Ibiza’s adventurous side – for kids16th June 2016

I’ve spent months telling of how unlike in cities, there is no need for any structured activities in Ibiza, that time is spent drinking up the clear, pine infused air, walking in the forest or feeling the sand beneath your toes. I will now grab full poetic license (call it inconsistent journalism), and entirely reverse this position. Over the last few years a bunch of fun stuff has emerged, absolutely perfect for your kids. Here are my faves:

1. Surf Lounge (formerly Surf House)

Three years old and owned by go-getting Catalans, this ‘lounge’; has the mighty flow-rider at its centre but each season sees new additions. This year’s is an outdoor pop up gym (for those of you who want to work out in the burning sun, while thousands of people stroll pass on the promenade…). Maybe not totally workable but the spirit of the place is fantastic: dynamic and cool- the best of what young, trendy Ibiza based Spaniards have to offer. Flowboarding is surfing or bodyboarding on an artificial wave (a strange and surreal concept when the real life sea in full view), but nevertheless exhilarating. The instructors are wonderfully patient with children as young as three and they teach them bodyboard techniques and also help them to stand on a surf board when they’re ready.

2. Ocean Beach inflatables.

A veritable assault course of slides, trampolines, climbing walls and even a rope swing, all anchored in San Antonio bay. The dilemma: go at the start of the season where the water is cold but the inflatables are sparkling clean and buoyant or go at the end, when the water temperature is delightful but the course has turned into a series of patched up grey coloured blomonges. A great way to spend an hour in the Med with your kids.

3. Acro Bosc

Zip lining. Pay an entry fee for unlimited access, there are courses for all heights and ages. Set in a beautiful area of pine forest, the lay-out is a little rough but ready but it is challenging and requires true teamwork, to pass the lines back and forth. This is an amazing, outside, strong and healthy activity for kids from 3-up all the way to adulthood.

4. Go Karting.

Head over in the morning to have the run of the place. There are small size karts and also karts where an adult can sit beside a little one, while your child is finding his/her inner Lewis Hamilton.

5. Bowling

On the edge of Ibiza Town, the bowling alley is as they all are. Dark, smelling of chips and other fried breaded goods, about eight lanes and then another 100 over-priced machines with flashing lights that you will no doubt spend your pension on, in meeting the ‘just one more’ requests of the little people. But always such a great family activity.

There’s nothing like seeing your husband crashing out to your 8 year old daughter… If nuggets and pizza don’t do it for you, please refer to earlier missives to know where to dash off to for a quick bite to celebrate your victory.

References

http://www.surfloungeibiza.com

CAMÍ DES MOLÍ, 10, 07820 Sant Antoni de Portmany, Ibiza

Like with so many attractions, so lovely slightly off-season, where the queues for the wave are shorter and less hectic. At peak times they split the wave in half, leaving you less surf-space.

OCEAN BEACH IBIZA : 12 – 14 CARRER DES MOLI, SAN ANTONIO, 07820

You pay for a 45 minutes session. There’s a big dirt car park across the road. It’s not necessary to book but it’s worth checking that you are your precious offspring are not put in a group with 20 stags. You can always elect during the next session.

http://www.acroboscibiza.com/ – Just past Santa Eulalia in Es Canar

http://www.ibizakarting.com

The San Antonio one is outside town before just after Ikea. There is also one on the road from Ibiza Town to Santa Eularia.

Vila Parc Bowling Carrer de Cubells, 32, 07800 Eivissa, Illes Balears