To do’s on Kos with kids

Explore Kos by cargo bike

There’s nothing more fun than exploring a new place with the cargo bike. We, and our kids, absolutely love it. Kos is often called the cycling island of Greece. The island is especially flat around Kos town, making it perfect for discovering by bike. Everything is possible: cargo bikes, e-bikes, kids’ bikes, and child seats. Many large hotels offer bike rentals. Prefer to book a bike in advance? Check out moto-harley.nl. They rent cargo bikes among other options.

Visit Kos town

By cargo bike to Kos Town with kids

Kos Town is a perfect destination to explore with children.
Start your day, for example, by cycling or taking a cargo bike toward the center. Once there, you can easily wander through the narrow alleys of the car-free old town and instantly feel that typical Greek atmosphere. Ideal for families: everything is easily accessible, safe, and compact.

Kos Old Town: charming and car-free

The old town of Kos is located around the harbor and is a lively maze of streets filled with tavernas, ice cream parlors, and small shops. Because the area is car-free, it’s perfect for a relaxed stroll with (young) children. They’re sure to be impressed by the colorful facades, street musicians, and cozy squares.

Along the harbor, you’ll see fishing boats, luxury yachts, and even a few real pirate ships – always a guaranteed “wow” moment. The wide palm-lined boulevard and dedicated bike path invite you to take a relaxing walk or bike ride.

Things to see in Kos Town

📍 Visit the Neratzia Castle ruins, a medieval fortress on the edge of the harbor. Nearby, you’ll also find the Bridge of the Castle – a great photo spot!

📍 Walk up the white stairs next to Fish House Taverna toward the heart of Kos Old Town. At Eleftherias Central Square, you’ll find the covered Kos Municipal Market, where you can taste or take home local herbs, olives, and other treats.

🍦 Our favorite kid-friendly stops

• ans & Gretel Kos – a candy shop and ice cream parlor in fairy tale style: a guaranteed treat!
• Special – order a scoop of ice cream here. The baklava is also delicious and typically Greek.

👉 Read all our tips for Kos town with kids here.

Admire the sunset in the mountain village of Zia

Zia is probably the most beautiful village on Kos. In less than 30 minutes, you can drive up the mountain from Kos Town to reach this charming, traditional, and colorful village.

Kos Natural Park

There isn’t a lot to do in Zia — it’s a small village that you mainly visit to soak up the wonderful Greek atmosphere. But if you’re visiting Zia with kids, you shouldn’t miss Kos Natural Park. It’s a nature reserve, zoo, and playground all in one. Plus, it offers stunning views over the northern part of the island.
Note: the park is not stroller-friendly, as there are many stairs. You can leave your stroller at the entrance. Tickets can be bought at the counter (€5 for ages 12 and up, €3 for children under 12).

Come at sunset for breathtaking views

Stroll along the charming restaurants and tourist shops. Make sure to visit Zia in the late afternoon, as the sunset is stunning! Many restaurants have beautiful rooftops where you can enjoy the sunset during dinner. We dined at “Oromedon” Restaurant, which is highly recommended! Watermill of Zia, a traditional Greek restaurant, is also worth a visit.

Parking

You can easily park your car in one of the parking lots just before or after the village. From there, it’s only a few minutes’ walk to the cutest (and most touristy) village on Kos.

Relax on the most beautiful beaches of Kos with kids

What better way to enjoy an island than on its beautiful beaches? Here are some of the most enchanting beaches of Kos that are perfect for families with children.

Camel Beach

Camel Beach is like a postcard come to life, with golden sand and crystal-clear water. The name comes from the natural rock formation that resembles a camel’s hump. For children, this place is a playground, with shallow water that is perfect for splashing around and swimming. Older kids will love the opportunity to snorkel and explore the fascinating underwater world. Tip: Restaurant Camel, located on the hill by the restaurant, is highly recommended, especially for its baklava!

Paradise Beach

Paradise Beach lives up to its name with its enchanting beauty. This beach is known for having the softest sand in Kos and calm waters, making it ideal for families with young children. Along the coastline, there are countless shaded spots under trees, perfect for a picnic or an afternoon nap for the little ones. There are also various water sports available for older children, such as kayaking and paddleboarding.

Magic Beach

Magic Beach adds a touch of magic to the beaches of Kos. This peaceful and secluded piece of paradise is a hidden gem. The pristine sand and calm, clear water make for a relaxing day by the sea. Children will love collecting shells and building sandcastles on this quiet and less crowded beach.

Visit a water park in Kos with kids

Kos not only has beautiful beaches but also fantastic water parks that are sure to provide hours of fun for families with children.

Lido Water Park

Lido Water Park is one of the most popular water parks on the island. With a range of slides, pools, and activities, it’s a true paradise for children. The different slides, from calm and child-friendly to adrenaline-pumping, provide excitement for all ages. For the little ones, there are separate areas with shallow water and play equipment for safe play, while older children can seek thrills on the fast slides.

Aquatica Water Park

Another top destination is Aquatica Water Park, located in the Kardamena area of Kos. This park offers a mix of exciting water attractions and relaxation. With multiple pools, slides, and a lazy river, there’s something for everyone. The spectacular slides, such as the kamikaze slide and the boomerang, provide a hefty dose of adrenaline. Additionally, there are sunbeds and shaded areas for parents to relax while the kids have fun.

Spot flamingos in the salt lake

Kos is home to not only beautiful beaches and historical treasures but also a natural wonder that steals the hearts of visitors: the majestic flamingos found in the salt lake of Kos.

The salt lake of Kos, located near Tigaki on the northern coast of the island, is a nature reserve and an important refuge for countless bird species, including the elegant flamingos. These beautiful pink birds find an ideal habitat in this unique ecosystem.

For most of the year, these pink-feathered creatures can be admired, especially during spring and autumn when they settle in the lake during their migration periods. The tranquility and relative isolation of the salt lake provide a safe haven for these birds to rest and feed before continuing their journey.

In search of ancient Greece

The ‘Ancient Greece‘ comes to life on Kos, an island steeped in history and heritage.

Palio Pyli Castle

Palio Pyli Castle is a true time machine, located high on a hill. It not only offers breathtaking views of the island but also a glimpse into the past. The ruins of the castle date back to the Byzantine era and showcase the remnants of a once-powerful fortress. It’s a great place for families to explore, with winding paths, hidden corners, and an aura of mystery.

Odeon of Kos

The Roman Odeon of Kos is a masterpiece from the Roman era and serves as a reminder of the island’s cultural heritage. This ancient amphitheater, built in the 2nd century AD, accommodated thousands of spectators who came to enjoy theatrical performances, music, and other artistic events. For children, this is a fascinating place to hear the echoes of the past and imagine what it must have looked like at that time.

Asklepieion

And then there’s the legendary Asklepieion, one of the most remarkable archaeological sites of Kos. This ancient healing temple was dedicated to the god of healing, Asklepios. The remnants of marble columns, baths, and sanctuaries provide a glimpse into the advanced medical knowledge of that time. It is not only a historical site but also a place that can pique children’s curiosity about history and medicine.

Are you in love with the beautiful structures from ancient times? Then be sure to visit Sicily with children as well.

A boat trip to nearby islands and Turkey

A holiday on Kos isn’t complete without a boat trip. From the port of Kos, it’s easy to sail to idyllic islands or even the Turkish coast. These day trips are perfect for families — full of variety, sea views, and adventure. Below are some top-rated tours you can book in advance through GetYourGuide:

– ⛴️ The popular 3-island boat trip is a true classic. You visit Kalymnos, Pserimos, and Plati, enjoy lunch on board, and have plenty of time to swim and explore. Book the 3-island boat trip here.
– 🏴‍☠️ Prefer a bold pirate ship? This day trip to Kalymnos, Pserimos, and Plati is done on a beautiful wooden ship – including lunch! Check out the pirate ship option here.
– 🐠 Short glass-bottom boat trip: ideal with young children. You’ll spot fish, stop for a swim, and stay close to the harbour. Book the glass-bottom boat trip here.
– 🇹🇷 Fancy a day in Turkey? From Kos, you can sail to Bodrum in less than an hour. Perfect for a day of shopping, Turkish treats, and a completely different atmosphere. Book your day trip to Bodrum here

How many days do you need on Kos with kids?

Plan to spend at least one week to really explore Kos. In seven days, you can experience many of the island’s highlights: from a relaxing beach day to visiting Kos Town, cycling along the coast, and taking a boat trip to the surrounding islands.

If you have more time, then two or even three weeks on Kos is ideal with kids. You can slow down the pace, discover more beaches, alternate between pool days and relaxing days, and even explore the inland or other nearby islands.

Kos is compact and easy to get around — making it a wonderfully relaxed holiday destination, even with young children.

➡️ Tip: Book accommodations in two different locations, for example a few days in Kos Town and then a quieter beach area like Tigaki or Kefalos. This way, you can experience different sides of the island without long travel times.

The best time to visit Kos with kids

The best time to visit Kos with kids depends on your preferences for weather, crowds, and activities.

Summer (June through September) is the most popular season. The weather is warm and sunny, perfect for beach days and water sports. Keep in mind that July and August are not only the hottest months but also the busiest.

Spring (April to June) and autumn (September and October) are perfect if you want pleasant weather without the crowds. In spring, nature is in bloom and temperatures are mild — ideal for outings and hikes. In autumn, the sea is still warm, so you can enjoy the beach to the fullest, although the evenings start to get a bit cooler.

If you mainly want to explore cultural sights or discover the island in peace and quiet, the months outside the high season are ideal. In winter, Kos is very quiet; many restaurants and accommodations are closed or have limited opening hours.

The best family-friendly hotels on Kos

Are you looking for a great hotel on Kos where both you and the kids will have a wonderful time? We’ve compiled a list of the nicest and highest-rated family-friendly hotels for you — from all-inclusive resorts with water parks to small-scale hotels close to the beach.

🏨 Our favorite: Blue Lagoon Resort – Kos-stad (via TUI)

We stayed ourselves at the Blue Lagoon Resort and really loved it. The hotel offers:

• Multiple swimming pools and a private water park 💦

• Various playgrounds, plenty of palm trees 🌴

• All-inclusive service with great food

• Beachfront location

A wonderful place for families who appreciate convenience!

The best restaurants – Kos with children

In addition to the restaurants I mentioned earlier in this blog and those highlighted in the blog about Kos town with children, I want to mention one place in particular: Mylos Beach Bar Restaurant. In my opinion, this is the place to enjoy a wonderful breakfast, lunch, dinner, or drinks with children. The setting is stunning, the food is delicious, and the location is perfect! You’re right on the beach, and kids can entertain themselves for hours building sandcastles or tossing stones into the sea.