There are usually many new-release American movies showing in central Athens, and a couple of hours in an air-conditioned theater is not a bad way to pass a hot afternoon. Check the English-language daily Athens News or the daily Kathimerini insert in the International Herald Tribune for listings.
The "Scope" section in the weekly Hellenic Times lists activities of interest to children in Athens, including Girl Scout meetings, hiking excursions, and day camps, in its "Kids Corner."
The National Garden:
Is off Syntagma Square and has a very small zoo, several duck ponds, a playground, and lots of room to run around. There's also a Children's Library with books in English and some toys and coloring material adults are usually not allowed to stay with their children. The library is usually open Tuesday through Saturday from 8:30am to 3pm, and is closed in August. The National Garden is open from sunrise to well after sunset. There are other small parks and gardens scattered through Athens, but this is the best for children.
Mount Likavitos:
The ride up on the cable-car railway teleferique is often a hit with children. It usually operates every 20 minutes from 10am to 10pm in summer There's a cafe on top that sells ice cream, and children can let off steam by running along any number of paths downhill.
Museum of Greek Musical Instruments:
Dhioyenous 1-3
01/325 0198
Metro: Monastiraki
Tues-Sun. 10-2 Wed. 12-6
This delightful, modern museum has three floors, each devoted to a different type of musical instrument. Headphones allow visitors to listen to recorded examples of each while reading the explanations in either English or Greek. A set of pictures shows how to make music from worry beads and a glass. Parents and older children can enjoy the exhibits together.
Museum of Greek Children's Art:
Odos Kodrou 9, Pláka
01/331-2621
where admission is Dr500 $1.65.
Tuesday - Saturday 10 - 2 and Sunday 11- 2; closed in August.
A good place to check to see if there are any special activities going on. This small museum has changing displays of children's art from throughout Greece, and your children may enjoy seeing what Greek kids like to draw. Workshops for children are offered here, and conducted in Greek.
Children's Museum
Odos Kidathineon 14
There are workshops here the but usually no exhibitions. In addition, there are sometimes Karaghiozis Puppet Shows shadow theater a few doors away at the Greek Folk Art Museum, Odos Kidathineon 17. You don't need to understand Greek to appreciate the slapstick comedy of Karaghiozis.
