Manos Hadjidakis Garden Theater (with kids)
How Kids-Friendly is Manos Hadjidakis Garden Theater?
What makes it 74% Kids-Friendly: Children benefit from special plays and shadow theatre and have space to move between rows, yet 9 PM start times, unassigned chairs and no dedicated play gear mean parents must supervise closely.
Positives:
- Stroller-friendly entry: Main entrance is ground-level on Plastiras Street, so you can roll a stroller into the seating area.
- Basic on-site facilities: Public restrooms and a snack-bar are available, making short breaks easy with kids.
Challenges:
- Late start times: Most performances begin around 9 PM, which can be too late for younger children’s bedtimes.
- Limited unreserved seating: Only 400–450 portable chairs; seating is first-come, so families must arrive early to sit together.
What is Manos Hadjidakis Garden Theater?
- An intimate open-air theatre of 400–450 seats built into the Venetian Walls of Heraklion’s Low Square
- A municipal cultural venue adjoining the Nikos Kazantzakis Open-Air Theatre within the city’s historic fortifications
- A seasonal performance space hosting the Heraklion Summer Festival each July through September
What is so special about Manos Hadjidakis Garden Theater for with kids?
- Catch free and paid children’s shows in a historic open-air theatre.
- Ground-level access makes it easy to bring a stroller.
- A snack-bar onsite keeps kids happy during breaks.
- Seating is unreserved—arrive early for family seats.
- The festival runs July–September with special matinees for kids.
Recommended visit duration: 2–3 hours
Why 2–3 hours visit duration is ideal for with kids: Enough time to watch a children’s performance, explore the garden area and enjoy an intermission snack without rushing.
Kids-Friendly Activities in Manos Hadjidakis Garden Theater
Children’s Theatrical Performances:
The Summer Festival stage hosts plays and shadow-theatre shows designed for young audiences.
Tip: Check the festival schedule for free matinees and arrive 20 minutes early to get seats together.
Garden Exploration:
Let kids roam the garden zone behind the Venetian Walls before the show starts.
Tip: Bring bubbles or a small toy for playtime and keep to paths near seating to stay safe.
Snack Break at On-site Bar:
Buy ice creams, drinks and light bites during intermission from the snack-bar.
Tip: Have small change ready; use the first five minutes of the break to avoid long lines.
How to Make the Most of Your Visit to Manos Hadjidakis Garden Theater
- Book ahead for paid shows: Reserve tickets early online or by phone since the venue fills up quickly.
- Bring seat cushions: Portable chairs can be hard—small cushions improve comfort for kids.
- Plan snack timing: Go to the snack-bar at the very start of intermission to minimize waits.
Reviews of Manos Hadjidakis Garden Theater
Sabine Edrissi
Lovely venue for outdoor concerts
Yannis Astatos Stathakis
venue location and historic appeal combined make this always an amazing experience
Stavros Agoglossakis
Excellent for performances and shows, good acoustics, comfy sitting, unbeatable and evocative settings among the Venetian walls. Very good experience overall.
Manos Kornarakis
Art and culture have a beautiful place here among big trees and the ancient walls of Herakleion.the garden theatre has very good architecture and acoustic because of the natural building materials stone and wood is everywhere.the evenings at this place are magnificent , good work.
An Bien
Really cool, you can enjoy performances under the stars, but it is pretty cold at night
When is the best time to visit Manos Hadjidakis Garden Theater (Heraklion, Greece)?
Shows run July 1–September 30 as part of the Heraklion Summer Festival. August often includes extra kids’ matinees. Early evenings in September can feel cool—bring a light layer for children if you stay until later.
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Typical Budget for a Family of 4 (2 Adults + 2 Kids)
| Item | Cost (Approx.) |
|---|---|
| Event tickets (2 adults + 2 kids) | EUR 36 |
| Snacks & drinks | EUR 14 |
| Total Estimated | EUR 50 |
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 Manos Hadjidakis Garden Theater
Address: Nik. Plastira 26, Iraklio 712 01, Greece
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About Manos Hadjidakis Garden Theater
Website
Official WebsitePhone Number
+30 281 039 921110 BEST nearby Activities
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