If you are visiting the island with children who enjoy interacting with animals, we have seven Cretan summer adventures to keep them busy. Crete is so many things to so many different people. The fascinating Greek island is famous for its Blue Flag beaches, but our children-centric guide today takes you away from the beach to other Cretan attractions for little explorers.
Seven Cretan summer adventures for fun with animals
Children will love petting and feeding wallabies, cats, dogs, and chickens at Funpark Kavros (Palea EO Chanion Rethimnou 19). Kavros has mini golf, video games, and kiddie cars, plus billiards for adults. A bar serves drinks and snacks in a relaxed, friendly atmosphere.
Amazonas Park in Kourounes is another attraction for children who love animals. This is a sanctuary for birds and endangered species. They have many colorful parrots.
There’s also an ostrich farm in Episkopi, 15 km from Heraklion. If you are curious what ostrich meat tastes like, they have a tavern serving home cooked meals. There’s a playground for the little ones, who can also enjoy pony rides here.
The Plakias Horse Riding Center has a mini zoo with a variety of wild and domestic animals including donkeys, Cretan kri-kri goats, deer, peacocks, turtles, ducks, chickens, rabbits, and sheep. The farm offers pony and donkey rides for children too, as well as horseback riding lessons for all ages.
The Cretaquarium is a fascinating experience for all ages. With sixty tanks and more than 2000 creatures from the Mediterranean Sea, the aquarium promises to be unforgettable. It is one of the most modern in Europe, and besides being an exhibition, it is also a research center. It also offers educational programmes and hands-on activities for little explorers.
The Agreco Farm in Adele Village offers farm tours for children, and a fun discovery activity called “Play Farmer for the Day” where you can learn a lot about the home-made Cretan food. You can taste raki, see the wine press, pick vegetables, milk the goats, help shear the sheep, and much more.
Aquaworld Aquarium & Reptile Rescue Centre is another fascinating attraction for children. They have a variety of local sea life and reptiles from everywhere and they encourage hands-on interaction with many of the animals.
Where to stay:
Mythos Palace Resort & Spa offers excellent facilities for children. They have pools, playgrounds, and a mini club with a lot of activities designed to teach and entertain.
