We are often asked what is there to do with kids on Aegina.  Assuming you are visiting in the summer months then there is plenty to keep your little ones occupied during a one or two week holiday.  Here you will find some suggestions.

First, there is the beach.  And what child becomes bored with the beach?  Even the Greek local kids who are swimming most days through the three month school summer holidays do not become bored!  What is more, you can find a new swimming spot for every day of your visit on Aegina.  Check out the beach pages for more information.  There are a few organised beaches where you will find  free use of inflatable toys in the sea.  For example, at Kamares beach on the north coast there is a sea-trampoline from which kids and adults alike can have great fun bouncing into the water.  The beach at Aghia Marina is perfect for smaller children with its shallow waters.  There are pedalos for rent from this beach too.

If your children would like the opportunity to swim in a pool (and you are not staying somewhere with such a facility) then you can visit the Water Park.  This is about 3 kilometers from Aegina Town on the road to Perdika.  There are two pools making this a great choice for older and younger kids.  The little pool has a small slide and kids under the age of 10 will have a great time splashing about.  Into the larger pool run three slides for older kids and adults.  With lifeguards standing by you will feel in a secure environment.  Drinks, snacks and meals are readily available from the bar or the adjacent restaurant.  Alternatively, you can usually pay to use the pools at hotels as a non-staying guest.  For example there is a good pool at the Klonos Hotel near Aegina Town.  There is  also a tennis court here which you can rent by the hour.  Or visit the pool at Athina studios in Souvala, Christal in Aghia Marina, Hotel Magda in Aghia Marina, or the pool at Hotel Angie in Perdika.

During the high summer months (from mid-late June until early September) the outdoor cinemas are open.  In Aegina Town there are three.  At least one night a week there will be a movie suitable for children.  This is a great treat for all the family and the novelty of sitting outside whilst crunching on pop-corn and watching a funny film will sure to be a holiday highlight.  A word of warning though....  There are often two showings of the same movie.  The first is at 9pm and the second at 11pm.  This may seem very late for foreign visitors so you may need to do as the Greeks do.  Try to encourage your children to have a short sleep in the afternoon so they have the energy to enjoy the evening cinema visit.

There are a few parks on Aegina which children up to the age of about 7 can happily spend an hour or so.  Although the parks are not in top condition compared to some countries the largest one was improved in the winter of 2008.  This park is located on the sea-front in Aegina Town on the road towards Perdika.  There are plenty of slides, swings, and climbing frames on protective surfaces.  Being right beside the sea there is often a cooling breeze.  Opposite the park there is an old-fashioned ice-cream parlour called 'Tutti Frutti' where you can all enjoy a cone or cup of delicious home-made ice-cream in your favourite flavour.  The park is lit-up at night and you will find children playing here well into the night.  There is a small selection of play equipment on the beach at Souvala harbour just beside Cafe Notos.  It can be relaxing to sit here with a drink whilst your kids play. 

If your children are interested in animals then you could take a trip to the Hellenic Wildlife Hospital in Pacheia Rachi.  The hospital treats over 3,000 wild animals and birds every every year from all over Greece with the aim of releasing them back in to their natural habitats.  The volunteers who run the hospital are always happy to show visitors around.

Many families, having arrived on Aegina, do not feel inclined to venture very far afield during their summer holiday.  But there are two day trips that we would recommend and which are very easy to make from Aegina.  The first is a day trip to Agistri Island.  Children will enjoy the short boat trip and once on Agistri you will not need to walk very far before you find a good beach spot or a cafe with a swimming pool.  There is a crazy golf facility to be found in Skala.

A day trip to the island of Moni is also a good way to spend some time with the children.  You can catch a small taxi-boat from Perdika harbour and within a few minutes you are on Moni.  Children will enjoy the beach and spying the animals who live here. When is not too busy, it's even possible to feed the animals. 

But what about the young people in your family who are no longer 'kids'?  Most of what is described above will be enjoyed by the 13 or 14+ in your party (except the parks!).  We would add that there are a few gaming cafes in Aegina Town which always seem to be popular with teenagers.  Aegina (indeed Greece generally) has a very safe night-time atmosphere and so your teenagers will be able to enjoy the cafes and bars also. 

You will find that Greek teenagers sit happily with their coffee and ice-cream enjoying the company of their friends.  Teenagers also will enjoy eating souvlaki (grilled meat kebabs in pitta bread) with their friends.  You will not find the same alcohol-fueled environment typical in many northern European cultures.  Instead Aegina is a relaxing and safe place for all members of the family. 

More information

 Picture album: beaches of Aegina
 Agistri island information - most complete website about Agistri
 Waterpark

 

 

 

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