Museums, an indoor play area and screen-free games: ideas for enjoying Naxos indoors, on rainy days or whenever you fancy a change from the beach.
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Eggares Olive Press
An old press, its tools and the story of olive oil: a hands-on subject for children to discover. We also enjoyed the café afterwards, with excellent coffee, olive bread and cakes: a lovely family break.
Who is it for?
All ages, adapt the pace
Where?
Eggares
Allow
30–45 minutes, family estimate
Budget
Admission and guided tour advertised as free
Family tip: Check opening before travelling, especially off-season. Ask about covered areas and stroller access.
An olive press to understand olive oil, rocks and fossils in Apeiranthos, or ancient objects in Chora: choose a collection that appeals to your children. One short visit with a mission is often enough; the entries below offer practical ideas.
Who is it for?
Children and teens; very short visits with younger children
Where?
Chora or Apeiranthos, depending on the museum
Allow
20–45 minutes, family estimate
Budget
Depends on the museum
Family tip: Confirm same-day opening. Museums are not all open year-round; routes between buildings remain outdoors.
Play Story in Chora is an indoor play area where children can play under cover, including when the weather rules out the beach.
Who is it for?
Children; confirm suitable ages and play areas
Where?
Chora
Allow
Depends on the children and the option offered
Budget
Ask the venue directly
Family tip: Call before visiting to check that day’s opening hours, accepted ages and parental supervision rules. This guide does not yet describe the equipment in detail.
Cycladic figurines, pottery and ancient objects help children imagine life on the island long ago. While the archaeological museum is under renovation, a temporary exhibition is displayed at the Agia Ursula cultural centre in the former Ursuline monastery.
Who is it for?
Curious children and teens; suggested from age 6
Where?
Chora Kastro · former Ursuline monastery
Allow
30–45 minutes, family estimate
Budget
Temporary exhibition advertised as free
Family tip: The official page lists 9am–2pm, closed Tuesdays. Confirm before visiting on +30 22850 23997 and ask about pushchair access. The museum’s usual building is under renovation.
The village has five collections: geology for rocks, minerals and fossils; natural history for animals; folklore for everyday objects; archaeology for the distant past; and visual arts for paintings and sculptures. Choose one or two to match everyone’s interests.
Who is it for?
Children and teens; suggested from age 5
Where?
Apeiranthos · several locations in the village
Allow
20–40 min per museum, a family guideline
Budget
Depends on the museum; confirm prices
Family tip: Check each museum’s opening separately, especially out of season. The museums are indoors, but walking between them is outdoors.
Ages 2–6: hide an object under a napkin and guess what is missing. Ages 6–12: draw an imaginary island with three rules. Teens: tell a shared adventure, one sentence each.
Who is it for?
All ages, adapt the pace
Where?
Your accommodation or a café
Allow
5–20 minutes per game
Budget
No purchase at home; café order extra
Family tip: With a baby: songs, funny faces and age-appropriate objects. Keep small pieces out of reach and ask before using café supplies.
At home or in a café
Five games with almost nothing
Paper, pencils and a few objects are enough. Choose a short game and play again if everyone wants to. Ages are guidelines: younger children can team up with someone older.
The object detective
Ages 2–6 · 5 min
Put three fairly large objects on the table. The child looks at them, then closes their eyes while you remove one. Which is missing? With older children, move the objects around too.
The travelling drawing
Ages 4+ · 10 min
Everyone starts a drawing, then passes it to their neighbour to add a detail. Do three rounds, then invent a title for each drawing together.
Island categories
Ages 7+ · 10–15 min
Choose a letter and find an animal, a food, a place and something to take on holiday starting with it. Play aloud together or write your own answers.
The island with three rules
Ages 8+ · 15–20 min
Draw an imaginary island and invent three rules for living there. Where are the harbour, houses and beach? Each player then adds a place and explains their choice.
The impossible debate
Teens · 10 min
Would you rather live in a castle or on a boat? Each player defends one choice for a minute, then swaps sides. Invent your own next dilemma.
Keep small objects out of reach if a baby is nearby. In a café, choose table games and quiet voices.
Ages and durations are suggestions to help plan your day. Confirm opening and prices for your date, and adapt each outing to the weather and your children’s pace.
