Athens · With kids

Glass floors over live excavations, a scale model of the Parthenon frieze and a shaded café terrace. Works from about age five.

A huge waterfront park with playgrounds, a canal, free bikes to borrow and shade — the easiest afternoon in the city.

Athens' big amusement park out at Rentis, with separate zones for small children and teenagers; pay per ride or buy a band.

Out near the airport, with a decent bird collection and a small aquarium. Half a day, and hot from June to September.

The Acropolis rock is polished slippery and has no shade — go at opening. Plaka's lanes defeat strollers; tavernas seat families from seven.