The National Garden is a huge green space of more than fifteen hectares, located in the heart of Athens, right next to Syntagma Square. It is a perfect place to stop with children. They can run, play, cool off and relax after a day of sightseeing. In addition, this park is open every day from sunrise to sunset and admission is free.
Walk in the National Garden
It is particularly pleasant to walk in the National Garden, it is one of our favorites. We take our children there almost every time we come to downtown Athens. It’s a breath of fresh air for them and for us.
This park is very large and offers plenty of shade, which is especially nice in the summer. Thanks to the lush vegetation, the temperature remains cool all year round. This makes it a perfect cool down break for kids (and adults too).
Away from the cars, noise and bustle of the city, the little ones can run around in the large tree-lined paths, pick up a few pieces of wood here and there, improvise games of hide-and-seek or watch the turtles that cross the paths from time to time. They also love to play freely among the ancient columns.
This garden is suitable for strollers.
It is possible to have a picnic in the National Garden, either on the benches or on the lawns. Just bring some snacks before you come.
The National Garden playground
What our kids love most about going to this park is the huge, shaded playground among the trees where they feel a little like Indiana Jones. The space is large, fresh, airy. And it feels good!
Swings, slides, teeter-totters, playhouses, sandboxes, climbing ropes: children have everything they need to have fun. The space is large, so they can also run, play ball and let off steam.
In the playground, you will find :
- 2 picnic tables
- a toilet with a changing table
- two water fountains to fill water bottles or gourds
- many benches under the trees
The playground is located on the southeast side of the National Garden, near the entrance next to the Zappio.
The zoo and the children’s library
The National Garden also houses:
- a children’s library : this charming little house, which is located in the south of the park, not far from the playground, has more than 6,000 books. It is open from Tuesday to Saturday from 9am to 3pm (closed on Sundays and Mondays as well as during vacations). To check the opening hours, you can call +30 210 32 36 503.
- a zoo : unfortunately a little poor and aging, this little zoo, which already existed at the time of Queen Amalia, seems somewhat neglected. Some cages are empty. Nevertheless, it appeals to the younger ones who can observe birds in the aviaries, roosters, goats with huge horns, goats, a few rabbits, and peacocks that, with a little luck, will do a cartwheel when you pass by.
To extend the walk
After the walk in the National Garden, we recommend you to go out by Amalias Avenue and to reach the Syntagma square. You can then buy from the street vendors, a koulouri (small round bread made of sesame), an excellent snack very popular with children.
And above all, before or after your walk in the National Garden, don’t miss the changing of the guard, a few meters away, in Syntagma Square, in front of the Parliament. It takes place every hour, on the hour. This strange and perfectly choreographed routine is a big hit with children. They can admire the famous Evzones and their traditional costume (skirt, red felt beret and shoes with tassels). And to be photographed next to them.
Looking for ideas for family activities? We offer you a lot of fun activities for children :
- Smartphone treasure hunt: an ideal outdoor activity for family and children
- City game Sherlock Holmes on smartphone: a fun activity for family
- Or enjoy this tour guided Young heroes : a family mythology tour
Laure M.
