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Guide ยท Cyprus

Cyprus with kids

Cyprus is an easy island to travel with young children, provided you plan around the sun rather than ignore it. The sea is warm and calm for much of the year, the beaches shelve gently in most resorts, and the distances are short enough that nothing is really far from anything else.

Summer heat is the one serious constraint. Inland temperatures regularly pass thirty five degrees and shade on the beaches is limited to whatever you rent or bring. The practical rhythm is beach in the morning, indoors or in the pool through the early afternoon, and back out after five when the light softens and the sand cools.

The other thing worth knowing is that a car changes the trip completely. Public transport between towns is limited, and the good things are spread out: mountain villages, forest trails and archaeological sites that are impractical to reach otherwise.

Open Cyprus on the map

Family places in Cyprus

๐ŸŽ Activities 25

  • Adventure Mountain ParkOutdoor activities for children and adults, including climbing, a laser maze, paintball, laser tag, archery, forest camping and a treasure hunt. Activities start at 8+ years.
    Ages 8+Play areaGamesPark
    Official website
  • Akrotiri Environmental Education CentreA nature-based learning centre with educational programmes. Free entry, stroller-friendly, with telescopes outside for viewing the salt-lake wildlife.
    FreeIndoorOutdoor space
    Official website
  • Battlefield Live CyprusOutdoor laser tag in the hills near Limassol, with infrared rifles across real terrain. Suitable from age 8, and a high-energy activity for older children and families.
    Ages 8+Outdoor space
    Official website
  • Bellapais Abbey (North Cyprus)Well-preserved Gothic abbey ruins in the village of Bellapais above Kyrenia, with mountain and sea views. The refectory and cloister are largely intact and easy to explore with children.
    FreeOutdoor space
    Official website
  • Eleftheria SquareNicosia's central square, redesigned by Zaha Hadid, with fountains, open space and a playground nearby. A useful meeting point and starting place for the old city.
    FreePlay areaOutdoor space
  • KalavasosA picturesque village with narrow streets, traditional houses and mountain views, with three tavernas, guest houses and a small hotel.
    FreeOutdoor space
  • Kourion Archaeological SiteAn ancient Greco-Roman city on cliffs above the sea near Limassol, with mosaic floors, a Greco-Roman theatre and the House of Eustolios. Visit early to avoid the heat.
    Outdoor space
    Official website
  • Kykkos MonasteryOne of the most important monasteries in the Orthodox world, high in the Troodos Mountains, with Byzantine mosaics and a gilded iconostasis. The cafe serves traditional Cypriot sweets.
    Indoor
    Official website
  • Kyrenia Harbour (North Cyprus)A horseshoe harbour ringed by Venetian walls, with fishing boats and waterfront restaurants. Pairs well with a visit to Kyrenia Castle. A day trip across the border.
    FreeOutdoor space
    Official website
  • Larnaca Salt Lake & FlamingosFrom November to March, thousands of flamingos gather on the salt lake. The lakeside path is flat and buggy-friendly, free and always open. Pairs well with a visit to the nearby mosque.
    FreeOutdoor space
  • Ledra Street & the Green LineA pedestrianised street leading to the UN-controlled crossing between the Republic of Cyprus and Northern Cyprus. Children can walk through the checkpoint. A window onto the island's divided history.
    FreeOutdoor space
  • Limassol MarinaA waterfront development with restaurants, shops and a promenade. Boat trips for children run regularly. An easy walk from the old town and a good spot for an evening stroll.
    FreeOutdoor space
  • Marina's Adventure ParkA rope park by the Karkotis River in Kakopetria, with routes for different ages (toddlers to experienced climbers) and a climbing wall. Traditional Cypriot food is served on Sundays. Multiple tracks depending on age/weight, starting from 2+.
    Ages 2+Play areaGamesPark
    Official website
  • Paradox MuseumA museum of illusions in the marina area, suitable for younger and older children. Free under 3.
    Indoor
    Official website
  • Road Safety ParkFree bicycle and scooter park that simulates real road signs and features functioning traffic lights. There is no shade, so it's best to visit in the evening during the summer.
    FreePark
  • Sea cavesSea caves near Protaras and Ayia Napa, a popular photo spot, especially at sunset.
    FreeOutdoor space
  • Sparti Rope Park PlatresA rope adventure park for younger children in the Platres area of the Troodos, with lower-height courses for ages 3 and up. A gentle introduction to adventure climbing in a cool mountain setting.
    Ages 3+Play areaGamesPark
    Official website
  • The Need4Speed Go KartingGo-karting for ages 3 and up, with double karts so an adult can drive with a child. As a guide, 10 minutes costs about 20 euro for a double kart and 15 euro for a single.
    Ages 3+Outdoor space
    Official website
  • TochniA village of narrow alleys with hillside views. Recommended places to eat: Tochni village taverna and Nostos restaurant.
    FreeOutdoor space
  • ZygiA fishing village by the sea, known for its fish tavernas and fresh local produce. Recommended fish tavern: Karaoli Sea.
    FreeOutdoor space

Showing the 20 most central. See all 25 activities in Cyprus

๐ŸŒณParks 8

  • Akademias ParkLarge park with a playground, dog park and workout machines, with a coffee place and picnic tables.
    FreePlay area
  • Akropolis ParkA large park on Acropoleos Avenue in Nicosia with a children's playground, a cafeteria and shaded walkways. Open daily 6am to midnight and popular with local families.
    FreePlay area
  • Ayia Napa Cactus ParkEurope's largest outdoor cactus collection, with over 8,000 plants across 20 hectares. Free, open 24/7, and next to the Sculpture Park.
    Free
    Official website
  • Ayia Napa Sculpture ParkAn open-air sculpture park on the Ayia Napa cliff tops, with over 200 contemporary works. Free to visit, with sea views and unusual pieces for children to discover.
    Free
    Official website
  • CyHerbia Botanical Park & LabyrinthA family-run botanical park with themed gardens, a large labyrinth, a fairy-themed children's area and herb-distillation demonstrations.
    Play areaGames
    Official website
  • National Forest Park of AthalassaA large forest park east of Nicosia with lakes, picnic areas, sports grounds and a bird-watching point. Buggy-friendly paths and a break from the city heat.
    FreePlay area
  • Oleastro Olive Park & MuseumAn olive-oil museum and working olive grove near Anogyra, where you can learn how olive oil is made, taste fresh-pressed oil and walk among old trees. A few animals to feed.
    Petting farm
    Official website
  • Troodos Botanical GardenA botanical garden at 1,400m inside the Troodos National Forest Park, with exhibitions on mountain flora, walking paths and educational displays.
    Free
    Official website

๐Ÿ›๏ธMuseums 6

  • Cyprus MuseumThe island's main archaeological museum, with finds spanning 8,000 years, including Neolithic figurines, Bronze Age artefacts and the Aphrodite statue. A manageable size for families with older children.
    Ages 6+
    Official website
  • Cyprus PlanetariumA digital planetarium in Nicosia with immersive shows about astronomy and space. Combine it with nearby Orthodox church and playground area. Suitable for children aged 4 and up.
    Ages 4+Play area
    Official website
  • Evrykhou Railway MuseumA small museum in Evrykhou village in the Troodos foothills, preserving the old Cyprus Government Railway and a traditional water mill. An unusual stop on the way to the mountains.
    Indoor
    Official website
  • Fairy Tale MuseumA small museum celebrating fairy tales from around the world, presented as an immersive experience for children. Call before hand and don't trust opening hours on social medias.
    Indoor
    Official website
  • MUSAN - Underwater Sculpture MuseumAn underwater museum by artist Jason deCaires Taylor, where snorkellers and divers explore a submerged forest of sculptures designed to interact with marine life. Best for older children and families who snorkel.
    FreeAges 10+
    Official website
  • Thalassa Museum Ayia NapaA marine museum in Ayia Napa with a life-size replica of an ancient Greek merchant ship and the original Kyrenia Ship artefacts. Interactive exhibits on Cyprus and the sea. Good for children aged 8 and up.
    Ages 8+
    Official website

๐ŸฐCastles 5

  • Kolossi CastleA well-preserved medieval castle and former Knights Hospitaller headquarters near Limassol. Compact and easy for young children, with tower views over the vineyards and sea.
    Indoor
    Official website
  • Larnaca Medieval CastleA small medieval castle at the end of the Larnaca seafront promenade, with displays of medieval weaponry and armour. Compact for young children, with views of the palm-lined promenade.
    Outdoor
    Official website
  • Limassol Castle & Medieval MuseumThe castle where Richard the Lionheart married Berengaria of Navarre in 1191, with a museum inside covering medieval Cyprus. Not stroller friendly.
    Indoor
    Official website
  • Paphos CastleA medieval fort at the edge of Paphos harbour, compact and easy to explore, with sea views from the battlements. The harbour is a good spot for an evening walk.
    Indoor
    Official website
  • St Hilarion Castle (North Cyprus)A crusader castle on mountain peaks above Kyrenia, with three tiers of towers, ramparts and Byzantine chapels linked by steep paths. A dramatic setting, with wide views from the top.
    Ages 2+
    Official website

๐ŸŽกTheme Parks 2

  • Dolfins Luna ParkAn indoor amusement park in Ayia Napa with rides, bumper cars, a soft-play area and arcade games. An all-weather option for children aged 2-12.
    Ages 2-12
    Official website
  • Parko Paliatso Luna Park Ayia NapaAn outdoor fairground in Ayia Napa with classic rides, a Ferris wheel, bumper cars and carnival games. Open on summer evenings.
    Play areaGames
    Official website

๐ŸฆZoo & Animals 9

  • Apesia Hills Donkey SafariDonkey rides and trails through the hills above Limassol, where children lead their own donkey along village routes. Swimming pool. Free under 2.
    Games
    Official website
  • Camel ParkAn attraction near Larnaca with over 50 camels, plus ostriches, deer and ponies. Ride a camel, feed the animals and use the farm cafe.
    Play areaGames
    Official website
  • Ecophysis Bee & Nature CenterAn educational bee farm in Vavla with guided tours where children learn about beekeeping, watch bees through glass hive panels and taste fresh honey. Book in advance.
    Outdoor
    Official website
  • Golden Donkeys FarmA large donkey farm in Skarinou with donkey rides, a watermill, an olive press, and donkey-milk products. Book for their Sunday brunch.
    Outdoor
    Official website
  • Limassol ZooA municipal zoo in the Limassol Municipal Gardens with animals, birds and reptiles. Small and manageable for young children, with a playground and cafe in the gardens. Free under 5.
    Play area
    Official website
  • Paphos ZooThe largest zoo in Cyprus, with well-cared-for animals. Some activities cost extra (lemur and giraffe feeding); others are free, such as the parrot show. Stroller-friendly. Free under 2.
    Play areaGames
    Official website
  • Petrides Farm ParkA family farm park in Margi village near Nicosia, with friendly animals, daily hands-on activity sessions, a large soft-play zone and outdoor activities. Open weekends 10:00-18:00. Free under 2.
    Play areaGames
    Official website
  • Riverland Bio FarmAn organic farm near Nicosia with farm animals and educational visits showing how organic food is grown and animals are cared for. Free entrance for all. Cafe, restaurant and shop selling their own produce.
    FreePlay area
    Official website
  • The Royal Goat FarmA farm restaurant in the Nicosia countryside serving their own produce of fresh goat cheese, village bread and traditional Cypriot dishes. Children can see the goats and farm animals after lunch. Reservations are mandatory.
    Outdoor
    Official website

๐Ÿ Aquarium 1

  • Ocean AquariumA small aquarium in Protaras showing eastern Mediterranean marine life, including groupers, moray eels, sea turtles and reef fish. Free under 2.
    Indoor
    Official website

๐Ÿ›Playgrounds 13

  • Agora Playlounge PlaygroundAn indoor playground with a large ball pool, small slides, a trampoline, ride-on cars and games. Clean and tidy.
    Indoor
    Official website
  • Akademias PlaygroundRenovated playground for all ages, with a sandbox, swings and other games.
    FreeGames
  • Bubble ParkA large indoor playground with slides, bumper cars and motorbikes and a restaurant, plus trampolines and inflatables outside.
    Ages 2-12
    Official website
  • Fun FactoryA large indoor playground with slides, climbing and ball pools for all ages. Free for all everyday Mondays and Wednesdays.
    Ages 1+
    Official website
  • Greenland parkAn outdoor playground with inflatables, picnic tables, a barbecue area and a fishing pond, plus a restaurant, a cafe, a pool, a hammam and glamping.
    Indoor
    Official website
  • KIDDOMAn indoor playground with inflatables, trampolines, mini-golf, billiards and other games. Popular for birthday parties.
    Indoor
    Official website
  • Lanitio Coffee & FunAn outdoor playground with coffee and snacks.
    Outdoor
  • LightHouse Beach PlaygroundA playground on the beach along the renovated seafront promenade, with a cafe.
    Free
  • Loufa Fun ParkAn outdoor playground with soft-play structures, slides and ball pits, and a cafe for parents on site.
    Up to age 12
    Official website
  • Papafilippou Luna Park - LatsiaA family luna park in Latsia with indoor and outdoor play, coin-operated rides and an ice cream shop.
    Indoor
  • Papafilippou Luna Park - MakedonitissaA family luna park in Engomi with indoor and outdoor play, coin-operated rides and an ice cream shop.
    Indoor
  • Play4KidzOne of the largest indoor playgrounds in Cyprus, with a multi-storey soft-play structure, trampolines and a dedicated baby area.
    Indoor
    Official website
  • WillowsWonderLandAn imaginative indoor play area with role-play zones (a supermarket, vet, hair salon and construction area), a small ball pit and a drawing corner. Call ahead in case of a private event.
    Up to age 8
    Official website

๐Ÿ’ฆWater Parks 3

  • Aphrodite Waterpark PaphosA family water park in Paphos with a wave pool, lazy river, slides and a toddler zone. Open May to October. Free under 3.
    Play areaGames
    Official website
  • Fasouri WatermaniaCyprus's largest waterpark with 23 slides, a wave pool and tropical gardens. Free shuttle from Limassol hotels. Open May to October. Lifejackets for younger ones provided for free with 10โ‚ฌ deposit. Freee below 3.
    Play areaGames
    Official website
  • WaterWorld Waterpark Ayia NapaA large themed water park near Ayia Napa, on an ancient-Greece theme, with over 20 rides and slides and dedicated toddler areas. Open May to October. Free under 3.
    Play areaGames
    Official website

โ›ณMini Golf 1

  • Putt Putt Mini Golf & Garden BarThemed 9-hole mini golf course in Oroklini with a relaxed garden bar atmosphere.
    Play areaGames
    Official website

๐Ÿ–๏ธBeaches 5

  • Ayia Thekla BeachA family-friendly beach, quieter than Nissi, with a long stretch of sand, sunbeds, (paid) showers and a restaurant-bar with a playground.
    FreePlay area
  • Coral Bay BeachA family-friendly beach near Paphos, a crescent of golden sand with calm, shallow water. Sun loungers, water-sports hire and several tavernas on the beach.
    Free
  • Dasoudi BeachA family beach with a large playground and fenced area, games, two restaurants and a bar, and sunbeds and umbrellas on a tidy beach.
    Free
  • Fig Tree BayA well-known Protaras beach, a crescent of golden sand with shallow turquoise water, good for swimming, paddleboarding and snorkelling. Named after the fig tree on the headland.
    Free
  • Nissi Beach Ayia NapaA well-known beach with a turquoise lagoon and white sand, connected to a small island by a sandbar children can wade across. Calm, shallow water for young swimmers.
    Free

โญLocal Tips 1

  • Shacolas Tower - Museum and ObservatoryAn 11th-floor museum and observatory with panoramic views over old Nicosia, historic photographs and exhibits. Take the lifts inside the building. Entry 2.50 euro, free under 5.
    Indoor
    Official website

๐Ÿ”Kids Restaurants 17

  • AGORA indoor marketA food court with dishes from around the world, including Greek, Japanese, Chinese and American food. Clean, with a restroom and a shop.
    Indoor
    Official website
  • Baloo restaurantA restaurant with a small, well-kept indoor playground, including a slide, a ball pool and games mainly for toddlers, with a supervisor on weekends.
    Play area
    Official website
  • Blue Spice RestaurantA restaurant with options for children and adults, plus a free pool and sunbeds.
    Terrace
    Official website
  • Clock CafeA cafe with an indoor playground.
    Play area
    Official website
  • Erythrodontas TavernaA taverna with a children's play area in the Limassol area, serving traditional Cypriot food in a generous outdoor setting. Popular at weekends with local families.
    Play areaTerrace
    Official website
  • Food Park City StrovolosAn outdoor street-food park in Strovolos with a playground on site and space for children to play while parents eat.
    Play areaTerrace
    Official website
  • Golden Donkeys Farm BrunchSunday brunch with produce from the farm. Children can ride, pet and feed the donkeys and other farm animals.
    Petting farmTerrace
    Official website
  • Melina merkouri cafeA cafe-restaurant with outdoor seating, lawns, games for children, a playground and a small wood to walk around. The Cypriot pizza is recommended for adults and children.
    Play areaTerrace
  • Orfeas SouvlakiaA restaurant inside Chrysaliniotissa park in old Nicosia, a green space in the city, with outdoor seating and a relaxed family setting.
    Indoor
    Official website
  • Sea Caves RestaurantA family-friendly restaurant serving typical Cypriot dishes, with a view and a playground.
    Play areaTerrace
    Official website
  • Selladi Restaurant EptagoneiaA village restaurant in Eptagoneia in the Troodos foothills, serving traditional Cypriot food in a quiet setting, with an outdoor playground for children.
    Play areaTerrace
    Official website
  • TGI Fridays NicosiaA family-friendly American chain restaurant in Nicosia city centre, with a small indoor play area and a varied menu.
    Indoor
    Official website
  • To Pantheon PolystyposA mountain taverna in Polystypos village in the Troodos, with a playground outside and hearty village food. Plenty of space for children and cool mountain air.
    Play areaTerrace
  • Toy confectionery cafeA dessert cafe with a children's playroom and a viewing window onto the kitchen where the desserts are prepared.
    Play area
    Official website
  • Vangelis TavernA traditional taverna popular with locals, with options for all ages.
    Indoor
    Official website
  • ViklariA restaurant with wide views, known for souvla, with a vegetarian option. Pairs well with a walk in the Avakas Gorge. Book ahead, especially at weekends.
    Terrace
    Official website
  • ฮคฮฟ souvlaki tou SoukriGood-value restaurant with options for children and adults, next to a small luna park.
    Terrace
    Official website

See everything we have mapped in Cyprus

Practical tips

  • Beach early, pool lateMorning sea and late afternoon sand, with the hottest hours spent somewhere shaded. Trying to do the beach at two in August rarely ends well.
  • Go up into the Troodos for a dayThe mountains run several degrees cooler than the coast, with pine shade and walking trails. It is the obvious relief from a heatwave.
  • Hire a carBuses between towns are infrequent and do not reach most of the interior. A car turns a resort holiday into an island one.

The archaeological sites are worth doing, but do them first thing. Most have almost no shade, and mosaics under a midday sun are a hard sell to a six year old.