🗺️ Where to go in Crete with kids: 20 places with prices and hours

Beach and sea get boring for kids by the third day of vacation. That's when parents start looking for ways to keep a child busy until evening. We've put together 20 places in Crete worth visiting with kids.

Look for balance: water and rides in the morning, shade, a museum, or a cave after lunch. Tickets to many parks are cheaper online than at the ticket office. Knossos Palace charges €20 for an adult ticket (as of 09/2026, official website), and that's the top end of our list. Below there are cheaper options and even free ones.

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What's important to know with kids in Crete

💡 In short:

Plan no more than two places per day, otherwise kids will be exhausted by evening.
Buy tickets online: in summer, ticket offices have long lines.
Keep water and a hat handy, there's little shade on the southern beaches.
Prices and opening hours: 09/2026, verified on the official Knossos Palace website.

The island is long, and driving takes a lot of time. From Chania to Heraklion you drive about two hours along the northern highway. So choose your base according to your plans. The Watercity and Acqua Plus water parks and the aquarium are located around Heraklion and Hersonissos.

What you're looking for	Where to go	For what age
Water and slides	Watercity, Limnoupolis, Acqua Plus	4-16 years
Caves and mountains	Dikteon Cave, Sfendoni, Aradena Gorge	6-16 years
History	Knossos Palace, Heraklion Museum, Fortezza	10-16 years
Animals	CRETAquarium, Amazonas, dinosaur park	3-12 years
Nature and beaches	Elafonisi, Kournas, Devil's Harbor	for the whole family

Let's start with the lake that many people see first on the way from the west.

1. Lake Kournas

Duck swimming across Lake Kournas among flooded trees

Kournas lies in a lowland between Chania and Rethymno. It's a freshwater lake, rare for Greece, fed by underground springs rather than rivers. In summer the water recedes, and one of the springs appears on the surface. Kids watch this like a geography experiment. The Almyros River flows out of the lake, and its water is always cold.

One shore has a sandy beach, the other is an almost wild area. Here you can rent a catamaran and cross the lake. Near the wild shore, be careful: the bottom is covered with silt, and it sucks objects in. The mire looks like white sand at first glance. Young biologists will enjoy the protected shore with turtles, lizards, and rare birds.

How to get there: a mountain road leads here from Rethymno and Chania, easiest by car.
Cost: no ticket required, you only need money for rentals and cafes.
The catch: in the heat the lake gets shallow, and sticky silt appears near the wild shore.

2. Dinosaur Park

Dinosaur Park saves the day on the hottest days. Indoors, kids see life-size skeletons of ancient reptiles. In the next room there are interactive models. They open and close their jaws, roar, and move their legs.

When the monsters get boring, there's plenty to do:

ride the steam train, little ones love it;
watch a film about reptiles, it's more interesting for school-age kids;
visit the dinosaur hospital and see how the reptiles are treated and hatchlings are raised.

Tickets to family parks are best bought in advance: children's entertainment tickets.

You can grab a bite without leaving the grounds. Several cafes serve local and European cuisine. Kids pick souvenirs in a small shop to remember the trip. If you arrive at noon, this option is better than the beach.

Who it's for: toddlers and younger school-age kids who love dinosaurs.
The catch: the models roar and move, which can scare the youngest children.

3. Lake Voulismeni

Lake Voulismeni with its promenade and the town around it

Voulismeni lies right in the center of Agios Nikolaos. The lake is small, almost oval, and its water looks black. Cafes surround it, and in the evening the dark water reflects the streetlights. A trip here appeals to both toddlers and teenagers.

Guides tell several stories about this body of water:

that it has no bottom, and demons rise from the depths;
that Greek goddesses bathed here to stay young;
that the upper layer of water is salty and the lower is fresh, and Jacques-Yves Cousteau checked this;
that after the liberation of Crete, locals dumped equipment and ammunition here, and the same Cousteau found the shells on the bottom.

You don't have to believe the legends. Half an hour is enough to walk around the lake. With kids, it's easy to combine the walk with lunch on the waterfront. In the evening it's cooler here than on the beach, and you can easily wait for the sunset.

How to get there: the lake is in the city center, best to leave the car at the parking lot by the port.
The catch: there's nowhere to swim in the city center, the lake isn't suitable for swimming.

4. Limnoupolis Water Park

Yellow water slides with arches in a water park pool

Limnoupolis operates in Chania and opens only in summer. The park is designed for different ages, so a family doesn't have to split into groups. Everyone finds their own ride.

Toddlers splash in a separate pool and ride gentle slides.
Teenagers enjoy the Crazy River, the zip line, and the Kamikaze slide.
Those who can't swim yet will like floating down the Lazy River on tubes.

Buy tickets in advance: Limnoupolis tickets. They're cheaper online, with prices starting at €18 (as of 09/2026, park website).

The park has a cafe serving local and European cuisine and a bar for parents. There's a first-aid station, and a kiosk sells everything for swimming. If you forget a towel, you can buy a new one on site instead of going back to the hotel.

The catch: the park is closed in the off-season; rides don't operate in winter.

5. Watercity water park

Aerial view of a water park with slides and pools by the sea

Watercity sits between Heraklion and Hersonissos, about 15 km from the city (on the map). The park covers 8 hectares and operates from early May to October (as of 09/2026, Watercity). Even hard-to-impress kids will find plenty here, and there are enough slides for everyone.

Slides range from gentle ones for toddlers to the Kamikaze and Sidewinder-Boomerango for the brave.
The Body Slide Cyclone and Black & Red Tube suit those who are confident: you go down alone or in pairs, racing the clock.
The wave pool and gentle waterfall appeal to the youngest visitors.
Floating down the Lazy River on inflatable rafts is fun at any age.

For a break, there are kids' play areas with a sandbox and climbing structures. Parents wait nearby under shade canopies. The food court has six bars and several cafes, with a kids' menu. Souvenirs are sold in the park's small shops.

Watercity tickets

The catch: younger kids aren't allowed on some slides due to age restrictions, so you'll need to keep an eye on your child.

6. Acqua Plus water park

Acqua Plus was the first water park built on the island. It's smaller than Watercity by area, but it sits on hills 5 km from Hersonissos (on the map). Because of the terrain, it offers panoramic views of the surroundings, and you'll appreciate them right at the entrance.

The grounds are decorated with conifers and palm trees, and the air smells of lavender and rosemary. The park is divided into zones for children and adults. Floating down the Lazy River together works for both younger and older kids.

On the Crazy River, kids push each other's inflatable tubes. Teenagers will appreciate the free Wi-Fi. Cafes offer local and European cuisine, so you can have lunch right in the park.

Who it's for: families who care less about park size and more about greenery and views.
The catch: in high season, you'll stand in line for the popular slides.

7. CRETAquarium marine aquarium

Sand tiger shark in a large aquarium tank

CRETAquarium welcomes guests year-round, but hours change. In summer it's open from 9:30 to 19:00, in winter from 9:30 to 16:00. Summer admission costs €15, winter €12 (as of 09/2026, CRETAquarium). The halls are cool, so it's especially pleasant here in the heat.

Tanks with marine life stand in a row, and an audio guide tells you about each fish. You'll learn where the animal lives, what it eats, and how it reproduces. Teenagers enjoy the interactive displays where you can see how a predator captures its prey.

Photography is allowed, but without flash. It's convenient with kids here: there are several restrooms, and you don't have to interrupt your visit. The cafe prices are higher than on the coast, but the souvenir kiosk is always busy.

How to get there: the aquarium is in Gournes, right on the Heraklion to Agios Nikolaos road (on the map).
The catch: in summer there are many groups at the ticket office and in the halls; arrive at opening time.

8. Knossos Palace

Stone courtyard of the Palace of Knossos among pine trees

© This Photo was taken by Wolfgang Moroder . Feel free to use my photos, but please mention me as the author and send me a · CC BY-SAPhoto: This Photo was taken by Wolfgang Moroder . Feel free to use my photos, but please mention me as the author and send me a, CC BY-SA (https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/3.0), Wikimedia Commons

Knossos Palace appeals to anyone who loves history and myths. Here you'll find ancient ruins familiar from the legends of the Minotaur. According to tradition, King Minos built the palace to hide the monster in a labyrinth.

Some historians believe the palace itself is the labyrinth. The Labrys symbol was found on its walls. According to the myth, seven young men and seven young women were thrown into the labyrinth until Theseus defeated the monster with Ariadne's help. Teenagers recognize these stories from history and literature classes.

The palace was excavated by archaeologist Arthur Evans, who worked with his family's money. The scholar restored the frescoes that adorn the walls. Children interested in art will find plenty to see here.

Admission costs €20, reduced €10 (as of 09/2026, Ministry of Culture website). The combined ticket with the Heraklion Museum is no longer valid; you buy each ticket separately. Knossos Palace tickets are convenient to buy online and skip the ticket line.

The catch: in summer it's hot here with little shade, so bring water and a hat.

9. Dikteon Cave

Illuminated cave chamber with stalactites and walkways

Dikteon Cave will appeal to both history buffs and nature lovers. According to legend, the infant Zeus was hidden here from his father. The place is very beautiful, but the journey requires preparation.

The cave lies high in the mountains, and you'll have to climb hot slopes. Wear comfortable shoes and protect your head from the sun. Inside, by contrast, it's cool, so bring something warm for your child.

The cave consists of two connected chambers. You walk in semi-darkness along a metal staircase. On either side, lit by colored lights, you can see stalactites, stalagmites, and stalagnates. At the bottom of one chamber lies an underground lake. Near the exit there's an observation deck with a view of the Lasithi Plateau, and souvenirs are sold in a small shop.

The catch: the route inside follows a staircase, so you can't bring a stroller down here.

10. Sfendoni Cave

Boardwalks among stalactites in a lit cave

Sfendoni Cave will interest those who enjoy natural sciences. It's essentially a hands-on geology lesson. The name is linked to the rebel Sfendonis, who hid here, although historians have their doubts.

Not all chambers are open to tourists; less than half is accessible. Along the path with rope railings, stalactites hang from above, stalagmites grow from below, and in places they merge into stalagnates. The trail is lit with colored lights. Underground it's always cool and damp, and the temperature barely changes year-round.

With children, hold hands on the wet steps; it's easy to slip here.

The catch: some chambers are closed to visitors, so you won't be able to see all the rooms.

11. Lychnostatis open air museum

Stone building of the Lychnostatis Museum with a windmill

Lychnostatis Museum is interesting for children of any age. It's an open-air ethnographic museum, and visitors are allowed to touch the exhibits. This helps children understand how these objects worked in the daily life of Cretans.

The island still lives by agriculture today, so the main part of the exhibition is dedicated to the land:

vegetable gardens and the tools used to work the soil;
vineyards and wineries with juice presses;
artisan workshops: forges, pottery, and weaving.

In the pottery workshop, a child can turn the wheel themselves, and in the weaving workshop they can try their hand as a weaver. The grounds are well maintained, with benches for resting everywhere. Every year a harvest festival takes place here with tastings of vegetables, fruits, cheeses, and young wine.

The catch: some explanations are given only in Greek and English, so parents will need to translate.

12. Labyrinth Park

Labyrinth Park welcomes children of different ages together with their parents. Everyone will find something they enjoy.

Puzzle lovers wander through the labyrinth and imagine themselves as Theseus.
Younger and middle-aged children ride a quad bike.
The whole family plays on the mini-golf course.
Other kids try their hand at archery.
Young botanists and zoologists will enjoy the organic garden and mini-farm.
In the pottery workshop, children shape pots with their own hands.
The brave ones set off on a horseback ride.

While the children are busy, parents relax in the cafe. It serves Mediterranean and European cuisine. The park lies on scenic hills near Hersonissos, so you can combine the outing with a sea view.

Who it's for: families with children of different ages, from toddlers to teenagers.
The catch: some activities require an additional fee on top of admission.

13. Natural history museum of Crete

Natural History Museum of Crete building with dinosaurs

The Natural History Museum of Crete broadens a child's horizons without extra effort. The exhibition is overseen by the University of Crete.

Interactive displays are set up here. With their help, children learn more about the island's nature than in a regular lesson. The visit is calm, without rushing or crowds.

Who it's for: schoolchildren interested in nature and animals.

14. Amazonas Zoo

Amazonas Zoo will delight young zoologists. Animals that are rarely seen in the wild live here. It all started with a few parrots that their previous owners could no longer keep.

Today, besides birds, there are lemurs, monkeys, felines, turtles, lizards, llamas, and wild goats. Children observe the residents and feed them by hand. Animal food is sold at the cafe; bringing your own is not allowed.

The grounds are shady and well maintained, with benches for resting. While children explore the animals, parents can sit nearby in peace. The park donates part of its income to helping injured animals and collects donations.

The catch: feeding is allowed only with food from the cafe; outside food is prohibited.

15. Fortezza Fortress

Mosque and ancient walls inside the Fortezza fortress

Fortezza Fortress will be appreciated by young historians. It was built by the Venetians and later captured by the Ottomans. Under the Turks, the Orthodox Cathedral of St. Nicholas was destroyed and a mosque was built in its place.

After the Ottomans were expelled, everything the occupiers had used was demolished. Only the fortress walls survived. A few years ago, the fortress was restored to its original Venetian style. Today it hosts permanent and themed exhibitions, and the open area is given to musicians for concerts. It offers a view of Rethymno and the surrounding area.

The catch: the open areas are scorching hot in summer, so it's best to start your visit in the morning.

16. Heraklion Archaeological Museum

Heraklion Archaeological Museum building with a street

The Archaeological Museum in Heraklion will delight young historians. It houses the richest collection of Minoan civilization. There is no other collection like it anywhere in the world.

The building was constructed on the site of a Catholic cathedral destroyed by an earthquake. Remains of walls and fragments of the foundation have survived and can be seen. During the war, the museum suffered damage, restoration dragged on for years, and it received its modern appearance only in this century.

The exhibition is extensive: vessels for storing oil and wine, jewelry, frescoes. Displays and screens help visitors understand Minoan culture. The visit will appeal to both children and adults.

Admission costs €20, reduced €12 (as of 09/2026, Heraklion Archaeological Museum official website). In winter the museum is open from 8:30 to 15:30, and on Wednesdays from 10:00 to 17:00 (as of 09/2026, museum page).

The catch: without an interest in antiquities, a child will quickly get bored.

17. Elafonisi Beach

Turquoise lagoon with a sandy beach and hills

Elafonisi will appeal to active kids and nature lovers. The clean beach is a designated nature reserve. Rare birds nest here, and turtles come ashore to lay their eggs. Rare grasses grow along the shore.

The sand here is white and fine, the water clear and warm. In places the sand looks pink. According to legend, it is the blood of civilians, while biologists explain the color by tiny pink shells.

At Elafonisi you can learn to surf, go scuba diving, or try kitesurfing, since the winds blow here. If a child gets tired of activity, they can rest on a lounger under a canopy.

The catch: the wind kicks up sand, bring glasses and stay close to the canopy.

18. Devil's Harbor beach

Devil's Harbor will appeal to kids who have read about pirates. The spot is hard to reach: you walk to the beach through a gorge. Wear comfortable shoes and don't take anything extra.

Turquoise cove with a pebble beach and boats

Sharp rocks hang right over the bay, so ships don't come in here. But the rocks shelter the beach from the wind. The sea here is warmer than at neighboring beaches and almost always calm.

The sand is fine and white, and the entry into the sea is steep. Those who swim confidently will enjoy it. There is no infrastructure, so bring water and food.

The catch: there is no infrastructure on the beach, you carry your own water and food.

19. Aradena Gorge

Mouth of the Aradena Gorge among cliffs, view from the sea

Aradena Gorge is only for the bold and brave. The route starts from the abandoned village of Aradena. The trail climbs up and drops down. The path is covered with small stones that slide underfoot.

Mountain goats leap along the slopes and knock rocks loose, causing rockfalls. If you come prepared, you'll see landscapes of untrodden places. Bring plenty of water for the whole route.

The route ends at Marmara beach. It's covered with fine pebbles, and the sea here is clean and warm. A small cafe nearby offers a bite to eat. The easiest way back is by boat, which you can hire from locals.

The catch: the route is hard for younger children, bring shoes with good tread and water.

20. Argyroupoli village

Stone fence with flowers in a Cretan village

Argyroupoli will interest kids who are into ethnography. The small village sits on a mountain slope. It's surrounded by forest, and drinking water runs down from the mountains in two streams.

Argyroupoli is clean and beautiful, with plenty of souvenir shops and cafes serving local cuisine. It's worth coming here to see the unhurried way of life of the locals, which has barely changed for centuries. Kids will remember the calm rhythm of the village streets.

Who it's for: families who want to see the real village Greece.

Map of things to do on Crete with kids

Open the map to plan your route by day. The points sit along the main road, so you can comfortably fit in two spots per day. Mark the addresses in advance so you don't end up circling on mountain roads.

Interesting Places in Crete for Kids

Places on the map

1Lake Kournas The only freshwater lake in Crete, pedal boats and turtles
2Dinosaur Park Skeletons and interactive dinosaur models, a train and a dinosaur hospital
3Lake Voulismeni Dark lake in the centre of Agios Nikolaos, full of legends
4Limnoupolis Water Park Water park in Chania with slides for different ages
5Watercity Water Park 8-hectare water park between Heraklion and Hersonissos
6Acqua Plus Water Park Hillside water park near Hersonissos with views and greenery
7CRETAquarium Marine aquarium on the Heraklion-Agios Nikolaos road
8Knossos Palace Minoan ruins known from the myth of the Minotaur
9Diktaean Cave Cave in the mountains where legend says the infant Zeus was hidden
10Sfentoni Cave A hands-on geology lesson with stalactites and stalagmites
11Lychnostatis Museum Open-air ethnographic museum, exhibits you can touch
12Labyrinth Park Labyrinth, quad bikes, mini-golf and archery on the hills
13Natural History Museum of Crete Interactive exhibits on the island's nature, run by the university
14Amazonas Park Zoo Lemurs, monkeys and parrots, hand-feed the animals
15Fortezza Fortress Venetian fortress in Rethymno with a view over the town
16Heraklion Archaeological Museum The richest collection of Minoan civilisation
17Elafonissi Beach Protected beach with white and pinkish sand
18Devil's Bay Beach (Seitan Limania) Hard-to-reach beach among the cliffs, warm calm sea
19Aradena Gorge Trail from the abandoned village to Marmara Beach
20Argyroupoli Village Mountain village with streams and an unhurried local pace

Tickets to the main parks and museums are easy to browse in one place.

Tours and tickets in Crete

Guided tours, skip-the-line tickets and activities — most offers can be cancelled free of charge.

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⁉️🤔 Frequently asked questions

What to do on Crete with kids on a hot day?

In the heat, pick places with shade and cool air. The CRETAquarium, Sfendoni Cave, and the Natural History Museum are good options. The aquarium has air conditioning, and the cave stays cool all year round. From these three, choose two for one day.

Do you need a car to get around the attractions on Crete?

A car makes the trip much easier. Without one, you can only reach places near the major towns: Lake Voulismeni, the aquarium, the Palace of Knossos. For Aradena Gorge, Elafonisi, and Lake Kournas, it's easier to go by rental car.

How much does a day at a water park on Crete cost?

Count the ticket plus travel. At Limnoupolis, tickets start from 18 € (as of 09/2026, Limnoupolis prices). At Watercity, prices depend on the date, so it's better to check online in advance. Bring your own food and drinks or budget for the cafes inside.

Where is it safe to swim with kids on Crete?

In the shallows at Kournas and at Elafonisi. Both beaches have sandy bottoms and a gentle entry. At Devil's Harbor, the entry is steep, so only confident swimmers can handle it there.

At what age do these places become interesting for a child?

A lot depends on the venue. Dinosauria Park and the water parks are designed for toddlers and school-age kids. The Palace of Knossos, the Heraklion museum, and the caves work better for teenagers. The beaches and Lake Kournas suit any age.

In short: what's worth booking

The choice depends on your group and the weather. If you're traveling with a toddler, start with Dinosauria Park and the wave pool. If you have a teenager, go for the Palace of Knossos and the Watercity slides. For a relaxed day, Lake Kournas or Elafonisi are good options.

With a toddler: Dinosauria Park, Kournas, CRETAquarium.
With a teenager: Watercity, Palace of Knossos, Aradena Gorge.
In the heat: CRETAquarium, Sfendoni Cave, Natural History Museum.
Without a car: Voulismeni, Palace of Knossos, CRETAquarium.

Book your overnight stay in advance: hotels on Crete on Trip.com and car rental will save you time in high season.

Compare tickets for tours and parks before your trip: tickets for kids' activities. That way you won't stand in line at the ticket office.

20 Best things to do in Crete with kids: water parks, caves and beaches