Things to do with kids in Crete

Crete's miles of coastline can delight kids on holiday, though they're far from the only child-friendly attraction on the island. The pirate-ship cruise from Rethymno is usually a favourite, and kids also enjoy Chania's Limnoupolis Water Park, or jet skiing and snorkelling at Star Beach Water Park in Hersonissos. A day-trip north to the small island of Spinalonga is another fun option, where families can explore the former leper colony's fortress. Kids tend to find the place spooky and fascinating, as the streets and buildings are abandoned. Travellers should tell kids the Minotaur story when visiting Knossos Palace, as the legendary creature is said to have lived there. Kids can let their imaginations run wild within the ruins, as well as at other ancient, atmospheric places.

Lido Waterpark photo

Lido Waterpark

A must for all families on vacation in Kos, especially with young children, Lido Waterpark provides wonderful games, activities, sun, fun and more. It is one of the largest waterpa…

Lido Waterpark

A must for all families on vacation in Kos, especially with young children, Lido Waterpark provides wonderful games, activities, sun, fun and more. It is one of the largest waterparks in Greece and features numerous slides (including Kamikaze, Multi lane and Black Hole), pools (including a wave pool), jacuzzis, hydromassage facilities, tubing courses and even a fish spa where the little critters will massage and clean your feet. For those who prefer land activities there is sunbathing, beach volleyball and even trampolines for amusement. There's a special area for young kids too little to enjoy the slides, where there is a kind of waterworld playground and shallow pools. There is also a bar and multiple restaurants for food, drinks and snacks and even a mini-market for shopping. The park is clean and safe, with the water recycled and renewed on a daily basis and a team of qualified lifeguards permanently on duty. Visitors should remember to pack sunscreen, as the summer heat and all the water can mean serious sun exposure.

Website www.lidowaterpark.com

Aquaworld Aquarium photo

Aquaworld Aquarium

Aquaworld Aquarium features a wonderful array marine creatures, plus reptiles such as loggerhead turtles, Balkan green lizards, skinks, geckos and snakes. All in all, it's guarante…

Aquaworld Aquarium

Aquaworld Aquarium features a wonderful array marine creatures, plus reptiles such as loggerhead turtles, Balkan green lizards, skinks, geckos and snakes. All in all, it's guaranteed to keep the little ones captivated. Aquaworld is, in fact, a rescue centre that has taken in or rehabilitated most of its population. The institution encourages hands-on interaction with many of its animals and offers fantastic photo opportunities. Although it specialises in local fauna, Aquaworld does collect reptiles and marine life from further afield as well.

Website www.aquaworld-crete.com

Limnoupolis Waterpark photo

Limnoupolis Waterpark

A fantastic place to take the kids during the heat of summer while on holiday in Crete, the Limnoupolis Waterpark offers fantastic rides, slides and water fun. Limnoupolis is locat…

Limnoupolis Waterpark

A fantastic place to take the kids during the heat of summer while on holiday in Crete, the Limnoupolis Waterpark offers fantastic rides, slides and water fun. Limnoupolis is located in a green, scenic area that sets it apart from many other parks of its kind, which are often sadly devoid of vegetation. There should be something for everyone at this park: for thrill seekers, slides such as Kamikaze and the Black Hole should summon up some adrenalin; for more mellow fun there are multiple water slides such as the Crazy River, the Multiplista, the Giant Slide, and the Triple Twist; for those who merely want to relax and unwind there is the Lazy River, where visitors float on tubes through waterfalls and caves, and the jacuzzi area; for kids there is a special pool and play area. In the unlikely event that children get bored there are also video games to play. There is a nicely designed pool bar and rope suspension bridge over the main pool as well as an artificial island in the middle. There are restaurants and a mini-market for refreshments. Lifeguards permanently on duty ensure that visitors stay safe.

Website www.limnoupolis.gr