Heraklion Archaeological Museum (with kids)
How Kids-Friendly is Heraklion Archaeological Museum?
What makes it 77% Kids-Friendly: Children up to 12 get free scavenger sheets and a media-room film break, yet fragile artefacts forbid touching and there are few interactive zones, so interest can fade after two hours.
Positives:
- Interactive family trails: Leaflets turn the museum into a fun game for all ages.
- Easy stroller access: Ramps, elevators, and free cloakroom storage keep visits smooth with young kids.
Challenges:
- Hot midday hours: Summer afternoons can be crowded and warm inside the galleries.
- Large exhibition size: 16 halls may tire younger children if they walk continuously.
What is Heraklion Archaeological Museum?
- A museum in Heraklion housing extensive collections of Minoan-era artifacts alongside later Cretan art, sculptures and archaeological finds
- A repository of 16 exhibition halls showcasing pottery, tools, jewelry and rare Bronze Age frescoes unearthed at Knossos and sites across Crete
- A cultural institution preserving landmark Minoan masterpieces, including the Bull-Leaper, Prince of Lilies and La Parisienne frescoes
What is so special about Heraklion Archaeological Museum for with kids?
- Free scavenger hunt leaflets make learning fun.
- Iconic Minoan frescoes engage young imaginations.
- Media room films offer a colorful break.
- Garden café under olive trees for snack time.
- Stroller-friendly routes and cloakroom ease.
Recommended visit duration: 2-3 hours
Why 2-3 hours visit duration is ideal for with kids: A 2-3 hour visit lets your family complete the scavenger hunt, see key frescoes, and take a snack break without rushing.
Kids-Friendly Activities in Heraklion Archaeological Museum
Pick up the family scavenger leaflets:
Collect free “Minoans at AMH” or “Gods and Heroes” activity sheets at the ticket desk.
Tip: Help kids spot artefacts on the list and reward them with small treats at the end.
Explore the fresco rooms:
Visit rooms 14–16 to see the Bull-Leaper, Lily Prince, and Parisian Woman murals.
Tip: Tell the story of each fresco to spark your kids’ imagination.
Watch films in the media room:
Enjoy short, colourful videos about Minoan life in the audiovisual room.
Tip: Use this as a mid-visit break to rest little feet.
Relax at the garden café:
Sip Cretan coffee and grab snacks in the outdoor café under olive trees.
Tip: Bring refillable water bottles to stay hydrated on hot days.
How to Make the Most of Your Visit to Heraklion Archaeological Museum
- Use scavenger hunt leaflets: Engage kids by turning the visit into a mission to find artefacts.
- Time your visit: Arrive at opening or after 5pm in summer for cooler temperatures and fewer visitors.
- Bring light snacks: Pack small bites for kids to munch between galleries if the café line is long.
Reviews of Heraklion Archaeological Museum
Radek Horak
Nice museum with many artifacts, worth a visit, whether you are into history, or just want to escape the heat for few hours while learning something about ancient civilization. We had a rented car and I highly recommend the large parking place at the port nearby. We did not book online, it took around 15 mins to get in. Can be crowded inside and perhaps not that exciting for children.
Ralph Ellis
A good place to visit in combination with Knossos palace. Tickets can be purchased on the door and there is a small queue to get in. The museum is well laid out over two floors with thousands of artefacts from Cretan history. It’s incredibly interesting and thought provoking as you walk around and read / view the history of Crete. There are plenty of staff on hand if you have any questions. Th...
Stephen Bennett
Included as part of an excursion, we were NOT disappointed when we visited the Heraklion Archaeological Museum – it was blooming fantastic! The museum is gorgeous and its treasures so evocative of the history of Crete. All of the displays are well lit, easy to navigate and with informative and engaging text explanations. The people-to-space ratio is such that you never feel crowded which just adds...
Matty B
The museum itself is stunning — a beautifully curated and thoughtfully laid out collection. We booked 6pm tickets to avoid the crowds, which was absolutely worth it. That said, it was frustrating to be told there were only 10 minutes left just as we were wrapping up, and even more disappointing to find the gift shop had already closed 30 minutes earlier with no warning. A simple heads-up an hour b...
Shauna Davies
Very good museum. Lots of information and the app was good for English info. Very interesting and I enjoyed visiting after Knossos palace. We went as it opened so it wasn’t too busy but got quite busy as time went on. Would definitely recommend a visit. Pay same on the door as you do online, need to select an entry time online so we just paid on arrival.
When is the best time to visit Heraklion Archaeological Museum (Heraklion, Greece)?
In summer, visit early or after 5pm to avoid heat and crowds. From Nov–Mar, enjoy free entry on the first Sunday each month.
Explore These Activities
Typical Budget for a Family of 4 (2 Adults + 2 Kids)
| Item | Cost (Approx.) |
|---|---|
| Admission tickets (2 adults + 2 children) | EUR 36 |
| Snacks at garden café | EUR 10 |
| Total Estimated | EUR 46 |
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 Heraklion Archaeological Museum
Address: Ξανθουδίδη και, Chatzidaki 1, Iraklio 712 02, Greece
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About Heraklion Archaeological Museum
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
+30 281 027 9000Explore Popular Things to Do
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