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by **Yiannis** » Sat Jul 02, 2005 1:49 am

Bird Park, Paphos
A huge, evergreen park packed with all sorts of birds and other animals. The Bird Park is guaranteed to make kids squeal with excitement at the sight of ostriches, parrots, cockatoos, giraffes, ponies, gigantic turtles, geese, ducks and many others. There’s a restaurant, kiosk, amphitheatre, playground and a shop where you can buy some souvenirs.

Where: Saint George, Pegia. Tel: 26 813852
When: Monday – Sunday: 09:00 – 20:00
How much: £7/£4 and special offers for families.

Camel Park, Mazotos, Larnaca
You guessed it. You don’t have to go all the way to Egypt to get a camel ride, just pop into the Camel Park. The place is amazing; there’s a restaurant and a pool, a lake with a bridge, a hall for birthday parties and also a small house with old items from years ago. Again a shop has all the necessary souvenirs.
Where: Mazotos (Kiti–Zigi road), Tel: 24-991243
When: Monday – Sunday: 09:00 – 19:00
How much: 50c/£2

Lo Struzzo, Ayios Ioannis Malounta, Nicosia
The Lo Struzzo Park is the biggest in Europe as far as ostriches are concerned. Areas of green are a sight for sore eyes and so are the donkeys, goats and horses. Take a break at the café or the train round the entire park. If the kids aren’t hungry, the playground can always keep them busy. A souvenir shop is also available.
Where: Tel: 22-991008
When: Tuesday – Friday: 08:30 – 17:30, Saturday –Sunday: 08:30 – 19:30
How much: 50c/£1,50

Limassol Zoo
The zoo is enough to make adults feel like kids. There’s a wide variety of birds and loads of animals too. The lions are beautiful and huge, with tigers and leopards too. The zoo also has a museum of natural history, training centre and a small playground.
Where: Limassol seafront Tel: 25-588345
When: Monday – Sunday: 09:00 – 19:00
How much: 40c/80c

Elias Country Club
The biggest farm in Cyprus has approximately 350 horses, a lake with coy fish and a few ostriches. You can get a tour of the park either by using small cars or by horse. There’s also a café available.
Where: Tel: 25- 636000
When: Monday-Sunday: 09:00 – 19:00
How much: For car tour: 4 people £11.50, For horse tour: £12.50 with chaperone or £15 without

Ocean Aquarium, Paralimni
If you feel like giving land animals a rest, try the aquarium in Paralimni. A hall full of aquariums and outside ponds with ducks and turtles is something the kids will love. However, what are guaranteed to make them jump with joy are the penguins and possibly the crocodiles. You can also have a look at parrots and pelicans. Food is available at the wooden café while you can get your hands on some nice souvenir gifts.
Where: Tel: 23 741111
When: Monday – Sunday: 10:00 – 17:30
How much: £4/£6.50

Melios Pet Centre
The well-organised park is amazing as are all the animals. And there is a wide variety of lovely animals including kangaroos, racoons, eagles, ostriches and deer. Naturally, you can stop for a bite but also to purchase a nice canary, parrot, squirrel and hamster.
Where: Ayios Trimithias, Tel: 22 835920
When: Tuesday – Sunday: 09:00 – 20:00
How much: free

Make a splash

Fasouri Watermania, Limassol
There’s something for everyone at the Fasouri Waterpark. Even though the most popular attraction for the adults is the Lazy River, kids go crazy about everything else. But probably the best bet for young children is the kiddie pool, where they can splash around for hours and above all be safe.
Where: outside Limassol Tel: 25 714235
When: Monday – Sunday: 10:00 – 18:00
How much: adults: £14, children under 12: £7, children under 3: free

Waterworld, Agia Napa
The first waterpark to open in Cyprus, the largest in Europe and probably the most popular with all ages. Waterworld has added to its range of attractions with a few games that adults wouldn’t try but kids don’t seem to have the same fear climate. The unique feature in Waterworld is that all the rides are based on mythology. Food is available as well as snacks and treats such as pancakes and mini doughnuts.
Where: Tel: 23 724444
When: Monday – Sunday: 10:00 – 18:00
How much: adults: £14, children, £7

Aphrodite Waterpark, Paphos
With the largest number of facilities and attractions in Cyprus, the biggest family rafting ride in Europe, Aphrodite Waterpark is perfect for kids. There’s a kiddies pool, a fast slide, a slow side, a pirate ship slide, a mini volcano and water mushrooms. As far as food is concerned, you’ve got… everything basically.
Where: Tel: 26 813427
When: Monday – Sunday: 10:00 – 18:00
How much: adults: £15, children: £8

Protaras Fun Park Waterpark
This is a relatively small waterpark but don’t underestimate it. It’s all about family as it only has one swimming pool for all the games and rides.
Where: Tel: 99 669022
When: Monday – Sunday: 10:00 – 18:00
How much: adults: £8, children: £4

Big screen

Batman Begins
Although the title says that he begins, there have already been three Batman movies. All of them however, have wowed kids all over the world for years. This film is appropriate for twelve year olds and has a cast of famous actors including Morgan Freeman and Christian Bale.
When: at cinemas in July

Fantastic Four
This film is about Marvel’s first comic of family super-heroes. There’s the Invisible Woman, The Thing, Mr Fantastic and The Human Torch. This film is bound to get the kids’ hearts racing with enthusiasm and probably yours as well.
When: at cinemas on July 15

Hitchhiker’s Guide To The Galaxy
The critics have gone absolutely mad about this film; they love it. The whole idea of the film is that aliens are up to no good, obviously. They are planning on demolishing the earth and one earthling finds out that he should hold onto his towel. The aliens are brilliant and so is the concept of the film.
When: at cinemas on July 15

Madagascar
From the creators of Shrek and Shark Tale, here comes a story of zoo animals that decide to make a run for it and find out what’s going on in the outside world. So, although they’ve got everything an animal could dream of, Ben Stiller, Chris Rock, Jada Pinkett Smith and David Schwimmer, who lend their voices, are in for an adventure.
When: at cinemas on August 26

Herbie Fully Loaded
Disney is at it again, with the little Love Bug hitting the screens starring Lindsay Lohan. The car that has won our hearts is back doing whatever it wants, pulling stunts and getting to strut on road, off road and all around.
When: at cinemas on September 9

Bewitched
Nicole Kidman is a spitting image of Elizabeth Montgomery, who played the good witch Samantha in the TV series. And that’s why she’s playing in the movie, which will definitely make us twiddle our noses with delight. Also starring Will Ferrell, Shirley MacLaine and Michael Caine.
When: at cinemas on September 16

Monster In Law
Although it isn’t really a kiddie’s film, Jennifer Lopez tries her best and there are a few funny bits. It’s a real family movie as adults can associate with the experience’s Jlo goes through and it’s rated for over 12’s. Jane Fonda is a laugh and if you haven’t figured it out yet, she’s the monster.
When: at cinemas in July

l All dates are subject to change, so check with your local cinema first.

The great indoors

Extreme Park, Nicosia
A colourful environment, full of soft, bouncing toys inside and out, with ball pit and slides, which makes this park one of the best. Very organised with a big cafeteria and various foods including finger food.
Where: Lakatameia, Tel: 22 424681
When: Monday – Friday: 16:00 – 21:00, Saturday – Sunday and holidays: 10:30 – 21:30
How much: £3 each child

Eleon, Nicosia
The place is bright and clean with an impressive bouncy castle and a well-organised and elegant cafeteria. There’s also a fenced garden with grass and a playground. Eleon is popular for its swimming pool and there are huge glass surfaces directed straight towards the pool, allowing visitors to have a lovely relaxing view.
Where: Engomi, Tel: 22 451445
When: Wednesday-Friday: 15:00 – 20:00, Saturday – Sunday and holidays: 10:00 – 20:00
How much: £3 each child

Kid’s World, Larnaca, Limassol and Nicosia
Kid’s World is where kids can live in their own little world. It has two storeys and is huge with a big, soft, climbing game that allows kids to use both storeys by climbing up and down. Of course, there is a smaller one for children under three. What is brilliant about Kid’s World is the fairly large veranda stacked with small, plastic toys and a small cafeteria with home cooked sweets of the day and various drinks. There is a separate space for non-smokers, a TV and a touch screen game.
Where: Tel: 25 580644, 24 530546, 22 ******
When: Tuesday – Friday: 16:00 – 21:00, Wednesday: 10:00 –12:00, 16:00 – 21:00, Saturday –Sunday: 11:00 – 21:00
How much: £1.70/£2.50

P&O Play Place, Latsia, Nicosia
An oasis for children, this play place has bumper cars and many electronic and electric games that work with coins. Probably not every parents dream but the kids will love it, especially the older ones. But, for the younger ones, there’s always a bouncing castle, which is completely safe. A canteen with various snacks, coffees, drinks and ice creams will keep them quiet when they are worn out.
Where: Tel: 22 485313
When: Monday – Sunday: 09:00 – 24:00
How much: free

Party Animals, Nicosia
The small, artificial waterfall, the parrots, the rabbits, iguana and squirrels are enough to make the kids go crazy. But that’s not all; the two storey building provides a hall for birthday parties, two soft climbing games with soft balls on either side and a yard full of bouncy toys. A small yet, tidy canteen offers drinks and snacks.
Where: Tel: 22 658458, 99-430726
When: Monday –Thursday: 15;30 – 20:00, Friday: 15:30 – 21:00, Saturday –Sunday: 10:30 – 21:30
How much: £3 for each child

Adonis, Larnaca
Set on the Mackenzie beach front, this play place is relaxing and comfortable. Soft toys, bouncing castle, canon with small soft balls, electronic games and a hall for birthday places, makes this place a very popular one. But makes it even more special is the beach play place with a view of the deep blue sea. Snacks are available.
Where: Tel: 24 656647
When: Monday – Sunday: 10:00 – 22:00
How much: £1.75/£2,50

Kid’s Kingdom, Paphos
This kingdom is a stone building with a three storey plastic castle, soft toys for younger kids, electronic games and bumper cars. But that’s not all; there’s a mini bowling, air hockey, a hall with billiard tables and the Cineorasis cinema. A grill bar offers various snacks, hot or cold and you can also get ice cream.
Where: Tel: 26 930789
When: Tuesday – Friday: 14:00 until late at night, Saturday –Sunday: 10:00 until late at night
How much: £2

In the swim

Ginger swimming pool & café
This in particular swimming pool and area around has been renovated lately. Many families even visit in the winter as it also has a heated swimming pool. Food is available and so are lifeguards.
Where: Latsia, Tel: 22 467602
When: Monday – Sunday: 6:00 – 21:00
How much: £3

Eleon
One of the most popular swimming pools in Nicosia, where all the kids hang out, Eleon is also great for smaller children. There is a playground and a play place for all ages but the good thing about Eleon is that the swimming pool is no deeper than 1.5 metres.
Where: Engomi, Tel: 22 451445
When: Monday – Sunday: 09:00 – 20:00
how much: ?5 for adults, ?3 for children up to 12 years old

Limassol Sporting Centre
The sporting centre has swimming lessons for children two hours everyday but it is also open to the public. A very clean atmosphere where you and your children will feel safe. Snacks are also available.
Where: Tel: 77777173
When: Monday - Friday: 09:00 – 17:00, Saturday – Sunday: 09:00 – 14:00
How much: ?33 monthly

Blue Lagoon
Nice name. And it’s a nice place where the whole family can relax. Although there are no limits for the depth of the pool, there is a small one for the kids where they can have as much fun as they want. Snacks are available.
Where: Tel: 22 339000
When: Monday – Sunday: 10:00 -19:00
How much: ?3 for adults and ?2 for children over 5 years old

Nicosia Municipal Swimming Pool
I used to go here when I was a kid. You know it’s good because you have everything every age could want. Huge swimming pools, so there’s more than enough for the kids to enjoy. A café will put a stop to rumbling tummies with grilled food and snacks. Also natural shade which makes a change for swimming pools.
Where: Central Nicosia Tel: 22 781155
When: Monday – Sunday: 10:00 – 19:00
How much: £3 for adults and £2.30 for children

Champs Elysee
Very popular among youngsters for the nightlife, however Champs Elysee is indeed a swimming pool. A very safe environment where people don’t have to worry about their kids as they’ll be well into play time and having fun.
Where: Tel: 22 353188
When: Monday – Sunday: 10:00 – 19:00
How much: £3 for adults and £2 for under 12

Sand and surf

CTO, Larnaca
Very popular with families as the CTO Beach is safe; the water is calm and there is a restaurant and kiosk on site. Flat, hard sand though, with some stones and rocks.

Konnos Beach, Protaras
One of the cleanest and calmest beaches in Cyprus, Konnos Beach is more of a small, secluded area, which happens to have water sports and a small cafeteria. Don’t get scared by the drive down to the beach, as you have to go down a mountain to get there. See what I mean with secluded?

Coral Bay, Paphos
Coral Bay is a nice choice as the water is hardly deep and the sand goes way back. I’ve seen kids making their own swimming pools in the sand before. A cafeteria with snacks is available (although by August last year the toilets left something to be desired).

Yianna Marie
Clearly a family beach in Protaras, Yianna Marie has a nice shallow and sandy beach. Before landing on the sand, however, there is a large patch of grass, where you can either lay down to sunbathe or play a ball game. A very good restaurant as well as a snack area is available with burgers and cold drinks.

Nausicaa, Protaras
Nausicaa is one of the quietest beaches in Protaras and one brilliant feature: there is no sand anywhere. Set high enough from sea level, the grass is the only place you can lay down your towel. You’ve got the swimming pool on one side and the sea on the other. Snacks are available as well as a couple of restaurants.

Yeroskipou Beach, Paphos
Your children are definitely safe here as the water is very shallow and again you have grass galore, so no worrying about washing their feet from sand. Snacks and food is available from the beach bar. After sundown bigger kids will enjoy the open-air nightclub

Dhekeleia Beach
Nothing like fish and chips with your swim and that’s exactly what you can get at the Dhekeleia Beach (although not on Sunday). The sea is calm and the kids can play till exhaustion in the playground on the swings and see-saws.

Going to extremes

Bike Trek
If you’re feeling up for a trip in the mountains, leave your car behind and ride. Bike Trek offers bike tours in the mountains through routes and tracks. A guided tour is also on the menu but remember you don’t even need your own bike, one will be given to you.
Where: Pissouri, Tel: 99 939275
When: Monday –Saturday: 10:00 -19:00
How much: Prices starts from £10 and go up to £45 for a guided tour

Paintball
A fun game for every age from school kids up really. Paintball brings out the soldier in you. Fight for your right and shoot anyone who gets in the way between you and victory. But be careful, because if shot from very close, you will leave a nasty bruise and a lot of pain.
Where: Pyrga or Paphos, Tel: 99 808514 or 99 620290
When: Monday –Saturday, anytime time you like it up until 23:00
How much: £5 for 100 balls

Quad Biking
It’s not only guys that like this sport - girls can’t get enough of it either. Riding a quad bike is fun and adventurous.
Where: Pyrga, Tel: 99 328821
When: Monday – Saturday: as long as there’s light
How much: £8 to £25

Go Karting
Step on it and go! You will feel like you’re Schumacher but in a smaller version of a Ferrari. Go-Karting has something for all ages from young ones to older babies!
Where: Island-wide, Tel: 23 723111 or 99 445001
When: Monday –Sunday: 10:00 – 11:00
How much: Depending on how long you want to race. Ranging from £5 to £7

Rock Climbing
Not as dangerous as you think, Rock climbing is fun and adrenaline races through your veins. For beginners there is a qualified instructor available, so don’t worry.
Where: Nicosia Tel: 22 441366, 99 328501 or 99 359214
How much: £140 for 6 weekends

Bungee Jumping
Something I would never try but knock yourselves out. Tied at your feet, you are thrown from a considerably terrifying height. Not for young kids but older ones could try it.
Where: Ayia Napa Tel: 99 605248
How much: Up to £45

This is a small guide i found for all of those planning to visit Cyprus for the summer.Hope its usefull.
For more Info check the Seven magazine section at
http://www.cyprus-mail.com/news/

by **Kay** » Sat Jul 02, 2005 12:33 pm

Hi there Yiannis,

As you know so much about what is where, do you know if Cyprus have an Ice Rink. I have informatin on the internet but the address and number given in Noicosia are not for it. I have heard that they turned it into a library a while ago but that has closed also. I just don't know if they have moved it to anywhere else. I think it would be good for Cyprus if they had one.... :wink:

by **cannedmoose** » Sat Jul 02, 2005 1:51 pm

Kay wrote:Hi there Yiannis,

As you know so much about what is where, do you know if Cyprus have an Ice Rink. I have informatin on the internet but the address and number given in Noicosia are not for it. I have heard that they turned it into a library a while ago but that has closed also. I just don't know if they have moved it to anywhere else. I think it would be good for Cyprus if they had one....

Try this thread. From what I know, I don't believe one exists today - ice skating isn't big in Cyprus at all.

http://www.cyprus-forum.com/cyprus90.html

by **Yiannis** » Sun Jul 03, 2005 1:49 am

Sorry Kay i have no idea if there is an ice skating ring or not.
Personally im not a big fan of ice skating. The first and last time i went i couldnt feel my ass from the many times i fell down. Oh and i got pissed when while i was strugling to skate a small girl passed by skating fast and making fun of me :evil: