Traveling to Athens, Greece with a toddler while seven months pregnant might sound a little… ambitious—even with my husband by my side every step of the way. I wasn’t sure what to expect—Would we be able to navigate with a stroller? Would I survive all the walking? But honestly? Athens completely surprised me, turning what I thought might be a challenging trip into one of our family’s favorite adventures yet.
Athens is a vibrant mix of ancient history and modern charm, and yes, it’s totally doable with kids. Whether you’re wrangling toddlers, traveling with older kids, or even navigating it all with a baby bump, here are some tips and tricks to make your family trip smoother and more fun:
Embrace Early Mornings
Start your day early to beat the heat and the crowds. We visited the Acropolis first thing in the morning and it made a huge difference—cooler temps, fewer people, and a lot more enjoyable for everyone. The walk to the top is a bit of a climb, so take your time. If you’re pregnant, have mobility concerns, or are traveling with someone who does, it’s good to know there is an elevator and a golf cart transport available for free. Just check in with the staff at the entrance and they’ll help guide you to the access point.
Break Up the History with Fun Stops
Yes, Athens is full of ancient ruins, but that doesn’t mean it has to feel like a school field trip. Mix in stops like the National Garden (a shady oasis with a playground and mini-zoo) or grab gelato at Le Greche for a quick mood boost.
Strollers & Carriers: What to Know
Stroller access in Athens can be a bit tricky, especially around ancient sites like the Acropolis, which has lots of uneven paths and stairs. There are designated stroller drop-off spots at many major attractions, so you’ll need to be comfortable leaving your stroller behind for part of your visit. We brought a lightweight stroller that we could easily carry when needed, and a baby carrier ended up being a lifesaver in tighter areas. If you’re unsure, it’s always worth asking staff—they’re usually very helpful and used to assisting families.
Take it Slow (Especially if You’re Pregnant!)
Being seven months pregnant meant we couldn’t rush through the city, and honestly? That ended up being a blessing. We planned one or two major activities each day and left lots of room for wandering, relaxing, and spontaneous stops.
Make Meals Part of the Experience
Greek food is super family-friendly. Our kids loved souvlaki, pita with tzatziki, and spanakopita. Most restaurants are very welcoming to children, and many offer high chairs and outdoor seating. Eating out here is an experience—meals are meant to be enjoyed slowly, so don’t rush it.
Stay Central
If you can, book accommodations near Plaka, Monastiraki, or Syntagma. It makes walking to key sights much easier and allows for quick stops back at the hotel for naps or breaks. We stayed in a gorgeous Airbnb tucked into the heart of Plaka, just a short stroll from the Acropolis. It had a cozy views of the city rooftops and the perfect blend of modern comforts and traditional Greek charm. Being so close to everything meant we could easily head back for midday rests or regroup when we needed a break, which was often! It truly made our whole trip feel more relaxed and manageable.
Take Advantage of Local Markets
One of the best parts of traveling with kids is discovering everyday life in a new place—and local markets are perfect for that. Athens has several vibrant markets like the Central Municipal Market on Athinas Street, where you’ll find fresh produce, meats, cheeses, and baked goods. It was a great way to grab easy snacks, pick up picnic supplies, and introduce the kids to new foods in a low-pressure setting. We also found some charming street vendors in Plaka selling handmade toys and souvenirs that our kids loved. Visiting markets gave us a little window into daily Greek life—and helped keep costs down, too.
Don’t Be Afraid to Ask for Help
Athenians are wonderfully kind and always willing to lend a hand. Whether it’s helping you navigate stairs with a stroller or offering directions, people were so warm and helpful.
Keep Expectations Flexible
Traveling with kids (or pregnant!) means things won’t always go as planned—and that’s okay. Some of our favorite moments came from ditching the itinerary and just seeing where the day took us. Whether it was an unexpected café stop, a spontaneous street performance, or a detour to chase pigeons in a square, the magic often happened in the unplanned moments. Let go of the pressure to do it all, and focus on enjoying what you can.
Lean on Your Travel Partner
If you’re traveling with a partner, don’t underestimate how valuable their support can be—especially if you’re pregnant or juggling multiple kids. My husband was truly the MVP on this trip (on all of them really). His support made all the difference, from managing luggage and strollers to being a steady hand during long walks and crowded streets. He also kept the our little one entertained during long lines and stepped in when I needed a moment to rest. Having someone to share the load (and the laughs) really turned this from a stressful idea into a successful adventure.
Athens turned out to be the kind of place where history, culture, and family travel actually work together beautifully. With a little planning and a flexible mindset, your trip can be magical too. I’ll be sharing more about the places we loved, what we packed, and how to make the most of your time here with kids. Because if I can do it—bump, toddler, and all—you can too!
Ayla Ellison 