Paphos is one of the best family destinations in Cyprus, offering a relaxed and stress-free answer to the ultimate family trip. There is a bird park, animal parks, an aquarium, a water park, amusement parks, playgrounds, family water sports, kids’ entertainment and nature reserves. Cypriots love children, so you’re sure to find a warm welcome wherever you go.
With the largest number of facilities and water attractions in Cyprus, the biggest family rafting ride in Europe and sunshine virtually guaranteed for every one of its opening days, it’s no wonder that the Paphos Aphrodite Waterpark attracts over 100,000 visitors each year. Young or old, swimmer or not, there’s something here for everyone and everyone’s here for fun. All in all it’s a cool way to spend a hot day.
Hold on to your cossies, it’s time to get wet!
For more information please visit the Waterpark website
Often, we are so busy with our day to day lives that we do not see the magic of nature all around us. So why not take time out to visit the Zoo? You can relax and reconnect with nature, and children will find it educational too.
Opening Hours
Winter Season: 1st October -31st March 09.00 -17.00
Summer Season: 1st April -30 September 09.00 -20.00
The Zoo is open 365 days a year.
For more information please visit the Paphos Zoo’s website
Cyprus is a natural heaven for cycling. Serious mountain-bikers should check out what’s on offer, but family cycling is also a great way to see the area and, thanks to the excellent weather, cycling can be enjoyed almost all year round. Bicycles are available for rent everywhere.
General traffic regulations correspond to those in Europe, but driving in Cyprus is on the left, NOT ON THE RIGHT. Cyclists are advised to avoid cycling along main roads at weekends, especially in the summer when traffic is very heavy.
If possible, cyclists should also avoid riding due west in the late afternoon, as the glare of the setting sun can be unpleasant and potentially dangerous. It’s a good idea to wear sunglasses and a sunhat – especially during the summer months.
Ithaki Amusement Park and Mini Golf as its name suggests, includes a mini-golf course, as well as a video games arcade and a cafe bar. It’s ideal for family outings and there is a play area for smaller children with swings and slides, and the bumper cars are very popular for letting off steam.
Opening times: 10:00am – midnight.
Admission: Admission to the play area is free with a round of mini golf. Adults €5 and children €3.
Address: Trikomou, 8560 Coral Bay, Paphos, 26 815646
Kids Playgrounds
In 400 BC Socrates was quoted as saying that children needed to have the opportunity to play in order to become effective adults.
Many Paphos hotels & resorts offer playgrounds for children, where they have fun, get some exercise and can hang around with their peers.
Luna parks
A favourite with local children is the Luna Park: these are venues catering for youngsters that offer plenty of fun with a variety of rides and games. Entry is free, (you pay per ride) so if you’re on a budget you can just sit back and enjoy the refreshments while you soak up the happy atmosphere and sensational views.
Luna parks can be found in the Yeroskipou area close to the Municipal Beach and in the summer also on the main road to Kato Paphos at the junction with the Tombs of the Kings road.
Kelokedara Donkey Farm
A perfect way to capture the original spirit of Cyprus is to leave the city behind and drive through the beautiful rural areas of Paphos. The Kelokedara Donkey Farm is about 30 km east of Paphos in the Xeros river valley at Kelokedara Village, one of the most untouched and tranquil parts of the island.
The farm is spread over 19 hectares of beautiful landscape and the variety of plants and wildlife makes it the perfect setting for nature lovers.
On arrival at the farm, guests sample local delicacies like halloumi cheese, “sushukko”, village bread, olives and cucumber – all of them produced in the village – as well as local wine, and the famous distilled spirit, “Zivania”.
Visitors can meet and pet the friendly baby donkeys before a safety briefing about how to ride and control the Cyprus donkey. Each rider is assessed according to his/her weight and given the appropriate donkey for the 25-minute ride through the riverbed and along country tracks, passing local shepherds.
The ride is supervised by professional staff to ensure everyone’s safety and comfort. This is a fun and adventurous outing that will be a memorable experience for all the family.
