It’s hard to be all moany and shruggy when you’re flying from tree to tree fifteen metres above the ground. If city fatigue has set in, this adventure park is one of the most enjoyable family days out in Athens. Laid out over 50 acres of forest, about 40 minutes north of the city-centre, Malakasa is an addictive network of Tarzan swings and zip slides, divided into age-appropriate skill levels (Wolves caters for 11-14 years; Eagles for 14+). There are park monitors and harnesses to ensure their safety. The climbing challenges are the main event but there’s also archery, bungee trampolines and Operation Tarantula, a commando-style game with net and rope obstacles. In summer, it’s lovely and cool; in winter, you’ll appreciate the alpine atmosphere. You can buy coffees and drinks but there are no food facilities, so bring your own supplies. Picnic among the pines on wooden benches, or stop off at one of the traditional tavernas in Malakasa town, a few minutes away.
 

Aquapolis (try saying it 3 times) was the talk of summer when it opened next to the Athens Zoo this year. Why? Its headline thrill, the King Cobra. This wild slide straddles both halves of the waterpark and ends with a stomach dropping swoop down into the belly of the beast; then high up between its fangs (then up, and down, and up and down … until you run out of gas). Think of it as a skate ramp on steroids—except on an inflatable. Teens can’t get enough. They happily dart up and down the stairs all day, perfecting their technique for the ultimate Tik Tok or Boomerang flex. Your job will be to wait down the bottom and record the Drop. Or bond by taking the plunge together in one of the double inflatables. Well-organized Aquapolis is split into 3 areas: the Adrenaline Speed Zone; a merry Family Adventure Zone for the smaller ones; and a pool area that makes a great base camp for parents to chill and kids to get their breath back. My teens’ other faves? The Rafting Ride (fast and smooth and the queues tend to be quicker) and the Magic Cone, where you circle the drain to enter a dark tunnel lit by neon lights. Open from May until the end of September-early October.

Trick them into sight-seeing with this cleverly conceived treasure hunt that lets you explore the city’s Ottoman and Roman past, as well as hidden hangouts in Monastiraki and Plaka, while you solve riddles, hear stories and track clues. New Greek start-up, Narratologies, has created a novel hybrid experience that blends gamification elements and technology, while also supporting local businesses post-Covid. Using the “Narratologies” mobile app, your mission is to help Flame, a young oriental dancer, rescue her imprisoned lover, Magas, a Greek musician with a nose for trouble. Alongside the app, you’ll be personally handed game cards with clues at various points, and winners get gift cards to redeem at some of the city’s finest local arts and crafts shops and museums.

Save Magas Scavenger Hunt with Narratologies takes around two-hours and can be scheduled daily.

Impress your kids with your local street cred by taking them to this happening skate park in the Keramikos neighbourhood. Latraac—an experimental social space built by Greek skater and architect Zachos Varfis—has become ground zero for the Athens skate scene. Hidden from the street behind metal gates, it has the thrill of an insider secret. Even if you don’t have access to a skateboard, Latraac makes for brilliant street theatre: watch bowl contests or hard-core skaters perfect their moves on the laser-cut plywood bowl. Or soak up the creative buzz of the many artists and musicians who hang out here. Setting Latraac apart from other skate parks in the city is a hip bar and café where you can settle in and enjoy the show. They do a great weekend brunch, including pancakes, toasties and scrambled eggs. 

A city tour that combines two of teenagers’ favourite things—cool gadgets and street food. Genius. This guided tour combines all the fun of an eco-savvy segway ride through the historic streets of Thissio, Monastiraki and Plaka with a culinary adventure. Over two-and-a-half hours, you’ll make five taste stops to sample Greek staples like gyros, kebab or souvlaki, mezedes (the Greek version of tapas), Greek yoghurt and loukoumades (our answer to doughnuts). Athens Segway Tours are run by a team of young, enthusiastic Athenians who enjoy sharing insider tips about local life.
Athens Food Segway tours are available in several languages.