Kos is an ideal destination for families and you are welcome almost everywhere with children. Stern looks are rare, even if the little ones are playing really exuberantly.
»The Greek island of Kos is perfect for a holiday with the whole family.«
Greeks are a very child-loving people and are absolutely relaxed when it comes to dealing with the little ones. You can often see Greek children playing in village squares late in the evening, and many visitors quickly warm to the Greek mentality.
Getting to Kos is easy, with a flight time of just under three hours and transfer times to the hotels of around 30 minutes. Many of the larger hotels offer good childcare, so nothing stands in the way of a relaxed family holiday in Kos.
Below you will find our best tips and ideas on how to enjoy Kos with children to the fullest. Further down in the article, we share personal recommendations for family hotels in Kos. We hope you enjoy exploring the island of Kos as a family:
- #1 Tourist Train from Kos
- #2 Water parks in Kos
- #3 Horseback riding in Kos
- #4 Go-karting in Kos
- #5 Natural Park of Zia
- #6 Paleo Pyli: Pirate Hideout of Kos
- #7 Peacock Forest of Kos
- #8 Swimming day at Paradise Beach
- #9 Hike to Aspri Petra Cave
- #10 With the Pirate Boat to Nisyros
- #11 Kos 3 Islands Tour
- #12 Kos Beaches for Children
- TOP 10 Family Hotels in Kos
🏖️ Dream beaches & hidden bays
🍽️ Restaurants, tavernas & cafés
🏛️ Must-see highlights & ancient sites
🗺️ Worthwhile spots & insider tips
🚘 Practical info like rentals & parking
♾️ Lifetime access & updates
#1 Tourist Train from Kos
An extended city tour with children can be quite exhausting in sweaty temperatures and large crowds. If the legs of young and old are giving out, we recommend a ride on the tourist train, the Kos City Train. In Kos, the vehicle is also called Trainaki or ELMA-KOS.
The tourist train from Kos departs directly from the harbour promenade, between the town hall and Neratzia Castle, as well as from the dolphin square. There is a short Kos Town tour that lasts only 20 minutes and takes you past the main attractions of Kos Town. The grand tour lasts one hour and goes all the way to the Asklepieion of Kos sanctuary and the Hippocrates Museum.
After the excursion with the tourist train, it is worth making a detour from the harbour to Ice cream parlor special (Meg. Alexandrou 8) or Gelateria Nonno Enzo (Vasileos Georgiou 7). The ice cream flavours are delicious and the portions in Greece are very generous. Afterwards, head back to the city centre of Kos.
#2 Water parks in Kos
Lido Water Park
Between the villages of Marmari and Mastichari lies a paradise for water lovers. The Lido Water Park offers all kinds of water fun across over 75,000 square metres, including nine slides that children from 1.20 metres tall can use.
There is also a pool area with a wave pool, a children’s pool with water games, a trampoline and a snack bar. You are not allowed to bring your own food. This water park on Kos is well-maintained and clean, and there are lifeguards on site to ensure the safety of all swimmers.
- Opening hours Lido Water Park: daily 10:00 a.m. – 6:00 p.m. (end of May–end of Sep), admission: €18 adults, €14 children
- Website of Lido Water Park: www.lidowaterpark.com
After the water fun, it’s worth making a detour to the nearby Tam Tam Beach Restaurant. Here, parents can relax with a cool drink while the kids continue to let off steam on the adjoining playground.
Water park near Kardamena
In addition to the Lido Water Park, there is also the Aquatica Water Park. The slightly smaller park is part of the Hotel Atlantica Porto Bello, but is also open to non-guests. Tickets for this water park on Kos can be booked on-site or conveniently online.
In the water park of Kardamena, children must also be at least 1.20 meters tall to use the seven slides. There are also several pools and a snack bar. Outside food and drinks are not permitted. On site, there are lifeguards at every corner to ensure the slides are used correctly.
- Opening hours Aquatica Water Park: daily 10:30 a.m. – 5:30 p.m., admission €18 for adults, €14 for children (under 1.20 m free)
- Website of Aquatica Water Park: www.aquatica.gr
🚘 Our recommendation for car rental in Kos is Costas Car Rental – a friendly family business that we have known and appreciated personally for years. To explore the island with kids, renting a car is well worth it. Well-maintained cars, hassle-free service and top ratings on Google speak for themselves. From small cars to family cars, they have everything you need. Click here to find your ideal vehicle: Book Kos Car Hire
#3 Horseback riding in Kos
At Erika’s Horse Farm in Marmari, horse lovers get their money’s worth. Even as a beginner, you can explore the beautiful north coast of Kos on horseback. You have the opportunity to ride together with your children or have the kids led on horses by staff members.
The owner Erika is a riding instructor who, together with her team, runs the riding stable near the Kos Salt Lake. All the animals at Erika’s Horse Farm look well-groomed and healthy. In addition to horses, there are other animals to admire on the grounds, such as peacocks, goats and donkeys. A café serves guests drinks and snacks.
- Opening hours Erika’s Horse Farm: daily 09:00 – 22:00, family ride (1.5 h) approx. 30 €, pony rides from age 4 (30 min) approx. 20 €
#4 Go-karting in Kos
If horses aren’t your thing, you’ll find the Go Kart Center of Marmari nearby. Fun for young and old is guaranteed here! The facility and vehicles are in great condition. The friendly staff gives a short briefing, after which you can get straight on the track.
For children aged 6 – 9 there are mini karts, and for the very little ones (3 – 6 years) there are even battery-powered electric karts with a separate track. In the south of Kos there is another kart track, Go Kart Kos Pro Track, about 4 km east of Kardameina. Both kart tracks on Kos have a small café for breaks.
- Opening hours Marmari Go Kart Center: daily 10:00 a.m. – 10:00 p.m., from €18 (15 min) for normal karts, from €15 (15 min) for mini-karts
- Opening hours Kardamena Go Kart Kos Pro: daily 10:00 a.m. – 10:30 p.m., from €15 (10 min) for normal karts
#5 Natural Park of Zia
Away from the souvenir strip of Zia, there is a small animal park at the end of the mountain village. The natural grounds are attractively laid out and easy to explore. The path leads steadily uphill, past deer, goats, donkeys, ducks and turtles, and offers a great glimpse of the native wildlife of Kos.
→ More tips for the mountain village of Zia can be found in our article: Zia Kos
A visit to the Natural Park of Zia is a funny experience for adults and therefore great for young children too. In addition to swings, you’ll also find hammocks and a playground on the grounds. A kiosk sells ice cream, cold drinks (beer, soda) and its own herbal tea at reasonable prices.
From the top level of the Zia Natural Park you enjoy breathtaking views of the Kos coastline, the Aegean Sea and the surrounding Dodecanese Islands. By the way, a visit at sunset is also lovely and rarely crowded at that time.
- Zia Natural Park opening hours: daily from 10 a.m. to 30 minutes after sunset, admission approx. €4, children up to 11 years approx. €2
A note from us: some enclosures in the Zia Zoo are unfortunately a little small. We hope they will be expanded in the future to give the animals more space to move around.
#6 Paleo Pyli: Pirate Hideout of Kos
Among the old castle ruins in the mountains of Kos, not far from the village of Pyli, you feel as though you’ve been transported back to the age of the Crusaders. In the Middle Ages, the local population sought shelter behind these fortress walls whenever pirate attacks threatened. The mysterious atmosphere of this place is especially exciting for children, and Paleo Pyli is personally one of our favourite highlights on the island.
→ Our favourite places on the island and the best sights of Kos can be found here: Kos Highlights
The ascent to Paleo Pyli is a bit of a workout, but if everyone is reasonably fit, it’s easy to manage. From the top, you can enjoy fantastic views of the north coast and the neighbouring islands. Be careful with small children, though — the castle ruins are not secured and in some places it gets very steep!
You can then reward yourself with a meal at the opposite Tavern Oria. The rustic atmosphere is especially lovely in the evening, and the outdoor toilet has become something of a cult fixture on Kos. Simple Greek home cooking is served at slightly higher prices. The owner Georgios can seem a little standoffish, but a few words in Greek will quickly lighten the mood.
#7 Peacock Forest of Kos
A particularly popular excursion for families with children is the Peacock Forest Plaka, not far from the airport. Hundreds of peacocks, stray cats and turtles live here. Especially in midsummer, it is pleasantly cool in the Peacock Forest, and the fresh forest air offers a welcome change from a day at the beach.
→ Find out what’s happening in and around the Peacock Forest of Kos and how to get there in our guide: Plaka Kos
#8 Swimming day at Paradise Beach
For older children who have passed their swimming test, Paradise Beach, not far from the isthmus of Kefalos, offers lots of water fun. There is a water park with a huge bouncy castle in the sea, where the kids can really let off steam.
→ Here we reveal everything there is to do in the Kefalos region: Kefalos Peninsula
The beach at Paradise Beach slopes gently and is therefore suitable for small children too. There is also a beach bar and sanitary facilities on site. You can rent umbrellas and sunbeds for about €10 per day.
Don’t forget your diving goggles, because bubbles in the water are evidence of the volcanic activity on Kos! For adults there are also jet skis and banana boats. Admission to the water park with bouncy castle costs about €5 for one hour of use.
#9 Hike to Aspri Petra Cave
Caves and grottos are always a big draw for children, so it’s well worth taking the enjoyable hike to Aspri Petra Cave near Kefalos. While the kids explore the cave, you as parents can enjoy the magnificent view of the western cape of Kos and the Aegean Sea.
More than 100 years ago, archaeologists found important Stone Age artefacts here. Even if the cave of Aspri Petra is not particularly spectacular today, there is always something for children to discover, even if it is only animal bones. Entering this remote cave on Kos is at your own risk.
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🏖️ Beautiful beaches & swimming spots
🏛️ All top sights & attractions
🤫 Unpublished insider tips
🍽️ Accommodation, tavernas & cafés
#10 With the Pirate Boat to Nisyros
A descent into a still active volcanic crater? Kids usually think that’s really cool! So why not head off on an excursion to the volcanic island of Nisyros! The regular excursion boats depart from Kardamena at 09:30, while the pirate ship doesn’t leave until 12:30 but usually doesn’t return until around 18:30.
→ More information on how to get there and tips for the neighboring island of Kos can be found in this article: Nisyros Highlights
If you don’t want to organize your trip to Nisyros yourself, you should check out the guided tours to Nisyros by Pirate Boat. They depart from the port town of Kardamena in the south of Kos, and in summer sometimes also from Kos Town. Through our partner GetYourGuide* you can book places for your family on the boat right away:
➲ To the guided tour to Nisyros*
#11 Kos 3 Islands Tour
A real highlight, especially for schoolchildren and teenagers, is the 3 Islands Tour from Kos Town. An excursion boat takes you past turquoise-blue bays to the northern neighbouring islands of Pserimos, Plati and Kalymnos. There is usually a stop in the pretty coastal town of Vathys on Kalymnos, where you can jump directly from the boat into the cool water.
A simple barbecue is usually also included on the Kos Three Islands Tour. With a bit of luck, you might even spot dolphins during the boat trip. The excursion boats depart daily from the port of Kos Town. For more information about the tour to Kalymnos, click on the link to GetYourGuide*:
➲ To the guided tour to Kalymnos*
#12 Kos Beaches for Children
The northern beaches of Kos in particular slope gently into the sea and are therefore well suited for little ones. At the Kos beaches around Marmari and Tigaki in the north there is plenty of sand for building castles, and you can sometimes wade metres out into the sea.
Agios Stefanos Beach in Kefalos also slopes pleasantly shallow into the sea. Among the ruins of an early Christian church, young explorers can discover the history of the island. Strong swimmers of all ages can swim across to Kastri Island. Since the shore at the tiny islet is rocky, water shoes are recommended.
If you are looking for some peace and quiet away from the tourist hustle and bustle, then we recommend Kochylari Beach in Kefalos. This sandy beach also slopes very gently into the sea and is therefore perfect for children. There is a restaurant on site, serving bathers with drinks and snacks, as well as sun loungers for rent.
→ The most beautiful beaches on the island of Kos can be found in our separate article: Kos Beaches
TOP 10 Family Hotels in Kos
Blue Lagoon Village
A 5-star hotel in a very secluded and quiet location. Friendly staff, modern rooms, a fantastic pool area, and a beautiful beach right in front of the hotel. Due to its remote setting, there are no dining or shopping facilities nearby.
Blue Lagoon Village Info: All-inclusive meals, childcare and club, playground, children’s pools, water slides
➲ To the booking of Blue Lagoon Village (Holidaycheck)*
→ The best hotels in Kos with children or for singles can be found in this post: Kos Hotels
Caravia Beach Hotel
A popular 4-star hotel near Marmari set in lush greenery, directly on a beautiful sandy beach. Guests praise the quality of the food, the spacious rooms, and the large pool area.
Caravia Beach Hotel Info: All-inclusive catering, childcare and club, playground, children’s pools, water park and slides
➲ To the booking of Caravia Beach Hotel (Holidaycheck)*
Horizon Beach Hotel
Beach resort located just outside Mastichari. Quiet location with modern rooms, well-kept grounds with several pool areas, as well as friendly and helpful staff.
Horizon Beach Hotel Info: Half board, children’s club, playground, children’s pools
➲ Book Horizon Beach (Holidaycheck)*
Mitsis Hotels including Norida Beach, Mitsis Blue Domes
About 5 km from Kardamena, this holiday village from the Greek hotel chain Mitsis offers various facilities such as restaurants and bars, pool areas, and children’s and leisure activities. For families, the Norida Beach and Mitsis Blue Domes hotels are particularly suitable.
Mitsis Hotels Info: All-inclusive, childcare and club, playground, children’s pools, water slides, children’s disco
➲ To the booking of Mitsis Norida Beach (Holidaycheck)*
➲ To the booking of Mitsis Blue Domes (Holidaycheck)*
Neptune Luxury Resort
Spacious and beautifully landscaped holiday resort directly on the sea, not far from the village of Mastichari. On a walk through the green grounds, you feel like you’re in a Mediterranean village. There are several swimming pools, various children’s facilities and leisure activities on site, making it ideal for a perfect family holiday in Kos.
Neptune Luxury Resort Info: Half-board, childcare and club, playground, children’s pools, children’s disco, water playground
➲ Book Neptune Hotel (Holidaycheck)*
Porto Bello Beach Hotel
Large 4-star family resort in the south of Kos. Spacious rooms, palm-lined grounds and a fine sandy beach right in front of the hotel. The Aquatica Water Park (free admission for hotel guests) is located right next to the hotel.
Porto Bello Beach Hotel Info: All-inclusive board, kids’ club, playground, kids’ pools, water park and slides
➲ To the booking of Porto Bello Beach (Holidaycheck)*
Cheap Family Hotels in Kos
We recommend booking the following hotels for a cheap family holiday on Kos. Click on the links from Booking.com* to get more information about the hotels:
→ More articles and numerous Travel tips for the island of Kos can be found at: Kos Island Overview
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