Athens Weekend Activities & Things to Do
Weekend in Athens
This itinerary balances engaging ticketed attractions with plenty of free, open-air activities, perfect for families living in Athens looking for fun and value. It focuses on well-known, kid-friendly venues that are likely to be open during the festive holiday period, ensuring a mix of educational, active, and relaxing experiences. Specific events for December 2025 are difficult to confirm so far in advance, so this plan uses perennial family favorites and common holiday season themes that can be enjoyed during that weekend.
Friday Evening - Holiday Family Fun
Friday, December 26SNFCC Ice Skating
Enjoy festive ice skating at the Stavros Niarchos Foundation Cultural Center's (SNFCC) Canal, which transforms into a magical ice rink during the holiday season.
This is a beloved annual tradition for families.
Perfect for all ages, with skate rentals available. There's often a separate smaller area for younger children or beginners. Bathrooms and cafes are readily available on-site. The atmosphere is very festive with holiday lights. Plan for about 1.5 to 2 hours of skating fun.
Ample paid parking is available at the SNFCC. Public transport (bus lines B2, E2, 550) stops directly outside the center. Stroller-accessible paths throughout the grounds.
Christmas Lights Walk
Take a magical stroll through the festively decorated streets of central Athens, admiring the dazzling Christmas lights and decorations in Syntagma Square and Ermou Street.
This area comes alive with holiday cheer.
This is a wonderful, free activity that kids will love for the bright lights and festive atmosphere. Ideal for a relaxed evening walk before bedtime. Many street vendors offer affordable treats like roasted chestnuts. Public restrooms are available in nearby cafes or department stores. Stroller-friendly sidewalks throughout.
Syntagma Square is easily accessible by Metro (Syntagma Station, Lines 2 & 3). Parking in the city center can be challenging and expensive; public transport is recommended.
Saturday - Wild Wonders & Play Day
Saturday, December 27Attica Zoo Adventure
Spend the morning at the Attica Zoological Park, home to over 2,000 animals from 300 different species.
It's an expansive park offering a fantastic educational and exciting experience for children.
Kids aged 3-12 will be captivated by the diverse animal collection, including elephants, giraffes, monkeys, and marine animals. The park has excellent facilities, including clean bathrooms, baby changing stations, and stroller accessibility. Allow 3-4 hours to explore thoroughly. There are also playgrounds and snack bars.
The zoo is located outside the city center. Driving is the most convenient option, with ample free parking available. Public transport involves a combination of Metro (to Doukissis Plakentias) and then a bus (319 or 324) or taxi.
Picnic & Playtime
Enjoy a relaxed picnic lunch and free play at Syngrou Estate (Ktimata Syngrou), a large green space offering playgrounds, walking paths, and plenty of room for kids to run around.
This is a fantastic budget-friendly option for lunch and letting kids burn off energy. Pack sandwiches and snacks, or pick up supplies from a nearby bakery. The estate features playgrounds suitable for various ages and shaded areas perfect for a picnic. Restrooms are available near the main buildings. Stroller-friendly paths are abundant.
Accessible by car with some parking available, or by Metro (Kifisia Station, Line 1) followed by a short bus ride or walk. Public transport is quite accessible.
Hellenic Cosmos Fun
Explore the interactive exhibits and virtual reality experiences at Hellenic Cosmos, a cultural center that brings history and science to life in an engaging way for children.
They often have special holiday programs.
Highly recommended for kids aged 6-12, but younger ones can also enjoy the visual exhibits. The virtual reality shows are particularly popular. Offers clean bathrooms and is stroller-accessible. Plan for 1.5 to 2 hours. Check their website for specific holiday workshops or shows.
Easily accessible by public transport. Take the Metro (Line 1 to Kallithea Station) and it's a short walk. Limited street parking might be available nearby.
Family Pasta Dinner
Enjoy an early, hearty family dinner at a budget-friendly, kid-friendly Italian restaurant, like 'Vespa' in Gazi, known for its casual atmosphere and delicious pasta and pizza options that kids love.
Italian food is always a hit with kids! Vespa offers a relaxed setting and a menu with familiar options. Early timing is perfect for younger children's bedtimes. High chairs are usually available. Gazi neighborhood has many options if Vespa is too busy.
Gazi is well-served by Metro (Kerameikos Station, Line 3). Parking can be difficult in this area, so public transport is advised.
Sunday - Relaxed Family Day
Sunday, December 28Farmers Market Visit
Visit a local 'Laiki Agora' (Farmers Market) for a vibrant sensory experience.
While specific markets vary by day, one is usually active on Sunday mornings. It's a great opportunity to see local produce and immerse in Athenian life.
Kids will enjoy the colors, smells, and sounds of the bustling market. It's a free activity for browsing, with opportunities to buy fresh and affordable fruits or snacks. Stroller accessibility can be tricky depending on crowds, but generally manageable. Public restrooms may be limited, but cafes are nearby.
Market locations vary, so check for the closest one to your starting point. Public transport is usually the best option for these busy areas. Parking is often very limited.
National Garden Play
Spend the afternoon at the National Garden, a beautiful green oasis in the heart of Athens.
It features several playgrounds, a small zoo, duck ponds, and plenty of open space for kids to run and play.
This is a perfect free activity for all ages, offering shade, benches, and excellent playgrounds. Kids love spotting the animals in the mini-zoo (goats, peacocks, ducks) and feeding the ducks. Clean public restrooms are available. It's fully stroller-accessible and offers a relaxed pace for Sunday afternoon.
Located right next to Syntagma Square, it's easily accessible by Metro (Syntagma Station, Lines 2 & 3) or by foot. Limited paid parking is available on surrounding streets.
Early Family Dinner
Enjoy a relaxed, early dinner at a family-friendly taverna in the Plaka district.
Many offer classic Greek dishes in a welcoming atmosphere, perfect for a final meal out before the school week. 'Scholarhio' (Σχολαρχείο) is a popular choice for its traditional meze style and casual vibe.
Plaka offers a charming setting for a family dinner. Scholarhio allows you to choose various small dishes (meze), which is great for kids to try different things. It's usually bustling but friendly. Restrooms are available. This early timing ensures kids are home and settled before bed.
Plaka is a pedestrian zone. The closest Metro station is Acropolis (Line 2) or Syntagma (Lines 2 & 3), followed by a short walk. Parking in Plaka is virtually non-existent, so public transport or a taxi is best.
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