Knossos Palace (with kids)
How Kids-Friendly is Knossos Palace?
Kids enter free, family tours supply 3D tablets and scavenger hunts that spark ages 6–12; yet stairs, rough ground, and little shade force close supervision and frequent water stops.
Positives:
- Interactive Learning: Guided tours and tablets help kids visualize Minoan life with 3D models.
- Flexible Admission: Non-EU children under 18 enter free with a full-price adult ticket (EU ID required).
Challenges:
- Uneven Surfaces: Inner walkways have irregular stones and steps; avoid strollers beyond the entrance.
- Limited Shade: Few shaded spots inside the ruins can get very hot by midday; plan rest breaks.
What is so special about Knossos Palace for with kids?
- Interactive family tours with 3D tablets bring ancient myths to life
- Printable scavenger hunts keep children engaged amid the ruins
- Opportunity to explore the Throne Room and vivid Bull-Leaping Fresco
- On-site café and rest areas offer a welcome mid-visit break
- Flexible entry rules: free admission for non-EU kids under 18 with adult ticket
Recommended visit duration: 2-3 hours
Why 2-3 hours visit duration is ideal for with kids: This time allows for a guided tour, free exploration, and a café break without rushing.
Kids-Friendly Activities in Knossos Palace
Mythology Adventure Tour:
Join a 1.5-hour small-group tour with puzzles and replica artifacts to reenact Minoan myths.
Tip: Book online early to secure mini tablets for each child and avoid sold-out slots.
3D Tablet Family Tour:
Rent tablets for 2-hour guided exploration with 3D reconstructions of palace rooms.
Tip: Choose a morning slot to beat the heat and improve screen visibility in bright light.
Scavenger Hunt Challenge:
Use a printable hunt to find key details like the Bull-Leaping Fresco and hidden columns.
Tip: Print the sheet before arrival and bring clipboards and pencils to keep kids involved.
Pottery Workshop in Heraklion:
Extend your visit with a hands-on class where kids recreate and paint Minoan vase replicas.
Tip: Schedule the workshop after lunch to let children rest and stay focused on the craft.
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Typical Budget for a Family of 4 (2 Adults + 2 Kids)
| Item | Cost (Approx.) |
|---|---|
| Adult entry ticket (2 adults) | EUR 30 |
| Child entry ticket (2 children) | EUR 16 |
| Tablet rental for kids (2 devices) | EUR 12 |
| Family Mythology Adventure tour | EUR 50 |
| Total Estimated | EUR 108 |
Note: All prices are indicative and may vary. Please check directly with the venue for the most accurate and up-to-date information.
When is the best time to visit Knossos Palace?
In summer, arrive before 10:00 and carry hats, sunscreen, and water. In cooler months, bring layers and sturdy shoes for occasional mud.
How to Maximize Your Visit to Knossos Palace
- Early Arrival: Arrive at opening time to explore before tour groups and the heat build up.
- Skip-the-Line Tickets: Buy digital tickets in advance to reduce queue time with young children.
- Plan Snack Break: Use the café at the entrance for a mid-visit rest to keep kids energized.
Map of Knossos Palace
Address: Knossos 714 09, Greece
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Reviews of Knossos Palace
Tery Tsiliganos
Every time I am in Crete I make it a point to visit this tremendous site! Beautiful and mysterious be prepared to experience the first civilization of Europe at its finest! Wear good foot wear....don't come in flip flops as some of the stones have become worn with the millions of tourists that visit and can be slippery. A hat is a must in the Cretan sun and ensure you are hydrated. There is a te...
Estelle Bardet
Good visit. I’d recommend to come very early (8am) to avoid mass tourists. The tour took me 1 hour - while taking my time, and by 915am I ran into a whole crowd of people just arriving. Glad I could visit the site peacefully with just a bunch of people visiting around. Plus, by 8 am on an August day, the temperatures are still manageable.
Gleb Babaren
I was deeply impressed by the ruins. Many of the structures I had only seen in textbooks as a child, and now I had the chance to see them in real life. The site dates back approximately 4,000 to 4,700 years. Some areas have been partially restored, which helps to visualize how it might have looked originally. A truly remarkable and unforgettable experience.
Sabina Bandula
Amazing! Incredible to visit something that has survived this long. Easy to get to and from by bus. There are timed entries but arriving between 8 and 9 avoided the crowds with guides in the queues. Otherwise enjoy the beautiful palace of the first advanced civilization in Europe!
Ann Baity
I recommend going as early as possible. It gets crowded and hot. Purchase your tickets online in advance and skip the line. A combo ticket for the museum is available. To fully appreciate the site, you may wish to hire a multi-lingual guide there. It was very interesting. I hope the tips help you to enjoy it fully!
About Knossos Palace
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
+30 281 023 1940See available options
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