


Metropolitan Bowling Center
About
Metropolitan Bowling Center offers a welcome slice of familiar fun for families traveling in Athens. This modern bowling alley combines traditional lanes with arcade games and on-site dining, making it an ideal rainy-day activity or evening entertainment option when kids need a break from ancient ruins and museums.
Highlights
- ✓Modern bowling lanes with bumpers available for young children
- ✓Arcade game area for variety beyond bowling
- ✓On-site food service eliminating the need to leave between activities
- ✓Air-conditioned indoor space, perfect for hot Athens summer days
- ✓Extended hours accommodate families dealing with jet lag or looking for evening activities
Pro Tips
- 1.Visit during weekday mornings or early afternoons (10:00 AM to 2:00 PM) to avoid local crowds and enjoy lower rates, as evenings and weekends can get very busy.
- 2.Request bumpers and lighter bowling balls at the counter, staff typically speak English but having a translation app ready can help with specific requests.
- 3.Bring euro coins for the arcade games as card readers may not always be available for individual game machines.
- 4.The venue stays open until 2:00 AM daily, making it a unique option for families with jet-lagged kids who are wide awake in the evening.
- 5.Located on 28is Oktovriou street (also known as Patision Avenue), the center is accessible by metro (Victoria or Omonia stations) within a 10 to 15 minute walk.
Best Time to Visit
Weekday afternoons between 2:00 PM and 6:00 PM offer the best balance of availability and quieter lanes. Avoid Friday and Saturday evenings when local families and groups fill the venue.
What to Know
The venue is budget-friendly ($) with food available on-site, though options may be limited to snacks and basic meals. English signage is present, and staff generally speak conversational English to assist international visitors.
Seasonal Notes
Open year-round with consistent hours daily. Particularly valuable during summer heat waves (June through August) when outdoor sightseeing becomes challenging, and during winter rainy periods (November through February).
Nearby Eats
The National Archaeological Museum area, just a short walk away, has several family-friendly tavernas and cafes. Alternatively, Omonia Square (10 minutes on foot) offers international fast food chains and traditional Greek eateries if kids prefer familiar options.
More Activities Near Athens
Athens Central Market Tour
Athens Central Market offers families an immersive sensory adventure through authentic Greek culture. Kids can explore colorful stalls overflowing with fresh produce, aromatic spices, and local delicacies while learning about traditional Mediterranean foods and Athenian daily life. This guided tour transforms a bustling marketplace into an educational experience where children discover new tastes, smells, and sounds in one of Athens' most vibrant locations.
Stavros Niarchos Foundation Cultural Center
This stunning modern cultural complex offers families an unexpected urban oasis with expansive green spaces, creative playgrounds, and free cultural programming. Kids can run freely through the landscaped gardens, splash in water features, and explore interactive exhibits while parents enjoy world-class architecture and Mediterranean views. The combination of outdoor play areas and indoor cultural spaces makes it perfect for a full day of family exploration.
Planetarium Shows - Eugenides Foundation
The Eugenides Foundation Planetarium offers spectacular astronomy shows that transform complex space concepts into magical adventures children can understand and enjoy. With state-of-the-art visual effects and storytelling techniques, kids journey through the solar system, explore constellations, and discover the wonders of the universe in an immersive dome theater experience that makes learning feel like entertainment.
Allou Fun Park
Allou Fun Park is one of Athens' premier amusement destinations, offering a diverse range of rides and attractions that cater to everyone from toddlers to teenagers. With classic carnival rides, thrilling roller coasters, arcade games, and gentler options for younger children, this park provides a full day of entertainment perfect for families looking to experience Greece beyond its ancient ruins.