t have your own car, there are day trips to Lake Kournas and Chania as well as tours to local villages and Lake Kournas too
Take a Pirate Boat cruise in Rethymno
The historic Venetian town of Rethymno is one of the prettiest places to visit in Crete, with its narrow tree-lined streets, diverse architectural styles, and grand 15th century fortress.
But the number one thing to do in Rethymno with kids is to head down to the Venetian harbour and take to the water on a pirate ship.
Set sail to explore the caves, rock formations, and beaches surrounding Rethymno on a traditional wooden pirate ship, The Captain Hook. This half-day tour is guaranteed to be a hit with kids.
Try a boat trip to the smaller islands
If your kids don’t fancy a pirate boat, or you’re staying elsewhere on Crete, there are a string of other boat trips to choose from – again, you’ll be spoiled for choice.
This half-day boat tour from Chania takes you to Lazaretta Island (a former leper colony), as well as offering the chance to learn more history of the area and to stop, swim and snorkel.
Or try a sailing trip from Heraklion to Dia island, just to the north of Crete with time to snorkel, swim and chill out – there’s a morning boat tour as well, both suitable for kids aged over 4.
Head to a waterpark
Nothing screams fun family day out in Crete like a trip to one of the island’s water parks. Most water parks in Crete are only open for the summer season between May and October so make sure to check opening dates before your visit.
Acqua Plus Water Park
Acqua Plus is the biggest and most popular water park in Crete. Located 25 minutes from Heraklion on the north of the island, the large park has over 50 exciting water slides, rides, and games for kids and adults of all ages.
For teens and older children, you’ll find extreme slides like the Kamikaze and Giants of Terror, while little ones can enjoy the kids’ waterslides, activity playgrounds, a fantasy inflatable castle, and lots more.
There’s a skip-the-line ticket with an optional pick-up from Rethymno if you don’t want to drive, as well as other tickets including transfers from elsewhere on Crete.
Other water parks near Heraklion in central Crete include:
Limnoupolis
Just under five miles from Chiana, Limnoupolis is another fun water park for families in the west of Crete.
The park has the usual fun activities, from adrenaline-fuelled water slides to relaxing pools, a crazy river, and children’s entertainment areas, so it’s ideal if you’re looking for things to do near Chania with kids.
There are tickets including transfers and lunch available if you don’t want to drive or take a taxi.
Labyrinth Park
This unique Minoan-themed amusement park close to Heraklion is a great place to teach kids about Greek mythology in an entertaining and interactive way – definitely one of the most unusual things to do in Crete with kids!
Ideal for younger children, Labyrinth Park has a huge range of activities, including mini golf, quad bikes, archery, horse rides, a live escape game, and – of course – a huge 1300sqm labyrinth for the whole family to get lost in.
You can also pop by the projector room, where videos on the ancient Minoan Civilization of Crete are shown throughout the day, and enjoy lunch in the ancient Knossos-themed cafe.
Head to an aquarium
Another great way to spend a day in Crete with kids is by visiting one of the island’s best aquariums to learn about the local aquatic life.
Aquaworld Aquarium and Reptile Rescue Centre
Aquaworld was Crete’s very first aquarium and is still one of its most popular attractions today, home to local sea life and a variety of reptiles from around the world.
Most of the animals are rescued or were injured and now have a new sanctuary at Aquaworld. Kids will love getting hands-on with fascinating creatures, from holding giant pythons to petting tortoises.
Cretaquarium
Cretaquarium is a large Mediterranean themed aquarium close to Heraklion in central Crete. Currently one of the biggest and most modern aquariums in Europe, the centre is home to over 2,000 sea creatures across 60 tanks.
From giant sharks to microscopic plankton, kids can learn all about marine life in the region and there’s an audio guide as you explore (or you can pay extra for a short guided tour too).
Book tickets with free cancellation here.
Walk with prehistoric creatures at Dinosauria Park
Little ones can learn everything there is to know about dinosaurs at this interactive theme park devoted to the prehistoric beasts.
At Dinosauria you can travel back in time to the Mesozoic era as you wander around the park discovering full-sized animatronic dinosaurs, while interactive screens teach you about the life and habitats of each dinosaur you encounter.
Kids can also get hands-on with fun activities including fossil excavations, hatching a dinosaur egg, and caring for injured creatures at the General Hospital of Dinosaurs. The park has a cafe, gift shop, and large children’s play area too.
Visit the Ancient Minoan Palace of Knossos
The Palace of Knossos is one of Crete’s most famous ancient landmarks and a must-visit for visitors of all ages. The important archaeological site is home to the ruins of a Bronze Age palace that was the ceremonial and political centre of Minoan civilization.
Considered to be Europe’s oldest city, Knossos and its Palace are steeped in ancient history and Greek mythology, most famously the legend of the Labyrinth and the Minotaur but also the tale of Daedalus and Icarus, who flew too close to the sun,
To really get the most out of the Palace of Knossos and its museum, visit on a guided tour so children can hear the many stories and legends that make this site so significant.
Whatever you choose, it’s well worth booking tickets in advance and getting there early (or waiting until later in the afternoon) to avoid the queues and the heat during summer.
You can buy tickets in advance from sites like Get Your Guide, Tiqets and Viator but unfortunately if you’re coming from the UK and travelling with kids, there’s not currently option to get the reduced child rate on these sites so you’ll need to book direct – children who are EU citizens get in free.
The Heraklion hop-on hop-off bus stops at both Palace of Knossos and the Heraklion Archaeological Museum as well as exploring the city
Heraklion Archaeological Museum
Even if your kids aren’t normally fans of museums, this is definitely one to put on the list, and a great option to combine with a visit to Knossos, around 15 minutes away.
With 27 galleries across two floors, its collection covers 5,500 years, from the Neolithic age to Greco-Roman times, including the world’s best collection of Minoan treasures – easily the best museum to visit in Crete with kids.
You can wander through recreated period rooms, looking at frescoes and sculptures, as well as other artefacts along the way, including everything from artworks to household items.
It’s also blissfully air conditioned. You can buy joint tickets, although as with the palace of Knossos, you only seem to be able to get child tickets if you book direct.
The Heraklion hop-on hop-off bus stops at both the museum and the Palace of Knossos as well as the city’s other highlights, so it’s a practical and fun way to explore Heraklion with kids
Explore the cave where Zeus was born
The Cretan mountains are home to over 3,000 caves and caverns. But the most famous of these has to be Dikteon Cave in the Lasithi plateau on the east of the island.
The large cave is not only ecologically impressive with its many stalagmites and stalactites, but according to legend, it’s also the birthplace of Zeus, the chief Greek God.
Locals would once head off on a pilgrimage to the sacred cave to worship and bring offerings to the Gods. Today, it’s a popular tourist attraction where you can learn about Greek myths and legends.
Discover Ancient Aptera
For more ancient Greek history, visit the remains of the city of Aptera near Chania, once the commercial centre of Crete around 2,000 years ago.
Kids can explore the extensive ancient ruins, from the Roman cisterns to the large amphitheatre and hilltop Ottoman fort, plus there’s plenty of space to run around as you get a taste of the island’s fascinating history.
Aptera is located around 8 miles from Chania and there’s a small fee of €2 to enter the archaeological site.
Hike in Samaria Gorge
For active families who enjoy getting out in nature, you can’t miss hiking Samariá Gorge.
Cutting through Crete’s White Mountains, the 16km canyon is one of the longest and most famous of its kind in Europe. The hiking route starts from Xyloskalo on the Omalos Plateau and ends at the seaside village of Agia Roumeli on the south coast.
Along the way, the hike takes you through Samaria National Park, a Unesco Biosphere Reserve, which is home to unique flora and fauna as well as the eye-catching scenery.
The full hike takes around 6 hours and is medium difficulty, so better for older kids or more experienced young hikers although you will find guides with donkeys walking up and down the route to provide some respite for little legs. The hike can be done by yourself or on a guided excursion.
If you’re looking for alternative hikes in Crete with kids, Imbros Gorge is a good one to consider
Learn about Crete’s abandoned leper colony
Spinalonga is a small rocky island in the Gulf of Elounda in north-eastern Crete that was once ruled by the Venetians and the Ottomans. In the early 1900s, the island became a leper colony and was nicknamed the island of the living dead: at its peak, it had around 400 residents.
The colony wasn’t disbanded until 1957, making it one of the last of its kind in Europe. Its dark history inspired the best-selling novel, The Island – if you haven’t read it, I highly recommend it – and it’s become something of a tourist magnet as a result.
Check out Maria’s Island by the same author, with the story told by one of the child characters from The Island, perfect for kids to learn more about Crete and Spinalonga
If you’re a fan, or that’s simply piqued your interest, you can visit the abandoned settlements on the island and learn more on a guided tour.
Ferries run from Plaka or Elounda – there’s an additional fee to pay on the island itself – as well as tours to Spinalonga from Heraklion and Rethymno, and longer boat tours which stop at Spinalonga.
Do take water and any snacks with you as there are limited (and pricy) facilities on the island, plus limited information if you don’t have a guide – realistically, this isn’t a great one with younger kids.
If you’re intrigued by the idea of a leper island but are staying in the west of Crete, Lazaretta island is a stop on some boat trips from Chania – although there’s not a huge amount remaining from its past history.
Explore Venetian fortifications
This Greek island, like its northern neighbour of Corfu, was once ruled by the Venetians, and if you head to Chania or Rethymno, you can still explore the fortifications they built.
In Chania, the Venetian walls surround the city, encircling the older Byzantine ones, while the harbour was also built by the Venetians – the original lighthouse is long gone, but there’s a lovely walk out to its replacement.
This fun self-guided scavenger hunt is a good way to get kids exploring, with an audio guide trail that takes you to the town’s key sights as you follow clues to solve the challenges.
And if you’re visiting Rethymno with kids, the Fortezza – as the Venetian citadel is known – still towers above the town, and you can visit the star-shaped building, as well the Venetian harbour here (with its own lighthouse, also a replacement for the Venetian original).
Lychnostatis open air museum
This little museum in Hersonissos is the perfect way to get a taste of what life was like in Crete in years gone by.
With a focus on folk traditions and culutre, you can explore a shepherd’s shelter and little windmill, as well as seeing old wine and olive presses and wandering through a herb garden.
There’s a gallery with work by Cretan artists on display too, plus there’s an audio guide and a lovely little cafe. Buy tickets with free cancellation here.
For more tips on visiting the Greek islands with kids, check out my posts on the best things to do in Kefalonia, Kos, Skiathos and ideas for exploring Corfu, along with my guide to Greece with kids
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