Thessaloniki is the second largest city in Greece, so there are many options for fun time with children. With a variety of museums, a water park, a science center and a planetarium to choose from, kids will definitely not get bored. Check out our article for the best locations.
Activities on the city embankment
The pride of the city is a long embankment with a length of about five kilometers. This is a great place for a walk with the whole family. The sea air and the shade from the pine trees will refresh you in the summer heat, and along the way you will meet the symbols of the city - the White Tower, the famous sculpture “Umbrellas” and the monument to Alexander the Great. Here you can also enjoy the street musicians while eating sell ice cream and local sweet donuts - loukoumades.
Along the entire so-called Nea Paralia (from the Macedonia Palace Hotel to the Concert Hall) there are all kinds of playgrounds, cafes, fountains, as well as areas for playing basketball and tennis. Considering that there are not many kids playgrounds in Thessaloniki due to dense urban development, the main activities for family leisure are concentrated here.
In addition to a simple walk, you can rent a bicycle, scooter or even a four-seater stroller - rental points are located in several points at once. And if you don’t want to walk or ride a bike, you can simply go on a boat trip on a ship in a pirate or ancient Greek style. They depart from the White Tower every half hour, and in the summer you can even sail from here to the beach in suburban Pirea. If you want to learn more about possibilities to spend yout time in Thesssaloniki actively, read our previous article.
Planetarium and Cosmotheater
In the western part of the city, near the Termi district, you'll find the Noesis scientific center. One of its standout features is the digital planetarium—a striking round building atop a hill that, from a distance, resembles the moon.
Inside this unique cosmotheater, they host special shows on planets, meteorites, and black holes. Daily 2D and 3D screenings unfold on the largest flat screen not only in Greece but throughout Southern Europe. Following a recent modernization, the cosmotheater now boasts a wireless headphone system, allowing visitors to enjoy narrations in both Greek and English.
Additionally, the planetarium offers a splendid panoramic view of the entire city and the sea. Just remember that on Mondays, like all of Noesis, it's closed.
Science Museum and Techno Park
The Science Museum and Techno Park, nestled within the Noesis center, serves as a vibrant hub for nurturing children's imagination. Every corner buzzes with interactivity, inviting young minds to explore and understand basic scientific principles through hands-on experiences. With over 40 exhibits designed to be touched, twisted, rotated, and pulled, it's an ideal destination for families with young children.
Your kids can explore the world of optical illusions, experimenting with light spots on the floor that vanish with movement. They can also see their image captured by a thermal imager, tackle puzzles, strum the beams of a laser harp, and discover the weight on different planets. Moreover, you can become part of electricity-generating systems and even single-handedly lift a car.
The museum houses several captivating exhibitions:
- Ancient Greek Technology. Here, kids willexplore over 70 meticulous replicas of mechanisms showcasing the technological prowess of ancient Greeks, spanning shipbuilding, construction, design, and more.
- Automobile Hall. This place was made to trace the evolution of automotive technology and marvel at car models from different eras. With the museum's collection continuously expanding, each visit promises fresh discoveries.
- A variety of temporary exhibitions and workshops. For instance, there are exhibitions dedicated to the history of computers, or workshops on archaeology, robotics, and recycling.
As a bonus, kids can try a 3D simulator. From traversing the lunar surface in six-seater cars to experiencing the sensation of free fall or exploring the ocean floor, it's a journey that ignites curiosity and fosters a love for science.
How to get there? The most convenient way to get there is by car, but you can also use public transport. First, from the center, take bus number 10, and then you need to transfer to bus number 66. Optionally, first take the 31st bus, and then take one of the following: 36, 36B, 36E, 36K, 36P, 36Y, 36Z.
A standard ticket costs 12 euros, and a family ticket for four people - 35.
Aquapark
Near the airport there is one of the main summer attractions for children - the Waterland park. This is a fairly large park with a variety of slides - both simple and interesting with serpentines and jumps. The territory also has outdoor pools with small artificial waves and hydromassage.
For very young visitors, there's a separate shallow pool with mini slides. Families can also enjoy volleyball courts, mini-football courts, and various cafes.
How to get there? A standard ticket costs about 15 euros, the water park opens in June and closes around mid-September. The journey takes about 15 minutes by car from Thessaloniki. You can also get there by bus - from the center, numbers 02K, 03K or 1X, and then change to 87th.
Museum of Illusions
In the heart of the city, nestled within the lively Ladadika district near the port, lies the equally vibrant Museum of Illusions. A popular attraction found in many major cities worldwide, Thessaloniki boasts its own interactive and whimsical exhibition.
Step into the museum's halls, where a maze of rooms and corridors awaits, each offering playful experiences with space, color, shapes, and sensory sensations. It's a place where laughter fills the air, relaxation is paramount, and unforgettable family photos are captured at every turn.
How to get there? The museum is easily accessible on foot from any point in the center, a standard ticket costs 11 euros, a family ticket costs 34 euros for four, you can also buy it online.
Dino Park
Near the northern exit of Thessaloniki, close to the Eucarpia district, you can wander among dinosaurs and other prehistoric creatures. While not the most lifelike, these amusing life-sized replicas are fun to explore. The park complex also features several other small museums:
- Museum of Mammoths and Ice Age Animals. Here, kids can see the ancient world with authentic fossils showcasing mammoths and other creatures from the Ice Age.
- Mammal Park. This exhibition demonstrate featuring animals that once roamed Greece.
- Evolution of Man Cave. This part of the park will help discover the evolution of humanity, the daily lives of prehistoric people, and examples of ancient rock paintings.
- Museum of the Human Body. Children can delve here into the intricacies of anatomy and physiology.
After strolling through the park, you can make a pitstop at a local cafe or take a leisurely in the local botanical garden.
How to get there? Tickets cost from 6 euros, you can get there by car or by bus with a transfer - first from Aristotle Square number 25, 38,39 or 35, and then change to 56.
Museum of Childhood
Another small but cute place in Thessaloniki will be interesting not only for children, but also for adults. This museum displays all sorts of artifacts from the past related to childhood. School bags, books, textbooks, dolls, board games, albums and desks - they all date back to 20s and 19s centuries.
The museum itself is located away from tourist routes, in the Tumba area, so you definitely won’t have to crowd in lines. If you are looking for more museums to visit, check out this article.
How to get there? From the city center by buses 11, 14, 37 or 12. It is better to arrive in the morning, since the museum already closes at one o'clock in the afternoon.
Amusement park Magic Park
Magic Park, an amusement park situated near the Mediterranean Cosmos shopping center, is a beloved destination for children and teenagers alike. Offering classic attractions such as carousels and water slides, as well as tempting treats like cotton candy, it promises a day of joyous fun.
With over 10 attractions to choose from, including a Tunnel of Fear, a 4G swing, and a Ferris wheel, there's something for everyone. In between rides, visitors can recharge at a cafe offering a variety of delights, from pizza and burgers to souvlaki.
How to get there? Whether by car or bus. From the city center, buses numbered 2, 3, and 8 can take you to Ikea, followed by a short 10-15 minute walk. Alternatively, bus 31 from the center with a transfer to bus 36 will lead you directly to Mediterranean Cosmos.
Termi Park
Termi Park in the Thermi area offers a delightful outing for the entire family. With its artificial dam and lakes housing a thriving colony of turtles, it's a unique spot to observe these fascinating creatures. Visitors can stroll along the small piers for a closer look, often finding turtles basking on the rocks in abundance.
Exploring Thermi further, the pine forest provides a serene setting for leisurely walks, while climbing a hill rewards with panoramic views of the local scenery. A cozy cafe nestled among the trees offers a perfect spot for a snack, kite flying, or a leisurely picnic.
How to get there? The most convenient way is by car, offering flexibility and freedom from bus schedules. However, if using public transport, start with bus number 58 from the center, then transfer to number 66, followed by a 15-20 minute walk to reach the park.
