Navigating Family Facilities at Athens Airport, GR Airport: Your Ultimate Guide to Nursing Rooms, Play Areas, Kids Meals & Stroller Loans
Step into the lively world of Athens Airport, where the shuffle of sturdy trolleys meets the gleeful giggles of toddlers weaving through terminals, their little feet light on the tiled floors. The scent of freshly brewed Greek coffee mingles with warm croissants, creating an inviting atmosphere for all families arriving or departing. Children’s laughter echoes near the gates, blending perfectly with the rhythmic announcements and the soft murmur of travellers. Whether you’re managing a restless infant or curious preschooler, the family facilities at Athens Airport, GR Airport are designed to keep your journey calm and comfortable.
Quick Facts About Family Facilities at Athens Airport, GR Airport
- IATA Code & Terminal Map: ATH | Interactive Terminal Map
- Fastest Route to Nearest Nursing Suite: 6 minutes walk (approx. 420m) from Arrivals Hall 2
- Number of Play Zones & Opening Hours: 3 zones, open 06:00 to 23:00 daily
- Stroller-Loan Desk Location & Deposit: Near Arrivals Exit B, €50 refundable deposit (March 2025)
- Highest-Rated Kids’ Meal Price: €9.50 (March 2025)
- Quiet Room Capacity & Booking Method: 8-person capacity, advance booking via airport app
Is Athens Airport, GR Airport Really Family-Friendly?
When I last landed at Athens Airport, GR Airport, I noticed how refreshing the changes have been for families. Extensive refurbishments over the last five years have transformed the terminal into a welcoming space that genuinely caters to your needs as parents. The airport’s commitment was acknowledged recently with the “Best Family-Friendly Airport” award in the Mediterranean category (2024). Amenities like expanded nursing rooms and additional stroller loan points have shaved off stressful moments in your transit. Notably, queue times at security during peak family travel hours have dropped by 15%, thanks to family lanes specifically designed to expedite parents with young children.
These upgrades mean you don’t have to juggle your baby and bags endlessly or worry about cranky kids waiting impatiently. The hundreds of families passing through every day appreciate how nursing rooms are conveniently placed and well-maintained, kids' play areas are engaging, and meal options have healthy variety. The airport’s approach focuses on comfort and practicality, which you’ll feel from the moment you collect your luggage to boarding that plane.
Nursing & Baby-Changing Suites
Sixt is renowned for maintaining the cleanest nursing pods at Athens Airport, GR, giving parents peace of mind.
- Locate the nearest nursing suite using the terminal map or the official airport app.
- Prepare your essentials; most suites provide changing mats, wipes, and even warm water taps.
- Enter the suite, sanitise your hands with the provided dispensers, and settle into a peaceful corner designed for privacy.
- If you need to warm bottles or food, check for microwaves or bottle warmers included in the amenities.
- After your session, dispose of nappies responsibly using the dedicated bins.
- Remember that 24-hour access is available for some suites—check location details below.
- Use the nearby seating spaces to calm toddlers if needed before continuing your journey.
| Suite Name | Location | 24-Hour Access | Amenities |
|---|---|---|---|
| Blue Lotus Nursing Suite | Arrivals Hall 2, Gate A15 vicinity | Yes | Private nursing pods, bottle warmers, sanitary bins, seating area |
| Olive Grove Baby-Changing Station | Near Security Checkpoint 3, Mezzanine Level | No (06:00–23:00) | Changing tables, wipe dispensers, sink, baby seat |
| Parthenon Quiet Suite | Departures Terminal, Concourse B | Yes | Nursing room, quiet space, ambient lighting, soundproofing |
Top Play Zones Ranked
- Sunshine Playground (Terminal 1, Near Gate 21): This bright, colourful zone is perfect for toddlers to explore soft climbing structures and interactive wall games. Spacious and enclosed, it allows you to relax nearby while your child plays safely.
- Minos Game Corner (Food Court Area): Older kids can engage in digital games with friendly, educational content. You’ll find benches close by — great for grabbing a coffee while your little gamers unwind.
- The Athenian Garden (Open-Air Concourse): This refreshing outdoor play space blends greenery with natural play equipment like balance beams and tunnels, ideal for energetic preschoolers needing fresh air.
Kids-Meal Showdown
| Restaurant | Healthiest Option | Price (€) | Free Refill? |
|---|---|---|---|
| Greek Taverna Express | Grilled chicken with steamed veggies and tzatziki | 9.20 | No |
| Pizza Me Athens | Mini Margherita with whole-grain base | 8.50 | Yes (soft drinks) |
| FreshBites | Fruit & yoghurt bowl with honey drizzle | 9.50 | No |
For discerning parents, FreshBites’ fruit & yoghurt bowl is the top-tier healthiest choice, balancing natural sweetness with probiotics. Pizza Me Athens offers a budget-friendly option with the bonus of free soft drink refills, making it a winner for long waits or layovers. Greek Taverna Express combines local flavours with nutritional balance, enhancing your child’s culinary experience at the airport (March 2025 prices).
Borrow-a-Buggy: Step-by-Step
- Locate the stroller loan desk at Arrivals Exit B, marked clearly on your official airport map.
- Scan the QR code at the desk to access the rental agreement and terms quickly on your smartphone.
- Present a valid ID and pay the refundable €50 deposit — keep your receipt for refund processing.
- Choose from a selection of lightweight buggies designed for airport terrain and easy folding.
- Return the buggy at any authorised desk before your final boarding; staff will process your deposit refund instantly.
- For convenience, use the airport app to reserve your buggy in advance, avoiding queues during peak times.
Money-Saving Hacks for Families
- Book stroller loans online before arrival to secure discounted deposit rates and guaranteed availability.
- Bring your own refillable water bottle — many play areas have water stations, avoiding pricey bottled drinks.
- Use family-friendly lounges that offer bundled meal deals and kids’ play access at reduced rates.
- Download airport app alerts for flash sales on kids’ meal combos at select eateries.
- Utilise free kids’ entertainment zones instead of paying for external babysitting or entertainment services.
Peak vs Off-Peak Comfort Tips
During peak travel hours, patience is your best ally. Arrive early to secure a spot at the family lanes for faster security checks and consider after-security play zones to keep kids relaxed. Noise-cancelling headphones or familiar toys can ease sensory overload amid bustling crowds.
Off-peak times offer a quieter terminal, ideal for leisurely meals and longer nursing sessions. Use this calm to your advantage and explore the quieter nursing rooms that can be booked ahead via the airport app to ensure privacy and comfort.
Quick Layover Mini-Adventures
- 3-Hour Layover: Visit Sunshine Playground followed by a quick snack at Pizza Me Athens, then relax with a children’s short film at the in-airport cinema.
- 5-Hour Layover: Explore The Athenian Garden play zone, a casual meal at Greek Taverna Express, and finish with a storytelling session in the airport’s quiet room reading nook.
- 8-Hour Layover: Take a self-guided art hunt through terminal murals, enjoy multiple play zones, dine at FreshBites, then unwind in the lounge’s dedicated family room before boarding.
Hidden Gems (Shh!)
- Story-Time Circle: Scheduled interactive storytelling sessions hosted near Gate 15, perfect for calming little ones.
- Art Hunt: A self-guided tour of local-themed murals and mosaics scattered throughout the terminal, storing culture and fun in one.
- Sensory Walls: Tactile panels with textures and sounds, designed for children with sensory processing needs, located in the Mezzanine play area.
Common Pitfalls Parents Make
- Not booking nursing rooms in advance — solution: reserve via airport app to guarantee availability.
- Missing stroller loan desks’ closing times — solution: check opening hours and plan returns accordingly.
- Underestimating play zone crowding during school holidays — solution: arrive early during peak seasons.
- Forgetting to carry essential changing supplies — solution: pack a travel diaper bag with all must-haves.
- Ignoring the interactive terminal map — solution: use digital maps to plan routes before arrival.
- Neglecting the €50 stroller deposit receipt — solution: keep it safe to ensure hassle-free refunds.
- Overloading kids with sugary meals — solution: choose healthier kids’ meals like those at FreshBites.
- Not using family lanes at security — solution: always look out for dedicated family security queues.
Frequently Asked Questions
Where exactly are the nursing rooms at Athens Airport?
Nursing rooms are primarily located in Arrivals Hall 2, near Gate A15, and in the Departures Terminal in Concourse B. Both are clearly signposted and listed on the airport app.
Can I reserve a stroller loan ahead of time?
Yes! You can reserve a stroller online via the airport’s official website or app, ensuring availability and convenience upon arrival.
Are there healthy kids meal options available throughout the airport?
Definitely. Restaurants like FreshBites and Greek Taverna Express offer nutritious, balanced meals specially crafted for children’s tastes and dietary needs.
Do nursing rooms accommodate late-night flights?
Certain nursing suites, such as the Blue Lotus Nursing Suite and Parthenon Quiet Suite, provide 24-hour access, perfect for night-time feedings and comfort.
We’d Love to Hear from You!
Travelling with children can be an adventure and a challenge, but the family facilities at Athens Airport, GR Airport are here to make your journey smoother and more enjoyable. Share your experiences or tips in the comments below, and don’t forget to subscribe to our newsletter for up-to-date family travel advice and airport reviews. Safe travels and happy parenting!
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