If you are planning a family holiday to Costa Del Sol, there are plenty of fun activities for kids, from spending the day at one of the water parks or beaches to going on the cable car and seeing animals.You are spoilt for choice. However, it is easy to be overwhelmed by options, so here are our recommendations for the best five things to do in Costa Del Sol with kids.
Visit Parque de la Paloma
Families travelling on a budget appreciate free activities, and this is one of them. Parque de la Paloma, located in the coastal town of Benalmadena, is a park you don’t want to miss. The park is home to a big pond with ducks and swans, a playground and lots of green spaces where you can spot small animals like chickens and rabbits roaming freely. It is a fantastic place to enjoy a picnic and let the kids run and play.
Parque de la Paloma also has a great cafe and public toilets.
Spend the day at Selwo Aventura
Selwo Aventura is one of the best places to visit in Costa Del Sol with kids. This safari park is located in Estepona, and it is the perfect day out with children. Unlike many zoos, animals live in semi-capture conditions, giving them more freedom to roam. You can see various animals like lions, tigers, elephants, monkeys and meerkats and interactively learn about them in the daily exhibitions.
In addition to the animals, there are other fun activities to keep the kids entertained. They can go on the zip wire, do archery or play with other kids in the playgrounds. You also have the option to book accommodation inside the park. However, room prices aren’t affordable for everyone.
Have fun at Aqualand
Visiting this water park is one of the best things to do in Torremolinos for families with kids of all ages. It’s considered the best water park in the Costa del Sol and the biggest. It has plenty of attractions, from a jacuzzi and wave pool to giant slides and a water playground for the little ones. Aqualand usually opens from May to October, but be aware that it gets pretty busy during July and August. My advice is to get early to the water park.
Go on the Cable car
The cable car is a great activity for those who love a little adventure. It leaves from Benalmadena-Arroyo de la Miel and goes all the way to Mount Calamorro. You can enjoy spectacular views of the coast during the ride. Once at the top, there is a beautiful viewpoint and birds of prey park where you and your kids can see eagles and vultures. It is a fantastic activity in Benalmadena for those who aren’t scared of heights.
If the cable car looks a bit scary to you, you can opt for visiting the butterfly park, which is also located in Benalmadena.
Spot the dolphins
The Costa del Sol has amazing sea life, and you have the opportunity to see dolphins, turtles and fish when you take a cruise. It is a fun activity for children who love animals.
However, if you want to guarantee seeing the dolphins and learn about other sea animals, you can go to Selwo Marina in Benalmadena. They do dolphin encounters, but it isn’t included in the general entry.
Other activities to do in Costa del Sol with children
● Visit Castillo de Colomares. It is a monument in the shape of a castle. It is a good activity for older kids interested in history and photography.
● Spend some time at Parque de la Bateria in Torremolinos. This park has a carousel, a playground and plenty of green spaces for kids to play.
● Do a chocolate workshop at the Mayan Monkey Mijas Factory. It is a fun activity for all ages. Kids can create their chocolate bars using a wide variety of toppings.
● Go on a day trip to Gibraltar. It is one of the most popular excursions for families. See the monkeys at the Rock and visit its beaches.
There are plenty of fun things to do in Costa Del Sol with your little ones or teens. Some of these activities are available all year round; however, some attractions, like Aqualand, open during the summer holiday.
Summer is a great time to visit Costa Del Sol as you guarantee all attractions are open and there’s a lively atmosphere. Nevertheless, summer might not be for you if you don’t like very warm temperatures or crowds. Months like late May, June and September are some of the best. In contrast, August is the hottest and busiest.
BIO: Cristina Reina is the founder of My Little World of Travelling, a blog that helps travellers discover Southern Spain. She is passionate about sharing local tips about her hometown, Malaga, and beyond.
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