The 10 best ways to enjoy the Costa del Sol with children

Few regions of Spain have so many things to do with children as the Costa del Sol, which also boasts a wide range of specialised accommodation. Here are some of the best suggestions for things to do with children but there are many more.

Safari for a day

The province of Malaga offers a range of options if you want to discover fauna and flora in a fun way.

An ideal place to visit with children in Benalmadena is their butterfly park – the largest one in Europe.

In a tropical environment, you will have the chance to see more than 1500 butterflies from all around the world flying around you.

At the Sea Life Aquarium —also in Benalmadena— you can see and touch starfish, sea urchins, hermit crabs…

and, in Torremolinos, you can't miss Cocodrilos Park, where —from a distance of less than two metres— you can see over 200 giant and baby crocodiles of species from all over the world, including the largest specimen of Nile crocodile in Europe, which is called "Gran Paco”, and is 5 m long and weighs 600 kg.

Don't forget your camera because your children will be able to hold a baby crocodile and you can get some incredible photos, which they are sure to want to show everyone when they get home...

Back in Benalmadena, you can visit the marine world at Selwo Marina, home to penguins, dolphins and sea mammals of all kinds or, if you prefer to feel a bit more adventurous for a day, you will feel like you're on a real safari at Selwo Aventura.  The Bioparc de Fuengilora and Lobo Park in Antequera are another 2 ideas that are well worth considering. A stroll around the fauna of the world without leaving Malaga! 

Reservatauro 

Another option, this time in the middle of the Mediterranean 'dehesa' meadow, is Reservatauro in Ronda,

where you can see how fighting bulls and thoroughbred Andalusian horses are bred in the wild.

A family visit is sure to be an unforgettable experience where the unique surroundings and the friendliness of the team of professionals are sure to amaze you.

Nerja Cave

Besides being one of the most amazing caves in Spain, the Cueva de Nerja foundation organises numerous activities, workshops and dramatised tours here so that children of all ages can discover the peculiarities of the subterranean world and its original inhabitants. Highly recommended.

Route around museums

If you visit Malaga with children, do not miss the most interesting museums in the province. In the city of Malaga, you will be amazed by the Interactive Museum of Music (MIMMA), where, contrary to other museums, you will not have to run after your children stopping them from touching anything because here…you're asked to touch and play!

Along the route, you will find musical instruments that are available for experiencing music and sound and, throughout the year, the museum organises a wide variety of children's workshops and educational activities, which makes it a top plan on the Costa del Sol with children.

The Automobile Museum in Malaga is a must for fans of old, luxury cars. Young and old alike will enjoy the tour amongst Ferraris, Rolls Royce, Jaguars, Bentleys or unusual examples such as the car-plane or the solar car. So the whole family can enjoy the visit, besides the cars, there is an exhibition of over 300 haute-couture dresses, hats and hat boxes from the 20s to the 50s.

Leaving the city of Malaga, in Mijas, an old carriage houses the Miniatures Museum, founded by the bohemian "Professor Max” in 1972. Juan Eligido (Max's real name) gradually built up a collection of miniatures that he collected on his travels and ended up with a collection of over 20,000 items!

Inside, you'll find things as amazing as the sculpture of the Virgin carved from a lentil, Lincoln's face on a pinhead, the 7 wonders of the world on a toothpick and the last supper on a grain of rice. Since 2012, the Museum has been run by the NGO AFESOL and the entrance fee will go to helping projects run by this association.

The Museo de las Muñecas (doll museum), the Aula del Mar (sea classroom) at the Alborania Museum or the Principia Science Centre are interesting options for all tastes!

Fun on the beach

Nothing better than a day out with the family. Here we are on the Costa del Sol and, of course, we couldn't forget the beach!

Malaga has over 160 kilometres of coastline. In many areas, there are children's play areas on the sand, lawns, bike lanes and all kinds of services so that all you have to do is relax and enjoy. The beaches in Torremolinos, the Playa Burriana in Nerja or the El Dedo Beach in the city of Malaga are good examples.

Fishing with the family

If you are searching for a completely original way to visit the Costa del Sol, we suggest accompanying the local fishermen on a day out fishing, leaving from Estepona or Puerto Banús.

When you finish up on the boast, you can round off your experience with guided tours of the fishing port, workshops on cooking seafood or a gastronomic route. Without doubt, it's a great way to stimulate kids' appetites!

A donkey ride through the Sierra de las Nieves

If we go deeper into the province, a few kilometres away from the beaches, you can enjoy many outdoor activities, suited for children, in the heart of the Ronda mountains.

Inside the Sierra de las Nieves Nature Reserve, local companies such as Peña La Borriquilla offer us routes on donkeys or horses and days of fun with these gentle animals.

In the mountains, you can also enjoy falconry displays or feed the animals at some of the educational farms.

Sail amongst dolphins

What about sailing in search of dolphins and rounding off the excursion with a swim in the sea? In Benalmadena Marina, you can go on a catamaran and become explorers of the seas for the morning.

Water parks with the family

For hot days, there is nothing better than cooling down and playing in the pools and on the water slides at the province's water parks. Located, particularly, in the area of Benalmadena in Malaga, you will find theme parks for everyone.

Aquavelis in Torre del Mar with two children's areas is especially recommended for families, as it is located in the area of Axarquia so it is not too busy and you can enjoy the day without losing sight of the kids!

Theatre Route

Almost all the theatres in Malaga constantly schedule shows and activities to transmit a taste for the theatre to children and adults alike. Checking their programmes, we will easily find plays, musicals and children's workshops for having fun with the family.

As you can see, there are lots of ideas awaiting you in the Costa del Sol for your next holiday with the family. We'll be expecting you!