Just on the outside of Athens and very close to the city’s airport we find a place appreciated both by grown-ups and children: The Attica Zoological Park.
Just as the name reveals, this is a zoo and here you can stroll around for hours and watch all the different animals found here: chimpanzees, tropical birds, bears, wolves, snakes, crocodiles, lions, elephants, pumas, camels, a whole savann etc. The list can be made very long. In addition, there are daily delphinshows that are included in the admission fee.
Something that both old and young like is to enjoy is a walk through the different “open areas” that are in the park where you can visit and even pat different kinds of goats, rabbits and … lemurs!
The Attica Zoological Park is very large and modern, it is easy to find and orientate around. The dwellings where the different animals live are very well-built and the small streets lingering around in the park and taking one from one animal to another contribute to a cozy, family atmosphere that makes you feel as though the park is never really full with people. You get a detailed map when you buy your ticket and on it you can clearly see where everything is and how to get around in the smoothest way.
In the middle of the park there is also a restaurant area with a large lawn where you can fold out a blanket if you want to picnic or just stretch out for a while.
Here you also have the opportunity to learn more about animals and nature by interacting with live animals but also through various multimedia features like games and videos. From five years onwards, it is possible to take part in this. For older young people (between the ages of 12-18) there are courses in leadership and animal care that are more advanced. There is also a daily schedule for when you can watch the feeding of the different animals and ask questions to the carers.
If you visit the park during the summer you will need to have some water, sun protection and preferably a cap with you. There are many open spaces here so finding shade whenever you want will not always be possible.
Opening hours:
From 9 am to sunset.
The park entrance closes one hour before sunset.
Fares:
Adult: 18 euros
Children 3-12 years: 14 euros
Under 3 years: Free
Family tickets:
Two adults + two children (3-12 years): 60 euros
Two adults + three children (3-12 years): 72 euros
For families with three children (3-12 years) or more: 14 euros for adults and 12 euros for children.
Other:
Students: 14 euros
Over 65 years: 14 euros
There are also different offers for larger groups.
Getting here:
Take the blue train line to the Doukisis Plakentias station. From there you must take bus 319 which runs approximately every 35 minutes.
You can also take a taxi from this station. It costs around 11 euros and takes 10 minutes.
Taxi from Athens center to Attica Zoological Park takes about 20 minutes and costs around 23 euros.
