Welcome to Baby Holiday Gear!
We’re so happy you’re coming to Greece for your holiday.
Besides renting baby gear, we also love sharing our favorite family-friendly spots in the area. We live close to Thessaloniki Airport, which makes it easy to explore everything nearby—from the crystal-clear beaches of Halkidiki to the vibrant city of Thessaloniki, or even a day trip to Mount Olympus.
With our background in tourism (and as parents who sometimes like to escape the busy summer crowds), we’ve discovered some more local, relaxed, and slightly hidden gems. These are not full-day trips, but perfect morning or afternoon outings—ideal when you're traveling with kids and want to combine activity with downtime.
We hope you enjoy them as much as we do!
✨ Our Favorite Spots
🌳 Platanakia Forest (Natura)
Let’s start with a forest—why not? 😉
Platanakia is a favorite in our family. When we ask our kids, “Shall we go to Plata…”, they already know!
It’s not a big forest, but it’s perfect for a relaxed outing. While older reviews mention animals, many are no longer there due to storms and floods. Still, it remains a beautiful and peaceful place.
- Easy parking
- Short, flexible walking routes
- A small stream running through the forest
- A cozy wooden tavern with great food for both kids and adults
Tip: If you’re lucky, you might even spot turtles!
🧺 Local Markets
A visit to a local Greek market is a must!
It’s not just about fresh fruits, vegetables, and local products—it’s also about the atmosphere. Expect lively conversations, friendly vendors, and a true taste of local life.
Where & when:
- Peraia – Monday morning
- Neoi Epivates – Friday morning
- Nea Moudania – Wednesday morning
- Kassandria – Tuesday morning
- Nikiti – Friday morning
🚶♀️ Thessaloniki Seafront Walk
A walk along the seafront of Thessaloniki is one of our favorite easy outings with kids—and perfect at any time of the day.
The promenade stretches for several kilometers, making it ideal for a relaxed stroll with a stroller, a scooter ride, or even a short bike trip. There’s plenty of space, fresh sea air, and always something to see.
Along the way, you’ll find:
- Small parks and green areas
- Playgrounds for different ages
- Street performers and little surprises that keep kids entertained
One of the highlights (for both kids and parents!) is stopping at one of the boats. These colorful boats are floating bars where you can enjoy a drink while gently cruising along the waterfront. They even have a pirate boat! It’s a simple but fun experience, and kids usually love the “pirate” feeling.
A great combination is:
👉 Walk along the seafront
👉 Stop for a drink on the pirate boat
👉 Visit the playground just behind the Alexander the Great statue
It’s an easy plan that doesn’t require much organization but still feels like a special outing.
In the evening, the atmosphere becomes even more magical. Locals come out for their walks, the sunset colors the sky, and the whole area feels lively but relaxed.
Whether you go for a short walk or spend a few hours here, the Thessaloniki seafront is a must-visit spot for families—simple, beautiful, and very enjoyable with kids.
🏖️ Peraia Beach
Perfect for a relaxed beach day close to the city.
- Plenty of beach bars with sunbeds
- Calm, shallow water—great for kids
- In the evening: a lovely boulevard for a stroll
- Don’t miss an ice cream at the pier 🍦 or a delicious lunch or dinner at one of the many taverns
🛝 Playground Peraia (Παιδική Χαρά Περαίας)
A favorite spot for local families—and for good reason!
- Large playground for all ages
- Soft flooring, ideal for babies and toddlers
- Swings, slides, and lots of space to run
- A bicycle area for bikes and tricycles
- Small kiosk for drinks and snacks
It’s the perfect place for kids to unwind during long summer days.
👉 Want to learn some simple Greek phrases to use with your kids? Check our blog!
🌊 🌿 Lake of Triadi
If you’re looking for a quiet escape into nature, the Lake of Triadi is a lovely hidden spot close to Thessaloniki.
Getting there is part of the adventure. The final stretch is an off-road, bumpy path, so if you’re driving a small or low car, take it slow and carefully—we definitely don’t want any holiday damage underneath the car.
Once you arrive, you’ll find a peaceful, natural setting that feels far away from the busy summer areas.
The lake itself is not very big, but that’s part of its charm. It’s a place where:
- Locals come for a walk or a short hike
- You can easily stroll around the lake
- Kids have space to explore and play freely
It’s perfect for a slow morning or relaxed afternoon.
We recommend bringing:
- A blanket for a picnic
- Some snacks and drinks (there are no facilities nearby)
- Comfortable shoes for walking
It’s not a playground or an organized park, but that’s exactly why we like it. It’s simple, quiet, and a great way for kids to enjoy nature—throwing stones in the water, spotting small animals, and just being outdoors.
A small, peaceful escape—perfect to combine with a relaxing day.
🌅 Afytos (Kassandra, Halkidiki)
Afytos is one of the most charming villages in Halkidiki and is often called the “balcony of Kassandra”—and once you visit, you’ll understand why.
Perched on a cliff, the village offers breathtaking views over the Toroneos Gulf. On clear days, you can see all the way to the Sithonia peninsula, and sometimes even Mount Athos in the distance.
What makes Afytos special is its traditional character. Unlike many more touristy places, it has kept its authentic Greek atmosphere:
- Stone-built houses
- Small cobbled streets
- Cozy squares filled with flowers
It’s a wonderful place to wander around with kids, enjoy a relaxed lunch or dinner, or simply take in the views.
💡 Tip: The beach below Afytos is beautiful, but getting there involves a steep road—so it’s easier with a car.
Afytos is perfect for a half-day or evening visit, especially if you’re looking for a mix of culture, views, and a peaceful Greek vibe.
🍽️ Kriopigi (Kassandra, Halkidiki)
Not a mistake—this one is all about food 😄
We highly recommend the tavern Anthoulas, located just above the main street.
- Delicious homemade dishes
- A cozy square under a large tree
- A truly authentic Greek atmosphere
After your meal, take a short walk:
- Visit a small cold-water stream
- Discover a tiny open-air theatre
⛪ Kanistro (Kassandra, Halkidiki)
At the very southern tip of Kassandra, you’ll find Kanistro—a quiet and peaceful spot that feels far away from the busy beach areas.
The highlight here is a small, charming church, standing alone in the landscape and overlooking the sea. It’s simple, but that’s exactly what makes it so special. The setting is calm, open, and perfect for a short stop during a drive.
The road towards Kanistro is beautiful, especially in spring, when everything turns bright green and the area is full of flowers 🌸. Even the drive itself becomes part of the experience.
Once you arrive:
- Enjoy the peaceful surroundings
- Let the kids explore and run around safely
- Take in the views over the sea
- Visit the little church for a quiet moment
It’s not a place with activities or facilities—and that’s the charm. No crowds, no noise, just nature and space.
💡 Good to know:
- There are no taverns or shops nearby
- Bring water, snacks, and maybe a small picnic
- Great to combine with other stops in Kassandra
Kanistro is perfect for a short, relaxing stop when you want to slow down and enjoy a more untouched side of Halkidiki.
A small hidden gem—simple, peaceful, and very Greek.
🏞️ Enipeas Gorge Walk to the Bath of Zeus (Litochoro) Mount Olympos
Starting from the charming village of Litochoro, this short walk into the Enipeas Gorge is a perfect introduction to Mount Olympus—especially with kids.
The trail takes you between two mountain sides, following a peaceful path along the gorge. You’re surrounded by nature from the very beginning, with trees, rocky cliffs, and the gentle sound of water nearby. It feels adventurous, but still very manageable.
After about 30 minutes of walking, you’ll reach the Bath of Zeus (Vythos)—a beautiful, natural pool hidden in the gorge.
According to mythology, this is where Zeus used to bathe ⚡
🚫 You can’t enter the water here, but it’s still a special place to stop:
- A great photo spot
- A nice place to rest for a moment
- Something a bit “magical” for kids to hear stories about
👧 Suitable for kids:
This trail is ideal for children—it’s short, interesting, and not too demanding.
👶 With babies:
We recommend using a baby carrier, as the path is not suitable for strollers and can be uneven in some parts.
💡 Tips:
- Wear comfortable shoes
- Bring some water, especially in summer
- Combine it with a visit to Litochoro for a drink or meal
This is a great option if you want to experience Mount Olympus without doing a long hike—short, scenic, and full of character.