Boredom busters
As the long holiday stretches out before us, we offer some suggestions as to what to do with your kids this summer
Call of the wild
Bird Park, Paphos
A large private collection of birds, several endangered species, an amphitheatre where parrot shows are held, an adoption scheme, traditional weaving and pottery and a Cypriot restaurant. There’s even two giraffes and a baby moufflon.
Where: St. George, Peyia. Tel: 26-813852
When: 09:00 – 20:00, 365 days a year
How much: adults: £9, children: £5 (family packages also available)
Camel Park, Larnaca
No need to go all the way to Egypt for a camel ride. The Camel Park has everything sorted for you as you can spend a good few hours wandering the park, take a camel ride or snoop around an old house with antique items. There’s also a restaurant, a pool and a souvenir shop.
Where: Mazotos, Larnaca. Tel: 24-991243
When: Daily 09:00- 19:00
How much: Camel ride for kids: £3, for adults £5. Prices include swimming pool
Donkey sanctuary, Vouni Village
The can feed sick and unwanted donkeys carobs, carrots and other ‘treats’ at this centre. Or adopt a donkey, you get a certificate of adoption and a photograph. By prior arrangement, donkeys may be taken for walks in the nearby hills.
Where: Vouni Village, Limassol District. Tel: 25-945488
When: Daily 10:00 – 16:00
How much: adults and children over 12: £1. Members, adopters and children under 12: free
Snake Park, Paphos
Get to know snakes in their calmer and tamest form. Snake George, owner of the reptile park, urges people to visit to have the opportunity to see, photograph and film Cypriot reptiles and amphibians in their natural habitat.
Where: 15 km north of Paphos on the coastal road to Agios Georgios behind the EKO petrol station. Tel: 99-987685
When: Daily 09:00- 17:00
How much: adults: £2, children: £1
Ocean Aquarium, Paralimni
The main attraction here is the live penguins and a crocodile. Also a duck pond and turtles, parrots and pelicans in addition to the fish.
Where: 2.5 km from Waterworld Waterpark. Tel: 23-741111
When: Daily 10:00 – 18:00
How much: £6.50 for adults and £4 for children
Melios Pet Centre, Nicosia
The largest animal/bird park in Cyprus both in terms of size and number of animals. Recent additions include bison, miniature ponies and deer. There’s a play area for kids and food is available.
Where: Korinthou Street, Agioi Trimithias. Tel: 22-835920
When: Tuesdays-Sundays: 09:00 – 19:00
How much: Free
Wet and wild
Fasouri Watermania Waterpark, Limassol
The Fasouri water park has added a few new attractions to it’s list of rides and facilities making a total of 16. These include volleyball courts, a mini football pitch, family rafts on the Lazy River and paddling boats.
Where: 15 minutes from Limassol and 10 minutes from the Limassol-Paphos highway. Tel: 25-714235
When: Daily 10:00 – 18:00
How much: adults: £15, children: £8, children under three: free
Waterworld, Ayia Napa
Europe’s largest themed waterpark, stretching across 80,000m². Waterworld offers a stunning ancient Greek mythological environment with 19 rides. Food and drink is available on the premises.
Where: Agia Thekla Road. Tel: 23-724444
When: Daily 10:00 – 18:00
How much: adults: £15, children 12 and under: £8
Aphrodite Waterpark, Paphos
The largest number of facilities and attractions in Cyprus and the biggest family rafting ride in Europe. There’s eight different rides for the kids plus 15 for fun and thrills. Also has DJs, a big TV screen and table games.
Where: 300m from the Cypria Maris hotel. Tel: 26-813427
When: Daily 10:00 – 18:00
How much: adults: £15 (August price goes one pound up) and children £8. Children under three get in for free
Protaras Fun Park Waterpark
Calmer than the other with 11 water slides leading into one big swimming pool, allowing you to keep an eye on the little ones while you relax at one of the restaurants or maybe pop into the mini-market to pick up some snacks.
Where: Paralimni (next to Paschalia Hotel). Tel: 99-669022
When: Daily 10:00- 18:00
How much: £8 for adults and £4 for children
Big Screen
The Wild (animated)
An adolescent lion is accidentally shipped from New York Zoo to Africa. Running free, his zoo pals must put aside their differences to save him and bring him back. More animals in a human environment fun but not as similar to Madagascar as it sounds.
When: June
Over The Hedge (animated)
A mischievous raccoon and his sensitive best buddy, a turtle, along with other forest creatures try to resist the evils and temptations of encroaching suburbia. A great family comedy with some very good reviews. Voices by Bruce Willis, Nick Nolte and others.
When: June
8 below
A story of survival, friendship and adventure. Brutal cold forces two Antarctic explorers to leave their team of sled dogs behind as they fend for their survival. Inspired by a true story, a, clean, wholesome family movie.
When: June
RV
Bob Munro and his dysfunctional family rent an RV for a road trip to the Colorado Rockies, where they ultimately have to contend with a bizarre community of campers. A fun movie starring Robin Williams and Jeff Daniels.
When: June
Shaggy Dog
A man tries to live a normal life despite the fact that he sometimes turns into a sheepdog. It’s a funny, Disney flick remade with an interesting cast. Tim Allen, Kristin Davis, Danny Glover and Robert Downey Jr.
When: June
Superman Returns
No need for introductions here. But here’s the storyline anyway: after a long visit to the lost remains of the planet Krypton, the man of steel returns to earth to become the people’s saviour once again and reclaim the love of Lois Lane.
When: July
Curious George
Will Ferrell stars as The Man in the Yellow Hat, a gentleman who looks after his pet monkey – an inquisitive and wonderful creature whose enthusiasm often gets the best of him. Thoroughly enjoyable, worth seeing and there’s nothing in it to offend anyone of any age and that’s including kids.
When: August
Benchwarmers
A trio of guys try and make up for missed opportunities in childhood by forming a three-player baseball team to compete against standard little league squads. Comedy starring Rob Schneider and David Spade.
When: August
Out and about
Rizoelia National Forest Park
Near the town of Larnaca, this Forest Park covers an area of 97 hectares. Services include a picnic site, cycling and walking paths. There are also sporting grounds and scenic points.
Where: Near the first big roundabout at the end of the Nicosia-Larnaca motorway
Kolossi Castle, Limassol
Go back to the days of the Knights Templar in this 15th century castle where Richard the Lionheart, among others, laid his head. There are also the ruins of a sugar mill dating back to the 14th century nearby.
Where: 14 km west of Limassol
Tombs of The Kings, Paphos
Burial caves carved into the bedrock of the hill and decorated with Doric columns and capitals, the Tombs date back to the 4th century. They cover a massive area and you can walk around freely once inside and the kids can wear themselves out tearing around – they might even soak up some history.
Where: Two miles north of the Old Harbour
When: Monday – Friday: 7:30- 17:00 and Saturday-Sunday: 9:00 – 17:00
How much: Free
Platania Forest Station, Troodos area
A tranquil place with a picnic and camping areas and even a small restaurant. Don’t miss the fenced area where you can see Cyprus moufflons. You might even spot one on the way up if yo
u’re really lucky.
Where: Just before Agros junction on the way to Troodos
Baths of Aphrodite- Smygies Picnic Site, Paphos
According to legend, Aphrodite, the Goddess of Love and Fertility used to bathe here. It’s an idyllic grotto with beautiful surroundings. As there really isn’t much to see, you can spend the rest of the day at one of the most quiet, clear-water beaches nearby or simply enjoy a couple of sandwiches at Smygies Picnic Site
Where: 8 km from Polis
Palaeontology museum, Larnaca
There’s an amateur shell and fossil collection, so kids can take a fossil or a shell with them, place it in the collection and get a certificate as amateur selectors. The museum houses a collection of fossils including those of pygmy elephants and hippopotami that once resided on the island. There are also organised Young Environmentalist Movement Activities which include tree planting, nature trails, lectures and much more.
Where: Athinon Avenue, Evropis Square (seafront promenade) Tel: 24-628587
When: Closed on Sundays and Mondays throughout the months of June, July and August. Tuesdays-Fridays: 09:00- 14:00, Saturdays: 09:00- 12:00
How much: Free
Waxwork museum, Lefkara
Come face to face with the people that made Cyprus history at the only waxwork museum on the island. It contains more than 150 wax models, covering 3,000 years of life in Cyprus, from the Neolithic period to the present day. There’s also a souvenir shop and a cafeteria.
Where: Pano Lefkara, near the bus stop. Tel: 24-621048
When: Daily 09:00-19:00
How much: adults: £3, students and pensioners £2.50, children from 6-12 years old: £2
Great Indoors
Extreme Park, Nicosia
A huge bouncy castle and slides, a plastic tree trunk for climbing and many other attractions make this park a colourful and fun environment for kids. Food and drinks available too.
Where: Strovolos Avenue Tel: 22-424681 or 22-424275
When: Daily 16:00 – 22:00
How much: Weekdays £3 and weekends £3.50
Eleon, Nicosia
An impressive bouncy castle for the kids and an elegant cafeteria for you. With a fenced garden, a playground and a swimming pool, it should keep the kids quite for the afternoon – you can even watch all the action from behind glass walls.
Where: Ploutarchou, 3, Engomi (near the American Embassy) Tel: 22-451445
When: Mondays- Fridays: 15:00 –20:00. Weekends: 10:00 – 20:00
Swimming pool hours: 09:00-20:00 daily
How much: adults: £5.50, for children under 10 £3.50. Prices include use of swimming pool
Kid’s World, Larnaca, Limassol, Nicosia
One of the most popular play places in Cyprus. Surrounded by bouncing castles, plastic toys and hundreds of small balls you can chill in the cafeteria that offers home cooked sweets, have a coffee, watch TV or even play some touch screen games.
Where: Larnaca: On the Aradippou-Larnaca main road. Tel: 24-530546. Limassol: Anapauseos 1 (near Saint Nicholas cemetery) Tel 25-580644. Nicosia: Next to Dragon Chinese restaurant. Tel: 22-591215
When: Larnaca: Tuesdays- Fridays 16:00 – 20:00, Saturdays- Sundays 16:00 – 21:00, Limassol: Mondays, Tuesdays, Thursdays, Fridays 15:00- 20:30, Wednesdays is toddlers day 10:00-12:30 and 15:00-20:30, Saturdays-Sundays 11:00- 21:00, Nicosia: Daily a week 16:00- 20:00
How much: Larnaca: 3+ £2.75, under 3 £1.75, Limassol: 2+ £2.50, under 2 £1.70, Nicosia: 3+ £3 plus one drink, under 2 £2.40 plus one drink
Party Animals, Nicosia
A small artificial waterfall, parrots, rabbits, iguanas and squirrels serve the animal part of their name. The party bit includes two soft climbing games with soft balls and a yard full of bouncy toys. Small and tidy canteen offers drinks and snacks.
Where: Near Makedonitissa Tomb, next to Green Valley grocery store. Tel: 22-658458
When: Monday- Thursday 15:30 – 20:00, Friday: 15:30- 21:00, Saturdays-Sundays 10:30-20:30
How much: £3 per child
Kid’s Kingdom, Paphos
You can relax in the bar and grill restaurant, while the kids have a go on the huge, three storey castle with a bouncy inflatable inside. Or maybe they could even play a game of table tennis, try the arcade machines, dodgem cars, pool, play air hockey, mini bowling, mini basketball. And for the under 4s, there’s a soft play area.
Where: Apostolou Pavlou next to E&S Aphrodite Supermarket
When: Closed on Mondays. Tuesdays – Fridays: 14:00 – until late, Saturdays- Sundays: 10:00 – until late
How much: £2
Going to extremes
Bike Trek
Based in Paphos, BikeTrek Cyprus guides specialises in Mountain Bike Holidays and daily guided rides for individuals, families and small groups. Private groups can also arrange tours tailor made to fit their requirements and abilities.
Where: Aliathon Holiday Village, Poseidonos Avenue, Paphos. Tel: 99-939275 or 99-833594
When: Monday-Saturday 09:00 – 17:30. Closed on Sundays unless prior arranged tour
How much: £5 – £8 per day with discounted rate for 3 days or more
Paintball
One sport that you’ll enjoy as much as the kids. Bring out the soldier in you by running across battle fields shooting at opponents on the way. A lot of fun for all ages, just take care you don’t get too near an opponent because if you do, a certain bruising will live with you for a week or so
Where: Paphos, Yeroskipou, up from Amathus Hotel. Tel: 99-313188 or 99-620920. Also in Pyrga, Nicosia due to re-opening in a month.Tel: 99-808514
When: Paphos: 10:30- 18:30
How much: Paphos: £10 for equipment and 200 paintballs, £5 for 100 paintballs (if you need more)
Quad Biking, Limassol
Adventurous yet harmless, fun yet serious. Quad bikes are no game and you need a driver’s license to be allowed on one of these. You can arrange a four-hour outing around Limassol including the dams and into the wild.
Where: Mainly in Limassol area but plans are being made to expand throughout the island. Tel: 22-780280
When: You need to call before showing up
How much: £40 including safety equipment, third party insurance and petrol. Price for four hours
Go Karting
There’s nothing like leaving the beach early one evening and heading straight to the go karts for some fun. Go-Karting guarantees kids of all ages will feel like Schumacher in a small version of a Ferrari.
Where: Island wide. Tel: 7000 7677 for info at your local karting centre
When: Daily Mainly from 10:00- 22:00
How much: From £6 – £15 depending on the type of kart and how long you want to race
Rock Climbing
A safe, fun and relaxed way to spend a day outside. You can arrange an excursion anywhere in Cyprus and the boys down at Outer Activities will take you rock climbing with all the equipment you will need and above all professional guidance as this can be a dangerous sport. Children need to be with parents. Outer Activities also organises lessons and deals with rafting, diving and other outdoor activities.
Where: Offices based in Nicosia. Tel: 22-441366
When: Open everyday from 09:00-19:00
How much: Prices start at £25 per person but it really depends on where you want to go, what you want to do and how many people will be going
Bungee Jumping, Ayia Napa
Last but by no means least, bungee jumping. Throw yourself from a great height and bounce back again. Perfect for a dare or just some adrenaline rush fun but keep young kids away. T crew has an exemplary safety record.
Where: Ayia Napa, Nissi beach. Tel: 99-605248
When: All day, until nightfall
How much: £45
