The seaside resort of Larnaca is popular with families with children for its relaxed atmosphere, hospitality and wide golden-sand coastline in the heart of the town. There are a number of outdoor recreational areas that are sure to entertain and diversify your seaside holiday.
1. Municipal Park
Larnaca Municipal Park is located in the Agios Nikolaos area and is a favourite with children of all ages. The park is the main entertainment centre in the heart of the city and is within walking distance of several primary schools, summer camps and popular afternoon clubs. Due to its size, the park is ideal for skateboarding, rollerblading, scooter riding and even cycling, giving children and teenagers plenty of opportunities to get active.
The centrepiece of the park is the cosy Café Gardiano and the covered semicircular pavilion where birthday parties, small concerts and exhibitions are often held. These places have become the heart of Larnaca, attracting people of all ages with their cosy and fun atmosphere.
There is also the famous Larnaca Municipal Theatre, which serves as the cultural centre of Larnaca. It hosts events ranging from symphony concerts to theatre productions by local schools. If you happen to catch one of the performances during a casual stroll, you can suddenly find yourself immersed in the world of art and enjoy an evening filled with the magic of creativity.
The Municipal Library and the Museum of Natural Sciences are located in the immediate vicinity of the theatre. The museum has a magnificent collection of Neolithic shells, dried colourful beetles, butterflies and stuffed specimens of various European animals.
This corner of the park not only entertains but also educates, offering visitors a fascinating journey into the world of science and nature.
2. Pattihio Forest Park
This picturesque park in the Faneromeni neighbourhood is full of lush greenery and is a great place to spend time with the children, enjoying the cool shade of the trees. From here you can take a leisurely stroll to the Salt Lake or enjoy an evening concert in the amphitheatre, where live music fills the starry summer nights. Regular visitors often bring comfy cushions and blankets to enjoy the performances in comfort, and to join the artists in singing songs with the whole family. The melodies echo throughout the park, creating a magical atmosphere. This park is also open to pet owners - you can take a peaceful walk with your pet while enjoying the natural surroundings.
Larnaca Amphitheatre on the map
3. Larnaca's coastal playgrounds
Along the central beaches of Larnaca, a number of small outdoor playgrounds similar to the one pictured above have sprung up in recent years.
There are also picnic areas with free parking opposite the promenade.
On the pier of the renovated marina, there is an area with trampolines and many paid rides. You won't be bored. But do stock up on €1 coins.
If you walk from Europe Square along the Piale Pacha promenade towards the airport, you'll find at least four small playgrounds on the golden sand, ideal for families.
In the past, these seaside playgrounds were a favourite place for over-18s to bench press, but now additional sports areas have been installed for them and everyone else.
However, places with awnings and fences are the most popular with mums. On the first line of the seafront in the Mackenzie precinct is a popular spot for parents - Food Park City Café. Here, street food lovers can enjoy a wide range of dishes from tasty pasta, shawarma and kebabs to local delicacies. The café also has a bar where skilled bartenders prepare refreshing drinks with great attention to detail. Something else to do... For the youngest guests, there is a comfortable playground with an awning to provide shade on hot days. An important aspect is the presence of a reliable fence to keep children from running off in different directions while parents enjoy a well-earned holiday. And, importantly, the food served here by street food masters is not only tasty, but also affordable, so there are no unpleasant surprises for the budget.
4. Skate Park Open Space
A compact but modern skate park has opened in the Mackenzie area and has long been a popular outdoor activity. Kids of all ages can be seen here, as well as more experienced skateboarders, including 'bearded uncles'. There is plenty of space in the park for everyone to enjoy skating without disturbing others.
Opposite the skate park is the beach, surrounded by cafes where you can get ice cream, waffles and pancakes after your skate. To the left of the skate park is the city's only indoor dog park, where your pets can have fun. For the convenience of visitors, there is a large paid car park nearby where you can leave your car or find a parking space nearby.
5. An enclosed outdoor playground in the Aradippou neighbourhood
A new children's playground has recently opened in Aradippou, a neighbourhood far from the centre, and it has immediately attracted attention. A variety of swings, slides, seesaws, musical equipment and climbing structures made of safe materials promise to keep children entertained for a long time. The playground is designed in the shape of a castle, which helps to develop children's imaginations and get them interested in exploring the world around them.
The whole area is rubberised for safety. There are comfortable benches for parents around the perimeter and the playground itself is fenced in for added safety. In addition, there are inclusive elements so that children with disabilities can also enjoy playing.
6. Children's playground near the church of Angeloktisti in the village of Kiti
And for dessert, my favourite place, which, to be honest, I really wanted to keep a secret, because even many old-timers don't know of its existence. The playground near the charming Angeloktisti church in the village of Kiti is a cosy and picturesque place where children can have fun in the fresh air. It is located close to the historic church, which gives it a special atmosphere. The playground is surrounded by greenery and flowering shrubs, creating a sense of comfort and safety. It is rarely crowded and always clean and tidy. The church shop offers cold drinks, Cypriot coffee and healthy snacks, and across the road there's a pizzeria, or rather an Irish style pub, but for us a pizzeria with the best pizza from the oven.
The Angeloktisti playground has modern swings, a high three-level slide for older children and a small climbing frame for children of different ages. The surface of the playground is soft rubber material, which provides additional safety. There are benches around the area where parents can relax and enjoy the view of the church and the green surroundings.
The playground blends in well with the architecture of the village and is in harmony with the surrounding nature. Here children can play and parents can enjoy the tranquillity and beauty of a traditional Cypriot village.
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