Knossos Palace (with kids)
How Kids-Friendly is Knossos Palace?
What makes it 73% Kids-Friendly: School-age children enter free, can use 3-D tablets, scavenger hunts, and myth tours, yet rough steps, strong sun, and no playground mean parents must supervise closely and bring hats.
Positives:
- Free child entry: Kids under 18 enter free with a full-price adult ticket—no child passes needed.
- Interactive learning: 3D tablets and scavenger hunts keep kids engaged in Minoan myths.
Challenges:
- Uneven terrain: Stony paths and steps may slow stroller wheels—bring a carrier for toddlers.
- Limited shade: Most ruins have no cover—pack hats, sunscreen, and 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?
- Interactive 3D tablets bring frescoes and rooms to life for kids
- Scavenger hunts turn ruins into a fun family quest
- Free child admission simplifies costs
- Café by the entrance offers a quick snack break
- Early visits beat heat and crowds
Recommended visit duration: 2-3 hours
Why 2-3 hours visit duration is ideal for with kids: Allows time for exploring key rooms, a tablet tour, and a break at the café without rushing kids.
Kids-Friendly Activities in Knossos Palace
Rent a 3D tablet guide:
Follow reconstructions of the Throne Room and frescoes on-screen.
Tip: Get it at the entrance and hand one to each child for shared discovery.
Find the Bull-Leaping Fresco:
Spot the vivid bull scene in the royal apartments.
Tip: Challenge kids to count all the red columns in that area.
Use a printable scavenger hunt:
Download questions on symbols and rooms before you go.
Tip: Bring clipboards and pencils so kids can check off finds.
Break at the on-site café:
Buy water, snacks, and ice cream just past the ticket gate.
Tip: Bring refillable bottles to top up and save on drinks.
How to Make the Most of Your Visit to Knossos Palace
- Prebook tickets: Buy online to skip the ticket line and head straight in.
- Early arrival: Arrive at opening time to find quieter rooms for kids to explore.
- Print materials in advance: Download and print the scavenger hunt before leaving your hotel.
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, start at opening to beat crowds and heat. In spring, wildflowers dot the site edges. In winter, book family tours ahead as they run less often.
Explore These Activities
Typical Budget for a Family of 4 (2 Adults + 2 Kids)
| Item | Cost (Approx.) |
|---|---|
| Adult tickets (2) | EUR 30 |
| Child tickets (2) | EUR 16 |
| Tablet rentals (2 devices) | EUR 12 |
| Snacks and water | EUR 20 |
| Total Estimated | EUR 78 |
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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