CRETAquarium Thalassokosmos (with kids)
How Kids-Friendly is CRETAquarium Thalassokosmos?
What makes it 90% Kids-Friendly: Children up to 12 enjoy touch pools, interactive games, themed tours and shark viewing; wide walkways and staff talks make learning fun and safe for a two-hour family educational visit.
![CRETAquarium [Tour] - Greece's Largest Aquarium - Crete](https://i.ytimg.com/vi/oRbOdNds59w/hqdefault.jpg)
Positives:
- Hands-on Learning: Interactive games and touch pools keep kids engaged and teach marine ecology.
- Stroller-Friendly: Wide, ramped walkways make it easy to move a stroller between exhibits.
Challenges:
- Dim Lighting: Low light levels may challenge children’s visibility; a small flashlight app helps.
- Peak Crowd Times: School groups often arrive mid-morning; plan use of touch pools during off-peak hours.
What is CRETAquarium Thalassokosmos?
- A modern aquarium specialising in Mediterranean marine ecosystems
- Home to over 200 species of fish, invertebrates and sharks displayed in more than 60 habitat-specific tanks
- A research and conservation facility operated by the Hellenic Centre for Marine Research
What is so special about CRETAquarium Thalassokosmos for with kids?
- Explore 2,000+ Mediterranean species through a child-friendly path
- Experience touch pools for hands-on learning
- Use the AR coloring app for extra creative fun
- Enjoy stroller-accessible galleries and outdoor café nooks
- Beat crowds by arriving early or timing activities off-peak
Recommended visit duration: 2-3 hours
Why 2-3 hours visit duration is ideal for with kids: This gives enough time to see main tanks, use touch pools, and rest at the café without rushing young children.
Kids-Friendly Activities in CRETAquarium Thalassokosmos
Main Mediterranean Tank Walk:
Stroll under the 80-meter tunnel and watch sharks, turtles, and hundreds of fish.
Tip: Go early to avoid crowds at the shark viewing window.
Interactive Touch Pools:
Handle starfish, sea urchins, and small crabs under staff guidance.
Tip: Have children wear easy-to-remove shoes for quick water play.
Psaroneis AR Coloring App:
Download pages before your visit to bring drawings to life with augmented reality.
Tip: Print and color pages at home to save time at the aquarium.
Outdoor Café and Play Area:
Grab snacks while kids run on the lawned playground nooks with sea views.
Tip: Pack refillable water bottles; the café offers free water refills.
How to Make the Most of Your Visit to CRETAquarium Thalassokosmos
- Download AR App in Advance: Get the Psaroneis coloring sheets and app before arrival for seamless interactive fun.
- Time Café Break Wisely: Pause at the café mid-tour to rest and refuel before visiting the final tanks.
Reviews of CRETAquarium Thalassokosmos
D L
You should visit this with or without kids since it is highly maintained and interesting to visit. Exhibits are divided by tanks and each one has separate species inside. You can pick and read from the monitors nearby or even watch on your phone for ease of access. I definitely recommend bying tickets in advance because the wait can be huge.
Margarita Krylinskaja
Thank you! It was beautiful there! I went in the morning and there were less people, around 12 there are more! The jellyfish and sharks are the best part. The women in the gift shop were very friendly too! 🩵🩵🩵🩵🩵🐟🐟🐟
Andrew Rowantree
A nice aquarium. Plenty to see and enjoy on a hot day. Get there early to beat the coach groups. We spent about 90 minutes there. There is a restaurant on site and of course a shop. We didn't use either.
Vlad Schnakovszki
Spectacular, just check out the pictures. We decided to spend the time before our flight here and it was a great decision. So many animals to see, for a great price. In total we spent about 90 minutes here and another half hour outside at the terrace under the trees.
JemD HOP
Third time coming here over the years and not once been disappointed. Lovely aquarium. Very informative and very updated now they have the new touch screens. The fish are well looked after. Its a lovely place. The tanks are impressive and just outstandingly clean. Will visit again.
When is the best time to visit CRETAquarium Thalassokosmos (Heraklion, Greece)?
In summer, arrive before 10AM to beat heat and crowds and bring hats and water. In winter and spring, enjoy calmer galleries and better photo lighting.
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Typical Budget for a Family of 4 (2 Adults + 2 Kids)
| Item | Cost (Approx.) |
|---|---|
| Family Admission (2 adults + 1 child) | EUR 30 |
| Café snacks | EUR 10 |
| Audio guide device rental | EUR 3 |
| Total Estimated | EUR 43 |
Note: All prices are indicative and may vary. Please check directly with the venue for the most accurate and up-to-date information.
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Map of CRETAquarium Thalassokosmos
Address: Heraklion 710 03, Greece
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About CRETAquarium Thalassokosmos
Opening Hours
Hours may vary during holidays, special events, and peak seasons. Please check the official website for the most up-to-date information.
Website
Official WebsitePhone Number
+30 281 033 778810 BEST nearby Activities
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