Kos With Children: 10 Things to See and Do Every Summer
Quaint and blessed with pleasant temperatures in spring and fall, enjoying all the benefits of the summer sun and the kiss of the Aegean Sea, Kos is an island of self-rediscovery, with generous landscapes waiting for the next explorers, regardless of their age. When you visit Kos with children, you offer them unspoiled coastlines, breathtaking mountainscapes, proximity to wildlife, the opportunity to learn about the local culture and history, room to play, and delicious treats made from the purest of the produce these lands have to offer.
Visit Kos with Children: 10 Things to See and Do on the Island of Hippocrates
1. Beaches and Beach Fun
Kos is a destination for beachgoers. Many of its beaches have fine, white sand and safe swimming conditions. Check out Paralia Marmari, not far from Tigaki, for a quaint destination to enjoy with your entire family. Suppose you don’t want to go far from Astir Odysseus Resort & Spa. In that case, Paralia Tigaki promises white, fine sand, as well as many beach tavernas serving Greek fare, beach bars, showers, watersports, and plenty of sun loungers and umbrellas to rent. Guests staying with us enjoy the use of sun loungers, umbrellas, and beach towels free of charge.
2. Scuba Diving and Snorkeling
For children eager to explore the Aegean Sea depths, diving companies on Kos offer diving classes for kids aged eight or older. Each child enjoys a private instructor’s care and diving with special children’s gear: smaller oxygen tanks, wetsuits, fins, and masks. Snorkeling is another fun pastime for the little ones. Some of the best spots where they can enjoy clear, calm waters and beautiful views of the seabed and its creatures include Kefalos and Kamari’s beaches and Paralia Kos.
3. Peafowl and Cats in Plaka Forest
Plaka Forest is a locals’ favorite for picnics and escaping the torrid sun in the summer months. The pine forest is a favorite habitat for peafowl, terrapins, and domestic cats. Children will love watching and feeding the animals and eventually collecting feathers fallen from the peacocks’ colorful trains. The forest has trails and paths you can explore without fearing you will get lost. Bring an empty bottle along to fill it up with fresh spring water from the Plaka Forest well.
4. Zia Natural Park
Your entire family will enjoy a couple of hours in the Zia Natural Park, in Zia village, at the foothills of Mountain Dikeos. Beautifully landscaped in perfect harmony with nature and respect for the environment, the park boasts stone pathways flanked by blossoming flower beds, aromatic herbs, and indigenous trees. Children have a playground to burn off some of that relentless energy that keeps you busy, while you can take a few moments for yourself resting in a hammock suspended between trees in a more secluded area of the park. There’s also a small petting zoo, and peacocks roam freely about the place. Remain till sunset for spectacular views of the island under the amber of the skies.
5. Horseback Riding on the Beach
Children aged four and older might enjoy horseback riding on the beach too. Most horse farms on the island offer excellent training and safety gear (helmets, riding boots, and vests) for the little ones. Some of these farms care for other animals – like ducks, chickens, donkeys, and goats – your children will enjoy seeing and petting if allowed by the farmers.
6. SUP on the Aegean Sea
Standup paddling – SUP – is an increasingly popular sport, entirely safe for children. Even adults can learn it quickly, as an excellent means to improve balance and core strength. If your child is too small and lacks the coordination to stand up and control her balance on the board, she can start as a passenger on your board. Secure the child with a vest. Older children who want to enjoy the sport on their own should be experienced swimmers. Most watersports centers on the island offer SUP equipment for rent.
7. Fun for all at Lido Water Park in Mastichari
Perfect to enjoy with kids of all ages, the Lido Water Park in Mastichari promises fun for the entire family. The park has all kinds of pools and slides and a first aid room with a licensed nurse, a seasoned lifeguard team, a shop selling beach essentials and souvenirs, lockers, and showers. The on-site restaurant flaunts an expansive menu with local and international snacks and comfort food. The children’s restaurant across the Kids’ Interactive Area serves pasta, pizza, fries, snacks, and salads. Two other bars cater to your thirst and mood for refreshments. Children will particularly enjoy the Kids’ Interactive Area, which boasts slides and water games, as well as a covered playroom with games and inflatables, a large children’s’ pool, an indoor playroom with billiard and electronic games, and a trampoline.
8. Archaeological Museum of Kos
Recently renovated, this two-story facility offers a glimpse into the island’s history thru various archaeological finds from antiquity to the Hellenistic times. The museum displays sculptures from Asklepeion, pottery, jewelry, coins, anaglyphs, weapons, metallic objects, and many other fascinating items unearthed on Kos and other Dodecanese islands. The building housing the museum in Kos Town in Elefterias Square is a protected architectural monument in Italianate architecture style, built during the island’s Italian occupation in 1935.
9. Traditional Windmill of Antimachia
A must-see traditional edifice restored with great care by the current owners, the Traditional Windmill of Antimachia houses a small folk museum showcasing the peasant lifestyle in the area in the 19th and 20th centuries. The still-functional windmill – called Mylos tou Papa (Greek: Μύλος του Παπά) – is about 250 years old. Here adults and children alike can witness the grain griding process. They also have a small souvenir shop selling bread and homemade produce and postcards, magnets, cards, and apparel featuring the windmill. Kids will love having their picture taken with the local donkey.
10. Marmari Go-Kart Center
Providing fun races for toddlers, children, and adults, this family-run business has been in business since 1994. This attraction is fantastic if you want to expose your child to a different experience in a safe environment while also reserving time to have some fun on your own too. Allianz insurance provides coverage for all drivers on the track at all times.
Kos has many other fascinating attractions to explore with your little ones. Discover the island at your family’s pace: rent a car to reach your desired destinations fast, or rent bicycles to make the most out of your visit while also respecting the environment.