Knossos Palace (with kids)
How Kids-Friendly is Knossos Palace?
What makes it 82% Kids-Friendly: Kids enter free, themed tours, tablets, and scavenger hunts spark interest, yet many unguarded stairs and little shade may exhaust or endanger children.
Positives:
- Interactive learning: Children engage with 3D reconstructions using tablets.
- Free entry for kids: Children under 18 enter free with an adult ticket.
- Open courtyards: Wide outdoor areas let kids explore safely at their own pace.
Challenges:
- Uneven paths: Stone walkways and steps can be tricky for strollers and small kids.
- Limited shade: Most ruins are exposed; bring hats and sunscreen.
- Few refreshment spots: Only one café near the entrance; pack extra water.
What is Knossos Palace?
- A Bronze Age royal palace complex of the Minoan civilization dating to circa 1900–1300 BCE
- A sprawling multi-level complex showcasing a central courtyard, labyrinthine corridors, and vibrant fresco fragments
- An early 20th-century archaeological reconstruction by Sir Arthur Evans that shapes its current form and anchors modern study of Minoan society
What is so special about Knossos Palace for with kids?
- Join a 2 hour family tour with 3D tablets and myth-based games
- Use a scavenger hunt to guide kids through key frescoes and rooms
- Kids under 18 enter free with adult tickets for great value
- Early visits beat crowds and midday heat
- Wide courtyards allow safe exploration and free play
Recommended visit duration: 2-3 hours
Why 2-3 hours visit duration is ideal for with kids: 2–3 hours lets you cover the palace, join a family-friendly tour, and include breaks for snacks and rest.
Kids-Friendly Activities in Knossos Palace
Join a Kid-Friendly Tour with Tablets:
Take a 2-hour family tour where each child uses a tablet to view 3D reconstructions and hear fun myths.
Tip: Book in advance to secure devices and avoid lines.
Download a Scavenger Hunt:
Use a free printable hunt to guide kids to the Bull-Leaping Fresco, Throne Room, and key symbols.
Tip: Print before you arrive and bring clipboards and pencils.
Explore the Bull-Leaping and Dolphin Frescoes:
Marvel at vivid frescoes and let kids guess the meaning of each scene.
Tip: Encourage children to sketch their favorite fresco on the spot.
Photo at the Grand Courtyard:
Let kids run in the open courtyard and snap family photos by the red columns.
Tip: Use early morning light for softer photos.
How to Make the Most of Your Visit to Knossos Palace
- Skip-the-line tickets: Buy online to avoid queues and start fresh with kids.
- Early visit: Arrive before 10 AM to beat crowds and midday heat.
- Printable scavenger hunt: Download a free hunt to keep children focused and entertained.
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!
When is the best time to visit Knossos Palace (Heraklion, Greece)?
In summer, visit before 10 AM to beat the heat and crowds. In spring and autumn, bring a light jacket for breezy mornings. Winters may have reduced opening hours—check ahead.
Explore These Activities
Typical Budget for a Family of 4 (2 Adults + 2 Kids)
| Item | Cost (Approx.) |
|---|---|
| Adult ticket (per person) | EUR 15 |
| Child ticket (per person) | EUR 8 |
| Tablet rental (per device) | EUR 6 |
| Café snacks (per person) | EUR 3 |
| Total Estimated | EUR 70 |
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 Knossos Palace
Address: Knossos 714 09, Greece
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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 1940Explore Popular Things to Do
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