The long hot summer is about to begin. ALIX NORMAN offers a few suggestions for where to take the kids for a day out
If you’re a working parent, summer holidays last a Very Long Time! So what you should you be doing this summer to stave off the dreaded ‘I’m bored’? We’ve taken a look at some of the best activities and days out on the island, which will hold youthful tedium at bay.
NICOSIA
The disadvantage of the capital is its distance from the sea, but on the flip side, there is a lot going on. If you’re stuck in the city with fractious toddlers, let them work off their excess energy with Let’sMusic. As holders of the international franchise of movement education ‘Monkeynastix’, and in collaboration with the musical theatre franchise KittyKatz, Let’sMusic will keep children between the ages of two and ten busy and happy all day long with a host of activities. There’s music, dance, arts and crafts and cooking and even special theme days with water games, host speakers and excursions. Situated in a purpose-built school filled with fantastic equipment, the programme is run by professionally trained instructors. Aliki Konstantinidou and Chrystalleni Sokratous head the team: “It’s a world of fun, creativity and fitness,” they say.
Contact www.letsmusic.com.cy or www.monkeynastix.com.cy, [email protected], Tel: 22 210051. Let’sMusic is open on weekdays, and also run their Summer Fun activities programme from June 25 – July 26 between 7am and 3pm
LIMASSOL
“We’re living in a playstation generation,” says Christian Onoufriou, owner of the Santa Marina Retreat – and if you’ve ever wondered how to unplug your kids and get them out in the fresh air, this activity park offers just the ticket. “We created the 30 hectare estate as an activity centre where you can really interact with your kids in nature,” says Christian. Even better, in response to the economic climate, the retreat has waived its entrance fee, so the whole family can enjoy the nature trails, horse farm, playground, copper mine and even feed the pigs for free!
And with the many other activities all priced at a reasonable €5 – €10, the little ones can blow off some steam with anything from archery to horseback riding.
www.santamarinaretreat.com, [email protected], Tel: 99 545454. The retreat is open on Wednesdays from 11am to 7pm, and weekends from 9 am to 8pm. Entrance is free, activities cost between €5 and €10
LARNACA
On the coast, you not only have the advantage of the sea, you’ve got the wind. Which makes watersports an ideal summer diversion. Head down to MacKenzie Beach and introduce your kids to windsurfcity and they’ll be in good hands. Run by Jorg Grether – a highly qualified instructor who adheres to rigorous standards of safety – windsurfcity is offering both windsurf and standup paddle board courses for kids this summer. “For children and teenagers windsurfing is a challenge and it improves coordination skills and self-confidence,” says Jorg. “We welcome children aged nine and up.”
windsurfcitycyprus.com, [email protected], Tel: 96 445101. Windsurfcity is open seven days a week, from 8.30am to 7pm in June, and 8am to 7.30pm in July. Private mini courses are €60 per child. Full children’s beginner course, based on 4 kids in a group, costs €112 per child
PAPHOS
Kids might enjoy the chance to visit the lions and tigers (though no bears) at the Paphos Zoo. From the tallest (giraffes) to the smallest (rabbits), the huge variety of animal and birds will keep the whole family occupied for hours. Don’t miss the chance to catch the bird show; not only will you be able to watch parrots demonstrate amazing feats of intelligence, you might also recognise one of the owls from its starring role in the Harry Potter films!
www.pafoszoo.com, [email protected], Tel: 26 813852. Pafos Zoo is open 365 days a year from 9am to 6pm. Entrance €8.50 for children aged 2-13, €15.50 for adults
OTHER AREAS
If you live between cities, then a day out at the Mazotos Camel Park might be just the ticket. Open every day during summer, the park offers a lot more than the name would suggest. “There’s loads to do,” says owner Xemakis Tsialis. Not only can kids pet and ride the camels, there’s a host of other animals to enjoy, everything from ostriches to kangaroos! Children can learn about all the animals, enjoy the play area or even cool off in the swimming pool. Making a full day of it? There’s also a restaurant where you can grab a bite to eat.
www.camel-park.com, [email protected], Tel: 24 991243. The Camel Park is open every day from 9am to 7pm. Entrance is €2 for children €3 for adults. Or you can pay €6 for entrance, a camel ride and use of the swimming faciltites
And finally, if you’ve run the entertainment gamut from A to Z, and the kids are still bouncing off the walls, check out amaaaze.com. As the first ‘experience company’ on the island, they run an island-wide site which enables you to book activities ranging from horseback riding to archery, donkey rides to kayaking and many more.
www.amaaaze.com/
