Families with kids will love spending the day in Athens, visiting the animals at the Attica Zoological Park and then having fun at the Cultural Park, where the children can even ride donkeys. This interesting itinerary can also include lunch at the seaside where there is a variety of restaurants to choose from.  Plus, during the warm months, the beaches at Rafina and Nea Makri are ideal for swimming.

Dolphins at the Attica Zoological Park — Photo courtesy of Attica Zoological Park

Start your day at the Attica Zoological Park at Spata, the only zoological park in Greece where hundreds of visitors enjoy seeing the animals in their environment. The philosophy is not only to entertain, but also to educate the public as well as preserve and breed endangered species. Children love watching the animals being fed and simply observing the sea mammals. Giraffes, monkeys, bears and penguins can be seen. 

The most recent guests at the Attica Park are two large dragons of Komodo, the biggest type of lizard in the world. They live in a large space of 500 square meters enclosed by glass. Their arrival was transmitted live and was followed with great enthusiasm on Twitter and Facebook by Attica Park's friends.  

After seeing the animals, you can drive over to the Cultural Park in the nearby area of Mesogeia, which is also a space that children will certainly enjoy. They can ride on ponies or donkeys, enjoy bicycles or tour the park on the small train. The special section of the park, dedicated to old-fashioned trades, is also of great interest for all ages.

View of the Cultural Park — Photo courtesy of Cultural Park

The Museum of Greek Ethnography is very popular with guests and is widely visited by students from many universities. Olive presses and water mills placed amongst groves and vineyards bring to life the traditional way of farming and tending the land. Children's activities include planting herbs, learning to cook and  treasure hunting.

By now, it's probably time for lunch. Drive on to the seaside where you can choose between Rafina, Mati or  Nea Makri, and swim if the weather is warm enough. Then, enjoy lunch at one of the local fish taverns or restaurants.

Cavo Seaside Bar and Restaurant is a very good choice, located at the resort of Mati amongst pine trees and with a view of the sea. The menu is based on Mediterranean and Greek flavors and it's ideal for lunch, dinner or snacks and coffee. The friendly atmosphere and the pleasant environment make Cavo a favorite especially in the summer.

Cavo Seaside Bar — Photo courtesy of Cavo

If you prefer something with more local color, head to the port of Rafina. Park on the square and walk down to the port where you can choose from the many fish taverns and restaurants serving fresh fish and seafood. For coffee or ice cream, the many cafeterias on the square are ideal. If you prefer to dive further onto Nea Makri,  Korali fish tavern is a great option, in addition to the traditional taverna I Avli tou Antoni on a quaint side street.