Family Days Out in Heraklion

Heraklion is a busy port city rather than a resort, and its best family outings are an aquarium, a science-style museum and a sea fortress. Plan one main stop per day, because summer heat is strong and shade is limited. All prices are in euros.

Cretaquarium

Cretaquarium is at Gournes, about 15 km east of the city, and it is the easiest big day out. It is open every day of the year. From 1 April to 31 October the hours are 09:30 to 19:00, and from 1 November to 31 March they are 09:30 to 16:00. Adults pay EUR 15. Children aged 5 to 17 pay EUR 8, and under-5s go in free. An audio guide costs EUR 3. Expect about 2,000 organisms of roughly 250 species in about 60 tanks, so a visit of two to three hours is realistic.

Natural History Museum of Crete

The museum stands on the waterfront at Sofokli Venizelou Avenue. Its main draw for children is the Enceladus earthquake simulator. Ages 4 to 18 pay a reduced fee. Adult tickets are about EUR 8 to 12, with reduced tickets about EUR 8. It opens Monday to Friday 09:00 to 17:00, and from 1 November to 30 April it closes at 15:00 on those days. Weekend hours are 10:00 to 18:00. It is closed on 1 January, Clean Monday, Easter Sunday and 25 December.

Koules Fortress

The Venetian fortress at the harbour is a good short stop. Children can explore the cannons and the old storerooms, then climb to the roof terrace for views of the boats. Entry is EUR 10 for adults and EUR 5 reduced, and it is closed every Tuesday. Keep younger children close on the roof and on the stairs.

Knossos with children

The Palace of Knossos is about 5 km south of the centre. The ground is uneven, there are steep steps and there is little shade, so bring hats, water and sturdy shoes. Go early in summer. Entry is EUR 20, or EUR 10 reduced. Children can look for the palace’s reconstructed columns and the Throne Room, and the visit lasts about two hours.

Parks and beaches

Dinosauria Park at Gournes is a dinosaur theme park with models rather than live animals, so check that it is open before you drive out. Watercity, at Anopolis, is a seasonal waterpark, roughly late May to late September, and it is closed in winter. For sand, Ammoudara is an organised beach with facilities, about 5 km west of the centre. The harbour in town is a working port, so keep swimming for the beaches. Summer winds can make the sea rough.

Rainy and hot days

Most of the best options are indoors: the aquarium, the Natural History Museum and the Archaeological Museum. The museum at Xanthoudidou 2 is EUR 20 from April to October and EUR 12 from November to March, with the Snake Goddess figurines and the Bull-Leaping fresco.

Wildfire risk is high from April to October, so check local alerts before rural outings.

Read more: Heraklion activities lists the museums and fortress in more detail.

Check opening hours on the Cretaquarium site and the Natural History Museum page . You can compare guided family trips on GetYourGuide .