Bubbles and Rose Colored Glasses: New Season at the Hellenic Children’s Museum

The Hellenic Children’s Museum started the new 2010/11 season up with a sidewalk party in Plaka. Kids were playing with candy-bright, plastic funnels and soapy water to make giant bubbles while their parents indulged in homemade treats, lovingly spread across a long table and manned -or more accurately, (wo)manned- by Christina Milioni, director of the museum.

Making bubbles in front of the Museum's entrance on 14 Kydathineon Street

“Oh, I’m in your picture!” said the director apologetically with an American accent.

When asked a little about the event, Christina said that the museum is looking at a tough year ahead with less help from the government and a stressed economy. The party was a way to go into it with a positive attitude, some fun, and some brownies.

The Hellenic Children’s Museum was one of the first of its kind in Athens as an interactive center of creative learning for young people. While special events and most displays are in Greek, many of the activities don’t require language. Just little hands. Christina also mentioned that with a group of three or more children, special services like educational activities and even guided walks through the historical neighborhood of Plaka can be organized with a little advance notice.

The museum is located in the heart of Plaka in a two story neoclassical building on 14 Kydathineon Street. It was founded in 1987 by a group of experts in child development with the philosophy that direct experiences and entertainment support learning. If you’re planning on being in Athens and have children from the ages of four to twelve, it’s highly recommended for a visit. Check out my Kid Friendly Guide on the NileGuide, destination Athens page for some equally playful ideas to keep little ones happy.