Things to do · Updated 11 October 2026 · 6 min read
Dinosauria Park and Labyrinth Park Crete with toddlers
Dinosauria Park in Gournes is the easier of the two with toddlers: a short outdoor walk past life-size dinosaurs, a shaded playground and a snack bar, all a few minutes from Cretaquarium. Labyrinth Park near Hersonissos is a giant three-dimensional maze that suits confident walkers from about 4 years, so with a toddler plan to carry them through parts of it.
| Dinosauria Park | Gournes, about 15 km east of Heraklion, best from about 2 years |
|---|---|
| Labyrinth Park | Hills a few km inland from Hersonissos, best from about 4 years |
| From Heraklion Airport | Dinosauria about 15 minutes, Labyrinth about 30 minutes by car |
| Time needed | Dinosauria 1-2 hours, Labyrinth 1-2 hours |
| Stroller | Useful at Dinosauria, not inside the Labyrinth maze |
| Best time | Morning, before the midday heat |
Dinosauria Park, Gournes
Dinosauria Park is on the north coast at Gournes, about 15 km east of Heraklion and a few minutes from Cretaquarium. The main attraction is an outdoor walk of about 500 metres past life-size dinosaur models, each with an information board. There is also a shaded playground, a snack bar for ice creams, drinks and coffee, and a 5D cinema and VR experiences at an extra charge.
What toddlers will enjoy
For a two or three year old, giant dinosaurs around every corner are pure excitement, and the walk is short enough to finish before legs get tired. Some exhibits have sound effects, which delights most toddlers but can startle a sensitive little one, so hold hands for the first few. The playground is a welcome break at the end, and parents often find it is the part their toddler talks about later.
Ages it suits
- Babies: Fine as a stroller walk, but they will not get much out of it.
- 2-6 years: The sweet spot. Big models, short distances, playground.
- 7-10 years: Still fun, especially the cinema and VR.
- Teenagers and adults: Often find it a bit simple, so pair it with something else.
Stroller friendliness
The walk is outdoors and a stroller is useful for the route and for a toddler who runs out of steam. Surfaces are those of an outdoor park rather than smooth pavement, so a stroller with decent wheels is more comfortable. The 5D cinema is an indoor room, so you may need to park the stroller outside.
Labyrinth Park, near Hersonissos
Labyrinth Park sits in the hills a few kilometres inland from Hersonissos. Its centrepiece is a three-dimensional maze of about 1,300 square metres, themed on the Cretan myth of the Minotaur. The aim is to reach the centre, find the Minotaur and make your escape, using stairways, bridges, towers and rooms along the way. Allow at least 30 minutes in the maze, and longer with small children. Extras such as electric cars and quad bikes for children aged around 4 to 11 are charged separately.
What to expect with a toddler
Labyrinth Park is more of an adventure than a stroll. Older children love it, and a toddler can join in on a parent's hip or shoulders. Keep young children with an adult at all times in the maze: it is easy to lose sight of a small child around a corner. Ask at the entrance whether there are smaller areas for younger children on the day you visit.
Ages it suits
- Under 3: Possible with a carrier, but mainly for the older siblings.
- 4-11 years: The best age, especially with the electric cars.
- Adults: Surprisingly good fun, and it is the adults who usually get lost.
Stroller friendliness
Inside the maze, a stroller does not work: there are stairs, bridges and narrow passages. Leave it at the entrance or in the car, and use a carrier for a baby or young toddler. Bring water, hats and sun cream, as much of the park is outside, and wear closed shoes as some surfaces are stony.
Dinosauria Park and Cretaquarium in one morning
Dinosauria Park and Cretaquarium are both in Gournes, a few minutes apart, which makes them the easiest toddler double in Crete.
- Start at Cretaquarium at opening time, when it is quiet. It is indoors, step-free and takes 1-1.5 hours. See our guide to Cretaquarium with a baby.
- Drive a few minutes to Dinosauria Park for the outdoor walk and playground, ideally before midday.
- Early lunch in Gournes or Gouves, then home for nap time.
Labyrinth Park is better on a separate day, combined with a beach in Hersonissos or Stalis.
Other easy toddler outings near Heraklion
| Outing | Where | Why toddlers like it | Stroller |
|---|---|---|---|
| Cretaquarium | Gournes | Fish, sharks and jellyfish at eye level, indoors | Yes, ramps and lifts |
| Water parks | Anopolis and Hersonissos | Shallow children's pools and mini slides | On paths |
| Knossos | 5 km south of Heraklion | Open courtyards, big staircases, colourful frescoes | Hard, carrier better |
| Heraklion old harbour | Heraklion city | Boats, the Venetian fortress walls, ice cream | Yes, flat seafront |
| Beach morning | North coast resorts | Sand, shallow water, rock pools | Beach paths only |
For more ideas, read our guides to Crete water parks with toddlers, Knossos with a baby and the best beaches near Heraklion for toddlers.
Practical tips
- Check current opening times and prices on each park's official website. Both are seasonal outdoor attractions and hours vary.
- Plan outdoor parks for the morning and indoor ones, like Cretaquarium, for the hottest part of the day.
- Pack snacks, water, hats, sun cream and spare clothes. A small towel helps after a splashy playground.
- Drive yourself if you can: tour buses rarely have car seats, and a car lets you leave when nap time hits.
Rent a stroller and car seat for your day trips
Days out around Heraklion mean short drives and a lot of walking, so a good stroller and a car seat that fits your child make everything easier. Holiday Stork rents strollers and i-Size car seats from €7.80 per day, VAT included, with a minimum rental of 4 days. Car seats are fitted in your rental car at hand-over, and all gear is steam-cleaned after every rental.
Delivery is €13 per booking to Heraklion Airport, Heraklion city and the north coast resorts from Agia Pelagia to Malia, which covers Gouves, Hersonissos and Stalis, and €26 elsewhere in Crete (€32 in the Chania region).
