If you’ve planned a holiday in Cyprus with children, it might be a good idea to think about an entertainment programme beforehand. Cypriots adore children, which is why most of the resorts have so many entertainment centres, parks, amusement rides and recreational facilities catering to youngsters.
A Holiday in Cyprus with Children: Аyia Napa
Waterworld
This water park in Аyia Napa is Cyprus’ largest theme park and has the most entertaining amusement rides for both adults and children. The whole place is permeated by mythology – Aphrodite’s Baths, the Labyrinth of Minotaur, Poseidon’s Waves and large slides named in honour of the Gods of Olympus.
Apart from the rides you can try out the epidermis-eating Garra Rufa fish (price 15 Euros for 20 minutes), purchase souvenirs, take plenty of photos and visit the cafes and snack bars where you can buy light snacks, pizzas, hamburgers and drinks.
The water park is open from 1st May until 31st October 10am – 6pm. Entrance fee (as of 2014): 35 Euros for adults and 20 Euros for children.
Go Karting is also available near the water park at a price of 12 Euros for 6 minutes and 16 Euros for 10 minutes.
Parko Paliatso Amusement Park
This is the largest amusement centre on the island, occupying an area of 25,000 sq.m.
There are more than 25 of the latest rides in the park – a race track, merry-go-rounds, rope swings, karting, roller coasters, Viking swings and swimming pools with amusement rides. Leading engineers and specialists were used to ensure the safety of the equipment
The park is open daily from 6pm – 12am.
A Holiday in Cyprus: Protaras
Fun Park Waterpark
This is a small park located in Paralimni, close to the centre of Protaras and the Paschalia Hotel. There are 8 slides here and this water park can be recommended for small children where they are bound to have a lot of fun on the chutes and in the swimming pools.
The park is open daily from April until October, 10am – 6pm. The price of a ticket is 10 Euros for children and 17 Euros for adults.
Оceanarium at Protaras
This is a large park with more than 1,000 types of sea creatures and animals – piranhas, skates, giant turtles, crocodiles, penguins, etc., but on a hot summer’s day it’s also pleasant to have a walk in the impressive tropical gardens, measuring 12,500 sq. m.
The House of Penguins is especially interesting to visit and it must be the only place in the Mediterranean where penguins are kept in near-natural surroundings.
The Oceanarium is open from April to October, 10am – 6pm and from November until March 9am tо 4pm.
You can get to the Oceanarium by bus from Ayia Napa route 101, from Paralimni route 102, from Larnaca route 711.
A Holiday in Cyprus with Children: Larnaca
Luna Park Lucky Park
Cyprus’s largest Luna Park is located in Aradippou, close to the centre of Larnaca, where both adults and children alike are sure to have a good time on the roller coasters and merry-go-rounds. The park has a restaurant and also amusements for the younger children.
The park is open from:
16 September – 30 April: Friday and Saturday: 4pm – midnight, Sunday: 11:00 tо midnight. The park is closed from Monday to Thursday.
1 May – 31 May: Monday, Wednesday, Thursday, Friday and Saturday from 4pm – midnight, Sunday: 11:00 – midnight. The park is closed on Tuesday.
1 June – 31 July: Wednesday – Monday: 4pm – midnight. The park is closed on Tuesday.
1 August – 31 August: Every day from 4pm – midnight
1 September – 15 September: Wednesday – Monday: 4pm – midnight. The park is closed on Tuesday.
You can either pay separately for each ride or game, or you can purchase a special bracelet which allows the wearer to visit all the amusements without limitation for the day.
The camel park in Mazotos
A camel park in Mazotos was established in 1998 and although quite small you can still spend a whole day there. Whilst the children are interacting with the animals, the parents can relax in a restaurant by the pool.
There are many animals at the park – birds, goats, donkeys and even wallabies. There are pony and camel rides and the children can also feed the animals. Food bags of Locust beans can be bought for 1 Euro at the park, or you can bring your own.
The Camel Park is not as widely known about as, say, Paphos Zoo, so you have the opportunity to enjoy the animals without having to stand in long queues or battle the crowds.
Entry to the park is a very reasonable 6 Euros for children, which includes a ride on the camels, and 4 Euros for adults, which includes the use of the pool. The Park is open every day during the summer months from 9am – 7pm.
Conclusion
Now you know that there is plenty of entertainment for children in Cyprus. It should be noted that the distinguishing feature of water and amusement parks in Cyprus is the high level of safety, so the whole family can enjoy their time worry-free.
