Thessaloniki with Kids: Beaches, Parks and Ideas for a Family Week
Many of our guests come with children, and we get why. A house with a garden, a shallow sea 1.2 km away and a city half an hour off is almost the definition of an easy family holiday. Here's what we suggest, from the calmest ideas to the noisiest.
The sea, first of all
The Thermaic is a gulf, not open sea, and that's a gift for parents. At Tourbali, Michaniona's beach, kids can walk several metres out and still touch the bottom. It has a Blue Flag, showers, changing rooms and snack kiosks. Agia Triada and Neoi Epivates are just as calm, with a promenade for ice cream afterwards.
If older kids find calm beaches boring, take them to the Epanomi shipwreck with a mask. A rusty ship in the sea will be the story they tell at school in September.
Parent to parent: In July and August, swim until noon and again after five. At midday, nap or play in the shade of the garden. Everyone will be happier.
NOESIS, for days that aren't beach days
The Science Centre and Technology Museum is about 23 km from the house. It has a planetarium, a cosmotheatre, motion simulators (usually for ages 7 and up) and a technopark with more than 40 exhibits you can touch and try. Perfect for a cloudy day or a scorching midday.
Rides and water
- Magic Park: An amusement park between the city and the airport, with rides for all ages, from gentle ones for little kids to a roller coaster for the brave.
- Waterland: A big water park just outside the city, for the hot months.
Hours and prices change every season, so check the official pages before you set off.
Stay at Theodoras House
A 91 m虏 home with a garden and barbecue in Nea Michaniona, for up to 7 guests, with free parking. Everything in this guide is a short drive away.
Nature
Flamingos at Angelochori
Six kilometres from the house, the Angelochori lagoon is home to flamingos, mostly in winter. Bring binoculars and make a game of it: who spots them first? Then sunset at the lighthouse.
Seih Sou forest
Above Thessaloniki, with trails for walking and cycling, picnic spots and a small zoo at the entrance. The zoo is simple, more like a farm, but it's a nice outing for little ones.
The city seafront by bike
Thessaloniki's Nea Paralia has a long promenade, a cycle path and playgrounds. Rent bikes and ride to the White Tower at sunset.
At the house
The garden is paved, with flowers, trees and shade. Kids play while the grown-ups grill. The neighbourhood is quiet with no through traffic, and the supermarket is next door for the milk you forgot. One thing to know: the house has no baby cot or extra beds. If you're travelling with a baby, bring a travel cot.
FAQ
Which beach is best for small children near Thessaloniki?
Tourbali in Nea Michaniona, Agia Triada and Neoi Epivates. They have shallow, calm water, showers and shade in the organised sections.
What can we do with kids on a rainy day?
NOESIS, the Science Centre and Technology Museum, with a planetarium, a cosmotheatre and more than 40 hands-on exhibits. It's about 23 km from Theodoras House.
Is there a baby cot at Theodoras House?
Unfortunately not. The house has no cots or extra beds, so if you need one, bring a travel cot.
Sources: Family Traveller, Thessaloniki and Halkidiki for families 路 Mummy Travels, Thessaloniki with kids 路 Visit Thermaikos, Angelochori
