11 Child-Friendly Things To Do in Kos With The Family

Planning a family trip to Kos? You’ll find plenty of activities to keep your little ones entertained on this Greek island paradise. From splashing around at Aquatica Water Park to watching peacocks roam freely in their natural habitat, Kos offers experiences that combine fun with discovery. The island’s family-friendly beaches provide safe swimming spots, while historical sites like the Castle of the Knights add educational value to your vacation. Wondering how to fit all these adventures into your itinerary without breaking the bank? Let’s explore your options.

Key Points

• Explore Aquatica Water Park with slides and splash zones, free for children under 5 with complimentary transportation via Lido Bus.
• Visit Paradise Beach for safe swimming in shallow waters and “Bubble Bay” with volcanic bubbles perfect for snorkeling adventures.
• Discover Peacock Forest near Antimachia where free-roaming peacocks, including a rare all-white one, can be fed mid-day.
• Experience a Pirate Boat Cruise visiting Kalymnos, Pserimos, and Plati islands with swimming stops and family-friendly facilities.
• Enjoy sunset views at Zia Village on Mount Dikeos with child-friendly paths, artisan shops, and mezze at open-air tavernas.

11 Child-Friendly Things To Do in Kos With The Family

While planning your family vacation to Kos, you’ll find an impressive variety of activities that cater to children of all ages. Aquatica Water Park offers exciting slides and a lazy river where kids can splash around while you relax on nearby sunbeds.

Kos delivers endless family fun with waterparks, cycling adventures, and cultural experiences that both parents and children will treasure.

The flat terrain makes cycling an ideal family activity to explore the island at your own pace.

Don’t miss Kos Natural Park, which combines a nature reserve, zoo, and playground activities in one budget-friendly destination. The Peacock Forest will enchant your little ones with its free-roaming birds, while glass-bottom boat cruises let them discover underwater wonders without getting wet. With its impressive 4.2/5 bubbles rating, Kos Natural Park is consistently praised by visitors for its diverse wildlife including turtles, deer, and birds.

For a cultural experience, visit the Castle of the Knights, where children can imagine medieval adventures while learning about history. After a day of exploration, your family can unwind at one of the many beach bars that Greece is famous for, offering child-friendly refreshments and snacks.

Splash and Play at Lido Water Park

Your little ones will love the dedicated kids’ zone with interactive slides and splash areas. While the whole family can enjoy racing down multi-lane slides together. Children under 5 get in free, making it budget-friendly for families with toddlers.

At around €18 per person, you’ll get access to all slides, the lazy river, and wave pool. The park provides free Lido Bus transportation to and from the water park, making it convenient for families without rental cars. Plan to arrive early and bring sun protection – the Greek sun is intense! Like the Greek gem of Corfu, Kos offers fantastic family-friendly attractions that create lasting vacation memories.

While there’s food available on-site, consider packing snacks to save money during your day of watery fun.

Discover Marine Life on Glass-Bottom Boat Trips

For families seeking an exciting marine adventure, glass-bottom boat trips offer an unforgettable way to explore Kos’s underwater world without getting wet. These 2.5-hour tours depart from Kos Town or Kefalos Harbour on dual-deck vessels perfect for kids to move around safely.

Your little ones will be thrilled to peer through glass panels at colorful fish, reefs, and even a shipwreck! The tour includes a beach stop at Pserimos Island with 45-60 minutes for swimming in crystal-clear waters.

Multilingual audio guides explain the local marine ecosystem, making it educational and fun. The excursion is ideal for children as it will spark their imagination while observing fascinating marine life.

These boat tours are part of the popular island hopping experience that Greece is famous for, allowing you to sample multiple destinations in a single day.

At €20-€35 per person, these tours provide excellent value for families with children aged 3+. Life jackets and crew assistance ensure everyone’s safety while onboard refreshments keep energy levels high.

Embark on an Adventure With Pirate Boat Cruises

Sailing the Aegean Sea on a pirate boat cruise offers an epic adventure that’ll captivate children and adults alike. The 7-hour cruise visits three stunning islands including Kalymnos, Pserimos, and Plati, with plenty of swimming opportunities in turquoise waters. The wooden three-decked Barco de Pirata accommodates up to 250 passengers with ample space for everyone to enjoy the journey.

At €35 for adults and €20 for kids (under 3s go free), you’ll get excellent value with a complimentary Greek lunch included. The pirate-themed crew keeps everyone entertained while facilities like toilets, changing rooms, and showers ensure comfort throughout the day. Nature enthusiasts might even spot some of the Greek arachnids that inhabit the island shores during exploration stops.

Don’t forget swimsuits, sun cream, towels, and waterproof cameras for the waterslide fun! Book in advance during peak season (May-November) and keep watch for dolphins swimming alongside the boat – an unforgettable highlight of this family-friendly excursion.

Meet Free-Roaming Peacocks at The Peacock Forest

After your sea adventures, step into a magical woodland where nature takes center stage. Located 26 km from Kos Town near Antimachia village, this peaceful sanctuary offers your kids a chance to hand-feed magnificent peacocks, including a rare all-white one!

Follow the signs from Antimachia along the 2.5 km paved road to find this hidden gem. Visit midday when the forest’s pine canopy creates a cool refuge from the summer heat. Bring simple snacks to feed the friendly peacocks, who are accustomed to humans and often pose perfectly for photos. The forest has earned an impressive 5.0 out of 5 rating for animal welfare standards, ensuring a responsible wildlife experience.

While exploring the forest paths, you’ll also spot terrapins, squirrels, and stray cats. Pack a family picnic to enjoy at one of the shaded spots, and don’t forget comfortable shoes for walking the uneven terrain. This enchanting experience rivals the cultural allure of other Greek destinations while providing a uniquely family-friendly atmosphere.

Explore Ancient History at The Castle of the Knights

Step back in time at the 14th-century Castle of the Knights, where your family can experience living history just minutes from Kos Town‘s harbor. This impressive fortress, built by the Knights of Saint John and completed by the early 16th century, offers children an enthralling glimpse into medieval warfare and architecture.

Let your kids explore the double-walled fortress with its varied inner design and imagine how knights once defended against Ottoman invasions. The castle’s strategic layout provides a natural adventure playground where children can learn while having fun. Walk together along Phoinikon Street, the scenic palm-lined promenade that leads to the castle entrance.

Wander through medieval history where stone walls transform into educational playgrounds of knights and battles past.

Join a guided tour for educational insights or create your own scavenger hunt among the ancient stones. While exploring Kos, you might consider a day trip to Rhodes Island, known for its equally impressive medieval architecture and beautiful landscapes. Don’t miss the photo opportunities from the walls overlooking Kos Town.

Check seasonal opening hours and admission fees before visiting to plan your budget-friendly historical adventure.

Enjoy Family Beach Days at Paradise Beach

Why visit Paradise Beach when there are so many shores on Kos? This unique beach combines family-friendly features with natural wonders your kids won’t forget.

The gradual, shallow entry and calm waters create a safe swimming environment for young children. Head to “Bubble Bay” where volcanic bubbles rise from the seabed—perfect for snorkeling adventures! The beach features inflatables for €6/hour that provide entertainment for both children and adults.

At €15 for two sunbeds, you’ll find plenty of space even during peak season.

Arrive in the morning to avoid crowds and enjoy natural shade under the trees. The beach bar serves affordable family meals, while active kids can try pedalos with slides (30-minute rentals) or jet skiing (€50/15 minutes). Unlike some swimming spots in Greece, Paradise Beach offers consistently safe conditions for families with children of all ages.

With free parking, stroller-friendly paths, and crystal-clear waters teeming with marine life, Paradise Beach delivers tremendous value for families.

Experience Wildlife at Kos Natural Park

Tucked away in the picturesque village of Zia, just 15 km southwest of Kos Town, Kos Natural Park offers families an invigorating alternative to beach days. Your children will delight in feeding friendly deer, turtles, and rabbits by hand as they explore cobblestone paths lined with wild roses. The park sits beneath mountain Dikaios, providing a stunning natural backdrop for your family adventure.

The park is budget-friendly with discounts for kids under 11, and you’ll appreciate the thoughtful amenities. Unlike some expensive Greek destinations, Kos Natural Park delivers exceptional value for families watching their travel budget. Let little ones burn energy at the small playground while you relax in hammocks at the park’s summit. Bring binoculars or use the provided ones at viewpoints for spectacular island panoramas.

Open from 9:00 AM until shortly after sunset, you can easily spend half a day here. Grab affordable snacks at the onsite bar to keep everyone energized throughout your wildlife adventure.

Take a Family Cargo Bike Tour Around the Island

Kos Island’s flat terrain and gorgeous coastline make it ideal for family cycling adventures beyond the wildlife encounters at Natural Park.

You’ll find affordable bike rentals starting from just 5-6 euros per day, making this an economical way to explore the island with kids.

While cargo bikes are limited, standard bike options accommodate most families.

Coastal routes offer perfect opportunities for beach stops along the way, and Kos Town trails provide easy exploration possibilities for riders of all abilities.

If you’re traveling with older children (12+), consider electric mountain bike tours for those with more energy to spare.

For children as young as 5 years old, many rental services offer special bike options that cater to different age groups and abilities.

Remember to wear helmets, pack water, and plan your route according to your family’s abilities.

The island’s Mediterranean climate ensures cycling is enjoyable year-round, though morning rides avoid midday heat.

Kos regularly ranks among Greece’s top destinations for family holidays due to its combination of outdoor activities and child-friendly amenities.

Witness Spectacular Sunsets at Zia Village

High above the island’s beaches, Zia Village offers one of the most mesmerizing sunset experiences you’ll find in all of Greece. Located 15km from Kos Town at the base of Mount Dikeos, this charming mountain village is perfect for families seeking a memorable evening.

Plan to arrive about 2 hours before sunset to explore the cobblestone streets and browse handmade ceramics and local honey at artisan shops. Kids will appreciate the gentle walking paths and child-friendly mezze at open-air tavernas.

For the best views, book a table at a terraced restaurant—especially important during July-August crowds. Most families find the approximately 4-hour experience with hotel pickup and drop-off service particularly convenient when traveling with children.

Save money by visiting during shoulder seasons (May-June/September-October) when temperatures are milder for children and discounts are available. If you’re considering other Greek islands for your family vacation, Lefkada’s beaches are also worth exploring for their stunning natural beauty.

Wear sturdy shoes and bring light jackets for when temperatures drop after sunset.

Try Horse Riding at Local Ranches

For families seeking outdoor adventures beyond the beach, horseback riding offers one of Kos’s most memorable experiences for children of all ages. The island boasts several family-friendly ranches with ponies specially selected for young riders.

The Ranch Kos in Marmari and Salt Lake Stables offer beginner-friendly beach rides where kids can trot alongside the shoreline. The Ranch Kos provides trained, certified instructors who prioritize safety while creating enjoyable experiences for children.

For mountain views, try Paradise Ranch Kos or head to Kardamena Horse Riding Center, which caters specifically to beginners and children.

Most facilities provide guided small-group tours with experienced instructors ensuring safety throughout.

You’ll find a variety of breeds including gentle ponies for the littlest riders.

Some ranches even offer transfer services from your accommodation, making this activity easily accessible for families without rental cars.

For the perfect Greek experience, plan your horseback riding adventure during the early morning hours when temperatures are most comfortable for both riders and horses.

The Sum Up

Kos unfolds like a treasure map of family adventures without breaking the bank. You’ll create lasting memories whether splashing at Lido Water Park, spotting peacocks, or cycling around ancient ruins. Balance beach days with cultural visits to maximize your holiday value. With so many free and low-cost activities available, you’re never far from your next family discovery on this welcoming Greek island.